The best farms in Italy 2026: South Tyrol dominates

Italy impressed at the 2026 Top Farm Awards with five outstanding farms. Four of them are located in South Tyrol, one in Tuscany. The Italian farms scored points with their Mediterranean flair, alpine mountain scenery, and centuries-old hospitality tradition. Particularly noteworthy: two Italian farms received additional awards.

The evaluation was based on over 760,000 guest reviews from four leading portals. Italy, with its award-winning farms, showcases the perfect blend of Italian lifestyle and rural authenticity. The range extends from the Dolomites to the Tuscan hills.

An overview of the 5 top Italian farms

These five farms qualified based on outstanding guest reviews:

1. Binterhof (South Tyrol) – 5th place overall, 1st place in Italy, Top Active Farm 2026
2. Moarhof (South Tyrol) – 14th place overall, 2nd place in Italy, Top Gourmet Farm 2026
3. Gogerer Hof (South Tyrol) – 15th place overall, 3rd place in Italy
4. Kofler Organic Farm (South Tyrol) – 20th place overall, 4th place in Italy
5. Agriturismo Casa Bivignano (Tuscany) – 27th place overall, 5th place in Italy

South Tyrol demonstrates its strength in alpine tourism with four out of five farms. The region combines Italian dolce vita with Tyrolean mountain culture. South Tyrolean farms benefit from year-round appeal nestled between ski resorts and vineyards.

The top 3 Italian winners in detail

1st place: Binterhof (South Tyrol) – Top Active Farm 2026

Sara Plunger from the Binterhof farm reports on the most surprising guest request of 2025. Families wanted to actively participate in farm life and experience the daily routine of a working farm firsthand. Many guests consciously helped out with haymaking, feeding the animals, or collecting eggs daily.

The many small encounters with the animals were a particular highlight: extra petting for goats and rabbits, gently feeding baby bunnies a carrot, or spending time with cuddly kittens. This growing need for genuine, simple experiences and closeness to nature shows how much guests yearn for a slower pace of life and authenticity.

2025 was a very special year at Binterhof. All the mother goats had kids, and a total of five baby goats brought countless moments of joy. In addition, two very cuddly, child-friendly kittens named Franzi and Klara quickly won the hearts of the guests. Another highlight was the renovation and reopening of the Genziana holiday apartment.

The newly renovated apartment combines modern comfort with the cozy charm of Tyrol. Bright rooms, natural materials, and thoughtful details create an atmosphere perfect for arriving and relaxing. The spacious eat-in kitchen with its electric fireplace, the two stylish bedrooms with modern bathrooms, and the unique forest view behind the rain showers, which gives the feeling of showering surrounded by nature, are particularly appreciated.

Binterhof was built up by Sara's parents, Albin and Elisabeth, with a great deal of hard work, courage, and passion. From a small, traditional farmhouse, it gradually transformed into a holiday farm with lovingly managed holiday apartments. Today, the farm is run by Sara and her partner, with the active support of her parents.

Second place: Moarhof (South Tyrol) – Top gourmet farm 2026

The Moarhof is a fifth-generation family-run farm and stands for genuine hospitality. Guests increasingly appreciate it when their hosts take the time for a friendly chat. They seek personal contact and a family atmosphere. This trend towards authentic interaction will shape the year 2025.

Innovation at the Moarhof: The foosball table and ping-pong table have been covered and equipped with lighting so that guests can play even in the evenings or when it rains. Five new raised beds have been added directly in front of the house. Guests can see their salad growing in the lounge, which will then end up on their plates in the evening. Zero kilometers from garden to plate.

The award as a Top Gourmet Farm 2026 underscores the farm's culinary excellence. The family motto: Courage is the starting point, luck the end. This philosophy has shaped the farm for generations and makes it a special place for gourmets.

3rd place: Gogerer Hof (South Tyrol)

Werner and Margareth Vanzetta run the Gogerer Hof with great passion. Located in the heart of South Tyrol, the farm offers authentic holiday experiences. The combination of traditional farming methods and modern comforts consistently wins over guests.

The Gogerer Hof achieved 15th place in the overall ranking of all 50 farms, thus demonstrating its international competitiveness. South Tyrolean farms set standards in quality and hospitality, and the Gogerer Hof exemplifies this development.

What makes Italian farms special?

Bilingualism as a bridge

South Tyrolean farms benefit from their bilingual culture. Italian and German are spoken fluently, and many hosts also speak English. This language proficiency facilitates communication with guests from all over Europe. Austrians, Germans, and Swiss feel at home linguistically, while Italians appreciate their native language.

