Ciao, amici! If there is one thing that warms my heart as much as a fresh bowl of pappa al pomodoro, it is the growing movement toward sustainable travel in our beautiful Italy. For me, 2025 isn’t just about seeing more of the world; it’s about touching the earth more gently and tasting the true soul of the land.
Most people think “sustainable” means sacrificing comfort, but here in Italy, it means returning to our roots—the agriturismo. This is the ultimate “Nonna-approved” way to travel.
If you love the idea of waking up in a place where history and nature are perfectly entwined, Update: you might also enjoy my colleague Alessandro’s subsequent guide to the charming city of Mantua, a Renaissance jewel that prioritizes its cultural heritage.
The Magic of the Agriturismo#
In 2025, the agriturismo remains the gold standard for sustainable accommodation. These are working farms that open their doors to guests. You wake up to the sound of roosters, not traffic, and the aroma of baking bread fills the morning air.
One of my absolute favorites for this year is a small hilltop estate near San Gimignano. They don’t just host guests; they produce their own extra virgin olive oil and Vernaccia wine using organic methods passed down for generations. When you stay in a place like this, you aren’t just a tourist; you are part of the farm’s ecosystem.
My biggest pet peeve is seeing “eco-resorts” that are basically giant concrete blocks with a few potted plants. A real agriturismo should smell of hay, turned earth, and woodsmoke—not expensive perfume!
If you enjoy traditions where the food is an extension of the soil, Update: you must read my subsequent guide to truffle hunting in the Langhe, where the bond between the hunter, the dog, and the earth is sacred.
Farm-to-Table: The Only Way to Eat#
Sustainable tourism in Italy is inseparable from our culinary traditions. The “Slow Food” movement started here, and it is more alive than ever. In 2025, look for the Ristoranti del Cuore—restaurants of the heart—that source 100% of their ingredients within a 20-kilometer radius.
The texture of a truly sustainable dish is different. You can taste the sunshine in a tomato that hasn’t traveled across a continent in a refrigerated truck. When you visit these local spots, ask for the piatto del giorno (dish of the day). It will always be what is freshest and best for the environment.
If your journey toward sustainability takes you to the coast, Update: my colleague Elena subsequently wrote a wonderful guide on why Sperlonga is a perfect choice for an authentic, low-impact family holiday.
Giulia’s Practical Tips for Your Eco-Friendly Journey#
- Travel by Train: Our regional trains are a joy. They take you through the heart of the countryside at a pace that lets you see the changing vines and olive groves.
- Respect the Water: Carry a reusable bottle. Most Italian cities have nasoni (drinking fountains) with the freshest, coldest mountain water you’ve ever tasted. Please, my dears, resist the urge to buy plastic bottles!
- Support Local Artisans: Instead of factory-made souvenirs, visit the local potter or leather worker. Your purchase keeps traditional crafts alive.
Update: As my colleague Alessandro subsequently explored in his 2025 Wine Lover’s Grand Tour, the most historic vineyards are often the ones that have respected the land for centuries.
Italy is a country that rewards those who slow down. 2025 is the year to stop rushing and start savoring the true flavors of our land.
Buon viaggio and buon appetito!
With love, Giulia