Gite, gasthof, agriturismo: Europe’s traditional accommodation options for traditional hospitality

Travellers are increasingly veering away from using Airbnb amid concerns over outpricing locals. But they’re also in search of something more memorable than an anonymous hotel room.

Luckily, throughout Europe, you’ll find unique, traditional properties that can shape your holiday experience.

In Italy, you possibly can calm down on countryside farms where your breakfast comes directly from the encompassing land, while in Germany, you possibly can sip an area brew in a beer garden before turning in for the night in a gasthof.

Listed below are six sorts of traditional accommodation to look out for in Europe.

Italy’s agriturismi are rural retreats

Italy’s agriturismi have gained popularity with international travellers in recent a long time, becoming a favorite accommodation option when in small towns or rural areas.

Most of those structures are independently-owned farms which have only a small portion dedicated to hospitality.

Travellers can expect rustic stone buildings and cosy interiors surrounded by farmland and livestock.

Breakfasts – and informal dinners, if offered – consist of produce from the farm, equivalent to eggs, vegetables, and olive oil.

Agriturismi are the perfect accommodation option when you’re keen to explore Italy’s countryside, need a peaceful retreat away from the cities, or are searching for space for kids to roam in safely.

Britain’s inns offer a comfy night’s stay

If you’ve driven or walked around Britain’s countryside, you’ll likely have spotted dozens of whitewashed stone inns along the roadside.

These are a historic hospitality option – you possibly can stay in some that claim so far back as early because the eleventh century – that originally would have provided lodging and food for travellers on horseback or riding in carriages.

A whole lot are still operating across the UK offering basic and inexpensive accommodation.

Their real charm, though, is the pub downstairs. You’ll be able to normally enjoy local beers on tap and hearty British dishes – equivalent to steak pies and fish and chips.

Inns don’t are likely to have much in the best way of other facilities – unlike hotels that may offer spas or gyms – but they’re a superb option as a one-night stopover while travelling across the country.

Live the French countryside fantasy in a gîte

Gîtes are holiday rental properties within the French countryside that are likely to be good value.

Often, they will probably be a renovated rural home, farm or barn conversion with self-catering facilities – think honey-hued stone, pale blue shutters, and a table under a vine-covered cover for lazy summer lunches.

This kind of accommodation is tailor-made for every thing from a solo digital detox retreat to a romantic couple’s getaway or every week of family fun.

Many accept pets – and a few even have private pools!

Rest up in a rifugio while mountaineering within the Italian Alps

The mountains of Italy, including the Alps and the Apennines, are dotted with structures generally known as rifugi.

These range from tiny stone huts with easy dormitories to chalets with bars and restaurants.

You’ll find rifugi along dozens of popular mountaineering routes. Some are also accessible via cable automobile.

Rifugi are an excellent selection for travellers who want awe-inspiring views, mountain dishes of roasted pork hock or bread dumplings called canederli, and low-cost but cheerful accommodation for the night.

Benefit from the beer garden in a German gasthof

In villages, small towns, and quieter neighbourhoods of cities in Germany, travellers can stay the night in a gasthof or gasthaus.

These establishments offer no-fuss accommodation, homely wood interiors, and a family feel.

The highlight of spending an evening in a gasthof is undoubtedly eating within the restaurants or beer gardens on-site, where you’ll likely find classic dishes and regional specialities like schnitzel and bratwurst.

Paradores offer prime views of cities and nature in Spain

For those who like accommodation with a little bit of a backstory, look out for a parador when in Spain.

There are currently almost 100 of those structures across the country, with over half situated in historic buildings. Others are present in natural spaces like national parks with panoramic views.

They’re state-run, with the primary parador being established in 1928.

One of the crucial renowned paradores is the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela, which was built as a hostelry and hospital for pilgrims at the beginning of the sixteenth century.