Fattoria agricola e centro comunitario
Reggio Calabria
Il Progetto Gaya – Mondo di Unione ha l’obiettivo di trasformare un terreno abbandonato in un “giardino del cuore.”
Situata ai piedi dell’Aspromonte, in una zona protetta, Gaya si estende per 121,5 ettari ed è stata un tempo dimora di monaci ed eremiti. Il terreno è caratterizzato da ulivi secolari, querce, castagni, alberi da frutto e da una ricca varietà di piante floricole e officinali. Dotata di sorgenti naturali, piccole cascate e sistemi di irrigazione, ospita attività agricole e orticole sostenibili e diventerà presto un centro per metodi sostenibili e sviluppo personale.
Le attività sono varie, a seconda della stagione e degli eventi programmati. I volontari partecipano generalmente alla costruzione e manutenzione degli spazi, alla piantumazione, all’irrigazione, alla raccolta, alla cura degli animali, al supporto negli eventi e in cucina, oltre che alle attività di pulizia e organizzazione generale. Accogliamo con piacere anche nuove idee pratiche che possano migliorare la vita nel progetto.
// Alloggio
Fare volontariato con noi significa soggiornare in una confortevole cabina in legno privata, immersa nella natura e nella tranquillità. Occasionalmente, durante eventi o ritiri, l’alloggio può variare in dormitorio condiviso o capanna rialzata, ma ci assicuriamo sempre che sia confortevole. Coperte, cuscini e lenzuola fresche sono forniti, e avrete accesso a un bagno condiviso con scaldabagno a gas per docce calde e rigeneranti.
// Cibo
In cambio del vostro lavoro, forniamo gli ingredienti per colazioni, pranzi e cene vegetariane. I volontari possono usufruire di prodotti stagionali freschi del nostro terreno e di una dispensa ben fornita per preparare i propri pasti. È possibile portare eventuali snack extra, mentre la carne non è permessa. Condividere i pasti è un momento speciale della vita a Gaya, favorendo la comunità e la connessione tra tutti.
// Impegno e Flessibilità
Comprendiamo l’importanza della flessibilità, per questo offriamo posizioni di volontariato che possano adattarsi a diversi orari. In generale, ci aspettiamo che i volontari si impegnino per circa 5 ore al giorno, con un giorno libero la domenica.
Nota: * Consideriamo solo le candidature per soggiorni di almeno 2 settimane o con competenze richieste nelle date indicate.
*Al momento non viviamo stabilmente a Gaya, quindi a volte potresti trovarti da solo oppure insieme ad altri volontari.
- - EN - -
The Gaya - Mondo di Unione project aims to transform an abandoned land into a “garden of the heart.”
Located at the foot of the Aspromonte in a protected area, Gaya spans 121.5 hectares and was once home to monks and hermits. The land features centuries-old olive trees, oaks, chestnuts, fruit trees, and a rich variety of floral and medicinal plants. With natural springs, small waterfalls, and irrigation, it hosts sustainable agricultural and horticultural activities and will soon serve as a hub for sustainable methods and personal development.
Today Gaya is inhabited by me (Paolo) and my family. In addition, operators collaborate on the project, mainly managing the agricultural side.
Our tasks are varied, depending on the season and scheduled events. Volunteers typically participate in building and maintaining spaces, planting, irrigation, harvesting, animal care, assisting with events and kitchen work, as well as general cleaning and organizing. We also welcome new practical ideas that contribute to improving life at the project.
// Accomodation
Volunteering with us means staying in a cozy private wooden cabin, surrounded by nature and calm.
Occasionally, if we’re hosting events or retreats, accommodations may vary to a shared dorm or a raised hut
—but we’ll always make sure you’re comfortable. Blankets, pillows, and fresh bed sheets are provided, and
you’ll have access to a shared bathroom with a gas water heater for warm, refreshing showers.
// Food
In return for your work, we provide ingredients for vegetarian breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Volunteers can enjoy fresh seasonal produce from our land and a stocked pantry to prepare their own meals. You’re welcome to bring any extra snacks you like, while meat is not permitted. Sharing meals together is a special part of life at Gaya, fostering community and connection among everyone.
// Commitment and Flexibility
We understand the importance of flexibility, so we offer volunteer positions that can adapt to different schedules. In general, we expect volunteers to commit about 5 hours a day, with one day off on Sundays.
Note: * We only consider applications for stays of at least 2 weeks or with skills needed on the requested dates.
* We're not currently living in Gaya permanently, so at times you may find yourself alone or with other helpers.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Wild foraging
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
Certified organic
121
Hectares
|
299
Acres
Accommodation
Paolo
Member since 2023
Languages spoken:
Albanian, English, Italian
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 67%
Response time: typically within 7 days
Reggio Calabria
Stazione di Reggio Calabria Centrale o Villa San Giovanni, Aereoporto di Reggio Calabria o Lamezia Terme
Reviews
Irene
Italy
•
January 2026
loved it so much here I have decided to extend my stay
Charles
United States
•
August 2025
My time at Gaya was profoundly powerful and sincerely special. As an individual with distant Calabrian ancestry, coming to Gaya was a sacred experience. From the very moment I arrived, Rafa & Paolo, as well as all of the current volunteers & guests, welcomed me like family. Instant warmth and curiosity! Sharing delicious meals, various artistic projects, & delightful festival moments only led us to become closer for the short but sweet 2 weeks I spent at Gaya during August. I cannot begin to offer my gratitude for this significant time, but I can share that if you are thinking about exploring Gaya - do not hesitant and go as soon as possible! It will change the way you see the world and offer a positive outlook that we all so desperately need right now. I look forward to coming back one day soon. I am so hopeful for what Gaya will become - not just as a beautiful physical space, but as a symbol of progressive unity for all.
