Sardinia, one of the most picturesque islands in the Mediterranean, faces a serious demographic crisis. The population is declining dramatically, small villages are emptying out, and in some schools no child has been born for over ten years. The region has decided to reverse this trend with a bold program: paying people to move there.
The program offers up to €15,000 for purchasing or renovating homes for couples who settle in villages with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. However, here’s the catch: these are abandoned areas, not the famous beaches, sandy shores, and tourist hotspots the island is known for. Additionally, those wanting to create businesses that support local employment can receive up to €20,000. Furthermore, new families are entitled to €600 monthly for their first child and €400 for each subsequent child, until the child reaches five years old.
Villages fighting to survive
In tiny Barandili, Sardinia’s smallest village with just 76 residents, Mayor Maria Anna Camenta emphasizes: “The last child was born ten years ago.” The village offers an additional €10,000 grant, plus sports fields, swimming pools, and recreational areas to attract new residents.
In Ollolai, authorities are selling houses for as little as €1, aiming to revitalize the crumbling homes of former residents. This initiative has already attracted interest from young people worldwide.
The first “new Sardinians”
Some are already taking the leap. Spanish photographer Ivo Rovira bought an abandoned house in a village of 400 residents, renovated it, and converted it into a small restaurant. Australian Bianca Fontana moved to Nulvi, started a YouTube channel, and shares her experience of life in a Sardinian village. Others, like Marcelo Contu, returned to the island to create small businesses, including vegan cheese factories.
Despite the financial incentives, experts warn that these measures alone may not be sufficient. However, local communities continue their efforts to revitalize their villages.
Beauty that never dies
As Ollolai’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, says:
“Sardinian villages have survived plagues and crises, but they endured. We have a better life here — and we’re just one hour from the world’s most beautiful beaches. Beautiful things never die.”
With generous programs and the island’s natural beauty, Sardinia is trying to transform the challenge of depopulation into an opportunity for new beginnings and sustainable living in its traditional villages.
