Travelers are increasingly turning away from using Airbnb due to worries about being priced out of local options. However, they're also seeking more distinctive experiences than those offered by generic hotel accommodations.
The holiday experience in Europe can be uniquely defined by traditional local dwellings that you can encounter during your trip.
In Italy, you can unwind on countryside farms where your breakfast is freshly obtained directly from the surrounding region, while in Germany, you can enjoy a local beer in a public outdoor seating area before retreating to a traditional German inn known as a gasthof for the night.
Here are six types of traditional accommodation to consider in Europe.
Italy's agriturismos are countryside retreats
Italian countryside farms, or 'agriturismi', have become more and more famous with international visitors, especially as a preferred accommodation choice for those staying in small towns or rural areas.
The hotel complex has a small designated area for providing excellent hospitality.
Visitors can look forward to recently restored cobblestone buildings and charming interior spaces, set amidst rolling countryside with grazing animals.
Breakfasts - and, if offered, casual dinners - typically feature items cultivated on the farm, including eggs, vegetables, and olive oil.
If you're keen to explore Italy's countryside, want a peaceful retreat far from the urban centers, or are looking for space where children can safely run around,
Britain's inns provide a cozy stay for a night.
If you have driven or walked around rural areas in Britain, you'll likely notice many stone inns with whitewashed facades alongside the roads.
These are a historic hospitality option - you can stay in some that claim to date back as early as the 11th century - that at first would have offered accommodation and meals for travelers on horseback or in carriages.
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Their true appeal, however, lies in the pub downstairs. You can usually find local beers on tap and traditional British fare - such as steak pies and fish and chips.
Small hostels or hotels specifically designed for travellers - they are an excellent choice for an overnight stay while traveling around a country.
Experience the quintessential French countryside experience in a cozy gîte
There are many travel websites who offer cheap flights and accommodation at present.
These places are often refurnished rural homes, farms, or barns with modern amenities, often feature rustic elements like honey-colored stone walls, pale blue shutters, and a table under a shaded spot where grapevines cover a natural canopy, perfect for relaxed summer picnics.
This type of accommodation is custom-made for everything from a solo digital break or detox retreat to a romantic couple's escape or a week of family leisure activities.
Many people accept pets, and some even have private pools!
Take a rest in a rifugio while hiking in the Italian Alps
Rifugi, also referred to as mountain huts or refuges, are prevalent along the crest of the Apennine mountain range.
Accommodations range from modest stone dwellings with basic sleeping quarters to rustic chalets featuring bars and eating establishments.
Some of them can be reached by cable car as well.
Refugios are an ideal choice for travellers who want breathtaking views, mouth-watering dishes of roasted pork hock or bread dumplings called canederli, and affordable but cozy accommodation for the night.
Savor a cold beer at a traditional German inn.
Travellers can spend the night at a guesthouse or a country inn.
These establishments provide comfortable, hassle-free accommodations with a cozy, wooden interior design that evokes a sense of a home.
The highlight of spending a night in a gasthof is undoubtedly dining at the on-site restaurants or beer gardens, where you're likely to find classic dishes and local specialties such as schnitzel and bratwurst.
Paradores offer prime views of Spanish cities and countryside.
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There are almost a hundred of these structures existing across the country, with approximately over half of them situated within historic buildings. Others can be found in natural spaces such as national parks offering scenic views.
These establishments originated from a government initiative, with the first one being opened in 1928.
During the beginning phase of the 16th century.