Answers to the things we get asked most often. If what you're looking for isn't here, write to us — we don't bite.
No, and it isn't by chance: it's a choice. Gaya isn't a tourist accommodation, it's an experiential learning centre of Gaya APS — Mondo di Unione. Hospitality in the dwellings is always linked to a programme — workshop, retreat, educational experience, volunteer camp — and is included in the programme itself. You don't just sleep at Gaya. You live Gaya.
Members of Gaya APS — Mondo di Unione who take part in a programme of the association. Membership is part of the access path and is consistent with the associative purpose of Gaya: you enter as a companion of an experience, not as an AirB&B guest.
All our residential programmes last more than one day: workshops of 2-3 days, retreats of 4-7 days, volunteer camps of 1-3 weeks. The learning days (Gaya Kids, families, schools) are daytime only, no overnight stays.
A custom path can be built. Write to us telling us who you are (group, school, association, scouts, retreat), how many, and what you're looking for. We define a programme together, and hospitality is included in what we agree.
Reggio Calabria Central station (Piazza Garibaldi). From there the Federico bus (stop in front of Farmacia Garibaldi, 100m from the station) takes you to Milanesi in about an hour. Times: Mon-Fri 13:00 / 14:00 / 17:30 · Sat 13:00 / 14:00 · school holidays Mon-Sat 11:00 and 17:30. We'll give you the last directions from the bus arrival point to Gaya.
Yes, it's the most convenient way. Catona exit, then Rosalì, Villa Mesa, Milanesi, then follow signs for Gaya: 5 minutes by road and you're here (the last 300 metres are unpaved). Internal parking, free. When you arrive it's best to have written ahead so we know you're knocking on the right gate.
Reggio Calabria Airport is the closest (≈ 12 km). Alternatively you can arrive at Lamezia Terme International (≈ 130 km) and then from Lamezia to Reggio by train or bus.
We see the Strait from the hills but we're not on the sea: the nearest beach is about 15 km away. If you want to alternate days on the hills and days at the sea, plan for it and arrange transport in advance.
Comfortable walking shoes, a torch (at night it really is dark), natural ecological soaps, a change of clothes for when you get dirty on the trails. A water bottle. For the rest, light: at Gaya we live simply.
Clothes you can get dirty (you'll need them), closed shoes or boots (essential, no sandals in the fields), personal kit (soap, shampoo, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush). Sheets, blankets and pillow we provide. We provide the vegetarian ingredients — you cook with us or on your own. Bring your own snacks if you like.
Yes, always.
Yes. There's a 3,000 m² natural playground, the Entomologist's Den, the Mud Kitchen, the character Rumi. For children aged 0-14 we have Gaya Kids (a dedicated APS programme, with Valentina). For adults who want to take part in a serious residential programme with a child along, talk to us first: we'll work out together whether that programme suits or which one suits better.
35 children a day is our ceiling. For larger groups we work over two consecutive days.
Go to the Gaya Kids page for the full table: it starts from 10€ (12-35 months with packed lunch) up to 25€ (3-14 years with Gaya lunch). Discounts for large families and disability concessions.
Yes: dedicated rates for institutions, custom programmes, teaching materials supplied. Write to us with: school order and grade, age range, period, number of children, any specific needs (allergies, support, lunch). We'll reply with a proposal.
Yes. We build the formula suited to your team together — walks, readings, group reflection moments, on-site experiences, shared hands-on work. Consistent with the place, chosen case by case. Suitable for HR, leadership development, teams looking for a different format from the usual ones.
Yes, we're a reference point for scout camps in Calabria, even in winter. Full self-management, equipped kitchen available, dormitories and tents among the olive trees.
At Gaya the kitchen is vegetarian, often vegan. It's a choice of the project, not a modifiable preference.
We work zero-km whenever the place allows: vegetables from the synergic garden, oil from our olive grove, seasonal fruit.
Some examples of the dishes that come out of the kitchen:
Gluten-free, lactose-free, strict vegan, specific allergies: tell us everything when you book and we'll take care of it. Equipped industrial kitchen — we've handled all sorts.
For 24h residential programmes: arrival dinner + breakfast + closing lunch. All vegetarian, local ingredients. For Gaya Kids days see the rates on the dedicated page.
Bank transfer to Banca Etica for deposit and balance (details at confirmation). For now no online checkout — it's the most transparent way we've found.
For longer programmes and for groups yes, let's talk at booking. 30% deposit to hold the date, balance on arrival.
Free cancellation up to 14 days before the event. From 14 to 7 days before, 30% is retained. Under 7 days, the cost of the programme. In case of certified illness or serious events, always flexible — we're people, not a hotel.
Unfortunately no, and we're sorry to say it. At Gaya cats and hens live freely, and the arrival of a dog — even the best-mannered in the world — is an unknown we'd rather not risk, to protect them and our guests. It's a choice of cohabitation thought for the wellbeing of all the animals of the place, including yours. We understand it's a disappointment: if you have a four-legged friend and you're thinking about Gaya, know that during your stay someone will need to look after them at home.
Partially: some spaces (the kitchen, part of the garden, one of the dwellings) are reachable for those with reduced mobility; the country trails are not. Write to us before booking: describe the situation and we'll honestly tell you what's possible and what isn't.
Yes. Wi-Fi via Starlink, fast. Phone signal depends on the carrier. You can work if you need to, or unplug if you want to. Both work here.
We try to keep 4-5 active volunteers in the same period. Sometimes we're more (during events), sometimes fewer. You're never alone, and you're never in a crowd.
5 hours a day with your hands in the earth, Sunday off. Flexible hours to agree on together. The other 11 hours are yours.
Minimum 2 weeks (below that we don't accept, because it's the time we need to find a rhythm together). No maximum: if both sides are happy and there's availability, you can stay for months.
Yes. We accept volunteer applications exclusively through the three platforms (WWOOF, Worldpackers, Workaway). It's a choice that gives us a clear frame on both sides — their system handles registrations, profiles, reviews, insurance — and helps us stay in the right groove. So: first you join one of the three platforms, then you apply to us through it.