Farm

Welcome to your exclusive retreat in southern Sardinia: a retreat where nature, archaic architecture and modern comfort harmonize perfectly. In a fully fenced 25-hectare property, you will experience the full program.

Bioloco is more than a retreat centre – it is a living space based on the Advaita philosophy that opens the way to an authentic, undivided experience. Inspired by the first encounters with Sardinia over 47 years ago, when the island was still a mysterious, unspoilt paradise, the desire arose to revive the original spirit of this island. Back then, the paths were dusty, the shepherds were nomadic, and nature revealed itself in intense, mystical clarity. Today, Sardinia – with its more than 500 million-year-old geological history – symbolises both the enormous potential and the loss of this primeval state, which is visible in the rapid industrialisation and alienation of modern man.

On 25 hectares in Castiadas, at the foot of the ‘Sette Fratelli’ national park, Bioloco combines history, values and a sustainable art of living into a concept that counteracts the increasing alienation in our technical world. Thousands of fruit trees, medicinal herbs, water sources and ancient rock formations blend here with modern, nature-oriented building methods – clay buildings, terraces and a food forest create a closed, respectful cycle.

The twelve principles of permaculture – from the precise observation of nature and the use of renewable resources to the creative integration of all elements – form the basis of this project. This approach requires continuous, process-oriented learning and agile development that is aligned with the living rhythm of nature.

Based on the Advaita philosophy, which emphasises the non-duality of humans and nature, Bioloco invites you to transcend the boundaries of your own self and experience unity with everything. The aim is to question excessive consumer behaviour and the pursuit of external growth, and instead to follow the path of inner transformation. Workshops on natural building techniques, community work and the conscious experience of natural cycles open up space to recognise oneself as an integral part of life.

Bioloco is a place of self-responsibility and togetherness – a temporary home where people act as equal partners with nature. Here, paradise is to be rediscovered and lived in oneself and in the world. Become the conscious author of your own life story and find the inspiration in Bioloco to rediscover the inseparable unity of nature and humanity.

Welcome to our innovative farm, which harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. We practice sustainable, organic agriculture on around 25 hectares and offer a unique place to stay, where guests can experience nature in its most pristine form. We produce around 20 essential oils – including fine lentischio oil and first-class olive oil – as well as five types of honey, which ripen in our natural environment. Our range is complemented by the cultivation of 30 medicinal herbs, which we process into medicinal herbs, teas and culinary herbs, as well as by a food forest with over 4,000 fruit trees and more than 30 varieties – including old, forgotten Sardinian varieties.

Our goal is to create a place where cycles function permanently and in harmony with nature. To achieve this, we follow the twelve principles of permaculture developed by David Holmgren: observe and interact, harvest energy, generate yields, self-regulation and feedback, use renewable resources, produce no waste, design patterns from details, integrate instead of exclude, use small and slow solutions, value diversity, see edge zones as opportunities and respond creatively to changes.

Our carefully constructed natural buildings offer peace and adventure. We organise on-site workshops on sustainable agriculture, natural building and personal responsibility. Experience how tradition, innovation and ecological responsibility merge into a unique way of life – a place where people and nature grow together.

Natural diversity is at the heart of our organic farming business. We have been cultivating an impressive range of medicinal herbs and fruit varieties with dedication for years – in harmony with nature and traditional farming methods. Our range includes aromatic medicinal plants that have been valued for generations. Our favourites include Sardinian rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which aids digestion, has an antioxidant effect and boosts memory. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is also an insider tip: antiseptic, antispasmodic and effective for colds. Sage (Salvia officinalis) has convincing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that help with sore throats and digestive disorders.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) promotes relaxation and restful sleep, while oregano (Origanum vulgare) is indispensable in traditional medicine for sore throats and inflammations. Myrtle (Myrtus communis) strengthens the immune system and alleviates cold symptoms, while St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) lifts the mood – however, attention should be paid to possible interactions. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) alleviates nervous restlessness and sleep disorders, and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) stimulates digestion in dosed application. The final herb is rue (Ruta graveolens), which traditionally aids digestion and promotes blood circulation.

Our range is complemented by numerous fruit trees, which demonstrate a species-rich and sustainable agriculture. In addition to native mulberry, persimmon, fig, pear and apple trees, we also have cactus fruits, guavas and tropical highlights such as mango and avocado. Grapevines, kiwis, various types of berries, pomegranates, olives and a wide selection of citrus fruits – from clementines to lemons, limes and oranges, to grapefruit – give our range its distinctive flavours. Almonds, carob, apricots, peaches, chestnuts, cherries and quinces complete our offer. With this diversity, we offer natural moments of pleasure and sustainability in practice, in a harmonious interplay of tradition, biodiversity and organic agriculture.