Culinary delights of the highest standard

Italian farms combine rural traditions with Mediterranean cuisine. South Tyrolean speck, homemade cheese, wine from local vintners. The Moarhof's award as a top gourmet farm demonstrates this strength. Raised beds in front of the house, salad straight to the plate, zero transport distances. This philosophy appeals to discerning eaters.

Active holiday in the Dolomites

The Binterhof farm was awarded the title of Top Active Farm for good reason. South Tyrol offers countless opportunities for active guests: hiking in the Dolomites, via ferrata climbing, mountain biking, and in winter, skiing and snowshoeing. The farms are often situated at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,500 meters, perfect for mountain adventures.

Dolce Vita meets mountain farmers

Italian farms create a unique atmosphere. Milking cows in the morning, pasta with homemade pesto for lunch, and a glass of red wine on the terrace in the evening. This blend of work and pleasure, activity and relaxation, characterizes an Italian farm holiday. Guests experience a sense of ease and well-being, even when helping out in the barn.

Top Italian farms by region

South Tyrol: Alpine Excellence (4 Top Farms)

South Tyrol dominates with four out of five award-winning farms. The region between the Brenner Pass and the Salurner Klause combines alpine mountains with a Mediterranean climate. South Tyrolean farms benefit from over 300 days of sunshine a year. Vineyards alternate with alpine meadows, apple orchards with mountain forests.

South Tyrolean farms prioritize quality over quantity. Many are certified organic, producing their own cheese, speck, and wine. Bilingualism facilitates communication, and the hospitality is legendary. The region's diversity stretches from Merano through Bolzano to the Puster Valley.

Top farms in South Tyrol: Binterhof (5th place overall, top active farm), Moarhof (14th place overall, top gourmet farm), Gogerer Hof (15th place overall), Biohof Kofler (20th place overall)

Tuscany: Mediterranean charm (1 top farm)

Patricia Wanner Odermatt runs the Agriturismo Casa Bivignano in Tuscany. The farm is situated amidst the famous Tuscan hills with cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards. Tuscany embodies the quintessential Italian way of life.

This agriturismo combines traditional farming with upscale hospitality. The region is world-renowned for its art treasures, wines, and cuisine. Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano are all within easy reach for day trips. The farm ranks 27th overall, demonstrating that excellent farm holidays are possible even outside the Alps.

Top Tuscan Farm: Agriturismo Casa Bivignano (27th place overall)

Trends on Italian farms 2026

Active participation in farm life

The Binterhof farm reports a clear trend. Guests no longer just want to watch, but want to help out. Haymaking, feeding the animals, and collecting eggs are becoming popular activities. City children, in particular, are discovering how agriculture works. This development reflects a growing need for real-world experiences in a digital world.

Personal contact instead of anonymity

The Moarhof is observing a change. Guests are increasingly seeking personal contact. They appreciate it when hosts take the time for a chat, a little conversation. The family atmosphere is becoming more important than anonymous perfection. Italian farms, with their traditional hospitality, are benefiting from this trend.

Zero-kilometer culinary delights

The raised beds in front of the Moarhof farm symbolize a movement. Guests want to see where their food comes from. From the garden directly to the plate, no transport routes, no intermediate storage. South Tyrolean farms with their own production of speck, cheese, wine, and vegetables are all the rage. Organic farming isn't just proclaimed, it's lived.

Year-round appeal

Italian farms score points with their mild climate and year-round offerings. In spring, apple trees blossom, in summer hiking beckons, in autumn the grape harvest, and in winter ski resorts. South Tyrol boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. This diversity makes Italian farms independent of peak seasons.

Additional awards for Italy

Italy secured two of the four additional awards:

• Top Active Farm 2026: Binterhof (South Tyrol) – Awarded for its active farm offerings, animal encounters, and authentic hands-on experiences. Five baby goats, cuddly kittens, and the opportunity to help with haymaking and stable maintenance make Binterhof the perfect place for an active holiday.
• Top Gourmet Farm 2026: Moarhof (South Tyrol) – Awarded for culinary excellence with raised beds in front of the house, zero kilometers from field to plate. The farm, run by the fifth generation, stands for authentic South Tyrolean cuisine and personal hospitality.

These awards highlight the diversity of what Italy has to offer. From active to indulgent, from family holidays to quiet retreats, Italian farms cater to all needs.

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