Farm Holidays in Italy: An Eco-Friendly Getaway in Touch with Nature

Info and Description

An agritourism holiday is a tourist stay on a licensed farm, combining rural hospitality, cuisine using local products, and direct contact with the farm's agricultural activities. The activity is regulated by Law No. 96 of February 20, 2006, and in 2024, there were 26,360 licensed agritourism businesses in Italy , a 0.9% increase compared to 2023.

(Sources: Law 96/2006, ISTAT)

In short

Farm holidays in Italy are characterised by:

• stay on a farm, with accommodation, catering or both
• direct contact with agricultural activities and rural life
• use of company or local products in the kitchen
• possibility of complementary activities (educational farm, hiking, sports, courses)

Costs and seasonality:

• Average price for a double room: between €70 and €120 per night (industry estimate)
• Average length of stay: 3.6 nights
• Peak season: summer, with peaks during holiday weekends (Easter, May 1st, August 15th, Christmas)

Explanation

The agritourism market in Italy

In 2024, there were 4.7 million agritourism establishments in Italy, a 4.3% increase year-over-year, accounting for 17.1 million overnight stays ( 3.2%), with an average stay of 3.6 nights. The clientele is increasingly international: foreigners represent 54.8% of arrivals , with peaks of over 60% in the Northeast, while 72% of guests choose agritourism establishments in Central and Northeast Italy, with Tuscany (28.1% of arrivals) and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (17%) leading the way in terms of national appeal.

(Sources: ISTAT)

Territorial diffusion and offer of services

The North remains the area with the largest number of facilities (11,504 businesses, equal to 43.5% of the total), followed by Central Italy (9,626, 36.5%) and Southern Italy (5,230, 19.8%), although the South is leading the growth, with an increase of 2.5% and a peak of 6.1% in the Islands . At the regional level, Tuscany (22.2%) and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (13%) are followed by Lombardy (6.5%), Veneto (6.4%), Piedmont (5.6%), Umbria (5.1%) and Lazio (5.0%). Nearly two-thirds of Italian municipalities (63.7%) host at least one agritourism business, for a coverage of 79.5% of the national territory . In terms of services, 50.3% of companies offer at least one complementary service (educational farms, hiking, sports activities, courses, nature observation), with significant increases compared to 2023, especially for educational farms ( 12.2%) and horse riding ( 9%).

(Sources: ISTAT)

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offer of agritourism in Italy:

• 74% of the facilities have a swimming pool available to guests
• 9 out of 10 farmhouses offer a Wi-Fi connection
• 35% of farmhouses offer catering services
• 62% of facilities accept pets
• 1 property 2 is located in Tuscany

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

Practical part

How to choose a farmhouse for your vacation

1. Check the type of hospitality : room, independent apartment or agri-campsite offer different experiences and levels of privacy
2. Check the included services : breakfast, half board or full board have a significant impact on the final price
3. Evaluate the location : distance from residential areas, sea or mountains, and road connections
4. Ask which products are farm-grown : not all agritourisms grow or raise what they bring to the table.
5. Find out about the available activities : educational farm, excursions, courses or sports vary greatly from structure to structure
6. Consider seasonality : prices and availability vary significantly between high and low season
7. Check if pets are allowed : not all properties accept guests with pets.
8. Ask the owner : Have any questions? Before booking, contact the property directly with your request, no obligation, using the "Ask the owner" button on the page.

FAQ

What is a farmhouse?

It is a farm authorized to offer hospitality, catering, or both, regulated by Law 96/2006. The agritourism activity must remain connected and complementary to the farm's agricultural activities.

How much does a farm holiday cost?

Industry estimates indicate an average price between €70 and €120 per night for a double room, depending on the region, season, and amenities. There are no official surveys on average national prices.

How many farmhouses are there in Italy?

In 2024, there will be 26,360 authorized agritourism businesses, an increase of 0.9% compared to 2023.

(Sources: ISTAT)

Which regions have the most agritourism?

Tuscany (22.2% of the national total) and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (13%) lead the ranking, followed by Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Umbria and Lazio.

(Sources: ISTAT)

When is the best time to go on a farm?

The peak season is summer, with strong peaks during the holiday weekends: during Christmas 2025, over two million people chose agritourism ( 5% on the previous year), while the May 1st weekend recorded 800,000 visitors.

(Sources: Coldiretti/Terranostra Campagna Amica)

How long does a farm stay last on average?

The national average stay is 3.6 nights. During the Christmas period, the average stay drops slightly, to around three nights.

(Sources: ISTAT; Coldiretti)

Are farmhouses also popular with foreign tourists?

Yes: in 2024, foreigners will represent 54.8% of arrivals at agritourism, with peaks of over 60% in the Northeast.

(Sources: ISTAT)

What does a farmhouse typically include?

Most of the facilities offer accommodation; many also offer catering and at least one complementary service (educational farm, hiking, courses, sports activities), which is available in 50.3% of the businesses.

(Sources: ISTAT)

Are farmhouses suitable for those traveling with children?

Many facilities offer dedicated activities: educational farms, in particular, are the complementary service that grew the most in 2024 ( 12.2% compared to 2023).

(Sources: ISTAT)

Sources

Agritourism businesses in Italy, 2024 - ISTAT

Law 20 February 2006 n. 96

Agritourism and Multifunctionality Report 2024 - ISMEA

Christmas: Over 2 Million on Agritourism - Coldiretti

If you dream of leaving behind the chaos of the city, the smog, and the fast food for your long-awaited vacation, why not choose a beautiful farm holiday ? You'll be pleasantly surprised by the authenticity of country life, made up of hard work but also of great satisfaction and wholesome, genuine emotions.

Treat yourself to the incredible pleasure of enjoying artisanal olive oil on a slice of fresh or toasted bread, sipping a glass of fine wine from the estate's vineyards, drinking fresh milk, or tantalizing your taste buds with the deliciousness of cheeses, homemade jams, and fresh garden vegetables. And why not, don an apron and get hands-on, learning delicious traditional recipes with cooking classes on the farm , or indulge in a wine tasting session on the farm , sampling truffles , and other farm products.

If you don't want to stop at fine dining and a food and wine holiday on a farm and would like to go further, experiencing the true agritourism experience even more, you could search among our agritourisms with harvesting activities : the thrill of taking part in the grape harvest, sharing the toil and fruits of those who have made it a lifelong profession and passion, will be a wonderful souvenir to take home at the end of your holiday! But the activities you could participate in during your stay on a farm are not limited: a beautiful horseback ride through the woods around the farm's riding stables , a day of trekking to discover typical villages and ancient churches scattered throughout the green countryside, truffle hunting sessions in the thick of the woods, in search of the so-called "king of the table", recycling, decoupage and flower arranging courses... be creative!

You might also be tempted by a bioeducational class to learn and understand the cultivation methods and production processes that will ultimately bring a thousand wholesome delicacies to your table to enjoy without regret. If you also love various animal species, why not look for a beautiful educational farm where you can spend your holidays with your little ones?

Armed with enthusiasm and a desire to try new experiences, true farm life awaits you!