How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy

Staying at an agriturismo is one thing that I prioritize on nearly each journey I take to Italy. There’s nothing like enjoyable within the Italian countryside, eating on outstandingly recent produce, and dwelling la dolce vita — removed from the cities.

Agriturismi (the plural of agriturismo) are Italian farms that double as mattress and breakfasts. They are present in each a part of the nation, they usually’re a massively standard manner for Italians to journey.

Italian farm holidays have caught on with overseas vacationers, and Barbara Kingsolver wrote about visiting agriturismi in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, her bestselling memoir about consuming solely native meals for one 12 months.

So take it from me, your Italy-obsessed pal — you’ll love staying at an agriturismo. It’s simply the correct amount of Italy off the overwhelmed path. In reality, your agriturismo keep may find yourself being the spotlight of your journey to Italy!

But I do know it would sound a bit sophisticated. How do you even ebook certainly one of these locations? How are you able to inform it’s a great one?

Read on for learn how to discover the agriturismo that’s good for you.

What is an agriturismo?

An agriturismo is a farmstay in Italy — a small, independently owned working farm the place vacationers can keep in a single day.

In the interval of industrialization post-World War II, many farmers in Italy have been packing up and shifting to the cities to make ends meet. Farms have been falling into disrepair, and the Italian authorities quickly realized this was placing their beloved meals traditions in danger.

In 1985, Italian lawmakers handed laws making a authorized definition of the phrase agriturismo and offering funds for farm estates who have been prepared to transform them into lodging. And it labored like a dream. Soon these farmers turned innkeepers, introducing guests to rural Italian life.

Today, Italian agriturismi are a beloved custom — they usually’re extremely various. You can discover agriturismi in any respect value factors, from very low-cost and easy guesthouses that appear like you’re staying in a bare-bones attic to five-star luxurious properties with spa therapies and a concierge.

Usually, although, most of them are small farms specializing in agriculture. (This is an enormous distinction from American farms, which are typically a lot bigger and targeted on livestock. Most doubtless the cattle you’ll see in Italy can be canine and cats!) I discover most agriturismi to be splendidly unpretentious.

Sometimes they could be a bit larger and extra upscale — I’ve stayed at two agriturismi that have been really wine resorts: Isola del Sasso in Sasso Marconi, Emilia-Romagna, and Agriturismo Baglio Donnafranca in Marsala, Sicily. They didn’t have as a lot of a household really feel, however they’d fabulous native meals and wine.

And when you may image a Tuscan farmhouse set amongst olive groves, yow will discover agriturismi in each nook of Italy. You can discover agriturismi with terraced vineyards tucked into the mountainous areas like Valle d’Aosta, simply as you possibly can keep at an agriturismo a brief stroll from the sandy seashores of Basilicata. I’ve even stayed at a number of agriturismi within the shadow of volcanoes!

Just know that they generally go by completely different names in several areas — an agriturismo is commonly referred to as a masseria in Puglia, a poggio in Tuscany, or a baglio in Sicily.

Some agriturismi supply actions — horseback driving, bike leases, cooking courses — however the majority of them are easy locations offering a soothing place to remain and wonderful meals.

Why keep at an agriturismo?

Anytime I’m staying in Italy for per week or longer, I attempt to ebook an agriturismo for at the very least a number of nights. Here’s what I take pleasure in about visiting them:

A break from Italy’s frenetic cities. So many individuals journey to Italy and solely go to cities — Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, they usually’re off once more. Rural life is so completely different — it’s calm, it’s peaceable, and the air smells incredible.

Outstanding farm-to-table delicacies. Agriturismi often serve dinner and breakfast constructed from native produce: their very own and and their neighbors’. Those eggs have been in all probability laid this morning, that olive oil was harvested from these olive timber, and that limoncello has been fermenting on a pantry shelf for months!

Supporting a small, unbiased enterprise. Wouldn’t you reasonably put cash into an area household’s pocket than make some CEO richer? That’s what you do at an agriturismo.

Value for cash. You can get an evening’s keep plus a incredible dinner and breakfast, usually for the same value for only a resort in one of many massive cities. Amenities like swimming swimming pools are sometimes a part of the keep.

No worries about consuming and driving. When you’re consuming on the place the place you’re sleeping, you possibly can take pleasure in all of the do-it-yourself wines and digestivi with out having to have a delegated driver.

