Family villa holidays in Europe are better value than ever with Villa Plus. Because when Villa Plus say ‘plus’, they’re talking about private swimming pools, great outdoor space, fantastic locations, and masses of room for kids to be kids, all at no extra expense.
You can take your pick from charming countryside homes in Croatia, contemporary beach houses in the Canaries, huge family villas on the Costa del Sol or quaint heritage homes in pretty southern Italy. They even have villas where you don’t need to drive – massive savings on car hire and holiday stress.
So where would you like to stretch out and stretch your family budget in Europe this year? Take a look at 10 exciting European villas from Villa Plus, in all shapes and sizes, and ready to rent right now.
1/10 Villa Zen, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
Sleeps up to nine
Zen lives up to its name: combining cool, contemporary simplicity with elegant South East Asian design detail to create a unique, and lovely villa.
There are two swimming pools here, as well as several shaded, chill-out areas complete with luxurious seating, and even a couple of Bali beds. A wooden pergola shelters the dining terrace, and the brick-built BBQ is an ideal companion for long, relaxed lunches and family dinners on peaceful, summer evenings.
- 4 bedrooms
- 2 bath/shower rooms
- Private heated pool, children’s pool, dining terrace, spacious outdoor area.
- Short drive from Playa Blanca resort and Playa Flamingo beach.
- South west Lanzarote.
- 20 minutes from airport.
About the area
Playa Blanca, is just a short drive from Villa Zen. One of Lanzarote’s prettiest resorts, it’s famous for the lively Rubicon Marina, and fabulous, white sand beaches like Playa Flamingo, where safe, shallow waters are a favourite with younger kids.
Playa Dorada is a water sports’ great, not far from the villa. And legendary Papagayo Beach is only 30 minutes away by car, if you feel like complete escapism for a day.
Find out more about Villa Zen with Villa Plus
2/10 Villa Trullo Oro Verde, Ostuni, Puglia
Sleeps up to six
This characterful, countryside villa incorporates authentic trulli features in its design, and brings more than a touch of Italian tradition to a family holiday with lovely al fresco dining spaces, and even an outdoor pizza oven.
The huge garden has plenty of lawn for younger kids, outside games tables, and a large, rectangular swimming pool. It’s also surrounded by mature, olive groves for almost complete privacy, even more excuse for long, lazy lunches and family dinners on the terrace.
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bath/shower rooms
- Private heated pool, large garden, dining terrace, tranquil countryside setting.
- 20 minutes drive from Ostuni: the ‘White City’.
- 30 minutes drive from seaside resorts on the Marina di Ostuni coast.
- 40 minutes from airport.
About the area
Ostuni, known as ‘the white city’, is just 20 minutes drive from the villa. It’s wonderfully historic, and wandering the narrow lanes round whitewashed buildings, stopping for drinks on the beautiful piazza, or exploring the winding streets and impressive cathedral, makes an interesting day out.
Ceglie Messapica and Carovigno are charming nearby towns too, and the Marina di Ostuni coastline is only 30 minutes away: scattered along its entire length with seaside resorts like Villanova, Lido Morelli, Rosa Marina, Costa Merlata, and Quarto do Monte.
Find out more about Villa Trullo Oro Verde with Villa Plus
3/10 Villa Las Cadas, Nerja, Costa del Sol
Sleeps up to 11
Villa Cadas is a good choice for active families. Enclosed gardens and a gated pool, with Roman steps, give younger children plenty of freedom to play safely. Older kids have a full-size badminton court, and outdoor games tables to keep them busy, and fun water sports beaches are minutes away in Nerja.
For more peaceful holiday moments, the villa has its own chill-out zone complete with lounge-around daybeds, and cooling shade. And the spacious, covered dining terrace is perfect for relaxed lunches, and family dinners on warm, Costa del Sol evenings: all served with long and naturally soothing sea views.
