What is Toprural — A Quick Overview
If you’re dreaming of unplugging from city life and retreating into calm, scenic countryside, Toprural is one of the most trusted platforms out there. Founded in 2000 in Madrid, Toprural was built with one primary goal: to help travelers discover independently owned rural accommodations — from cozy farmhouses and rustic cottages to charming B&Bs and vacation rentals scattered across Europe.
Today, Toprural serves as a search engine for rural stays, connecting travelers with property owners who offer truly local and authentic experiences. With tens of thousands of listings across countries like Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and more, it remains a top choice for those seeking a slower, more genuine travel vibe.
Why Choose Rural Travel — The Appeal of Countryside Stays
There’s something inherently special about the countryside: rolling hills, quiet roads, fresh air, and a pace that invites you to slow down and absorb your surroundings. For many people, rural getaways offer a break from the noise and rush of city life — a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy simpler pleasures, and recharge mental and physical wellbeing.
Rural stays are often more relaxing and intimate than hotels, offering features such as kitchen access, private yards, large open spaces, and greater privacy. Because properties tend to be independent and spread out, you get more flexibility and often better value.
What Makes Toprural Stand Out from Other Booking Platforms
There are several reasons Toprural shines when it comes to rural vacations:
- Focused on rural living: Unlike big hotel-centric platforms, Toprural specializes in countryside and small-town accommodations, so you avoid sifting through city apartments or commercial hotels.
- A wide variety of accommodation types: From traditional farmhouses or villas in Italy to fincas in Spain or B&Bs in Portugal — Toprural offers a wide range of stays to suit different tastes and budgets.
- Local charm & authenticity: Many properties are independently owned or managed by locals. That often means more personalized touches, local cultural flavor, and a genuine sense of place — not a generic hotel experience.
- Good value for money: Because you often get more space, amenities like kitchens or gardens, and possibly multiple bedrooms for groups, rural stays can offer more value for money compared to city stays. Many travelers find this especially true when traveling as families or groups.
How Toprural Grew: From Startup to European Favorite
Starting in 2000, Toprural quickly gained traction among travelers seeking rural escapes. By 2012, it had grown enough to catch the attention of a global vacation-rental company, which acquired Toprural in an all-cash deal that expanded its presence across Europe.
At the time of acquisition, Toprural included around 11,600 paid listings and nearly 30,000 free listings across rural France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Despite the acquisition, Toprural has continued operating as a separate brand — maintaining its rural-focused identity and commitment to authentic countryside stays.
Where in Europe can you use Toprural — Range of Destinations
Toprural isn’t limited to a small area — its reach spans much of Southern and Western Europe.
- Spain: As its home base, Spain is one of the strongest markets for Toprural — from whitewashed villages in Andalusia to green hills of the north.
- Italy: Dreamy vineyards, rolling Tuscan hills, and rustic farmhouses make Italy a popular choice.
- France: Picturesque countryside, historic villages, and charming B&Bs across rural France.
- Portugal and beyond: Coastal retreats, inland farms, and quiet countryside stays.
Because Toprural supports multiple languages (including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Catalan, Dutch, among others), it’s beginner-friendly for many travelers, even those who don’t speak the local language.
What You Get — Typical Features & Benefits of Properties Listed on Toprural
When you use Toprural, expect these kinds of benefits and amenities from rural accommodations:
- Full-furnished homes or cottages with private kitchens — ideal if you prefer cooking, want to save on meals, or want a homey feel rather than a hotel.
- More privacy and space: Many rural stays offer standalone houses, gardens or yards, multiple bedrooms — optimal for families or groups.
- Local atmosphere: Often, the owners are locals themselves or have deep familiarity with the region, which leads to recommendations for hidden gems, local culture, cuisine, and community experiences.
- Quiet and peaceful surroundings: Away from traffic, noise, and city bustle — perfect for relaxing, reading, hiking, or stargazing.
