Immersed in nature, the independently-owned Italian farms known as ‘agriturismos’ provide idyllic getaways from the urban grind – and in Tuscany they’re surrounded by plenty of culture, too.
Marrucheti 82 (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Characterised by smooth slopes and multi-coloured fields, the Tuscan countryside is matched for beauty by its surrounding towns that are steeped in artistic heritage – and the best way to experience both is through Agriturismos. The region is scattered with traditional farmhouses that provide everything you need for a tranquil nature retreat. Here, the rural lifestyle can be enjoyed through anything from woodland walks to olive picking to discovering the local cuisine. Here are 12 of the best agriturismo in Tuscany.
Marrucheti 82
A family business dedicated to organic farming, Marrucheti 82 offers a handful of accommodation options for intimate and cosy stays in the south of Tuscany. Three of its apartments are located in a converted warehouse, and those looking for a more secluded choice can opt for the self-contained suite. A room with independent access is also available. The farm produces its own vegetables, honey and extra-virgin olive oil, and hosts regular wine and food tastings. An infinity pool comes with a view over the valley to the south, while nearby attractions include the Roselle Archaeological Area and Maremma Natural Park. From €90 per night.
Azienda Agricola della Mezzaluna
Azienda Agricola della Mezzaluna (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Agriturismo Della Mezzaluna takes nature retreats to the next level by accommodating guests in renovated vintage caravans, encircled by an olive tree grove. Two Hungarian caravans from the early 1900s provide an intimate and elegant setting for two guests, while a more spacious option is available for up to four. The farm is populated by donkeys, courtyard animals, fruit trees, gardens, woodland and vineyards, ensuring that fresh produce is readily available. Olive oil, wine and jams are also homemade here. A saltwater pool and a veranda equipped for cooking make up the main communal areas. From €122 per night.
Nocini di Maremma
Nocini di Maremma (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Nocini di Maremma is a restored medieval hamlet which was once part of the feud of Tatti, a nearby village. Its centrepiece is an ancient oven, dating back over a hundred years and still used to make pizza, flatbread and the like. No less fascinating, the surrounding landscape provides views over the Alta Maremma region, spanning all the way from the hills to the sea. The coast is less than 40km away, while nearby attractions include medieval landmarks such as Massa Marittima, Montemassi and the San Galgano Abbey. The agriturismo offers three double rooms and a twin. From €95 per night.
Il Casolare di Bucciano
Il Casolare di Bucciano (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Blessed with a prime hilltop setting, this 16th-century farmstead overlooks San Gimignano and the surrounding slopes. Period furniture, traditional cotto tiles and wooden-beam ceilings define the ambience, with some of the rooms enjoying a private garden and independent access. A panoramic swimming pool is available, while the spacious junior suite comes complete with a living area and a fireplace. The restaurant serves a seasonal selection of Tuscan classics, to be enjoyed alongside wines and cold cuts made in-house. From €94 per night.
Agriturismo Sardi Giustiniani
Agriturismo Sardi Giustiniani (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Part of a long-established family business, Fattoria Sardi is run by a young couple producing wine through organic grapes and sustainable methods. Unusually for Tuscany, the core of the production is rosé wines, which enjoy the favourable influence of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Reds and whites are also produced here, and the whole range can be discovered while visiting the cellar. The agriturismo offers seven apartments sleeping up to six people, located next to a swimming pool and surrounded by woods, olive trees, meadows and farmland. Agriturismo Sardi Giustiniani is 5km away from Lucca and 40km from the nearest beach. From €107 per night.
Fattoria di Maiano
Fattoria di Maiano (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Fattoria di Maiano boasts several rooms and apartments that harmoniously combine contemporary comforts with classic Italian countryside design hallmarks. Other notable features include an English-style botanic garden nestled within an educational farm, a tea house, an ancient tower that’s been converted into a luxury suite, and a Romantic park dating back to the end of the 19th century. A barbecue, a swimming pool, and an oil mill open to visitors are some of the nearby amenities and activities. There’s also an on-site restaurant, Lo Spaccio, where guests can sample the farm’s own produce. From €251 per night.
Il Poderaccio
Il Poderaccio (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Agriturismo Il Poderaccio is housed in an eco-friendly farmstead surrounded by the olive trees and farmland of the Scandicci hill. It offers four apartments with views over Florence (located just 10km away), as well as a smaller 25-square-metre studio looking out over the mountain. All accommodations come equipped with a kitchen area, while some provide direct access to the farmstead’s large terrace. A barbecue, wood oven and swimming pool (from June to October) are among the amenities provided. The farm produces a range of organic products such as extra virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables, eggs and jams. From €110 per night.
Agriturismo Bagnolo
Agriturismo Bagnolo (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
This family-run farm stretches over 500 acres of land where sheep, pigs and courtyard animals are kept. Guests can visit the farm and even participate in daily duties, such as the making of the flagship local cheese, pecorino di Pienza. Other cheeses, plus salumi and olive oil, are also produced in-house – the latter best enjoyed in Autumn just after the olive harvest. Three apartments and two rooms are available, and stays of a week or more include a guided tour of the cheese-making facilities and processes. Only 5km away, the small town of Pienza is a Renaissance idyll positively oozing architectural harmony. From €76 per night.
Il Lavandeto
Il Lavandeto (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Situated just south of Siena, Il Lavandeto is a recently-renovated agriturismo taking its name from the lavender fields it is home to. Olive trees and barnyard animals also form part of the farm, as well as a verdant garden complete with barbecue and gazebo. All rooms boast modern furnishings and design features, adding more comfort to the rustic pleasures of the countryside. Two kilometres north is the historic centre of Siena, and a bus stop is conveniently located near the agriturismo. From €101 per night.
Fattoria di Poggiopiano
Fattoria di Poggiopiano (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Committed to sustainable tourism focused on food and wine, Fattoria di Poggiopiano produces organic olive oil and wine which can be sampled through guided tasting sessions. Fully renovated, this period farmhouse still shows some of its original features and rustic style, offering a range of apartments as well as private rooms. A variety of activities can be booked at reception, including rafting, yoga, mountain biking and excursions to Florence, while a barbecue and a panoramic swimming pool are also available on-site. From €85 per night.
Agriturismo Il Pozzo
Agriturismo Il Pozzo (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Agriturismo Il Pozzo offers a family-friendly retreat only 12km from Arezzo. It boasts a regular swimming pool and a smaller one for children, as well as a barbecue area, a restaurant and a playground. Its nine apartments are fitted with modern comforts and decorated in keeping with the local rustic style. Tuscan cooking classes are available both for adults and kids, while Autumn is the time for tasting the new-season olive oil straight from the press. From €82 per night.
Podere Sottogello
Podere Sottogello (Photo: courtesy of Booking.com)
Located in the heart of Tuscany, this agriturismo is an excellent option for those seeking to combine a farm stay with a visit to the region’s main attractions. The farmhouse comprises four apartments fitted with independent kitchens, and the communal facilities include a swimming pool, garden, ping pong table and barbecue area. Hiking and horse riding are among the activities available. From €100 per night.