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Delphine
France
•
August 2025
I want to summarize my experience at Gaya Mondo di Unione, which was far from “unione” for me as a WWOOFer. The place is disorganized, with no structure, clear communication, or genuine daily collaboration. The host never participates in essential tasks like cleaning, cooking, or maintenance and expects volunteers to serve him. Those tasks are assumed to be “naturally” women’s responsibility, and if you don’t do them exactly as expected, you are labeled lazy or difficult. He sometimes invites friends over, and volunteers are expected to serve them.
There is only one day off (instead of the advertised two), and when I asked about it, I never received a follow-up. Any resistance to overwork the 25h a week is frowned upon. The host’s behavior is not about sharing knowledge or fostering an exchange, volunteers are treated as entirely at his disposal. He has withheld food if expectations aren’t met and speaks negatively about past volunteers.
I have volunteered for years through networks like WWOOF, Worldpackers, and Concordia, and I have never experienced anything like this. The environment was completely contrary to the spirit of volunteering, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
I strongly do not recommend this place, especially for women.
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Reply from Paolo
These accusations do not reflect the reality of Gaya.
It is true that during the period of Delphine’s stay there were some organizational shortcomings, mainly due to unexpected health issues that kept us away for a few days.
I cannot and do not want to respond point by point, as this would only fuel unnecessary polemics. I am truly sorry for the very negative experience that led her to write such a harsh review.
At the same time, I believe it is fair that she also reflects, since all the other experiences here have been excellent. Since Gaya opened its doors and its heart to hospitality, we have never had problems or polemics. People of all races, beliefs, and orientations have come, and all have been welcomed as if at home.
With her we evidently failed, and we take our share of responsibility. We know we can always do better, aware that we will never be able to meet all the expectations of the many inner worlds that each person carries, nor heal all the wounds that each one brings and projects onto others.
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Sieglinde
Belgium
•
August 2025
Gaya ha il potenziale per realizzare la sua missione di unione, ma quando ero lì, questo potenziale non era stato sfruttato. La comunicazione era difficile, forse perché il responsabile locale stava per andarsene ed era deluso. Questa mancanza di organizzazione e struttura ha causato incertezza tra i volontari.
Quando abbiamo provato a parlarne, il responsabile si è mostrato riluttante, sostenendo che i volontari erano inutili e venivano solo per superare problemi personali. Invece, tutti i volontari che ho conosciuto lavoravano duro, anche più di 6 ore al giorno. Non c'erano vie di fuga facili, dato che l'unico autobus partiva alle 7.10 del mattino e bisognava camminare 40 minuti per raggiungerlo.
Grazie all'iniziativa dei volontari, abbiamo iniziato a fare colazione, pranzo e cena insieme, creando un gruppo più affiatato. Quando siamo tornati da un pomeriggio libero al mare, il responsabile ci ha ignorati. Le luci del terreno erano spente e il mio computer portatile, usato per un progetto per Gaya, era stato spostato all'esterno.
L'atmosfera non è migliorata e, dato che mancavano anche le provviste di cibo, abbiamo deciso di andarcene. Abbiamo avvertito il responsabile, che probabilmente non ha informato il proprietario. Quest'ultimo, infatti, ci ha scritto via WhatsApp mezz'ora dopo la nostra partenza...
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Simon
Germany
•
June 2025
Gaya is a very beautiful place on earth. For me it was fascinating to see how much this place developed since the foundation and how it’s still growing and changing. It was inspiring to spend time with Paolo and Rafael and the other volunteers and be a little little part in the growing process. For sure it was a time I don’t want to miss.
I worked in harvesting zucchini and watering the plants, repairing and organising stuff, cooking, cleaning… there is always a lot to do, but you can talk about your preferences and skills, so a lot of the work was quite fun for me.
Thank you a lot for the opportunity of sharing knowledge, talks and experiences with you guys.
Love, Simon
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Reply from Paolo
Simon! The most Brazilian German we’ve ever met.
Always helpful and always looking for ways to help the project grow — everything we could ask for in a volunteer.
Thanks for the support. Hope to welcome you again soon. Be good.
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Samaël
France
•
April 2025
Paolo est quelqu'un de merveilleux avec une grande ouverture d'esprit et un sens de l'équilibre très agréable qui apporte beaucoup à l vie en communauté :))
Le lieux est très beau, les tâches à effectuer toujours plus diverses et il y a la place d'apprendre de nouvelles manières de faire tout autant qu'apprendre l'italien pour les intéressé.e.s !
Je recommande grandement :) au plaisir de revenir 😄
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