- Flexibility and value: Often, rural stays cost less per person when shared among multiple travelers. And you often pay for a whole house rather than per person or per room.
Who Should Consider Using Toprural — Best Suited Travelers
If you fit one or more of the following profiles, Toprural is likely an excellent fit for you:
- Nature lovers and peace-seekers: You enjoy quiet, natural surroundings, scenic views, and a slower pace.
- Families or groups of friends: You want space, privacy, and the comforts of a home — without spending too much per person.
- Travelers seeking local authenticity: You’re more interested in local charm, culture, and a genuine stay rather than standard tourist hotels.
- Budget- and value-conscious travellers: You appreciate getting more amenities and space for your money.
- Slow-travelers or long-stay seekers: If you plan to stay several days or weeks, rural homes with kitchens and comfortable setups are often more appealing than hotels.
How to Use Toprural Effectively — Tips for Booking Your Ideal Rural Getaway
To get the most out of Toprural, a little planning helps:
- Search with broad filters first: Start with region and travel dates, then refine by accommodation type (farmhouse, B&B, cottage).
- Check amenities and property details: Look for kitchens, the number of bedrooms, a garden or yard, and private bathrooms or shared facilities — especially if you are traveling with family or friends.
- Read past guest reviews carefully: Authentic guest reviews often mention essential details such as cleanliness, the owner’s responsiveness, local friendliness, ease of access, and nearby conveniences.
- Consider transportation and access: Rural accommodations may be far from city centers or public transport — make sure you plan how you’ll reach the property (car rental, local taxi, etc.).
- Align with your travel style: If you want hiking, quiet countryside walks, or cultural immersion — pick properties in rural, less touristic regions; if you prefer tourism infrastructure (restaurants, shops, tours), pick ones closer to small towns or villages.
The Unique Value of Authentic Rural Tourism — Beyond Just Vacation
Using Toprural for rural travel is more than just finding a place to sleep — it can reshape the entire travel experience. Rural tourism often supports small, local economies, encourages the preservation of rural architecture and heritage, and fosters connections between travelers and local communities.
For travelers, the value goes deeper. You gain a chance to unplug, slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature and culture. Whether it’s enjoying local cuisine, exploring the countryside, or simply sipping coffee on a terrace with a valley view, rural stays often leave a more lasting, meaningful impression than typical tourist vacations.
When Toprural Might Not Be Ideal — What to Watch Out For
While rural getaways are fantastic, they may not fit every traveler’s needs:
- Limited transport and infrastructure: Some properties might be remote, far from shops, hospitals, or public transportation — so having a car or planning transit is essential.
- Fewer amenities than city hotels: You likely won’t get 24/7 room service, on-site restaurants, or concierge services. It’s more “home stay” than a luxury hotel.
- Possible language or connectivity barriers: In rural areas, especially in small villages, knowledge of English or other non-local languages may be limited; internet or phone connectivity may also be weak.
- Not ideal for short stays: If you’re only in town for a night or two, a rural getaway might feel impractical (especially when factoring in transport time).
Final Thoughts: Why Toprural is the Smartest Way to Discover Rural Getaways
If you’ve been longing for a genuine escape — away from urban crowds, away from standard hotels, and into rolling hills, peaceful landscapes, and authentic cultural textures — Toprural offers a unique gateway. It bridges the gap between travelers craving quiet countryside retreats and local homeowners providing the warmth of rural stays. With a broad array of options, from affordable cottages to rustic farmhouses, Toprural makes it easy to tailor rural escapes to your tastes, budget, and travel style.
Rural getaways aren’t just vacations — they are experiences. Experiences of calm, of reconnection, of discovery. And with Toprural, you have one of the most innovative tools to help you find that experience. Whether you travel solo, with family, or with friends — if you value authenticity, openness, and a slower pace — rural stays via Toprural could be precisely what you’re seeking.
Embrace the countryside, slow down, and let the hills, farms, and villages show you a different kind of travel. Your next unforgettable getaway might begin with a simple search on Toprural.
