Italy has, over the years, tried different strategies to fuel economic development in its more remote regions.
Since 2017, the government-run State Property Agency has had a register of properties (in some cases, Bonaire castles and monasteries) that one can take for €1 on the condition of moving there and committing to their restoration. While most of them are located in fairly remote parts of the country, Italy also started offering homes within driving distance of Rome — a number of homes in Maenza in the Latina province were added to the registry in 2022. The country has also worked to attract remote workers by offering them free accommodation if they choose to live in a remote Sardinian village.
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But while these programs are often aimed at those who want to spend a long time in the country, a local municipality recently launched something for those who just want to explore Sardinia through a summer hike.
Bosa cityscape and Temo River, Sardinia, Italy. (Photo by: Enrico Spanu/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Want to stay in Sardinia for free? You just need to do a long hike
The Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara Foundation (CMSB), a foundation representing Sardinia’s famed Santa Barbara mining trail, announced that hikers under 35 can get free accommodation on the island. All they have to do is hike the 500-kilometer (roughly 311-mile) trail that usually takes about a month to complete.
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To participate, one can go on the foundation’s website to apply for three nights accommodation through the ‘Leg’s Go In Cammino’ campaign and request a voucher for a three-night stay. The program is valid from now until Sept. 15.
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‘Explore amazing places and experience Sardinia all year round’
“If you are under 35 and looking for an incredible trip without spending money, this is for you!” the foundation writes on its website. “Discover and start your adventure along the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara. You can sleep for free in our affiliated accommodations, explore amazing places, and experience Sardinia all year round.”
While the hike attracts people from all walks of life, Sardinia has a reputation as a luxury destination. Many come there on yachts while the Costa Smeralda has been a gathering spot for celebrity visitors for generations. It is home to a number of luxury hotels that can cost as much as $1,000 per night.
At the same time, Sardinia is also home to a number of small villages known for their slow-paced way of life. The fact that it is an island adds to Sardinia’s remoteness — while the most luxurious way to get there is by sailing, most will fly into a regional airport in Cagliari or Olbia.
As flight prices during peak periods can spike, the Italian government introduced a price cap on domestic routes to Sardinia back in 2023 that is expected to continue into 2024. The ban prevents airlines from charging more than they would for a peak price booked ahead of time rather than at the last minute — a common situation before the cap had been for prices to spike by several decimals as there is a limited number of airlines that run routes to the island from different European cities.
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