From gites to gasthofe: 6 traditional accommodation options in Europe

Travellers are increasingly veering away from using Airbnb amid concerns over outpricing locals. But they’re also looking for something more memorable than an anonymous hotel room.

Luckily, throughout Europe, you can find unique, traditional properties that will shape your holiday experience.

In Italy, you can relax on countryside farms where your breakfast comes directly from the surrounding land, while in Germany, you can sip a local brew in a beer garden before turning in for the night in a gasthof.

Here are six types of traditional accommodation to look out for in Europe.

Italy’s agriturismi are rural retreats

Italy’s agriturismi have gained popularity with international travellers in recent decades, becoming a favourite accommodation option when in small towns or rural areas.

Most of these structures are independently-owned farms that have only a small portion dedicated to hospitality.

Travellers can expect rustic stone buildings and cosy interiors surrounded by farmland and livestock.

Breakfasts – and informal dinners, if offered – consist of produce from the farm, such as eggs, vegetables, and olive oil.

Agriturismi are the ideal accommodation option if you’re keen to explore Italy’s countryside, want a peaceful retreat away from the cities, or are seeking space for children to roam in safely.

Britain’s inns offer a cosy night’s stay

If you have driven or walked around Britain’s countryside, you’ll likely have spotted dozens of whitewashed stone inns along the roadside.

These are a historic hospitality option – you can stay in some that claim to date back as early as the 11th century – that originally would have provided lodging and food for travellers on horseback or riding in carriages.

Hundreds are still operating around the UK offering basic and affordable accommodation.

Their real charm, though, is the pub downstairs. You can usually enjoy local beers on tap and hearty British dishes – such as steak pies and fish and chips.

Inns don’t tend to have much in the way of other facilities – unlike hotels that might offer spas or gyms – but they are a brilliant option as a one-night stopover while travelling around the country.

Live the French countryside fantasy in a gîte

Gîtes are holiday rental properties in the French countryside that tend to be good value.

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Often, they will be a renovated rural home, farm or barn conversion with self-catering facilities – think honey-hued stone, pale blue shutters, and a table under a vine-covered canopy for lazy summer lunches.

This type of accommodation is tailor-made for everything from a solo digital detox retreat to a romantic couple’s getaway or a week of family fun.

Many accept pets – and some even have private pools!

Rest up in a rifugio while hiking in the Italian Alps

The mountains of Italy, including the Alps and the Apennines, are dotted with structures known as rifugi.

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These range from tiny stone huts with simple dormitories to chalets with bars and restaurants.

You’ll find rifugi along dozens of popular hiking routes. Some are also accessible via cable car.

Rifugi are an ideal choice for travellers who want awe-inspiring views, mountain dishes of roasted pork hock or bread dumplings called canederli, and cheap but cheerful accommodation for the night.

Enjoy the beer garden in a German gasthof

In villages, small towns, and quieter neighbourhoods of cities in Germany, travellers can stay the night in a gasthof or gasthaus.

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These establishments offer no-fuss accommodation, homely wooden interiors, and a family feel.

The highlight of spending a night in a gasthof is undoubtedly eating in the restaurants or beer gardens on-site, where you’ll likely find classic dishes and regional specialities like schnitzel and bratwurst.

Paradores offer prime views of cities and nature in Spain

If you like accommodation with a bit of a backstory, look out for a parador when in Spain.

There are currently almost a hundred of these structures around the country, with over half located in historic buildings. Others are found in natural spaces like national parks with panoramic views.

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They are state-run, with the first parador being established in 1928.

One of the most renowned paradores is the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela, which was built as a hostelry and hospital for pilgrims at the start of the 16th century.