Tired of staying at hotels and bumping into huge crowds on your vacation? Then perhaps it’s time you looked into agriturismo. A stay at an Italian agriturismo is the perfect way to experience living la dolce vita. Imagine waking up every day to the sounds of nature and being greeted with endless views of the Italian countryside. Then, you get to sample farm-fresh cuisine and local wines, go cycling around the neighbouring vineyards, and reconnect with what really matters. Sounds enticing, right? Well then, let’s not waste anymore time and let us tell you everything you need to know about agriturismo in Italy and the best places to experience this unique farm stay holiday!
Agriturismo literally means “farm tourism” in Italian. It refers to farm stays where you can experience life on an authentic Italian farm. You stay in restored farmhouses or barns, dine on homemade local cuisine, and can even enjoy activities like wine tasting, olive oil production, or horse riding.
After the second World War and the onset of industrialisation, many farmers in Italy struggled to make ends meet and were leaving their farms to seek work in cities. After learning the effect of losing farmers and placing the country’s cherished food traditions at risk, the Italian government decided to introduce ‘agriturismo’ in 1985 and fund support for farm estates wishing to convert their buildings for accommodation purposes. This new legislation proved to be very successful, and soon enough, farmers came back to care for their farms and took on the additional role of innkeeper. Now, they welcome guests from all over the world and introduce to them the charm of rural Italian living.
Today, Italian agriturismo remains a beloved tradition. They offer incredibly diverse experiences for visitors – from very basic, low-cost guesthouses to luxurious five-star properties providing spa treatments and concierge services.
Staying at an agriturismo allows you to unwind in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, away from the traffic and crowds of the city. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture, where you can learn about how the locals make wine, olive oil, and limoncello.
Families especially love agriturismo because there are activities for everyone. While the kids play in the garden or pick fresh fruit, adults can relax by the pool with a glass of Chianti wine. Oh – and if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the fresh homecooked meals with ingredients picked out straight from the farm.
If you’re feeling adventurous, many farm stays also offer outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding so you can explore the surrounding area. And after a long day of basking under the Tuscan sun, you can shut it down in your rustic, homey farmhouse or villa.
As agriturismo continues to rise in popularity for Italian getaways, it can be tricky to secure a booking at these rural retreats. That’s why we’ve sourced some alternative accommodation options to enjoy a similar agriturismo experience. Here are five of our top villas which offer tranquillity and a taste of Italian country living.
The Frantoio Apartment overlooks the 15-year-old Il Paluffo eco estate, located in the rolling hills of Chianti, Tuscany. When you walk into the living room of this farm stay, the first thing that will strike you is the trunk of an oak tree growing in the middle of the dining area and living area. Instead of cutting it down, the owner decided to build around it to keep it as a reminder of the interconnectedness between nature and man and how the two can coexist and thrive in harmony.
Situated atop a historic oil mill (known as Frantoio), this spacious cottage contains three bedrooms and a mezzanine with twin beds, comfortably accommodating up to seven people. Traditional stonework and an abundance of warm wooden furnishings create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere inside that will make you never want to leave. Outside, the garden offers lovely views of the lush countryside and swimming pool – the perfect spot to enjoy fresh fruits and pancakes for breakfast.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Villa:
Villa La Lestra is a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse located just a kilometre away from the charming hilltop village of Montelopio, home to stunning olive groves and vineyards. The architecture reflects traditional Italian design with chestnut beams and terracotta flooring throughout. Sleeping up to 11 people comfortably across its four bedrooms and five bathrooms, it provides the perfect setting for a memorable family or friends’ getaway.
Relaxation comes easy with an inviting swimming pool and rustic barbecue hut in the gardens. For something more indulgent, unwind in the on-site Roman spa and melt all your stresses away. When sunset comes, go to the restored dovecote tower and take in the stunning 360-degree views of the valley. Additional amenities like underfloor heating, air conditioning and private parking ensure complete comfort during your stay here. And to top it all off, a complimentary wine tasting awaits you at the local cantina, the perfect end to a blissful Tuscan escape.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Villa:
Just a short 45-minute drive from the beautiful city of Florence lies the idyllic Italian countryside setting of Ca’di Pesa. This charming Tuscan farmhouse contains 11 bedrooms encircling a central courtyard decorated in traditional Italian fashion. For big groups and families seeking a relaxing country escape, or perhaps a couple seeking the perfect spot for an intimate wedding celebration, this historic property provides a spacious swimming pool, wine cellars, and generous living areas. The luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere at Ca’di Pesa ensures an unforgettable rural retreat as you dine al fresco under the stars or relax by the wood-burning fireplace.
The estate itself also has sprawling vineyards and olive groves, offering visitors a chance to discover the intriguing processes behind local winemaking and olive oil production. Be sure to spend time exploring the traditional nearby towns, too – taking in their stunning architecture and cobbled streets while indulging in hearty, home-cooked Italian cuisine that truly lets you experience the flavours of Tuscany.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Villa:
Villa Vetrichina is undoubtedly one of the finest properties in the countryside. This elegant Italian villa boasts six spacious bedrooms and has been expertly transformed over the years into an exceptionally comfortable and welcoming accommodation. Families with little kids will love staying here as there is a sandbox for kiddos to play in and high chairs for toddlers to sit in while dining at the table. There is also an excellent on-site restaurant where you can enjoy daily breakfast or homecooked meals from a private chef for an additional charge.
Spend your days lounging by the veranda next to the pool or enjoying afternoon tea in the garden. You can also explore the nearby countryside or drive to Florence to experience the cobble-stoned streets of the city. The vibrant rooms, fully-equipped kitchen, tranquil surroundings, and warm hospitality of Villa Vetrichina create the perfect environment for rest and rejuvenation with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Villa:
Podere Vignola, a renovated 12-bedroom farmhouse set within 49 hectares of vineyards and landscaped gardens, provides comfortable accommodation for up to 31 guests. The property offers an indulgent yet relaxed setting ideal for extended family holidays or group tours seeking a traditional Italian countryside experience. The Tuscan estate also serves as an idyllic setting for a romantic and intimate Italian countryside wedding.
Five spacious apartments have been carefully refurbished within the historic barn building. Known as Fienile, Giardino, Loggia, Torreta and Limonaia, each two to three-bedroom apartment retains charming architectural details such as brickwork and barrel-vaulted ceilings while integrating modern amenities. Guests will find fully equipped kitchens, reliable WiFi access and large smart televisions throughout. All apartments overlook the grounds and share the use of an inviting pool area with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and orchards. Wandering the parkland paths or simply relaxing on private furnished terraces under the Tuscan sun presents the perfect opportunity to unwind in complete serenity. You can also take private cooking classes or enjoy a relaxing massage at an additional charge.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Villa:
And that was a quick rundown of agriturismo holidays in Italy. With peaceful surroundings, cultural immersion, natural beauty and amazing food, an agriturismo holiday in Italy offers an unforgettable experience you can’t get anywhere else. So, why wait? Start planning your farm stay adventure today!
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