L'articolo descrive un tipo di turismo in Italia conosciuto come "albergo diffuso. "Questi tipi di viaggi sono progettati per i turisti che desiderano un'esperienza italiana più autentica. Invece di prenotare hotel nelle città più famose, i turisti soggiornano in piccoli villaggi antichi e/o rurali. Invece di un hotel, si tratta di appartamenti sparsi per il paese. Diventa un'opportunità per i turisti di scoprire la vita diversa dei villaggi rispetto alle grandi città. L'agriturismo sta diventando sempre più popolare in Italia.
L'agriturismo offre l'opportunità di soggiornare in fattorie o vigneti invece che in hotel in città. Per chi desidera un'esperienza più religiosa, ci sono conventi che offrono stanze a basso costo. Ci sono anche pensioni che offrono ai turisti un'esperienza più personale rispetto agli hotel. L'Italia offre anche una varietà di campeggi per chi desidera un'esperienza all'aria aperta. Queste opzioni offrono un'esperienza più autentica. Si consiglia di prenotare con largo anticipo e conoscere la lingua, poiché si trovano in piccoli villaggi.
Italy is one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations – famous for its art, food, culture, and landscapes. While traditional hotels are abundant in cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, a growing number of travelers are opting for more immersive and unique accommodations. From countryside farm stays to mountain retreats and historic village homes, here are some of the most compelling alternatives to hotels in Italy – starting with a concept that’s uniquely Italian: the albergo diffuso.
The albergo diffuso (literally “diffused hotel”) is a hospitality concept born in Italy in the 1980s. It’s not one building but a network of rooms and apartments spread throughout a village, usually in historic or rural areas that are being revitalized.
What makes an albergo diffuso special is its integration into local life. You might stay in a centuries-old stone house with modern amenities, get your breakfast from a local café, and chat with residents while strolling cobbled streets. There’s usually a central reception and management team, but your room could be tucked into a building a few blocks away.
This experience is great for travelers who want authenticity, charm, and a deep cultural experience without sacrificing comfort. Check out the popular spots of: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo) or Albergo Diffuso Borgo Gallodoro near Taormina (Sicily).
Agriturismo is another Italian specialty: staying on a working farm or vineyard. Guests enjoy peaceful rural settings, fresh home-cooked meals (often with ingredients grown on site), and sometimes even get involved in farm activities like olive picking or wine tasting.
Accommodations can range from rustic cottages to stylish countryside villas. Many agriturismi are family-run and offer incredible hospitality. Agriturismo locations are great for food lovers, families, and those looking to unplug in nature. We recommend the popular regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia, and Sicily for this adventure!
Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and local Italian services offer vacation apartments that let you live like a local. Whether it’s a studio with a view of the Colosseum or a seaside villa in the Amalfi Coast, this option provides flexibility and a “home away from home” vibe.
These hotel alternatives are great for longer stays, groups or families, and budget-conscious travelers. Helpful tip: Look for “case vacanze” listings on Italian websites for local prices and hidden gems.
If you’re looking for peace, simplicity, and maybe a bit of spiritual connection, Italy’s monasteries and convents open their doors to travelers. Often centrally located in cities or tucked into quiet countrysides, these stays are usually clean, safe, and affordable – though you’ll typically forgo TV or luxury touches.
Some are open to anyone, while others may cater to pilgrims or have religious guidelines. All are perfect for solo travelers, spiritual seekers, and budget-conscious visitors. As an example, Suore di Santa Elisabetta in Florence offers basic yet serene lodging just steps from major attractions.
Italy’s bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) often outshine their counterparts in other countries. Many are run by locals eager to share recommendations and a home-cooked breakfast, offering a more personal touch than a hotel.
Guesthouses in renovated palazzi (palaces) or historic townhomes are common in cities and charming villages alike and are great for couples, first-time visitors, and travelers looking for a balance between comfort and local flavor.
For the outdoorsy types, Italy offers countless campgrounds and "glamping" (glamorous camping) options. From lakeside pitches in the Dolomites to luxury safari tents in Tuscany, you can enjoy nature without totally roughing it. Families, hikers, and nature lovers –
this is for you! Check out Canonici di San Marco near Venice which offers upscale tents in a countryside setting.
Planning Tip: Many of these alternative stays are more intimate and limited in availability so book early, especially in peak travel seasons (May–September). And don’t be afraid to brush up on a bit of Italian – it goes a long way in these more local settings.
Hotels will always have their place, but for travelers looking to dive deeper into the heart of Italy, these alternative accommodations offer unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s sleeping under wooden beams in a mountain village or sipping Chianti on a farm terrace, Italy rewards those who wander off the beaten path.