This was my fourth time at Bioloco in 2 years. From the first time I fell in love with the place, the people, the atmosphere-everything was just the way I wanted it and I knew I would be back very soon. Every time it is just perfect in every way.

Thank you to all the staff for making me feel so welcome and at home. I will be back soon 🙂

Sara Cornaggia

This is by far the most magical place I have ever been in my life. Truly beautiful. The environment is full of love and kindness. And the beaches are incredible. It's a very unique place and the scenery, the people, the place is like heaven on earth. I will definitely come back in the future.

Jan Laumann

I came to Bioloco for a yoga retreat organized by my beautiful German friend.

I am very grateful to have participated in this retreat in the most magical setting in Sardinia.

Jenny Mc Call

Honestly, there is nothing negative to say. The staff, the location, the accommodation, the service. Everything was perfect.

Adrian Meyer

This place gives you the feeling that you have found another home from the moment you set foot in it. You can feel that special people: they build a place to recharge, recover perhaps, find peace.

I participated in a 200-hour yoga teacher training course and can recommend these four weeks of intensive learning from the bottom of my heart. Very accessible, a way to reconnect deeply with yourself, your body, your mind and especially focus on the breath. Even if you do not consider yourself an advanced practitioner, you can participate and complete the course. Give it a try 🙂

Jutta Ribbrock

A beautiful and special place. I came to recharge and I really succeeded. I really hope I can come back someday!!!

Laura Rosch

Nothing less than perfect! We came for 7 nights, stayed 14 nights until our return flight. Simply heavenly!

Jem Harness

1. How do I get to Bioloco?

You can arrive by plane or by boat. By plane, you can fly to Cagliari (CAG) (45 minutes away) or Olbia (OLB) (3 hours away) and then take a car or taxi to Castiadas.

If you prefer to arrive by boat, you can dock in Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres or Golfo Aranci. Most ships depart from Genoa or Livorno. From the north of Sardinia, it is then about a three-hour drive to the destination of Castiadas. Here you can find Bioloco on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FGdFepHudju8ZoR8

2. What is it like to sleep in a tent?

In the tents you will find perfectly normal beds with a comfortable mattress hardness. Everything is made of natural materials, in this case the mattresses are made of natural rubber. If you sleep in the cotton tent, you can see the full moon shining through the tent and hear the animals in the surrounding area. It is permeable to air but not to rain, so the membrane on the outside is much thinner than with concrete walls. After a while, you will feel much more connected to nature and much more permeable yourself. However, it may take some getting used to in order to sleep well in the tent. Other people, on the other hand, can sleep well in tents immediately. This is because the air is good and the sounds of nature are soothing. How you sleep in a tent varies from person to person.

3. What safety precautions do I need to take?

The tents can be closed, but not locked. This means that you should rather keep larger valuables in the house. The property is fenced and Sardinia, away from the tourist areas, is generally very safe, so you don't have to worry about security. However, it is important to handle fire with absolute responsibility. You are being given an entire property, with no restrictions and in trust, for a temporary period of time, and with great freedom comes great responsibility. You can use a stove with firewood in the house, as well as the outdoor barbecue, the pizza oven and the sauna stove. If you do, it is important that you follow all safety precautions and that you are experienced in handling fire. In summer, there is an absolute drought, and just a single spark from the fireplace due to a fire that is too large can cause a fire that can quickly become a wildfire. In addition to the paradise you are living in, you would also destroy the surrounding nature, with fatal consequences for nature and its inhabitants. Please use the fireplaces very responsibly. In case of emergency, you will find fire extinguishers at the house, the car park and in each tent.

4. What kind of comfort will I have to do without?

The tents do not have a bathroom or toilet inside, which means you have to walk a few steps to the next shower or toilet. There are only two hot showers on the premises, the rest are cold showers. In the tents, it can get cooler at night in the early and late season and very hot in the high season. But don't worry, in the cold, there are electric heaters in the tents to keep the tent comfortably warm. However, the heat usually escapes from the tents completely about 1-2 hours after sunset. If you have problems with your car and cannot drive on the dusty road up the mountain, you would have to walk a short distance to the accommodation.

5. How far in advance do I have to book?

For the German, Austrian and Swiss holiday periods, we are usually booked a year in advance. In the low season, we recommend booking at least two months before the travel date.

6. Can I book individual tents?

At the moment Bioloco is only rented as a whole, i.e. as a venue for workshops, for a large family, for several families or for couples looking for absolute peace and seclusion with the appropriate space. We are currently planning to set up community weeks for Bioloco. During these periods, tents can be booked individually and the rest of the infrastructure can be shared with others.

