Appealing Agriturismo
Rural holidays are on the rise: Agriturismo preserves local tradition in beautiful farmhouses.
Time to get away – and out into the great outdoors. Agriturismo offers just that from Bolzano in the north to Palermo in the south. All across Italy you can find “holidays on the farm”, but you don’t need to worry about mucking out the stables – unless, of course, you want to get actively involved. The range of properties has everything from simple accommodation to luxurious houses with their own pool and extensive olive gardens.
Agriturismo, a portmanteau word made up of “agricoltura” and “turismo”, has been strictly regulated since 1985. Government subsidies were made available to enable families to continue managing their farms and preserving local traditions. Agriturismo thus gives a boost to rural areas, whose inhabitants are often forced to move away to towns and cities. The families offer their guests a personal welcome and supply their own home-made products, from honey and cheese to olive oil and wine. Agriturismo and Alberghi Diffusi (“Scattered Hospitality”) are more popular than ever. The list of properties is growing at an almost daily rate. In South Tyrol alone, the Roter Hahn (“Red Hen”) initiative run by the Farmer’s Association comprises around 1,600 family-run farms that offer a maximum of eight rooms or five holiday homes.
Who is Agriturismo aimed at?
• Agriturismo is for all nature lovers who want to experience Italy off the beaten track. Many holiday homes or apartments are relatively remote – and this is part of their charm, making them ideal for allergy sufferers, horse riders, hikers and those simply looking for a bit of time out. The freshness of summer makes itself felt in the slower pace of life and the beautiful scenery – including olive groves, vineyards and ocean views. The great outdoors is the venue for activity holidays for hikers and cyclists, who can also participate in the seasonal olive harvest. Plus there are always options for day trips to a lake, a spa or the seaside.
• Agriturismo is a meeting place for families and friends who want to come together in one place to enjoy the most beautiful weeks of the year. Some properties, such as various farms in the Maremma, offer stunning distant views while others are located near the coast or have their own pool. On the farms, children can pet sheep, goats and horses or even help look after them.
• Agriturismo is for fans of Italian cuisine – but with no obligation to spend any time in the kitchen. Many establishments offer half or full board and there is frequently an opportunity to try the many fresh, often organic products and meet the people behind the scenes who use them to create delicious meals: they may impart unbeatable family recipes and invite guests to join them in the cooking process if wished.
• Agriturismo offers something for any budget: relaxing by the pool and in the spa, just a slightly different kind of vacation but on a farm – and perhaps not too far away from a cultural highlight or picturesque scenery. Even the names themselves sound like perfect holiday destinations: the Riviera of Flowers, the Cinque Terre, the Bay of Poets.
More information: There are many providers but here are two websites that will give you an initial overview:
https://de.agriturismo.net
https://www.agriturismo.it
