Holidays in Farm with Animals

Farm holidays with farm animals in Italy: species, rural life, and how to choose.

choosing the best villas, B&Bs and Agritourism for your holidays in the countryside, since 1998

Info and Description

Farm holidays with farm animals are licensed agricultural businesses that keep livestock as an integral part of the rural environment, without necessarily offering educational activities or guided tours . Law no. 96 of 20 February 2006, in fact, includes livestock farming among the agricultural activities to which agritourism hospitality must remain linked.

(Sources: Law 96/2006 )

In short

Farm holidays with farm animals in Italy are characterised by:

stable presence of farm animals (horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, cattle) as part of the rural context
free and informal contact with animals, without structured educational paths
authentic setting, often in family-run businesses
opportunity to observe life in the stables and the daily activities of the farm

Costs and seasonality:

Average overnight stay: between €60 and €150 per room per night
peak season: spring and summer, with a peak between Easter and August

Explanation

The role of animals in Italian agritourism

Agritourism is the result of a relationship between hospitality and agricultural activity, which may also include livestock farming. Among the animals you may encounter are cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and farmyard animals such as chickens, ducks, and rabbits. The species present depend on the individual farm, and their presence does not necessarily imply the possibility of interacting with them or participating in organized activities. In 2020, the Agricultural Census recorded 213,984 farms with livestock , equal to 18.9% of the Italian total.

(Sources: ISTAT, 7th General Census of Agriculture )

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offerings of farm holidays with farm animals in Italy:

14.6% of the total facilities have farm animals
27% of agritourisms are certified educational farms
1 out of 2 properties has a riding stable available to guests
55% of the facilities have a play area for children's recreation

(Sources: elaborations on Agriturismo.net data )

Practical part

How to choose a farm with farm animals

Check which animals are present: ask for the list of species (horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, cattle) before booking, so as not to have wrong expectations.
Ask if contact is free or regulated: some companies allow free access to the enclosures, others limit it for safety or animal welfare reasons.
Check if educational activities are planned: if you are looking for guided tours, workshops or activities designed for children, consider a farmhouse with an educational farm instead.
Learn about animal welfare: ask how spaces, food, and veterinary care are managed.
Consider horseback riding: not all facilities with animals also offer riding stables or horseback riding.
Check the seasonality of births: spring is often the time when lambs, kids and chicks are born
Consider the other agricultural activities of the structure: many of these companies combine cultivation, tastings or direct sales of products
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 farm with farm animals?

It's a licensed farm that keeps livestock as part of the rural environment. Unlike a petting zoo, it doesn't necessarily offer organized educational activities: contact with the animals is simply part of the experience.

Which animals are most commonly found on these farms?

The most common species are horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and cattle, often accompanied by other farmyard animals such as geese, ducks, or pigs, depending on the farm's agricultural activity.

Do you have to participate in an organized activity to see the animals?

No. On a farm with farm animals, contact is generally free and informal: the animals live on the farm's grounds, and guests can observe or interact with them without a structured itinerary, unlike what happens on an educational farm.

What's the difference between a farm with animals, an educational farm, and a farm with animals for children?

Farm holidays with farm animals are the most generic category: the animals are part of the environment, with no organized activities. Educational farms, on the other hand, offer structured educational programs, often designed for schools or families. A farm holiday with animals for children focuses on an experience specifically designed for younger children, which may or may not include an educational component.

Is it possible to go horseback riding at these farmhouses?

Only in some cases. Horseback riding is a service distinct from the mere presence of animals: in 2024, between 11% and 14% of agritourism businesses with complementary services will be authorized to offer this activity, a 9% increase compared to 2023.

(Sources: ISTAT )

How much does a stay at a farm with farm animals cost?

The cost doesn't depend on the presence of pets themselves, which is generally not a separate paid service, but rather on the overnight stay. On average, it ranges from €60 to €150 per room per night, varying depending on the season, amenities, and region.

When is the best time to visit a farm with farm animals?

The peak season is from spring to summer, peaking between Easter and August. Spring is also the time when many young animals (lambs, kids, and chicks) are born, making a stay particularly interesting for those who want to observe farm life.

Is it possible to feed the animals?

In many cases, yes, but this isn't a general rule: it depends on the individual facility's policies regarding animal safety and welfare. It's advisable to check directly with the facility before booking.

Are these farmhouses also suitable for those traveling without children?

Yes. Unlike educational farms, which are primarily designed for families, agritourism with farm animals is aimed at anyone seeking authentic contact with rural life, including couples or groups of adults.

Sources

Law 20 February 2006 n. 96

7th General Agricultural Census - ISTAT

What would a farm vacation be without farm animals ? Many city children have never seen a cow, lamb, pig, sheep, or pony except on television or in books. A farm vacation with animals will be an opportunity for your children to learn about and see typical rural animals up close, allowing them to connect with nature, understand the environment, and learn to respect it.

Family Holidays on a Farm with Animals

In recent years, many farms have decided to open up to the world of tourism, offering their guests rooms or apartments, perfectly suited to a holiday filled with experiences strongly tied to the rural context , including farm animals, production and harvesting activities, and typical products . Farm holidays with animals are a great way to relax surrounded by nature and to learn or rediscover a world often forgotten by adults and unknown to children. Precisely for this reason , farms with animals are an excellent destination for family holidays with children , an unusual and fun experience for adults and children alike, who certainly won't get bored of being in contact with animals. Here, they can discover farm life and its activities, the animals' habits and the rhythms of nature, learn to recognize plants and savor the authentic flavors of local produce, thus discovering the beauty of simplicity.

Check out our selection of farms with animals for your next family vacation in the green Italian countryside. You can choose from farms with animals in Tuscany or Umbria , or in southern Italy, in Campania , Puglia , or Sicily.