- 5 bedrooms
- 3 bath/shower rooms
- Private and gated pool, garden, dining terrace, full-size badminton court.
- Short drive from Nerja and Costa del Sol beaches.
- Close to Nerja Natural Park.
- One hour from airport.
About the area
Villa Cadas is close to Nerja Natural Park, which is great for adventuring around with kids. The lively resort of Nerja itself is just a few minutes drive away for shops and restaurants, and several of the loveliest beaches on the Costa del Sol are nearby too.
Families can choose activity packed favourites like Burriana Beach in the heart of Nerja, or opt for smaller coves along the coast. Malaga is another easy day out with kids, only 40 minutes drive away, and known for its historic Old Town an cool tapas bars.
Find out more about Villa Las Cadas with Villa Plus
4/10 Villa Waikiki, Corralejo, Fuerteventura
Sleeps up to nine
Light and airy Villa Waikiki is a stunning contemporary villa with first floor terraces overlooking the Atlantic towards Lobos Island and nearby Lanzarote.
The villa’s cool design will appeal to teens, although younger kids are just as likely to love the swimming pool and wooden decking for afternoon playing. And, as the kitchen opens out on to the poolside dining terrace, eating outdoors here is irresistible, day and night.
- 4 bedrooms
- 3 bath/shower rooms
- Private heated pool, poolside dining terrace, sea views from first floor terrace.
- Walking distance from lively Corralejo resort.
- Minutes from Waikiki Beach.
- 35 minutes from airport.
About the area
The centre of Corralejo is a short walk away for shops and restaurants, and fabulous beaches are also within walking distance of the villa, so it’s a good choice to avoid holiday driving.
Kids enjoy paddling and splashing around in the famously calm waters on local Waikiki Beach, which has a large, family-friendly restaurant too, along with sunbed and parasol hire. If you don’t mind a short drive occasionally, Flag and Grandes Playas are two beautiful Fuerteventura beaches nearby, and more than worth a little effort.
Find out more about Villa Waikiki with Villa Plus
5/10 Villa Vinales, Las Chapas, Costa del Sol
Sleeps up to 10
Villa Vinales is ideal for larger families, and for making the most of the Costa del Sol’s wonderful weather. The large garden has plenty of lawn and space for kids to play, and Roman steps into the pool are great for little first-time swimmers.
A fully-equipped BBQ kitchen adds even more appeal to the outdoor dining terrace, and there are fun games tables to keep older kids happy too.
- 5 bedrooms
- 4 bath/shower rooms
- Private heated pool, outdoor BBQ kitchen/dining area, private garden.
- Close to Marbesa Beach, and five minutes drive from Cobopino Marina.
- Short drive from Marbella and Golden Mile beaches.
- 30 minutes from airport.
About the area
Lovely Marbesa Beach is closest to Villa Vinales, and complements its smooth sands with several family-friendly beach bars for lunch.
You’ll find excellent water sports and fun dolphin spotting cruises, along with another wonderful beach, at Cobopino Marina just five minutes drive away. And Marbella’s legendary Golden Mile is nearby too, for a choice of no less than 24 beaches, and even more family-friendly chiringuitos.
Find out more about Villa Vinales with Villa Plus
6/10 Villa Quiros 2, Puerto Pollensa, Majorca
Sleeps up to 12
An elegant, colonial-style villa on Puerto Pollensa waterfront, Quiros 2 is ideal for larger families. The villa has a private pool, sun terraces, and an enclosed garden for privacy and the sea views from the first floor terrace are particularly lovely.
A cool, shaded, outdoor dining terrace is perfect for family meals. Younger kids have lots of lawn to play on, plus Roman steps into the pool. And garden games tables, and plenty of room to swim, will appeal to older children and teens.
- 6 bedrooms
- 6 bath/shower rooms
- Private pool, garden, outdoor dining terrace, sea views from first floor terrace.
- Short walk from Puerto Pollensa beach and resort.
