What is Agriturismo in Italy and Why You Should Try It

What is Agriturismo in Italy?

Agriturismo is the Italian word for Agritourism, which is a rural farm stay.

The concept was introduced in Italy in the 1960s to support rural establishments and aims to preserve traditional farming practices.

As a result, farmers provide a hospitality service on their own agricultural premises, which are strictly regulated, but the primary operation is still the farming practices.

National and regional guidelines include certification requirements, and aspects such as hygiene and building restoration standards.

The whole concept has been uplifting marginalized regions and has been providing employment to remote rural communities in Italy.

It also supports the preservation of historical farm buildings and helps promote organic farming practices.

You basically get to stay on a farm and enjoy the food that the farm produces.

Some agriturismo specialize in producing one or two farming products, others offer much more than that.

The rooms are warm and inviting and the stay usually comes with a breakfast option, which includes farm produced foods and drinks.

Who is it for?

If you are eager to explore rural Italy, then Agriturismo should be on your radar.

We have enjoyed staying in several Agriturismo in Northern and Central Italy so far.

They are ideal vacation spots if you seek an authentic Italian experience, away from cities and large people masses.

We both grew up in a rural setting (India and Austria) and therefore we have always felt right at home in an Italian Agriturismo.

If you can relate to that or if you seek a different vacation or traveling experience, then Agriturismo might just be it.

What to Expect?

Here is what to expect if you are considering booking a stay in an Agriturismo.

The rooms can vary and depend on the location and quality of the Agriturismo. Some of these establishments are more elaborate than others, and none resembles another.

Agriturismo in Italy are family-run and the owners literally put all their energy and soul into these establishments. Each is authentic and so full of genuine life; you will never experience this in an Airbnb or hotel in 2025.

Tips

• Look out for special educational farms if you intend to travel with kids.
• A few also offer additional workshops, cultural activities, cooking classes, foraging tours, and even horseback riding with local entities.
• The hosts are farmers, and they sell their produce as well. Some follow an “open” shop system, which is based on trust, where you can take a product (e.g., Lambrusco or red wine) and leave the money or mark your name on a list so that you can pay when you check out. We were allowed to pick fruits from the trees too (but ask the owners first). Shoutout to Corte Davini Agriturismo!
• Don't skip the breakfast buffet! The owners are present for breakfast, and the food is all locally sourced. That means you get the best of the best.

• Keep in mind that not all Agriturismo hosts are well versed in English; some have better language skills than others. After all, they are primarily farmers. Occasionally, you might have to use a language app or your hands and feet. 🙂
• Pick a quality agriturismo if you can. You get budget ones too, but the rooms tend to be mediocre. You can get a clean and aesthetically stunning room at a quality agro-tourism for $80-130, depending on the season and region.
• Agriturismo in Tuscany and Lombardy tends to be pricier, but you can get high-quality farm stay rooms with all the amenities in more budget-friendly regions in Italy. The more South you go, the cheaper it gets.

More Impressions

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