Personal connections. When staying at an agriturismo, you possibly can usually get to know the house owners a bit, which is good. (Though that often is dependent upon how effectively you possibly can talk!)

Great for households with youngsters. Agriturismi cater particularly effectively to households — they’ll put further beds in your room and let the children play outdoors when you take pleasure in your multi-course feast. Some are particularly kid-oriented with playgrounds.

Souvenirs. You can nearly at all times purchase a few of their very own merchandise to take dwelling with you — the agriturismo’s personal olive oil, wine, and digestivi.

How to Book a Stay at an Agriturismo

Can you discover agriturismi on common resort reserving websites? Yes! I often discover mine on Booking.com. When looking out on Booking, you possibly can tick the field “Farm Stay” however it doesn’t at all times line up completely — typically agriturismi can be labeled as “bed and breakfast” as a substitute.

I additionally Google a LOT greater than standard. This is the easiest way to seek out reserving platform-averse agriturismi — and the way I discovered Agriturismo Sardo in Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, that served the normal roast suckling pig that Charlie wished to attempt.

Agriturismo.it is dwelling to the best choice of agriturismi in Italy. This is a good useful resource for determining the advantageous particulars of the place the place you’re staying. It’s simple to section by the type of setting and the facilities.

You may discover agriturismi on Airbnb. Make positive you tick the field “Farm Stay” and watch out concerning the further charges that get added.

Either manner, I at all times ensure I take a look at the agriturismo’s web site earlier than reserving. That offers you as a lot info as they’ve (even when it’s solely in Italian!).

Book a Group Tour to an Agriturismo

G Adventures affords a number of “Local Living” excursions in Italy the place you keep at an agriturismo for per week and discover the native area. They supply actions like cooking courses, hikes, and wine tastings.

Back in 2013 I went on a media journey for his or her Southern Tuscany tour, which I loved immensely however they not supply.

Today G Adventures is providing Local Living excursions in San Gimignano in Tuscany, and on the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento, each close to Naples in Campania.

How to Choose the Right Agriturismo

Choosing an Italian agriturismo is completely different from selecting a resort or guesthouse due to the significance of meals. I analysis agriturismi by beginning with what they do for meals, then fanning outward.

Start with meals. Does this agriturismo serve meals? Does it serve meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or simply a number of the meals? Does it serve meals just some nights of the week and never others? Are there half board and full board choices obtainable? Is dinner served at a sure time?

After ensuring they serve dinner, I learn a LOT of opinions on Google, pictures of the meals and what folks need to say. (Tip: Italians are typically harsh of their opinions. If a spot charges 4.2 or higher, that’s in all probability a fantastic place.)

Next, check out the lodging. Are you in a predominant constructing, or separate? Do you have got your personal personal rest room? What type of facilities are on-site? Think swimming pool, outside lounge areas, actions, and so forth.

Be positive to ask about air con if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime, and heating if you happen to’re visiting Southern Italy within the winter. I almost froze at an agriturismo in Sicily throughout a chilly spell in February till they offered us with an area heater and further blankets!

Next, check out funds. How do they take funds? Will you be capable of pay with a bank card, or do they require a financial institution switch to your deposit? Do they solely take money?

(If you’re a frequent traveler, I like to recommend getting an account with Wise, which provides you financial institution accounts in a number of currencies and makes worldwide transfers simple.)

Finally: what’s the situation like? How do you get there? How far are they from the airport? Will you be arriving after darkish? If you’re not driving, will you want a pickup? What will you be capable of go to inside a 90-minute drive?

Agriturismo Food

For me, an important side of staying at an agriturismo is the meals. I at all times attempt to keep at an agriturismo that serves dinner.

Most agriturismi served a hard and fast menu for the day. (This is one purpose why it’s good to contact them forward of time in case you have dietary restrictions.)

Usually an agriturismo meal begins with appetizers like a tagliere (plate of meat and cheese) with olives or bread, adopted by the primo piatto (pasta or risotto course), secondo piatto (meat or fish predominant course) served with contorni (vegetable facet dishes), adopted by dolce (dessert), caffe if you happen to’d like, and digestivi (digestive liqueurs). Wine and water are served all through.

