5 European villa escapes with Oliver’s Travels

A villa holiday offers a level of space and flexibility that’s hard to find in a hotel. Instead of shared facilities and fixed schedules, you have your own place to relax, cook, and spend time together, whether that’s around the pool, on a terrace at sunset, or over a long dinner outside. Oliver's Travels specialises in handpicked villas across Europe, with properties ranging from stylish coastal homes to restored country estates. Many sleep anywhere from six to 14 guests or more, making them ideal for families or groups travelling together, and your Travel Counsellor can find the best one for you and your needs.

5 European villa escapes with Oliver’s Travels

Italian villas surrounded by countryside and coast

Italy’s villas often reflect the landscape around them. In regions like Tuscany, restored farmhouses sit among vineyards and olive groves, with large kitchens, shaded terraces, and private pools designed for slow afternoons outdoors. Many properties sleep between ten and 14 guests, giving groups plenty of room to spread out. In Puglia, white stone homes and traditional trulli offer a different architectural style, while along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find villas positioned above the sea with sweeping terraces.

Spanish villas made for outdoor living

The best of Spain’s villas tend to centre around outdoor living. On the Balearic Islands – particularly Mallorca and Ibiza – traditional fincas sit on spacious plots with generous pool areas, outdoor kitchens, and shaded terraces for dining. On the mainland, the Costa del Sol offers contemporary homes close to beaches and lively coastal towns, so it’s easy to balance quiet time at the villa with days out exploring local restaurants, markets, and marinas.

French villas set in historic countryside

In France, many villas are found in rural regions where historic homes have been carefully restored into spacious holiday properties. In places such as Provence and Dordogne, villas often come with large gardens, private pools, and interiors that blend traditional features with modern comforts. It’s common to find properties sleeping ten or more guests, making them perfect for extended family trips or celebrations.

Croatian villas along the Adriatic Coast

Croatia’s villa scene is closely tied to its coastline. Along the Dalmatian Coast and islands like Hvar, many villas are modern in design, with clean lines, large windows, and terraces facing the Adriatic. Most sleep between eight and 12 guests and often include infinity pools and outdoor lounges built for sea views. From these locations, it’s easy to explore historic harbour towns, take boat trips between islands, or spend the day swimming in clear waters just minutes from your villa.

Portuguese villas near beaches and vineyards

Portugal offers a mix of coastal retreats and quieter countryside stays. In the Algarve, villas typically sleep eight to 12 guests and are often located close to sandy beaches, golf courses, and relaxed seaside towns. Their large terraces and private pools make them well-suited to long days in the sun. Further north, the Douro Valley offers a very different setting, where villas overlook vineyards and the winding river below. It’s a great base for exploring local wineries and the food traditions that make this region so well known.

To escape to your next villa getaway, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

5 standout destinations for summer 2026

20 March 2026

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season where travellers are mixing the familiar with the less obvious. The big names are still popular for a reason: they’re easy to reach, reliable in terms of weather, and offer plenty to do. But there’s also a growing shift towards destinations that feel a bit more manageable in peak season, whether that’s smaller islands, lesser-known coastal towns, or places that reward a slower pace. With short-haul travel across Europe continuing to expand, it’s easier than ever to combine both. Below are five destinations to have on your radar: two well-known favourites, and three that offer something slightly different without taking you too far out of your comfort zone.

How to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen

20 March 2026

Denmark’s capital is a city that’s easy to settle into quickly. Much of the centre can be explored on foot, the harbour is never far away, and the food and bar scene makes it easy to plan your day around where to eat next. In two days, you can cover the highlights while still leaving time to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and local experiences that make the city such a good choice for a short break.

Short on time? Discover Iceland’s highlights in three days

20 March 2026

Iceland can feel like a big trip to plan, but this three-night itinerary keeps things simple without missing the highlights. Built around a stay at Hotel Rangá, it combines private transfers, guided touring, and enough free time to enjoy your magnificent surroundings. You’ll cover some of the country’s most recognisable sights, from geothermal spas to waterfalls and black sand beaches, without constantly moving hotels or packing and unpacking. It’s a straightforward way to see a lot in a short space of time, with a good balance between structure and downtime.