Volunteer in Italy

On each host profile, you'll find detailed reviews from those who've volunteered there before. There are tons of reviews on Workaway from all over the world, including hundreds specific to Italy. They usually cover what the lodging was like, what the exchange involved, how well the host communicated, and just the general feel of the stay.

If you're a member, you can also reach out to other volunteers directly and simply ask them what it was really like to stay with a particular host.

For a broader view of people’s experiences with Workaway, you can also check our Trustpilot reviews. Workaway currently has a 4.6 out of 5 rating there.

When you're thinking about volunteering in Italy, having the right health coverage is pretty important. If you're coming from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover most of the necessary public healthcare while you're there. Just remember, though, it's not a replacement for full travel insurance.

It's always a good idea to get separate travel insurance that also covers specific activities, accidents, and getting you back home if needed. And if you're not from the EU, definitely look into what health insurance rules apply to your visa or entry requirements before you head over. We've put together a comparison of different insurance options to make it a bit easier for you.

Italian is the official language and the one you’ll hear most throughout the country. English is fairly widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas, although you’re likely to encounter less of it in smaller towns and rural communities, so learning a few Italian phrases can make a real difference during a longer stay. 

Italy is also home to several regional and minority languages. Depending on where you are, you may hear languages such as Sardinian, Friulian or Ladin, while German and French are also spoken in some areas close to the Austrian, Swiss and French borders.

Sure! Volunteering in a Tuscan village can be an amazing experience if you want to get a feel for life in the countryside. Head over to our search section and type in "Tuscany" for the location. If you want to get more specific, you can also add "village" or "countryside" to the keyword search or use the filters, like "community" to start.

You'll find over 100 hosts looking for help in Tuscan villages. Browse through them and see what catches your eye, then reach out.

Italy is generally a very safe volunteering destination. As with any trip, it’s worth taking normal precautions, reading host feedback carefully and checking current travel advice before you go. In an urgent situation, 112 is the standard EU emergency number in Italy. Crime levels are generally low, and there's a solid transportation system, so getting around is easy and safe.

The main things to watch out for, especially in the bigger cities and busy spots, are petty thefts like bag snatching or pickpocketing, often happening downtown or at the popular tourist spots.

Yes. By joining Workaway, you have access to hundreds of volunteering opportunities across Italy, and hosts offer free accommodation and often meals in return for your help. Just as types of projects vary, the same goes for the sorts of accommodation offered. You'll usually find details about where you'll be sleeping right there on the host's profile. But it's always a good idea to message them directly and chat about the specifics before you go.

They vary greatly, ranging from private studios or single rooms with their own bathrooms to dorms with shared toilets, especially if you're volunteering at a hostel. You might get a little cottage with an outdoor shower or get accommodated in a comfortable tent or a camper van. If you're staying with a host family, you could have your own room and just share the rest of the house.

A Workaway volunteer in Italy could also be staying in a Puglian trullo or even get a room with full board in a Sicilian castle by the sea with a swimming pool. Make sure you're comfortable with the type and standard of accommodation provided before agreeing to a stay. It’s also worth discussing a short trial period with your host, if that makes sense and having a backup plan just in case the arrangement isn’t quite what you expected.

Italy is moderately costly by European standards, but it really depends on where you stay. Big tourist spots, places like Venice, Milan, and Rome, will usually cost more. Head south to cities like Bari or Palermo, and you’ll find things are considerably cheaper. And of course, if you're hitting up popular coastal towns or islands like Capri or Sardinia during the summer, expect prices to climb.

If you decide to volunteer with Workaway, things look a bit different. Your accommodation and usually food are covered, so most of your money will go towards personal spending and things like getting around, activities or sights you want to visit.

So, what could a typical day off look like cost-wise? Let’s say you stay in Bologna and would like to visit Venice for a day. Pack your own lunch to save a bit, then just jump on a train. Once you get there, grab a coffee, maybe do one of those group gondola rides, and see the sights. Before you head back to the station, get yourself a beer or a soda at the cafe. That kind of day trip would cost you around €73 ($83). For cities like Rome, Milan, Bari, or Palermo, you could likely get by on less, maybe €40 ($45) to €60 ($68).

These numbers will obviously shift depending on how far you go and what you get up to, but they should give you a decent idea of how much pocket money you might need while you’re volunteering in Italy. 

Absolutely! From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Rome, there are opportunities to suit all kinds of people. You might contribute to sustainable farming and community development initiatives, support environmental conservation and animal sanctuaries, get involved in DIY and creative projects, or participate in language exchange and teaching.

The best fit will depend on your skills, interests and the kind of experience you’re hoping to have. Italian hosts welcome solo travellers, couples and families, gap year students, and retirees. You can plan your volunteering adventure for a week or two or travel across the Italian Peninsula for months. Volunteering in Italy is especially recommended for those who thrive in warmer climates, as the weather in most parts of the country is nice and sunny most of the time.

