Villas in Europe

When it comes to family villa resorts in Europe, the Algarve hits it out of the park. Gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, resort playgrounds, kids’ clubs, thrilling waterparks and year-round warm weather make it great for families with children.

Corfu is a leafy green oasis fringed by white-sand beaches and turquoise water… perfect if you’ve got beach or water babies in the family! Or if you fancy learning a bit of Greek mythology, take a trip to one of the many ancient ruins.

Full of chocolate-box villages, cute British tearooms and surrounded by scenic walks through the countryside, the Cotswolds is a quintessential English break where everyone will enjoy getting stuck into the local activities and cosy country pubs.

Spain is always top of the list when it comes to looking for a family-friendly destination, and this region is one of the most popular. When it comes to our collection of beachfront villas and villas in Europe with private pools, Mallorca has got it down.

An Italian seaside retreat, Puglia has a stunning coastline with sandy beaches, warm sea temps, great beachfront facilities and the weather is still mild if you want to visit out of season (when it’s slightly cheaper and less crowded!) – a great destination for every age.

With plenty of family-friendly beaches, restaurants, bars and attractions, Paphos is great for kids and adults alike; spend an afternoon visiting historic tombs, trying your hand at water-sports, making sandcastles or exploring sea caves.

The Greek islands will never disappoint those looking for beautiful beaches. Home to one of the world’s best beaches – Elafonissi, which was ranked #30 out of 50 by Flight Network – Crete is fringed by sugar-white beaches and topaz blue waters. Beach goals, some would say.

The Sardinian coast of Italy is as pretty as a postcard, with crystal-clear water lapping sugar-white coves and wild hinterland offering all manner of outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s home to Cala Goloroitze, which is #36 in the list of 50 best beaches in the world.

Lining the sparkling Adriatic are the beaches and bays of Croatia’s Brač Island, from the picturesque and pebbly Zlatni Rat to the monastery bay of Martinica; with historic towns and charming villages dotted along the coast, Brač is a quaint beach retreat.

Commonly dubbed the ‘Cornish Riviera’, the coastline stretches over 250 miles with over 150 unspoilt beaches and coves great for surfing and dog walking. Craggy cliffs and rocks jut out of golden swathes and cute tearooms pepper the coastal towns.

Pre-historic cave paintings, chateaux-dotted landscapes, countryside cycling routes, twisting hills and the winding Dordogne River (perfect for kayaking) – the Dordogne isn’t just gastronomy and charming towns, it’s also great for outdoorsy types.

Whether it’s a kayak tour along Lake Como, cycling among the mountainous terrain of Lake Garda or traversing the valleys of Lake Maggiore by rail, the Italian Lakes are full of adventure! Water-sports, walking routes and beautiful gardens are in abundance.

The dramatic landscapes of this Portuguese region were made for active holidaymakers; hike through the subtropical wilderness, wander through lush botanical gardens and be in awe of Madeira’s volcanic beauty. Monte toboggan down the road, anyone?

From exploring ancient caves and underground lakes to hiking and cycling national parks, you’re never short of things to keep you occupied in Istria. While its world-class gastronomy often takes centre stage, its family-friendly activities also hit the sweet spot.

Canoeing through the countryside, diving into crystal-clear waters, discovering ancient Lycian cities and sailing in a traditional Turkish gulet – immerse yourself in Kalkan’s wealth of outdoor pursuits. With awe-inspiring canyons and stunning scenery, it’s a region that always delivers.

Cosy, traditional pubs alive with the sounds of local musicians, lush green countryside peppered with historic castles, a unique Gaelic culture and plenty of pints of Guinness and hearty bowls of stew – if you’re looking for a lively experience… look no further than Ireland.

Rolling verdant hills, dramatic mountainous backdrops, chocolate-box villages and quaint British tea rooms… if you want the quintessential British experience, then a trip to Yorkshire will do the trick. Historic cities give way to beautiful scenic vistas in this gorgeous region.

Loire Valley is chateaux-studded landscapes alongside local vineyards, Renaissance art and rich history, grand architecture and charming towns and villages. The cultural and historic heritage make this region an interesting and lovely place to explore.

From age-old wineries to stunning marine parks, medieval cities to charming coastal villages, the impressive Pyrenees scenery to thrilling outdoor adventures, Costa Brava is so much more than just a beach escape.

What makes this region of France so interesting is the unique Celtic culture they celebrate, hosting regular festivals and paying homage to it with age-old traditions. The medieval-walled citadels, wild hinterland and rugged coastline just add to its charm.

The gastronomy and vineyards of Italy play a big part in all its regions but look further into Tuscany and you’ll find rustic farmhouses, sleepy hilltop villages, ancient architecture and a thriving art and music scene.