One of the things we get excited about is seeing volunteers work on projects that engage their curiosity and passion. When a person is excited to learn and allowed to make mistakes as part of the process, these lessons are never forgotten. We believe it’s one of the most intuitive ways to learn about sustainable living and permaculture. Volunteers are encouraged to choose and work on projects with minimal direction, which gives them space to make discoveries and find their own path.

Maria, one of our newest volunteers, is a civil engineer in Kalamata. She says she enjoys the concepts of how concrete and steel cooperate and how all the other elements of a building come together. She has also long been curious about building with natural materials. Maria said she came here to learn more about cob building and living in a community.

Maria found her passion project, and she’s taken it on with enthusiasm. Our wood oven had a large crack in it, and she’s been working hard to fix it. Some of the feline residents are generously supervising, but they haven’t yet given their assessment of her work.

Many other volunteers are working on passion projects as well as the general maintenance needed for the gardens, animals, and cooking. One of the best parts of daily life here at Dio Pigadia is seeing people lend a hand with whatever needs to be done.

Thank you, Maria, for diving in with such enthusiasm—and Diego and Molly for providing the expert feline supervision that every project needs.

What others think about us

Alyson Coles ★★★★★ 7 months ago
I stayed at Dio Pagadia for a month as an active volunteer over the olive harvest. It was such a special learning experience, it really helped me to learn … More about myself and opened my eyes to community living. A huge family made from people of the universe 💞 The animals are super cute too and I especially loved skordo and Vouno the donkey. I'm very sad to be leaving now, and miss the farm and the people so much. We share not only meals, but goals, values and connection. If you want an unforgettable, valuable experience then don't hesitate to give Dio Pagadia a visit!
We learn as we wander ★★★★★ 2 years ago
My daughter and I only wanted to visit Dio Pigadia for one afternoon but we ended up staying three weeks. It was a truly great experience for us and we … More both enjoyed taking care of the animals, gardens and veggies on the farm and fell in love with this little paradise. We ate daily together with the other volunteers amazing fresh meals with very tasty vegetables from the garden, helped out at a beach clean up event and even went sailing together.
Saying goodbye was a hard one here but we both know for sure we want to come back, so it's only bye for now and thank you for everything Jules.
Lia, Jenny and Tito
Soizic Brun ★★★★★ a year ago
Amazing place where you can explore sustainable practices including composting, mulching, wood work, lacto-fermentation, low-technologies... in an interacting … More community. Jules is very willing to share his knowledge with you and explore shared governance. Don't miss this opportunity to live an off-grid experience.
Monica Vargas ★★★★★ a year ago
Fantastic place and lovely community, it is really nice to have had the experience to join it for a bit and be I touch with nature, organic food and beautiful … More people. cannot recommend it enough :)
Foteini Vervelidou ★★★★★ 5 months ago
What can I say…how to put into word what being with you all has been for me…At various moments I had to pinch myself to convince me I am not dreaming…Surrounded … More by such natural beauty, walking among the olive and orange trees, cuddling with the dogs and cats who add to the serenity and the magic of this place and this community. A community with a clear vision of how life on Earth can be like when we tune into ourselves and realize what feeds our souls. I leave recharged by spending my day in the sunlight, working with my hands and living in community. I leave inspired by the amazing people I had the chance to get to know here. And more importantly I leave hopeful that a better future is not only possible, but it is already being built and offered to the ones who care to choose it.
Laura H ★★★★★ a year ago
Dio Pigada is a very special place. I spent 8 weeks there during the olive harvest season which is special in itself because the farm works differently, … More there is an olive harvest schedule and there were way more volunteers than usually live at the farm. I really enjoyed the harvesting which is not the easiest work but really satisfiying. Every volunteer also harvested only for 3-5 hours/3 times a week. Apart from the harvesting we were able to work at the house extension and help with other tasks around the farm. There were two meals shared every day and everybody could take care of their own breakfast. I really appreciated the weekly feedback meetings where we would share how our week has been and how farm and community life could possibly improve. Every person could share their thoughts and the feedback was treated with much respect. I really loved my time there and already miss it. I loved the community life, forming connections, being confronted with new ideas and perspectives, taking part in great workshops and presentations, singing, dancing, playing games, going on trips, watching the stars and so much more! Thank you for everything! I will definitely come back.