Eco-friendly farmhouse holidays in Italy

Info and Description

Eco-friendly agritourism in Italy: data, certifications, and how to choose

An eco-sustainable agritourism business is a farm that integrates rural hospitality with practices that reduce environmental impact: use of renewable energy, responsible water management, organic or biodynamic farming, reduction of food waste, and enhancement of local biodiversity.

Eco-sustainable farmhouses in Italy are characterised by:

• certified use of renewable energy
• certified organic or biodynamic agricultural production
• documented management of water resources
• menu with company products or certified short supply chain products

Costs and seasonality:

• Overnight stay with breakfast: on average between €80 and €180 per person
• peak season: Spring and Autumn

Organic in Italian farmhouses:

According to Coldiretti's calculations based on ISTAT data (7th General Census of Agriculture, 2019-2020), 6,542 Italian agritourism businesses have adopted organic practices, equal to 26.6% of the total. The propensity for organic practices among agritourism businesses is more than three times higher than among farms without tourism: in 2020, only 7.4% of farms overall had adopted organic practices. In terms of surface area, 32.3% of the land used by agritourism businesses is managed organically, double the national average of 15.7% recorded in the same year. This figure has already led Italian agritourism to exceed the 25% organic surface area target set by the European Farm to Fork strategy for 2030 in 2020. On the demand side, 56% of Italians say they inquire about a facility's environmental awareness before choosing it, and 37% always prefer a place to eat if the menu includes organic products.

(Sources: Coldiretti elaborations on ISTAT data )

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offer of eco-sustainable farm holidays:

• 1 in 2 eco-sustainable farmhouses offers catering services
• 28.8% of eco-sustainable farmhouses have a farm with animals
• 44.2% of eco-sustainable facilities organize food and wine experiences

(Sources: elaborations on Agriturismo.net data )

How to choose an eco-friendly farmhouse in Italy

1. Check the origin of the products on the table: ask if the establishment has its own certified production or indicate local suppliers
2. Check for certifications issued by third-party bodies: certifications such as EU Ecolabel, EMAS, Legambiente Turismo and Bio Agriturismo have verifiable audit procedures.
3. Ask for information on energy: the presence of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems or connection to renewable energy networks is verifiable
4. Check the availability of low-emission transport: some facilities offer agreements with bicycle or electric car rental services, or can be reached by public transport.
5. Consider seasonality: spring and autumn correspond to the most active phases of the agricultural cycle
6. Contact us: Have questions? Before booking, write to us or contact the property directly. We'll help you find the right solution for you.

FAQ

What is an eco-sustainable farm?
It is an agritourism company that adopts documented practices to reduce its environmental impact and certifies them through labels recognized by third-party organizations, such as the EU Ecolabel, EMAS, and Legambiente Turismo.

How do you recognize a truly sustainable farm?
The most reliable way to verify certifications is through independent audits. The EU Ecolabel, EMAS, and Legambiente Turismo require periodic checks and publicly available criteria. "Green" or "eco" self-declarations have no defined minimum standards or external auditing.

How much does it cost to stay at an eco-friendly farm?
An overnight stay with breakfast averages between €80 and €180 per person per night, with variations depending on the region and time of year.

When is the best time to visit an eco-friendly farm?

It depends on the experience you're looking for. Spring is the season for planting and fresh fruit and vegetables; autumn coincides with the grape harvest and olive pressing. Winter offers greater availability and lower prices.

Do eco-friendly farms also offer catering using their own products?
51% of eco-sustainable agritourism businesses also offer catering. In establishments with certified organic production, the menu tends to use farm-grown products or certified local suppliers.

(Sources: elaborations on Agriturismo.net data)

How many farms are there with certified organic production?
6,542 Italian agritourism businesses have adopted organic methods, equal to 26.6% of the total. The propensity for organic practices among agritourism businesses is more than three times higher than among farms without tourism.

(Sources: Coldiretti elaborations on ISTAT data )

Are eco-friendly farm stays suitable for families?
In many cases, yes. Facilities with vegetable gardens, animals, and agricultural activities offer experiences suitable for children. It's helpful to check the recommended age range and the structure of the activities offered in advance.

Are there incentives for facilities that invest in sustainability?
Yes. Mission 2 of the PNRR includes measures for energy efficiency and ecological transition in agricultural businesses. At the regional level, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Trentino-Alto Adige have launched specific calls for proposals for agritourism businesses investing in renewable energy or environmental certifications.

(Sources: Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security )

Are organic farms always eco-sustainable?

Organic certification is an important indicator, but it does not cover all aspects (energy, waste, water management).

Which regions have the most organic farms?

Farm holidays with at least one organic production are more present in the Southern regions, where Calabria (49.1%), Sicily (45.9%) and Puglia (37.9%) stand out with values above the national average.

(Sources: Coldiretti elaborations on ISTAT data )

Sources

Agritourism businesses in Italy 2024 - ISTAT

In Italy, over a quarter of agritourism businesses are organic - Coldiretti

XIV Report: Italians, Sustainable Tourism, and Ecotourism - Univerde Foundation

PNRR (M2): Green Revolution and Ecological Transition - MESA

“I think that having the land and not ruining it is the most beautiful form of art one could wish for” A. Warhol

Whatever your idea of a vacation—whether you're a lover of fine dining , adventure , or relaxation —a stay on an agriturismo will always offer you an unforgettable experience, where tradition, nature, and sustainability blend to create authentic moments. Italian agriturismos offer a unique opportunity to discover the country in an alternative way, respecting the environment and showcasing local resources.

Many Italian agritourisms use fresh, organic produce grown directly on site. Here, you can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine : from homemade pastas to artisanal cheeses, and even locally sourced delicacies. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in guided tastings and food and wine tours to discover the secrets of local wines.

But an Italian farmhouse vacation goes far beyond food. If you're a nature and adventure lover, you'll have endless opportunities to explore the Italian landscape along scenic trails through vineyards, forests, and hills. You can choose from hiking , more challenging trekking itineraries , or relaxing horseback rides . For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, many farmhouses offer their own bicycles or those from nearby rental bikes, ideal for excursions of all levels .

And for those seeking absolute relaxation, many agriturismos offer wellness areas surrounded by greenery , where you can rejuvenate with natural treatments, outdoor yoga sessions , or simply enjoy the silence of the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. A stay on an agriturismo in Italy is more than just a vacation, but a journey to discover the culture, history, and authenticity of the Bel Paese.