If you really want to experience a true touch of Italian country life then booking into an agriturismo is a great idea. So what is agriturismo or ‘agritourism’? It can be roughly translated as ‘farm holiday’, although if that conjures up images of sleeping in a straw covered barn then think again – yes, some accommodation is simple with a rustic feel, but others offer a level of sophistication to rival any five-star hotel.
Is It a Farm?
Officially in Italy, in order to qualify as an agriturismo, the place must actually be an established farm or an agricultural business of some kind. There may not necessarily be livestock involved, they may produce grapes for wine or grow olives for olive oil, but there should be a direct agricultural connection. Agritourism businesses should offer guests locally-produced food and anything for sale in the farm shop should ideally be produced locally too, preferably by the farm itself.
However the original definition of a real farm offering board and lodging is quite flexibly applied. You may be offered anything from simply a room with (or without) meals to a complete farmhouse for rent. They usually offer guests extra curricular activities such as horse riding, ceramic making, painting, walking, mountain biking, wine tasting, or cookery courses
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An agriturismo vacation is the perfect way to experience another side of Italy. Obviously, staying in a city like Florence or Rome is exciting. But just imagine the alternative – for example staying at an agriturismo in Tuscany, where a leisurely stroll along a winding strada bianca (unmetalled road) could lead you to a tiny hillside hamlet or a local festa – where you can try food and wine supplied by the villagers for a few euros – with music and dancing usually included. And maybe this white road will take you to a local village market, where you can buy slices of fennel-stuffed pork, a kilo of fresh peaches and a bottle or two of local wine to enjoy later on the terrace of your farmhouse…
Many agriturismi owners will be delighted to advise you on how to make the best of your stay, suggesting out-of-the-way restaurants that you would never find on your own, or arranging a wine or even olive oil tasting. Yes, olive oil tasting does exist – you slurp the spicy fresh golden green oil from tiny, tiny cups or from the crease between finger and thumb!
Traditional Italy With a Twist
A search of our Italian holiday accommodation database will reveal a great selection of bed and breakfasts, country house hotels, self catering villas and apartments as well as traditional farms, many describing themselves as agriturismi. Read the descriptions carefully, as you might discover that a country hotel or a small B&B in a hamlet is exactly what you are looking for, rather then the full-on farm experience.
If you look at some of the country properties you will see that, although they maintain the character of the original farms, they also offer swimming pools, internet connection, Jacuzzis and all the other modern facilities that you may have thought you would have to forego. Equally, if you want to get away from all that, then there are rustic retreats where the only ‘Net’ is the one under the olive trees ready to catch the harvest.
Click here to visit the database now, with over 3000 properties available direct from the owners.
Buon viaggio!