Volunteering in Italy is best suited to:

• at least 18-year-olds
• gap year students
• career breakers & retirees
• digital nomads
• budget & long-term travellers
• foodies & aspiring catering professionals
• Italian and German (north of the country) learners
• eco-conscious travellers
• history & culture enthusiasts
• those who prefer a warm climate

Whether you need a visa to volunteer in Italy depends on a few things: your nationality, how long you plan to stay, and what you'll be doing there.

• EU or EFTA citizens can usually come and volunteer in Italy without needing a visa under freedom of movement rules.
• Non-EU citizens should look into the visa requirements specific to their nationality and situation before making any travel arrangements.

The website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a reliable source to find out what kind of visa or permit you might need. Like with any international travel, it's your responsibility to make sure you've met all the immigration regulations for Italy before you plan your volunteering trip. Another official source for checking the most current visa and entry rules is the EU Immigration Portal for Italy. We recommend verifying all the rules and visa requirements well before you travel.

Going abroad has its fixed costs, which cannot be avoided. Think of the flight tickets, insurance, and just general spending, like a cup of coffee or an ice cream on a sunny day. Planning to volunteer in Italy, you can't really get around those types of expenses, but you can absolutely skip pricey agency fees, and Workaway can make a longer stay in Italy much more affordable.

Volunteering with Workaway means you're just paying a registration fee, rather than a separate programme fee for each placement. Most exchanges are based around roughly 20-25 hours of help a week, which is usually 4-5 hours daily, and in return you get a place to stay and meals for free. Workaway hosts don’t charge programme fees (apart from a tiny number of pre-approved non-profit organisations where a small contribution may apply), so the exchange is arranged directly between you and the host.

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to volunteer in Italy, this can make a big difference to the overall cost of your trip. Think about the programme fees you’d pay through agencies for volunteering in Italy. They can really add up. Some might cost you around €650 ($740) for just a week, and others can go over €1100 ($1250), depending on the type of work and what's included. The Workaway model cuts out all those middleman costs entirely.

Volunteering in Italy with Workaway is a good way to travel and experience the country without breaking the bank. Accommodation is included as part of the exchange, and most hosts also provide meals. All they ask for in return is about 20 to 25 hours of your help each week. As mentioned in the previous question, though, there are still a few costs to consider.

• Registration fee: Workaway membership is very affordable, especially considering that it allows you to contact as many hosts and projects as you like throughout the year. Check the sign-up page for the current rates. When you compare them to volunteer agencies that usually charge €650 ($740) to €1100 ($1250) a week, the savings are massive.
• Flight tickets: Flying from the US or Australia to Italy will likely cost you between €500 ($570) and €700 ($800) for a round-trip ticket. Flights within Europe are, as expected, less expensive. If you opt for a budget airline, you might be able to secure a ticket, complete with checked baggage, for under €250 ($285). Naturally, the final price depends on where you're flying from and to and when you travel. During the summer, flights to Italy tend to be pricier because more tourists are travelling then.
• Daily expenses: Set aside about €30 ($35) to €60 ($70) each day to cover getting around, meals not provided by the host, and any personal expenses. The exact amount will depend on where you are in Italy and your travel style. For a rough idea of what everyday costs look like for volunteers there, refer to the question ”Is Italy expensive to visit?” 
• Travel insurance: It's definitely recommended if you want peace of mind if something unexpected happens. Think of medical assistance, lost luggage, trip cancellation, or any other situations that are just hard to predict. For most volunteer trips, the travel insurance costs should come to a total of €45 ($50) to €150 ($170). We've put together some advice and a comparison of different travel insurance companies to help you decide.

From olive harvesting and boating to childcare, creative projects and community initiatives, there are many types of volunteering and ways to get involved with Workaway in Italy.

Some of the most common types of programmes in Italy for cultural exchange include:

• Family stays with childcare, language exchange and shared everyday life
• Farmstays, including eco-farming, permaculture, off-grid living and traditional agriculture
• House and pet sitting for a more independent local stay
• Community & NGO projects - focused on areas such as sustainability, education, art & creativity, environmental conservation, self-development, animal care and more
• Teaching projects - community schools, summer & winter camps for children and young people, language courses, and au pair programmes

Workaway is built around cultural exchange, but the experience can also help you build confidence, practise a language, develop practical skills to boost your CV and meet people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise.

As a Workaway member, you can:

• Browse volunteering programmes around the world
• View detailed host profiles, photos and member feedback
• Contact previous Workawayers about their experiences
• Use filters to find opportunities that match your destination and dates
• Connect with other travellers through the Workaway community
• Access support if you need guidance before or during your trip

By joining Workaway, you’ll discover sides of Italy you might otherwise pass by, from rural villages and family homes to islands, farms and smaller towns.

Let’s plan your volunteering trip! Sign up and create your Workawayer account. Now you can search by region, use your skills and interests as keywords in the search box, and apply filters to find matching volunteer projects in Italy. 

You could be spending your stay at the beaches of Sardinia, sailing the Amalfi Coast, or hiking your way through the Dolomites. Once you’ve narrowed down the kind of stay you’re looking for, you can browse host profiles, read feedback and contact hosts directly to see if the exchange feels like a good fit.