7. How can I imagine life at Bioloco?

You will live largely outdoors, sleeping in cotton tents and possibly hearing animals and nature sounds at night. In contrast to concrete walls, you will be in a more permeable environment, living under covered terraces, on lawns, loungers, hammocks and on outdoor and indoor couches. The central house is where you will cook and eat together, and there is a large open fireplace/barbecue, a bread oven and a pizza oven made of clay. There are also three enclosed toilets, a hot outdoor and indoor shower by the house and a total of five cold outdoor showers spread around the property. And because the property is so large, you will have plenty of privacy even with 12 people, because everything is spread out – pool, tents, house, sauna and so on.

8. What happens to the rubbish?

In Sardinia, rubbish is separated. You dispose of organic waste directly on the compost and separate the rest of the rubbish into glass, cans, paper, plastic and residual waste. Of course, it is best to avoid rubbish completely. There are smaller rubbish bins at the house and tents. At the upper car park, you will find a larger bin for each type of rubbish, which you can then empty into the large bins next to the entrance gate of the property. These bins at the entrance gate are emptied by us every two weeks via the public waste disposal service.

9. Can I drive to the house?

A tarmac road leads to the entrance gate of the property, which you can open with a remote control or a key code that you will receive from us upon your arrival. There is a dirt road on the property that leads steeply uphill in places and is passable with normal rental cars or vehicles, but has some guttering. Lower-slung vehicles may not be able to drive here. If you are not sure, you can park your car right next to the entrance gate in a covered car park and then walk up. There is a covered car park for one vehicle at the top, and further covered car parks are located about 100 metres further up.

10. Are there other people on the property?

The property is 25 hectares in size. Occasionally someone comes to check on the plants or the bees, so you can retreat and enjoy your privacy. Every ten days the gardener comes to take care of the lawn and the garden.

11. What is it like for children in Bioloco?

Bioloco is a paradise for children, but not for unsupervised toddlers. There are many stone steps where they could hurt themselves. It is a place in nature, and the garden is also very close to nature.

12. Are you interested in holding a workshop at Bioloco?

Bioloco is perfectly suited for workshops with up to 12 participants and 2 instructors. We have a 100-square-metre yoga platform and a 160-square-metre round stone circle with a dance floor made of natural materials.

13. How do I get around the area? Are there also airport transfers?

We want to provide electric cargo bikes and bicycles for a small surcharge in the future. However, we are not ready yet because we still have to make major investments to do so. Currently, either your own bicycle or your own vehicle or a rental vehicle is required for local mobility. We can organise airport transfers for you through a partner company, as well as car hire, ferry and flight tickets.

14. Shopping facilities and distance to activities and places of interest

In just 5 minutes you can reach two supermarkets by car, and in 15 minutes you can reach further supermarkets, bakers, vegetable farmers and much more. The village of Muravera and Villasimius, as well as Costa Rei, can each be reached in 20 minutes, and the beaches are between 10 and 20 minutes away by car. Hiking opportunities are available right on your doorstep or within 15 to 30 minutes' drive. Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, can be reached in 45 minutes.

15. Electricity, water, Wi-Fi and air conditioning?

The property has an autonomous photovoltaic-based power generation and is self-sufficient in its power supply. There is a public electricity connection only as a reserve. Please adjust your consumption accordingly: Use the dishwasher and washing machine or other major consumers during the day when the sun is shining. This is good for the environment and saves you money. We do not require you to pay for the photovoltaic electricity. However, if you consume more than 5 kW/h per day from the public grid, we will charge you an additional 0.30 euros per kWh for this electricity. The water comes directly from our own deep wells. Filtered, first-class drinking water comes directly from the tap in the house, so you don't have to buy plastic water bottles from the supermarket. The house has WIFI via a SIM 5G router, and that costs 30 euros flat rate per week with a maximum consumption of 50 GB/week. The wifi network is available at the house, at the pool and at tent 1. The whole property does not have air conditioning, but the living and sleeping areas are well naturally air-conditioned.

16. What is the weather like throughout the year and what are the special features of each season?

Bioloco is open to visitors from 1 April to 1 December. In April, May, October and November, it can get quite cold at night, so we turn on the heaters in the tents. In July and August, it can get very hot, so you can look for shade under the many canopies on the grounds. The best months to travel are May, June, September and October. It is busier in Sardinia during the holiday periods in July and August, but you don't have to let that drive you crazy. You can simply stay in your own world and chill on beaches that have not been developed for tourism.

17. Can I help out?

We welcome requests for work experience and offers of support between 1 December and 1 April. Just send us an email, we appreciate any help. Whether it's the olive harvest in October, pruning or planting – we often need support.