The app lets you locate and park freely at Italian farmers and winemakers. Here's how it works and what we thought of it.
An app for parking a van on a farm in Italy
The motorhome parking formula on the farm also exists in Italy! It comes in the form of a mobile application : Agricamper Italia and we discovered it during our motorhome trips in Italy .
Our discovery of the regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia and Abruzzo
This is what we discovered during our Italian getaway with this Agricamper Italia tour through Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia and Abruzzo in a campervan.
Discover Agricamper Italia with the demo version!
Before committing, you have the opportunity to test the features of the Agricamper Italia app with the demo version. It allows you to check if there are enough locations in the region(s) you want to go to in Italy, test the features and filters available, including criteria such as the availability of water, electricity, access for dogs, and many others. A great way to make sure that the services and features perfectly meet your needs.
A concept inspired by France Passion
Being fervent followers of the France Passion network – which we also tested! – we obviously wanted to test its alter ego for our campervan trip in Italy .
Thanks to this agritourism formula enabled by the Agricamper platform, more than 400 winegrowers, farmers and producers open the doors of their estates to travellers in camper vans, vans or caravans, i.e. more than 1000 locations throughout Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily).
It is less than the French network, but it is also younger, and well and truly present in all Italian regions (Northern, Central, Southern Italy).
For Pauline Nava, founder of the start-up Agricamper, it is a way for many Italian and foreign travellers to benefit from “a well-structured network, which guarantees hospitality, originality, local flavours and attention to sustainable development ”.
Secure location for spending the night in a campervan in Italy
You can indeed benefit from a quiet location for the night in a very beautiful environment and stay on site for up to 24 hours. This allows you to immerse yourself as closely as possible in the terroir of each region, to know its assets and specialties.
“Agriturismo” an alternative to camping
We came across exceptional stops, in the heart of the vineyards and olive trees of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Despite the language barrier, the hosts we met were keen to introduce us to their productions.
Am I obliged to buy from Agricamper producers?
And even if tastings or activities are offered, there is no obligation to purchase to park. Membership in the network is the only condition for access to the network (we'll tell you more about it later).
But in such a setting with cheese, ham and honey straight from the farm within reach, it’s hard to resist !
Agricamper Italia app: a digital guide to download on mobile
Unlike our favorite French network , Agricamper Italia, is only available in a digital format translated into several languages, including French of course.
No paper guide then. It's an application that you subscribe to online and that gives access to a map with the geolocated stages.
Is the Agricamper network open to caravans?
Another difference compared to France Passion, Agricamper Italia also welcomes caravans and all recreational vehicles, as long as the occupants are autonomous, that is to say they do not need specific access to toilets, garbage cans, etc.
While some steps can help you out or provide services, they are not required to do so. The network does not replace a traditional campsite. The rules of courtesy and good manners therefore obviously apply to everyone.
Immediate access to over 400 stages and areas
Once registered, you have access to the application on smartphones ( Android or IOS app ) or on tablets using the login ID you choose.
The results can be displayed in map or list mode. You can then instantly see all the information on the host's activity through their detailed profile.
Information accessible offline
You will also find instructions for getting to the stage, GPS coordinates and access route, information on arrival time, any services available, photos, comments, opinions and ratings left by other users, the type of vehicle accepted (height, width), access for people with reduced mobility, activities in the surrounding area, special offers, etc.
What if you lose network access? Don't panic! All this information remains within reach since these features are accessible offline.
Agricamper Italia: book your pitch online
Another difference with France Passion is that you have to reserve your space on the farms via the application.
The downside is that it offers less flexibility (although we have booked just a few hours in advance without any problems) but the advantage is that we are sure to have a place available and that the owners are aware of our arrival to welcome us as best they can.
Often unusual locations!
It is not uncommon to benefit from exceptional locations, in the heart of the vineyards, olive trees or within the property itself.
Some even offer access to services (shower, toilet, meals on order) or to a swimming pool, which sometimes brings Agricamper Italia almost closer to the concept of “Glamping” than to simple parking on the farm.
To be compared according to the stages, but it also seems that the stages of the network often already benefit from an “Agritourism” label which anchors them more in this notion of hospitality.
How much does Agircamper Italia cost?
Agricamper Italia works with an annual subscription (365 days from the date of purchase) which gives the right to an unlimited number of free stops at the hosts (maximum duration of 24 hours per stop). The network is reserved for motorhomes, campervans or caravans that are fully autonomous (water, toilet, waste, etc.). The price is €34.90 but by reading this article, you have won €5! 😊
Agricamper reviews and opinions
So, are you ready to try Agricamper for your next motorhome trips in Italy? Did you know about this network? Have you already tried it?
Pauline & Simon
