6 agritourism destinations for your next sustainable getaway

Fancy a fresh experience that’s authentic and brings you closer to nature? An agritourism holiday may be just what you need. What is agrotourism, you ask? The term essentially means to visit working farms or agricultural operations for enjoyment, education or active involvement. It’s also referred to as agriturismo, a mesh of the Italian words agricoltura (agriculture) and turismo (tourism).

Participating in agritourism can have a lasting impact on the environment, the farmers and their communities by supplementing their income, supporting rural communities and encouraging the development or maintenance of ecologically sound practices. If you’re looking for agritourism destinations that’ll offer memorable experiences and ensure your tourist dollars make a difference, consider these countries for your next getaway.

Japan

The Wakayama Prefecture is the birthplace of many products integral to Japan’s rich culinary heritage. From shoyu (soy sauce) to umeboshi (salty plum pickles), many of the most important condiments in Japanese cuisine have been produced here for over seven centuries. Many of the towns that dot the stunning rural landscape are home to one-of-a-kind agritourism experiences.

You’ll find traditional noka minpaku scattered throughout Wakayama – these small farms open their doors to guests, allowing you to participate in seasonal rice planting and harvesting, fruit-picking and herb garden-harvesting to make teas and aromatherapy products. These farms are mostly found within small traditional villages, so you can live life like a local. Hosts usually only have space for one group of guests at a time; you’ll need to book in advance for a curated experience that’s customised to your interests.

Recommended agritourism destination: A short distance from Osaka, the 400-strong community at Irokawa Village began opening up their farms to balance out a declining population. The serene organic farming community, which is nestled into rugged mountains, encourages visitors to get involved in farming, trekking and other agricultural processes, and prepare their daily meals using cultivated produce. This agritourism destination offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese farming methods, ingredients and food preparation techniques. 

Spain

Spain is known for its rural and ethnographic heritage, and each town has its own farming traditions. Agritourism choices here vary by region, and activities can range from farming and looking after crops, to wine- and cider-making, exploring forests or seas and making various types of food. For an authentic casa rural experience, seek out a country lodge where you can drink cider from the barrel, enjoy meals with the lodge owners and their families, and have a moment of peace and quiet over freshly-made breakfast.

You’re also in the home of the world’s most revered ham – Jamón Iberico. Often referred to as the ‘caviar of hams’, it is produced using the finest cuts of the black Iberian pig, which is raised in the forests of Spain and Portugal and subject to strict regulation, as it’s one of the most prized exports.

Recommended agritourism destination: Book a stay at Can Gual, an agritourism destination that offers farm and orchard visits, pastry-making and excursions to nearby areas by car or on foot. If it’s a taste of jamón you’re after, then farm hosts in dehesas (oak forests) across the country welcome tourists for overnight stays and day trips. For a taste of the best jamón iberico, A Taste of Spain invites you to explore forests and curing cellars with farmers and producers; there’s lots of hands-on learning and, of course, a lot of tasting.

Italy

Said to be the birthplace of agritourism, the farm stays in Tuscany, Italy, are actual working farms where you’ll see produce, dairy and meats being farmed and cultivated. If you’re thinking of agriturismo in Tuscany during the winter, opt for farmhouses with spas. Alternatively, soak up the beauty of farmhouses by the sea, or one with stables and horses for gorgeous morning rides. Some are even close enough to stunning nearby towns like Siena or Pisa, allowing you to take in a spot of sightseeing too. 

Recommended agritourism destination: Le Ceregne Bio Farmhouse is a eco-friendly farm stay where you’ll experience authentic Tuscan cuisine, organic farming and activities such as horse-riding and archery, trekking, fishing and even yoga. 

Cambodia

Only heard of black or white pepper? Your tastebuds will be surprised and delighted at the wide array of colours and flavours possible from the not-so-humble peppercorn in Kampot, Cambodia. Kampot pepper is a unique cultivar that has received certified appellation of origin in 2010. Leading chefs worldwide praise its ‘unbelievable’ flavour, but it can be hard to come by for home cooks. One agritourism destination to visit if you want to stock up on this is beautiful, rural Kampot, set against the banks of the luscious Praek Tuek Chhu River. The pepper plantations here offer tours, farmstays, hands-on courses, countryside buffalo tours and cooking classes set amongst rural Cambodia’s idyllic rivers and lakes.

Recommended agritourism destination: La Plantation, a certified organic and sustainable farm, offers open-air cooking classes in its stunning restaurant, and tours of the vines on the hour. Chat with the pepper pickers and sorters, and explore how one plant can produce so many different types of peppers!

France

There’s more to see in France than the Eiffel Tower or the French Riviera. Agritourism is still on the come-up here, but you can experience farm stays, which is on the uptick in the French countryside. Each region offers different agritourism options – think dairy farm stays where you can pet farm animals and help with simpler farm work, vineyard stays or even camping at permaculture farms. 

Recommended agritourism destination: On the outskirts of the Palace of Versailles lies a peaceful farmhouse called Le Fermes de Gally. There’s plenty you can do here to immerse in nature’s bounty. An organic farm with produce to consume, a woodland nature discovery trail, a petting zoo and bread-making classes for kids, there’s enough to explore as a family. 

Australia

The Margaret River wine region has built itself an international reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest wines. Close to the Western Australian city of Perth, you’ll find single day vineyard courses to winemaking intensives run by the farmers and winemakers behind some of the world’s most renowned new world wines. Some of the more popular wines were earmarked in the 1960s by a group of scientists as perfect for grape cultivation – these include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. While the excellent soil and Mediterranean climate help produce award winning vintages, the exceptional seasonal produce has resulted in a strong foodie scene, so visitors can be rest assured they will both eat and drink well after a day in the vineyards.

Recommended agritourism destination: Most small, family-run and also the larger, luxurious wine estates offer lodging, tranquil restaurants, tours, tastings and vineyard walks; but to truly discover this premium agricultural region, book a winemaking course or other immersive agritourism experiences for a complete farm-to-bottle experience. Some of the larger wineries include wine blending as part of the experience, leaving you with your own custom blended wines to take home and cellar for a special occasion.

Frasers Hospitality offers accommodation with a sustainable focus in major cities near many of these rural agritourism destinations. After your arrival, enjoy a few days in the city before heading out to your tranquil, countryside experience.