Clarese Partis, a 39-year-old software designer from Los Angeles, has always dreamed of working from a unique and secluded location away from the typical tourist hotspots. When she was presented with the opportunity to do so, she didn’t hesitate to jump on it. Just last week, Partis arrived in the charming village of Ollolai in Sardinia, Italy, where she is enjoying a free stay funded by the local municipality. This initiative is part of a program designed for digital nomads who wish to temporarily relocate to the heart of the island, surrounded by nature and the simple village life.
Partis is the pioneer digital nomad to arrive in Ollolai, and she is already describing it as a life-changing experience. “I have been traveling as a digital nomad for the past two years, with my last stop being Zanzibar,” says Partis. “When I heard about the opportunity to stay in Ollolai, I was excited to give it a try. I felt the need for a change of scenery, not just any touristy place, but somewhere surrounded by nature, fresh air, mountains, beautiful beaches—somewhere I could find solace, peace, and a slower-paced lifestyle.”
Ollolai is a small village located in the remote Barbagia area of Sardinia, far away from the crowded coastlines that attract VIPs. It is a place where ancient traditions still thrive and where bandits once sought refuge in caves. Over time, the locals left in search of a better life elsewhere, leaving the ancient district empty. Nowadays, the district is adorned with vibrant street art depicting rural life.
In the past century, the population of Ollolai dwindled from 2,250 to just 1,300, with only a few babies born each year. In 2018, the village implemented a well-publicized initiative to revive the old district by selling dilapidated homes for merely 1 euro each. This endeavor turned out to be a tremendous success, with many foreigners purchasing and renovating numerous abandoned homes. Now, with the implementation of the “Work from Ollolai” project, the mayor and town hall aim to transform Ollolai into a hub for digital nomads, following their investment in high-speed internet.
The town hall of Ollolai has set aside 20,000 euros ($21,460) to host 30 remote workers from around the world for free stays in the village over the next two years. Applications are open for online submission until December, and the chosen digital nomads will have the opportunity to stay rent-free for up to three months at a time—the maximum duration allowed for non-European visitors without a visa. Partis plans to stay for only one month initially but has hinted that she might extend her stay later on.
The next digital nomad to arrive in Ollolai will be traveling from Singapore, according to Veronica Matta, the head of the local cultural association Sa Mata, which is in charge of the “Work from Ollolai” program. “We anticipate a sizeable number of applicants from the United States,” says Matta. “Our goal is to rejuvenate Ollolai by bringing in people from different cultures and languages who can share their experiences as digital nomads with the residents.”
The funds allocated by the town hall will go toward renting homes from local families for the digital nomads. These furnished two-bedroom dwellings used to belong to shepherd and farmer families who, in the past, slept on the ground floor with their animals. The homes now come equipped with an office space and high-speed internet connection. In addition to this, the budget will cover utilities, bills, and town hall service taxes. However, transportation and airfare will not be provided.
The digital nomads will also be invited to participate in local events and festivals, offering them an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant village culture. Partis has already received an invitation to a party in the town’s piazza the night before.
However, this program is not merely a free holiday. The digital nomads selected must have a proven background in the field and be willing to contribute something tangible to the community before they leave, explains Matta. This could take the form of a conference, an essay, a research paper, or a documentary. Partis plans to deliver a lecture on what it means to be a digital nomad, both in general and specifically in Ollolai.
Matta emphasizes that professionals from all industries and fields are encouraged to apply, from technology and media to finance, real estate, architecture, and even artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and academics. The requirement is that they leave behind a “knowledge jolt” that enriches the culture of the village.
Partis is already enamored with her new home in the historical district of Ollolai. The two-bedroom dwelling boasts a breathtaking panoramic balcony offering views of a pristine valley and woodland, which serve as a constant source of inspiration for her work. While she is currently finding a balance between work and exploring the rest of Sardinia, Partis explains that her daily routine in Ollolai mirrors her life elsewhere. Mornings typically begin with yoga and meditation, followed by work. She then takes a stroll outside and embarks on drives to the coast or the mountains to enjoy the peacefulness and scenic vistas. Partis admits that she doesn’t frequent bars, but instead enjoys visiting the local farmers’ market to procure fresh ingredients such as truffles, with which she prepares mouthwatering pasta and gnocchi with pesto. She emphasizes that the food in Ollolai is absolutely incredible.
Partis concludes that Ollolai has exceeded her expectations in terms of beauty, and she has been pleasantly surprised by the warmth and friendliness of its people. “There is so much to explore in Sardinia,” she says. “I’m grateful to have enough time to fully immerse myself in the island and its culture.”
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