The best farm stays in Europe
Whether you’re looking for a gastronomic getaway or a hardcore hiking holiday in the great outdoors, farm stays have so much to offer for the adventurous traveller. Many have a real emphasis on food and sustainability, manufacturing incredible organic produce, such as wine and olive oil.
Here’s my pick of the best farm stays in Europe.
Best for cycling: Monnàber Vell, Mallorca
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just fancy an afternoon pottering around the Tramuntana Mountains, the charming Monnàber Vell is a perfect starting point. Set in 400 acres of rustic land, the hotel offers trekking bikes to explore the surrounding countryside or rent something a little more serious to whizz over to the golden beaches of Pollença. After a hard day in the saddle, head back to the hotel and enjoy a restorative sports massage in the spa before tucking into dinner prepared with organic ingredients straight from the garden.
Rooms start from £155 per night
monnabervell.com
Best for wine lovers: Tarantola Farmhouse, Sicily
Situated in the bucolic surroundings of wine country in the north east of Sicily, Tarantola Farmhouse produces three excellent wines from their own vineyard: Conti Testa Chardonnay, Conti Testa Nero d'Avola and Conti Testa Cabernet Syrah. To help you navigate your way around the different grape varieties, the farmhouse offers guests a wine tasting course (from €15pp). It also specialises in organic food and produce everything on site, with the exception of meat. Chef Saverio is well known for his pasta dishes and holds regular cooking classes to help you recreate them once you’re back home (€65pp).
Rooms start from £73 per night
gorgodeldrago.it/menu1.htm
Best for wellbeing: The Good Life, Syros, Greece
Travellers wanting to reconnect with nature will feel right at home at The Good Life, designated a "blue zone" by National Geographic for the long lifespan of its inhabitants, on the beautiful Greek Island of Syros. Stretch your legs with a long walk through the olive groves, realign your chakras at a yoga class and then make your way to the beach to cool off in the azure sea. Foodies can cook up a storm on the BBQ – the farm provides a delicious welcome pack with everything you need to stay sated – and keep refreshed with plenty of in-house wine. Visitors in autumn can also participate in the olive or grape harvest; pickers are rewarded with a slap up Greek meal grilled to perfection on the BBQ in the olive groves come evening.
Rooms start from £54 per night
goodlifegreece.com/farm-holidays-greece/
Best for foodies: Coombeshead Farm, Cornwall, UK
You know something is going to be killer when you mix grill king Tom Adams (formerly of London's Pitt Cue) with the queen of Manhattan, April Bloomfield. The pair’s passion project is a remote getaway in the Cornish countryside, where guests can experience farm life and feast on modern British cuisine. After a fabulous dinner, wake up in one of the hotel’s five rooms and tuck into a full English breakfast before foraging in the beautiful valley and woodland surrounding the farm.
Rooms start from £175 and dinner from £65pp
coombesheadfarm.co.uk
Best for chilling: Can Sastre, Ibiza
After a hard day’s night on the White Isle, relax with a drink by the beautiful pool at Can Sastre and savour the fresh scent of citrus fruits and honeysuckle wafting through the air. Located in San Rafael, just fifteen minutes from Ibiza Town, this stunning agriturismo is set within ten acres of land, complete with plenty of quiet courtyards, shady terraces and comfy hammocks. There are four rooms to choose from, each with their own Balearic-chic vibe, walk in showers and private terraces.
Rooms start from £420 per night
cansastre.com
Best for hiking: Ecoparco Neule, Sardinia
Between the myrtle trees on the mountains overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Cedrino in eastern Sardinia, Ecoparco Neule is perfectly situated for hikers seeking a taste of the good life. Start the day on the terrace with a hearty breakfast of local cheese, sausages and eggs, before joining one of the organised treks to explore the rugged coves and blissful beaches along the Orosei Gulf. Feeling adventurous? Head into the mountains and trek through the dramatic Gorropu Gorge.
Rooms start from £68 per night
agriturismoneule.com/iframe.htm
