What Is An Agriturismo?
For a long time, agriturismi have been Italy’s best-kept accommodation secret, at least until now. But what is an agriturismo? Well, yes — it’s a “farm-stay.” But it’s also much, much more… and, I believe, the best way to experience Italy’s countryside, blending rural charm with Italian hospitality! Here’s why — plus three myths, and one often-forgotten truth, about Italy’s farm-stays.
The term agriturismo, in its most basic definition, refers to combining agriculture and tourism. In other words a working farm that offers accommodations to guests. Although agriturismo is neither a new concept nor a solely Italian practice, Italy has perfected the experience so that guests are immersed in the customs and traditions of Italian farm culture. These working farms welcome guests, offering cozy accommodations, home-cooked meals, and sometimes hands-on activities like wine tasting, olive harvesting, or cooking classes.
Farms in Italy are far different than the types of farms north americans are accustomed to seeing in the US or Canada. The traditional Italian farm was once a place where the farmer grew all he needed to sustain his family. If there was excess, it was sold for spending money. The typical farm in Italy remains 25 acres or less, unlike the American farms that grow hundreds of acres of crops or many head of cattle or livestock.
History of Agriturismi – A Way to Preserve Rural Italy
The practice of agriturismi began as many people in small towns across Italy abandoned their rural life for more modern day opportunities in the 1950’s through to the 1970’s. Large farmhouses, built to house generations of family members emptied out to just a single family. In 1985, in an effort to breathe new life into these agricultural homesteads, the Italian government officially recognized the concept of agriturismi. This new practice began to revitalize flailing family farms and bring in much-needed income. Agriturismi have another benefit as well. It allows for the preservation of a way of life that was all-but disappearing 50 years ago. Today, agriturismos are family-run businesses that combine hospitality with farming, producing olive oil, wine, cheese, honey, and fresh produce.
Special criteria
Because the main motivation for creating farm stays was to preserve Italy’s family traditions, a rural lodging can only be called an agriturismo in Italy if it meets the following criteria:
- The owners must be farmers
- The property’s main income has to come from agriculture
- The accommodation size cannot make up more than a set percentage of the farm’s total acreage
Should you stay in an agriturismo or a hotel?
The main selling point of an Italian agriturismo over a hotel is that if you stay in an agriturismo you can be sure that you are supporting a locally owned business – a bonus for any fan of slow travel.
The most important thing I tell potential guests considering an Italian farm stay is that it’s really, truly a sustainable way to travel. By choosing an agriturismo over a hotel, you’re directly supporting a family business as well as contributing to the preservation of Italy’s world heritage and culture. That heritage includes its cuisine, the landscape, and the ancient traditions of the countryside that would have otherwise been lost.
Agriturismi are so much more than simply combining tourism with agriculture. It’s more than a farm. An agriturismo offers the gift of slowing down, relaxing, and realizing how precious and beautiful tradition and culture can be and why we need to preserve this particular lifestyle.
Insiders’ tip: If you happen to time your visit for the early-to-late autumn, some farms permit guests to participate in the harvesting of grapes (vendemmia) and olives (raccolta).
While agriturismi started as simple farm stays in Italy, many now offer a range of accommodations—from rustic and budget-friendly to luxurious retreats with spas and infinity pools. Rooms also completely range, from large, independently-built mini-apartments to cozy, basic rooms in the bigger house.
Why choose to stay in an agriturismo?
- One of the best parts of staying in a traditional agriturismo? The food. At most farm-stays, your 30 to 50 euros per person gets you a full dinner and breakfast — made from the produce, eggs, meat, and often wine and olive oil that’s fresh off the farm.
- Another bonus is that they are located in Italy’s gorgeous countryside, and they’re really in every region of Italy. Today there are around 17,000 agriturismi across the country, the majority of which are family owned. There are many options available depending on your desired level of accommodation.
- By staying at an agriturismo in Italy you have the unique opportunity to experience rural Italian life that’s rich in culture and authenticity. You’ll spend time getting to know your hosts, the community and allowing your hosts to preserve a lifestyle that likely goes back generations.
- One of the highlights of a farm-stay in Italy is the wide range of activities and experiences that they offer. Whether you’re interested in food and wine, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone. Popular activities include, cooking classes, wine tastings, grape harvesting, olive oil tasting and harvesting and truffle hunting.
A new type of agriturismo has started popping up across Italy: luxury farm-stays. We’re talking about places like Il Fontanaro, where you’re on an organic Umbrian farm… but also where guests’ cottages are some 540 square feet and have Wi-Fi, satellite television, king-sized beds, and modern bathrooms. Not to mention, when you’re relaxing over a glass of local wine and watching the sun set over the rolling vine covered hills, we doubt you can feel anything but in the lap of luxury, concierge or no concierge.
One often-overlooked truth:
Getting to an agriturismo can be difficult in some cases, since they’re most often in the countryside, and not connected by train or bus. And while some kind agriturismi owners will pick you up from a station, if it’s even nearby, without a car, you’re then stranded there for the length of your stay.
But even if you do have a car? Be aware that agriturismi can be very difficult to find. Driving around Italy’s countryside is one of the more confusing experiences you’ll have; many roads are unmarked (or the signage is misleading), and even with a good grasp of Italian and a mobile phone, the lack of cell service can make continually calling the owner for new directions impossible.
Of course, this isn’t necessarily bad. Getting lost can be half the fun. But if you’re on a schedule to hurry up and relax (or if getting lost on one-way dirt roads just, understandably, stresses you out), then it might not be a good option for your trip.
Here are a few tips for booking an agriturismo:
- Ask about meal options – Agriturismi vary in their dining offerings. Some provide full board with multi-course meals, while others serve only breakfast. If lunch and dinner aren’t available, ask for local restaurant recommendations or plan to shop at nearby markets for picnic-style meals.
- Check for minimum stay requirements – Some agriturismi require a stay of at least 3–7 nights, particularly during peak seasons. If you’re planning a shorter visit, look for properties that allow single-night stays or weekend bookings.
- Book 6–9 months in advance – Popular agriturismi, especially those in regions like Piemonte and Friuli Venezia Giulia fill up quickly, particularly during summer and harvest seasons. If you’re traveling between June and September, securing your reservation early ensures you get the best options.
- Rent a car – Many agriturismi are in remote areas, far from public transportation. A car will give you the flexibility to explore nearby villages, wineries, and local markets at your own pace.
Armed with the most information possible, you’re more likely to make the best choice – one that’s perfect for you. Remember, whichever farm stay you choose, you’re about to embark on one of the best holiday experiences. On my small group cultural vacations and custom guided journeys I always ensure my guests get the best options for accommodations, and that entails offering at least a few nights in an agriturismo in an off the main tourist trail location.
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