Young adventurers get free accommodation in Sardinia's trail offer

A foundation operating in Sardinia has devised an unconventional idea to promote the island. Tourists can get three nights of accommodation paid for. The catch? You must fit into the age range set by the organizers and walk the historic Santa Barbara trail.

The initiative is the work of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara (CMSB) foundation, which aims to promote the Santa Barbara hiking trail in Sardinia. If you want to go on a trip without spending money, this offer is for you - says the organization.

The foundation, however, sets two primary conditions. First and foremost, tourists wishing to take advantage of the offer must be under 35 years old. Secondly, you must hike the Santa Barbara trail, which is as long as 300 miles (500 kilometers).

However, the organizers assure that they do not expect the entire trail to be completed. The route is divided into 30 sections, each with dozens of miles. The foundation covers the cost of accommodation in 24 facilities, including guesthouses and shelters, along this hike.

The program starts on September 15 and will last until December. The organizers emphasize that this timing is not coincidental. The aim is to attract visitors during the off-peak tourism season.

Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara's second goal for the initiative is to "revitalize" the tourist profile. Speaking with the BBC, Margherita Concu, the foundation's secretary, said she would like to lower the average age of visitors "from retirees to people aged 20-30."

To participate in the program, you must register, buy a "hiker's passport" for $5 (€5), and donate to the foundation.