Dimitra participated in our organization’s volunteer program through the ESC, in partnership with “Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII”, here her story:
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer through the European Solidarity Corps in Tramonti, a small village in the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. As part of ACARBIO, a local environmental organization, I was able to engage in meaningful work while discovering the beauty of the region and its people.
Tramonti may not be as well-known as some of the bigger towns on the Amalfi Coast, but it has a charm of its own. Surrounded by lush mountains, vineyards, and lemon groves, it felt like I was living in a postcard. Every day brought new adventures, from hiking trails to visiting nearby towns like Amalfi and Positano.
As a volunteer with ACARBIO, I had the chance to contribute to several environmental projects. The organization focuses on protecting local biodiversity and promoting sustainability, something that resonated deeply with me. Something I will never forget is the birth of sea turtles (Careta Careta) —a rare and awe-inspiring event that highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife in the area.
One of the best parts of my experience was meeting people from all over the world. We shared stories, ideas, and many meals together—Italian food is truly something special! I also took part in several local festivals, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture and traditions. I truly enjoyed learning the traditional dances (with the help of friends) and listening to Isidoros music.
One of the most unforgettable nights during my European Solidarity Corps experience in Tramonti was Greek Night. It’s common for the volunteers to host intercultural evenings, where we share a taste of our culture through traditional food, music, and trivia with fellow volunteers and friends. The Greek Night happened during the second week of my stay, just as I was still trying to find my place and fit into the group. It was a wonderful, yet slightly terrifying, experience, but one that helped me bond with everyone and create memories that will stay with me forever. I wasn’t alone in this adventure.
I had the help of two amazing Greek girls, Oksana and Eugenia, and a few other volunteers who pitched in to make the night special. Still, the task ahead was a lot—we were cooking for thirty people! We spent a solid 10 hours in a hot kitchen with no fan, chopping, stirring, and perfecting dishes like pastitsio, tzatziki, and spanakopita. By the end of it, we were exhausted, but seeing the table filled with delicious Greek food made every moment in that kitchen worth it. Looking back, Greek Night was a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about organizing a fun evening; it was also about stepping outside my comfort zone and opening up to others. The night helped me bond not only with Oksana and Eugenia, but also with everyone who attended. By the end of the evening, I felt like I had found my space within the group, and it brought a new sense of belonging to my time there.
Volunteering with ACARBIO gave me the chance to grow in ways I never expected. Not only did I get to work on important environmental projects, but I also got to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and meet people who left a lasting impact on my life.
If you’re looking for an adventure that combines meaningful work, cultural and the chance to explore a hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast, I can’t recommend this enough.