Ostello degli Elefanti Catania Hostel

We are a Backpackers Hostel looking for enthusiastic volunteers! This is a great opportunity to explore the sunny Sicily, learn some Italian and have a great time in a great city!
We are right in the centre of town, a minute from the Duomo square, you don't get more central in Catania than us!
Our building is amazing and offers the best views of Catania!

We are Angela & Marcello, 10 years ago, we opened the hostel, this is a fantastic job. We will be happy to host you. Please be aware we are looking for a minimum 1 month volunteers, and those who are only interested in less than that, won't be considered! In exchange for 24 hours of help per week, we offer free accommodation in a dorm, breakfast, wi-fi, laundry any hostel service. Your duties will include reception, cleaning, and preparing breakfast. Two night shifts per week would also be necessary, depending on how busy we are. Meet other travelers and have a ton of fun while living for free in Catania centre. Contact for more info!! We look forward to seeing you! You will be asked to do a night shift here and there, but you don't have to stay up all night, just make sure you are around at the hostel. For your meals, you can use the hostel's kitchen. The street market it's really cheap and good. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF COMING OVER PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM ONE MONTH STAY! THANKS FOR CHECKING OUR POST.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
(88 reviews)88

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Germany

5

I really enjoyed my time in Catania!
I was lucky to work with the best volunteers and every moment I spent with them was super fun :)
The tasks are pretty easy and fair, exactly as agreed upon, and the schedule is well organized. If you ever need a specific day off, they’re very accommodating.
The staff is incredibly friendly, supportive, and always ready to help with anything you need.

I’m very grateful for the experience I had and the people I met there :)

15 days ago

Germany

3

It was an experience that helped me to grow!
👍🏼:
>Vibe of the rooftop &common areas
> free drinks during shifts/discounts rest of the time
> sometimes 3 free days🥳
👎🏼:
-long night shifts (till 8:30) in which you start the breakfast (can be a lot sometimes)
> you get treated as an employee sometimes & you get the feeling they look down on you (only 1-2 of the staff)
> small and unhealthy meals
In general I really enjoyed the experience, but mostly because of really cool guests & another volunteer I became really close to!
Also because of Claudio & Sara, you made my shifts a lot nicer🫶🏼

25 days ago

France

4

It’s a great opportunity to meet people and immersive experience in Sicilian culture! The coworkers are great. Very friendly atmosphere!
The shifts are cleary organised on 4 types. Morning shift from 8 to 11am taking care of breakfest. Afternoon from 2 to 6pm helping at reception with check in. « Pasta » shift from 8 to 10 pm cooking and serving pasta to all guests but also empting all trash bins and cleaning if needed all rooms and bathrooms in 2 different buildings. Night shift runs from midnight to 8.30 am being at the reception during all night then preparing breakfest and serving from 8.

about 1 month ago

Argentina

5

When I left, I’ve got this text from one of the people that worked there:
Ciao hermanito, non sono riuscito a salutarti prima della tua partenza. Non ti dico addio perché sono sicuro che ci rivedremo.
Ti abbraccio ❤️
A presto
I think I don’t need to say anything else.

about 2 months ago

Brazil

5

I had a great time there, the staff is very friendly and helped me a lot to improve my Italian and also making me feel at home! My experience was the best possible!

about 2 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

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Vegetarian / Vegan

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Metropolis