Of course, each agriturismo is just a little bit completely different. Many present lodging however cater primarily to diners, like Agriturismo Il Cucchiaio di Legno in Orta San Giulio, Piemonte, and Isola del Sasso in Sasso Marconi, Emilia-Romagna.

And then there’s breakfast. In common, I inform folks to not get too enthusiastic about breakfast in Italy. As a lot as Italians care about meals, breakfast is fairly low-key. You’ll often have a number of common desserts and a crostata or two, some fruit and yogurt, possibly eggs. But some agriturismi make breakfast a bit extra memorable.

Agriturismo Accommodations

Italian lodging are typically on the easy facet, and that goes for agriturismi as effectively. They offer you what you want, and sometimes not far more than that.

But that’s advantageous! You’ll have the whole lot you want.

One massive tip — pillows in Italy are typically very flat. Nowadays, each time I journey to Italy, I convey a journey contour pillow (or full-sized pillow if we’re driving to Italy). It’s good to have. But from time to time, an agriturismo surprises me with a pleasant puffy pillow!

Here are a number of the agriturismo rooms the place I’ve stayed:

What to Do at an Agriturismo

What do you do at an agriturismo, anyway? Honestly, it’s utterly as much as you.

Some agriturismi have actions that you could ebook upfront, like wine tasting, meals tasting, or horseback driving. Some have bicycles or scooters that you could lease to discover the world.

Sometimes an agriturismi will welcome you to assist out within the vegetable backyard if you happen to’d like.

And you possibly can simply hang around, spending time within the pool or studying a ebook outdoors. There’s nothing unsuitable with that — that’s an enormous purpose why folks keep at agriturismi! For the peace and quiet.

Here are some things I’ve performed whereas staying at an agriturismo:

Figure Out Transportation

In most circumstances, you’ll must have a automobile to go to an agriturismo correctly. These farmstays are positioned in rural areas, often removed from any type of public transportation.

But you shouldn’t let that maintain you again! Driving in Italy will not be as scary as many individuals assume. It’s not such as you’ll be driving someplace like Naples, the place drivers refuse to comply with the legal guidelines of physics — that is calm, stunning, rural driving.

Keep in thoughts that whereas roads are typically quiet in rural Italy, they can be small. Many occasions in southern Italy particularly, I’ve ended up on a one-way dust street the place it’s good to be tremendous cautious when squeezing by different automobiles!

Google Maps doesn’t at all times provide the finest route, so you should definitely double-check along with your agriturismo.

And right here’s one thing vacationers usually overlook — you don’t must lease a automobile to your whole Italy journey, simply a part of it! Say you’re doing the everyday Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary. Spend a number of days in Rome, take the practice to Florence, spend a number of days in Florence, lease a automobile for a number of days and drive across the Tuscan countryside whereas staying at an agriturismo and having fun with the agricultural life-style, return your automobile, then take the practice to Venice.

I believe it is a nice thought as a result of you possibly can preserve the driving restricted to the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany — and keep away from driving in cities, which is at all times an enormous ache (parking is the WORST).

Can you keep at an agriturismo if you happen to don’t have a automobile? It IS potential — however often a little bit of a trouble. Occasionally, you’ll discover an agriturismo near public transportation, however needless to say in rural areas, that bus may solely run as soon as each three hours.

Sometimes agriturismi supply pickups from native practice stations; at different occasions, you possibly can take a taxi (Uber is obtainable in lots of Italian cities however uncommon in rural areas).

If you select to remain at an agriturismo with no automobile, double-check when the agriturismo serves meals. If you need to spend a day lounging on the property, double-check that they serve lunch, or else you’ll be operating on fumes till dinner!

Agriturismo Travel Tips

Here are a few of my high suggestions for staying at an agriturismo in Italy:

Research the world earlier than you go and put collectively an inventory of priorities to go to earlier than you arrive. And needless to say many Italian areas are HUGE. Tuscany is huge, for instance, and it takes hours to drive from one finish of the area to a different. Instead, concentrate on a smaller a part of Tuscany, nearer to your agriturismo.

And on my newest journey to Sicily, it felt like we drove over the entire island — however we have been simply within the westernmost province of Trapani, a tiny chunk of Sicily itself! And there have been tons of cool small cities to go to there!

