What Does “Agriturismo” Really Mean?

• Caroline’s Toscana
• 24/09/2026

What Does “Agriturismo” Really Mean?

If you are planning a holiday in Italy, sooner or later you will come across the word Agriturismo.

But what does it actually mean?

For many international travellers, it may initially bring to mind a farmhouse or a traditional “farm stay” – and that is not entirely wrong. But an Agriturismo in Tuscany can be so much more.

It could be an old country house surrounded by olive trees.

A winery offering charming holiday apartments.

A small, family-run farm in the countryside.

Or a historic estate with a swimming pool and breathtaking views across the Tuscan landscape and that is exactly what makes the word so interesting.

What is an Agriturismo?

The word Agriturismo comes from the combination of agricoltura – agriculture – and turismo – tourism.

An Agriturismo is an agricultural business that also welcomes guests. In Tuscany, you can therefore find many different types of Agriturismi. Some produce olive oil, others wine, fruit or vegetables. Some have animals, while others do not. Many are family-run, with generations of the same family living and working on the property.

This means that you are often not simply staying in an anonymous holiday accommodation. Instead, you are welcomed by people who are personally connected to the property and who know the area, its traditions and its way of life.

Does an Agriturismo have to have animals?

No.

This is probably one of the biggest differences from the traditional idea of a farm stay. Of course, there are Agriturismi with horses, chickens, sheep and other animals. But an Agriturismo can just as easily be surrounded by olive groves or vineyards. Perhaps you will see the owner working among the olive trees in the morning, or discover the property's own olive oil on the breakfast table. Agriculture is an important part of life at an Agriturismo – but it does not necessarily have to be the main focus of your holiday.

What makes an Agriturismo special?

For many guests, it is precisely this combination of nature, tranquillity and personal hospitality that makes an Agriturismo so special. You stay in the countryside, perhaps with your own terrace or garden, while still being ideally placed to explore the many beautiful places nearby and often, it is the little everyday encounters that become part of the experience.

A conversation with your hosts over breakfast.

A recommendation for a wonderful local restaurant.

A tip about a small beach you might never have discovered on your own.

Or simply a friendly chat about the weather, the olive harvest or everyday life in Tuscany.

For me, this is a big part of the charm of staying at an Agriturismo.

An Agriturismo is more than just a holiday apartment!
Of course, an Agriturismo may offer beautiful holiday apartments. But there is much more behind the word.

A holiday apartment mainly describes the type of accommodation.

An Agriturismo also tells you something about the place, the agricultural activity and the way of life behind it – and that is exactly why every stay can be so different.

Some Agriturismi are small and wonderfully intimate. Others are part of larger wineries or historic country estates.

Some offer breakfast, while others have their own restaurant or produce their own local specialities.

Each one has its own character!

A little piece of Tuscany
Perhaps that is why there is no perfect English translation for the word Agriturismo.

“Farm stay” can feel too narrow.

“Holiday accommodation in the countryside” does not quite capture the whole idea.

An Agriturismo is much more than a place to stay: It is a combination of agriculture, hospitality and life in the countryside – and that is what makes this type of holiday so special.

Enjoying a morning coffee under an olive tree.

Spending the afternoon by the sea.

Having a glass of local wine on the terrace in the evening.

And in between, simply slowing down a little.

Perhaps that is the best way to explain what an Agriturismo really is: It is not just about spending a holiday somewhere in Tuscany. It is about experiencing a little piece of Tuscany for a few days.

Find your perfect Agriturismo in Tuscany:
In the Agriturismi section of our website, you will find many different examples – from small, family-run properties to beautiful country houses surrounded by the Tuscan countryside.

Perhaps your perfect Agriturismo is already waiting for you!

And if you are not sure which one is right for your holiday, we are always happy to help you find the Agriturismo in Tuscany that best matches your wishes and needs.

Because every holiday is different – and that is exactly why the place where you stay should be right for you.