Glamping in a Farmhouse

Info and Description

Glamping (from the English "glamorous camping") is a form of outdoor accommodation that combines the direct contact with nature typical of camping with the comfort standards of a hotel, through accommodations such as furnished tents, lodge tents, bubble rooms, yurts, or tree houses. In the agritourism sector, campsites are considered open-air accommodation areas managed by agricultural entrepreneurs pursuant to Law No. 96 of February 20, 2006, while the specific rules on glamping structures and equipment are delegated to regional regulations. In Italy, there are approximately 300 glamping facilities, almost a third of which are in Tuscany , and it is a recent phenomenon: almost half were established since 2018 .

(Sources: Law 96/2006; Tourism Code, art. 13; Tourism Responses )

In short

Glamping farms in Italy are characterized by:

• Immersive nature-filled accommodations with hotel-like comforts (equipped tents, lodge tents, bubble rooms, tree houses, yurts)
• often included as an additional formula within traditional campsites or farmhouses, in addition to "only glamping" structures
• breakfast is almost always included in the price of the overnight stay
• predominantly couples staying, but also increasing among families

Costs and seasonality:

• Overnight stay for two people: on average around €150 per night, with a range from €30 to €390
• Peak season: July and August, with higher prices on weekends

Explanation

The glamping phenomenon in Italy

According to the Risposte Turismo mapping, there are approximately 294 glamping facilities in Italy, of which 95 are "only glamping" (dedicated exclusively to this formula) and the remainder are located within traditional campsites or farmhouses as additional accommodation. Tuscany is the region with the most facilities (77), followed by Piedmont (30) and Veneto (27); in terms of bed spaces, the national total mapped is approximately 10,000 units. The sector is growing at an estimated rate of 10% per year, a trend further accelerated by the post-pandemic period. The tent remains the most popular type of accommodation (53.6% of cases) , followed by lodge tents (15.6%) and tree houses (8.1%).

(Sources: Tourism Responses – The glamping phenomenon in Italy; ISTAT )

Who chooses glamping: profile and demand behavior

The glamping audience is relatively young: 44.7% of customers are between 25 and 40 years old , and staying as a couple is the most popular choice (51%), followed by family stays (39.1%). In terms of spending, 34.9% of customers say they spend between €51 and €100 per night, 27.1% between €101 and €150, and 12.5% over €200. The average stay is short but heterogeneous: 32.3% stay just one night, while a significant 25.5% stay more than four nights, thanks to the fact that many facilities require a minimum stay of 2-7 nights in high season. The main reasons for choosing glamping are the desire to be in touch with nature (49.7%) and the desire for an alternative holiday without giving up the comforts of traditional facilities (43%) .

(Sources: Tourism Answers – The glamping phenomenon in Italy )

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offer of agritourism with glamping in Italy:

• 19.2% of the facilities offer comfort and wellness services
• 1 out of 2 properties is located in Tuscany
• 33% of farmhouses organize food and wine tours

Practical part

How to choose a glamping farm

1. Check the type of accommodation: tent, bubble, lodge tent or tree house offer different levels of comfort, privacy and thermal insulation
2. Check the included services: private bathroom, electricity, heating or air conditioning and breakfast are not always guaranteed in all properties.
3. Ask about the minimum number of nights: many properties require a minimum number of nights, especially in high season.
4. Evaluate the seasonality of the facility: some glamping sites are active only in the warm months, others are equipped for the winter
5. Check if it is suitable for families or pets: some properties do not accept small children or pets for safety or layout reasons.
6. Find out about the activities included: excursions, tastings or yoga classes can be included in the price or offered as extras
7. Distinguish between "only glamping" and glamping within a larger structure: the level of exclusivity and, generally, the price also change.
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 glamping?

It is a form of open-air accommodation that combines the contact with nature of traditional camping with hotel-like comfort standards, through accommodations such as equipped tents, bubble rooms, lodges, or tree houses.

How much does a night in glamping cost?

The average cost for two people is around €150 per night, with a range from €30 to €390 depending on the type of accommodation and the level of exclusivity of the property.

(Sources: Tourism Responses )

When is the best time for glamping?

The peak season is from June to August, with the highest prices on weekends and in the central summer months. Some properties also offer stays in autumn or winter, but not all are equipped for low temperatures.

What's the difference between camping and glamping?

Traditional camping requires your own equipment (tent, caravan, or camper), while glamping offers pre-set accommodation, with amenities and services that in most cases replicate those of a hotel room.

Is glamping suitable for families with children?

Not always. Some facilities, especially "glamping only" ones geared toward couples relaxing, do not accept families with small children, partly for safety reasons related to the type of accommodation (e.g., tents on the water or tree houses).

Can you glamp all year round?

It depends on the facility: most concentrate their offerings in the summer months, but a growing number of glamping sites offer insulated and heated accommodations, designed for use even in the colder months.

How many glamping sites are there in Italy?

The registered structures are approximately 294, of which 95 are dedicated exclusively to glamping ("only glamping") and the remainder are located in traditional campsites or farmhouses. Tuscany is the region with the most structures (77).

(Sources: Tourism Responses )

What is included in the glamping price?

In most cases, the price includes accommodation and breakfast. Additional activities such as guided hikes, tastings, or yoga classes may be included, offered in partnership with other companies or for a separate fee.

(Sources: Tourism Responses )

Can you bring your dog to a glamping site?

Not always: many properties, especially those offering accommodations like bubble rooms or tree houses, do not allow pets due to space or safety restrictions. It's advisable to check directly with the property before booking.

How long does a glamping stay last on average?

The length of stay is heterogeneous: approximately a third of customers stay only one night, but a quarter choose stays longer than four nights, due to the fact that many properties impose a minimum number of bookable nights in high season.

(Sources: Tourism Responses )

Sources

Law 20 February 2006 n. 96

Article 13 of the Tourism Code - Outdoor accommodation facilities

Agritourism businesses in Italy 2024 - ISTAT

The Glamping Phenomenon in Italy - Tourism Answers (2022)

Glamping , or glamorous camping , was coined in England in 2005, but as a form of travel, it has been found in France since the 16th century, and in the 1920s, it was used by wealthy Englishmen and Americans during safaris in Africa. It is a luxury camping experience for the most discerning nature lovers who want to stay in a natural setting without giving up the comforts of a home. A new type of green tourism that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, including in Italy, is effectively an eco-sustainable vacation because the facilities have zero environmental impact .

Glamping: Camping Like a Hotel

The prices are obviously not those of a standard campsite, because in addition to sophisticated accommodations that are more spacious and comfortable than the typical Canadian one—such as elegant tents, retro-style caravans, tree houses, yurts, and teepees—glamping offers mattresses, pillows, linens, elegant furniture, electricity, and sometimes even a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower or whirlpool, and, for the more discerning, a wellness center. These amenities could convert even those who have never wanted to camp due to the lack of comfort.

If you'd like to try the glamping experience, browse our agritourisms that offer this type of stay!