Ask the agriturismo workers for suggestions. They know the world higher than anyplace else! When I stayed at Agriturismo La Rocca delle Rose close to Mount Etna in Sicily, they urged we spend a seaside day at Aci Trezza, which turned one of many highlights of our journey.

Agriturismi people are educated about cities price visiting, climbing routes, issues to do, good close by eating places (particularly if the agriturismo doesn’t serve lunch), and locations you gained’t discover in any weblog or guidebook.

Don’t count on nice telephone sign or wifi. Often agriturismi are positioned in telephone sign lifeless zones with a single router offering wifi in frequent areas solely. Many folks take this as an excuse to calm down.

If you require wifi for work or FaceTime calls dwelling to your loved ones, be sure you discuss to the agriturismo upfront to confirm it’s sufficient to your wants.

Know that there could also be a language barrier. These days, there’s often at the very least one particular person on the agriturismo who speaks a little bit of English (usually, one partner speaks nice English and the opposite speaks nearly no English!), however in additional distant locations, you might battle.

One problem for me was Agriturismo Sardo in Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia. At first I emailed them, however they stopped answering emails, so I attempted calling, no one spoke English, my damaged Italian was terrible, and I needed to enlist an Italian-speaking pal to name them for me! (The meals was SO price it, although.)

Be prepared for hiccups. When we arrived at one agriturismo, no one was there to greet us! We ended up hanging out for an hour on the outside patio and patting their canine and cats till somebody got here dwelling to allow us to in. At one other agriturismo, we had a plumbing challenge, which isn’t unusual within the Italian countryside.

Just be able to drift.

If you have got dietary restrictions, let the agriturismo know upfront. I like to recommend telling them proper if you ebook and reminding them once more shortly earlier than you arrive. Italians are comfortable to accommodate folks with meals allergy symptoms.

If your dietary restrictions are significantly difficult, you may need to e-mail them upfront to debate if they’ll work along with your wants.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll have a neater time in Puglia or Sicily, two areas which have in depth plant-based choices (although admittedly it’s a lot simpler to seek out vegetarian dishes than vegan dishes).

And know that Italians know learn how to cope with gluten-free eating. All kids in Italy are examined for celiac illness, so Italians are very aware of what it entails. One agriturismo in Umbria served my celiac pal Jodi a bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes topped within the pasta sauce!

Consider your baggage allowance and souvenirs. Agriturismi usually promote their very own native merchandise: digestivi, olive oil, sauces, wines, and different liquids. If you need to convey them dwelling, you’ll must pay for checked baggage for the flight dwelling.

Agriturismi I Recommend

I’ve listed a number of agriturismi I’ve stayed at on this put up, and I’d be comfortable to remain at any of them once more.

But listed here are some that I believe are further particular:

Agriturismo Sardo in Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia — You’ll need to name or e-mail them straight, and there’s a language barrier, however they may serve you the largest, most insane multi-course Sardinian feast you’ve ever had. I’m speaking THREE primi dishes and a roasted pig.

Agriturismo La Rocca delle Rose in Zafferana Etnea, Sicily — An exquisite family-run agriturismo within the shade of Mount Etna — an ideal location for exploring Eastern Sicily. Beautiful grounds, a pleasant pool, scrumptious meals, and a welcoming household who will provide help to really feel at dwelling.

Poggio delle Rose in Chianciano Terme, Tuscany — Wonderful workers, incredible meals, a view you’ll always remember, and a very good location for visiting Southern Tuscany and even a little bit of Umbria if you happen to’d like, although not in a tourism-overwhelmed city.

Agriturismo Il Cucchiaio di Legno in Orta San Giulio, Piemonte — I’m together with this as a result of that is certainly one of my favourite eating places IN THE WORLD. However, their lodging leaves a bit to be desired and is correct subsequent to the practice tracks (super-loud). Definitely make a dinner reservation forward of time, get the well-priced tasting menu, and pattern the Barolo.

That stated, needless to say it’s good to discover the agriturismo that works finest for YOU. Your persona, your journey wants, the meals you’re trying ahead to consuming.

The excellent news is that there are such a lot of agriturismi throughout Italy, you gained’t have bother discovering the right one for you.

Planning a Trip to Italy:

Cool Places in Northern Italy:

Cool Places in Southern Italy:

Have you been to an agriturismo? What suggestions do you have got?