Agriturismo: Farm Stays Blending Rustic Charm with Luxury

One of the things that draws people to Italy is the fact that so much of it is authentic. This is in contrast to much of the touristy experiences we have in the U.S. (Las Vegas, anyone?) 

In Italy, time stands still, and as a visitor, you have the opportunity to experience life as it was lived decades, if not centuries ago, if only for a few days. Visiting an agriturismo provides just that.

What is an Agriturismo?

An agriturismo is a type of farm combined with a bed and breakfast. It offers a restaurant and often rooms where you can spend a night or two. They’re usually located outside of cities, in the countryside, or near smaller villages.

An agriturismo often offers traditional activities (we’ll get to those in a minute) as well as the chance to get a peek into what it’s like to live in rural Italy. 

The History of the Agriturismo

After World War II, many Italians abandoned their less-than-lucrative farming practices to make more money in the larger cities. This left behind a substantial number of farms and properties.

In the 1980s, the Italian government stepped in and began offering financial assistance to anyone willing to convert part of their farm to accommodate guests, and the agriturismo industry took off. (The word is a blend of agricoltura (agriculture) and turismo (tourism).)

This initiative reinvigorated and shone the spotlight on rural traditions, introducing Italians and foreigners alike to local cuisine and practices.

The Agriturismo Experience

So what’s it like to stay at an agriturismo? Honestly, in my experience, it’s like staying at a family member’s home. Just five minutes after you arrive, you’re already part of the family (and that’s just how Italians are!).

Some people treat the agriturismo as a home base and travel to explore a region. Others focus solely on the experiences the agriturismo offers. And speaking of experiences, they range greatly from one to another. Some provide tours of the farm, where they might grow olives, fruit, and vegetables. You might get to meet some of the animals, like goats, sheep, horses, cows, and chickens.

Some agriturismi offer cooking classes, introducing you to the Old World methods for making pasta by hand. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know regional dishes. In Italy, every region (sometimes every village) has its own specialties, and I guarantee you won’t find them on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant back in the U.S.!

Here in Calabria, where I live, there are agriturismi that demonstrate how to make local specialties like the spicy meat paste ‘ndjua, or the after-dinner digestive liqueur amaro. There are always opportunities to taste!

Some other activities you might find at an agriturismo include:

• Harvesting olives/watching oil being made
• Participating in the grape harvest/making wine
• Making cheese
• Horseback riding
• Hikes
• Yoga classes (sometimes with animals!)
• Wellness experiences
• Truffle hunts

Eating at an Agriturismo

If there’s one must when you visit an agriturismo, it’s eating! Because the food is at Kilometer Zero, meaning it traveled steps, not kilometers, to reach your plate — it is unbelievably fresh. You’ll try the most flavorful tomatoes, golden honey, and freshest olive oil you’ve ever tasted in your life!

Some agriturismi make their own cheese and/or sausage, and that’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re lucky, you can purchase food products to take home. Just be aware of the regulations on what you can bring into the U.S. Olive oil is fine, but salami or soft cheese is a no-no.

Even if you’re not staying at an agriturismo, you can book a meal at one that has a great restaurant. I know one in the Sila Mountains in Calabria that I can’t wait to go back to: on Sundays, they’re open for lunch. They bring dozens of antipasti that are so irresistible…and then the first and second courses arrive! It’s an unforgettable meal I can’t wait to repeat.

Why I Love Staying at an Agriturismo in Italy

We’ve already covered food, which is a major draw at an agriturismo. I’d also like to point out that they are incredibly great values. You can find accommodations at an agriturismo for €50 a night (or less). Certainly, there are those that charge more, but generally, they’re much cheaper than accommodations in the U.S.

I also love that they’re not sterile and hotel-like. Each has its own personality, and like I said, you’ll feel like you’re staying with family. That means you might see pics of nonna and nonno on the wall, or sleep under a quilt that Zia Concetta made in the 1950s.

But by far, the biggest perk is getting to know the owners. I told you that they treat you like family, and it’s 100% true. I stayed at an agriturismo in Sardinia six years ago, and I’m still in touch with the owners! Especially when you feel like a tourist, it can be hard to really connect with local culture in Italy, but I find that staying at an agriturismo opens that door and allows me to really understand what an area is like. The owner took me on a tour of some nuraghi (ancient stone structures) I hadn’t found in my research…on a rainy day in the mud! It’s something I’ve never forgotten.

Planning Your Agriturismo Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to include a stay at an agriturismo for at least part of your trip.

If you’ve already chosen the regions you plan to visit, search for agriturismi in the area. You can find listings here and here, as well as by searching on Google or ChatGPT.

Consider what experiences you’re looking for. Culinary classes? History tours? Interactions with animals? A day by the pool?

If your trip is on the longer side, you might consider booking an agriturismo near other areas of interest. You will most definitely need to rent a car, because agriturismi generally aren’t located near train stations or bus routes. Cars are affordable to rent in Italy, and we drive on the right side of the road, so driving shouldn’t be an issue.

Keep in mind that some agriturismi will be closed in some seasons. Some don’t accept guests during certain times of the year so they can take a break from hosting, or because the weather isn’t conducive to visitors.

Keep in mind that if your agriturismo is very remote, it may be challenging to get to the nearest town regularly. Some parts of Italy have steep, winding roads, so you might be nervous driving 20 miles on a curvy road after dark. This means you’ll be eating all your meals at the agriturismo. You might prefer to have the option to try out other local restaurants, so keep proximity to nearby villages in mind when searching.

Being American, you’ll probably want to read online reviews and even book the stay online. Understand that Italy is a few decades behind the U.S. in terms of online presence, so many agriturismi aren’t even listed on aggregate sites like the ones I linked to above, nor on Airbnb. If you’re lucky, they will have a website where you can email for information on pricing and availability! Remember, you’re visiting Italy for its rustic charm, and that starts with its lack of online presence!

Final Thought

Staying at an agriturismo gives you a glimpse of the real Italy, not the postcard perspective you get at more touristy parts like Rome and Florence. If you’re looking for rustic charm and the chance to see how people live, stay on a farm and have an amazing time!