Why Choose Agritourism?
Why Choose Agritourism? According to the Royal Spanish Academy, tourism is defined as: “The activity or act of traveling for pleasure.” And while there is a concrete definition of what tourism is, in reality the concept is full of nuances that can vary greatly. These nuances make it possible to talk about many different types of tourism—because visiting a large city has little in common with a nature getaway full of rural experiences.
At GOinsitu, we’re aware that not everyone knows the different types of tourism that exist. That’s why, in this article, we want to dive into our favorite: agritourism. Some people think this type of tourism is just about renting a house in the countryside with a few animals around, but the truth is that it’s much more than that. Today, we’ll explain what agritourism really is—and the many benefits it can offer.
What Is Agritourism, Really?
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly plans or simply a unique escape from the city, agritourism is an excellent option. But what exactly is this form of tourism? At GOinsitu, we define agritourism as a type of tourism based on rural experiences. That means it offers direct contact with nature—and also with real farmers, shepherds, and ranchers.
Agritourism immerses visitors in the rural world, allowing them to understand and appreciate this way of life. This is why it couldn’t exist without activities like seeing farm animals up close, hiking alongside shepherds, learning how orchards and fruit trees are managed, or discovering how wine and olive oil are produced—from the field to the winery or oil mill. It also includes tasting organic, locally produced food.
Importantly, agritourism is deeply connected to sustainability. You’ll learn about respectful land stewardship through agroecology, and the many benefits of extensive livestock farming and grazing for the environment.
Main Advantages of Agritourism
By now, you should have a clear idea of what agritourism is and its core principles. But what you might not know is that, unlike other types of tourism, agritourism offers a wide range of benefits—both for the ecosystem and its biodiversity, and for you as a tourist. Here are some of the most notable advantages:
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Direct contact with nature and animals, which promotes physical and mental well-being.
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Increased knowledge of rural culture, while highlighting the ethnographic heritage of each region.
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Support for local development and environmental care.
And beyond all that, it’s the perfect way to travel as a family and enjoy truly unique and unforgettable experiences—from breathing fresh mountain air, playing outdoors with earth, water, and other natural elements, to learning the value of responsible consumption of seasonal, local, and organic products.