If your stay has been agreed, double-check that all your paperwork, like your passport and visa, is in order, and sort your packing essentials too. Then, it's just a matter of buying a flight ticket and heading off on your first volunteering trip.

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee, you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 160 countries. After a work exchange in Italy, why not head over to the north? The Alps separate Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and we have hosts in each of these countries too!

Workaway is primarily a cultural exchange platform, connecting hosts with volunteers, not a job recruitment service. Some hosts may offer paid opportunities, but if payment is involved, you’re responsible for making sure you have the correct visa and work permits for Italy if you plan on going and volunteering there. Workaway itself, and the hosts you find on our site, don't arrange work visas or provide sponsorship.

For citizens of EU countries, the process is much simpler. Upon acceptance for a paid position, EU citizens generally have the right to live and work in Italy under EU freedom of movement rules.

Volunteering in Italy still leaves you plenty of free time to explore. Depending on your host and schedule, you could spend your time off discovering nearby towns, heading to the coast, hiking, trying regional food or simply getting to know the area you’re staying in.

• Explore Italy’s historic cities: Wander through Rome’s ancient streets, admire Renaissance art in Florence, get lost among Venice’s canals or discover the lively neighbourhoods of Naples. Spend a lazy afternoon wandering around the mediaeval villages of San Gimignano, Assisi, Orvieto, Matera, Civita di Bagnoregio or Alberobello. Smaller cities such as Bologna, Verona, Lecce and Perugia are also perfect for a day trip.
• Go hiking: Italy has mountain trails and coastal paths for every fitness level. You could walk around the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in the Dolomites, explore Gran Paradiso National Park, tackle parts of the Via degli Dei, or try the 10-km Greenway along Lake Como. Don't want to lose sight of the sea? Try the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, trails along Cinque Terre, or the lesser-known Sentiero del Pellegrino in Liguria.
• Travel through the eras of art: Spend an afternoon admiring Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia or visit the Vatican Museums in Rome. Art isn’t limited to major museums either – you’ll find colourful street art in Naples, contemporary galleries in Milan and beautiful frescoes hidden inside small churches across the country.
• Spend the day by the water: Swim and snorkel in Sardinia, relax on the sandy beaches of Puglia or explore Sicily’s quieter coves. If you are based in northern Italy, the Ligurian coast, including Camogli, Portofino and the Cinque Terre, is ideal for a day by the sea. You can find beaches away from the seaside, too. Take a ferry between villages around Lake Como, go windsurfing on Lake Garda or enjoy a peaceful afternoon beside Lake Trasimeno.
• Join a local festival: Depending on when you visit, you might catch the Venice Carnival, Siena’s historic Palio horse race, the Umbria Jazz Festival, or the colourful Infiorata flower festivals held in towns such as Noto and Genzano. Smaller village festivals, known as sagre, are fantastic places to try regional food and mingle with locals, and volunteering is an amazing way to experience places beyond usual tourist spots.
• Eat your way around the country: Try pizza in Naples, authentic pasta in Bologna, arancini in Sicily and focaccia in Liguria. Local markets and neighbourhood trattorias are usually more relaxed and often more affordable than restaurants around the main tourist attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit vineyards, especially in regions like Tuscany and Piedmont.
• Enjoy outdoor adventures: Depending on the region, you can try kayaking, sailing, canyoning, rafting, climbing or even skiing. Sicily offers the chance to walk through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, while the island of Ustica, by the Sicilian coast, is known as Italy’s premier diving destination. Rent a bike and ride through Tuscany’s vineyards, follow the cycle paths around Lake Garda or explore cities such as Ferrara and Lucca on two wheels.

You absolutely can! Italy's a great choice if you're looking to gain or further your teaching skills as part of a broader volunteer experience. On our website, you will find English teaching volunteer opportunities in a range of settings. There are a lot of hosts looking for English speakers to join children's summer camps or skiing camps in the northern regions. You can also find some opportunities at community schools, language schools, or outdoor language courses. 

They are all great ways to help learners practise English through activities, conversation and everyday interaction, while developing your own confidence and teaching experience at the same time. If you’d prefer a more informal setting, some family stays also involve childcare alongside English practice and language exchange.

Just remember, requirements differ, so always check each host's profile to see what they're looking for – sometimes previous experience or specific qualifications are needed.

If you speak English but aren’t looking for a teaching exchange, there are still plenty of other Workaway options in Italy. You might find stays at farms, vineyards, animal sanctuaries, hostels, guesthouses, families or eco projects and community initiatives. The best fit will usually depend more on your skills, interests and the kind of experience you want than on speaking Italian fluently.

Speaking some Italian can definitely help, especially if you want a more immersive local experience, but it isn’t usually essential. Many hosts are happy to communicate in English or are interested in language exchange, while others may prefer someone with basic Italian skills. Some families might specifically ask for fluent or native English speakers when language practice with children is part of the exchange.

Always check the host profile carefully so you know what level of language ability is expected.