- Five minutes drive from historic Pollensa Old Town.
- One hour from airport.
About the area
Long and sandy Puerto Pollensa beach is a short walk along the seafront from Villa Quiros 2. The water sports and sailing here are excellent, and lively Puerto Pollensa itself is good for shops, restaurants, cafés, and strolls along the famous Pine Walk on summer afternoons.
A few miles inland, Pollensa Old Town never fails to charm with its quaint cobbled streets, historic architecture, and traditional Majorcan tapas bars.
Find out more about Villa Quiros 2 with Villa Plus
7/10 Villa Jose Lucien, Frigiliana, Costa del Sol
Sleeps up to 11
Villa Jose Lucien is bright and spacious, indoors and out, has wonderful open countryside views, and comes with two private pools, so it’s a great choice for larger families.
As well as two pools, both with Roman steps, the villa also has two dining terraces, each with its own barbecue. A fun games room keeps older kids and teenagers happy, and there’s plenty of space in the garden for younger kids to run around and play.
- 5 bedrooms
- 4 bath/shower rooms
- Two private pools, two outdoor dining terraces with BBQs, garden, games room.
- Short drive from village of Frigiliana.
- Minutes drive from resort of Nerja and Costa del Sol beaches.
- One hour from airport.
About the area
Frigiliana is known as one of the prettiest villages in Andalusia, and it’s just a few minutes drive from the villa.
For a livelier resort atmosphere, beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants, nearby Nerja more than lives up to its excellent reputation. Choose fabulous Burriana Beach in the heart of town for water sports, beach sports, and family activities, or quieter coves to the east for days out with younger kids.
Find out more about Villa Jose Lucien with Villa Plus
8/10 Villa Tres Tocs, Ciutadella, Menorca
Sleeps up to eight
Set in peaceful countryside, Tres Tocs is a bright, modern villa with a large, enclosed garden and plenty of lawn for playing. The private pool has Roman steps and wraparound wooden decking, and one of two dining terraces is covered: ideal for lunchtime shade in sunny western Menorca.
Older kids and teens like the outdoor games tables, and the master bedroom’s en-suite bathroom has a bath, which is great for younger kids.
- 4 bedrooms
- 3 bath/shower rooms
- Private pool, two outdoor dining terraces, large and enclosed garden.
- Five minutes drive from Sa Caleta and Cala Santandria beaches.
- Short drive from historic Ciutadella Town.
- One hour from airport.
About the area
Two lovely, sandy beaches are just five minutes drive away. Sa Caleta is quieter and perfect for picnics with younger kids, and livelier Cala Santandria has everything you need for a day by the sea, from sunbed hire to cute cafés.
Ciutadella Town, the ancient capital of Menorca, is nearby too. Great for shops, cafés and restaurants, it’s also the island’s most historic city, fascinating to explore during the day or for dinner by the waterfront on warm summer evenings.
Find out more about Villa Tres Tocs with Villa Plus
9/10 Villa Cirsium, Poreč, Croatia
Sleeps up to nine
Villa Cirsium’s mix of charming authentic features and contemporary design, along with a peaceful countryside setting, make it a perfect choice for a family holiday on Croatia’s historic Istrian Peninsula.
The villa’s large enclosed garden, swimming pool and shaded dining terrace, all sit to the rear, for complete privacy. Kids have huge lawns for running around, along with games tables on the terrace. And an adjoining one-bedroom annexe is a handy feature for independent teens, or multi-gen groups.
- 4 bedrooms
- 3 bath/shower rooms
- Private pool, large garden, outdoor dining terrace, countryside setting.
- Set in the hamlet of Barat, a short drive from Višnjan town.
- 20 minutes drive from Poreč and Adriatic beaches.
- 40 minutes from airport.
About the area
Villa Cirsium is in the tranquil hamlet of Barat, and a short drive from Višnjan town for local stores and restaurants. You’ll find a much wider choice of places to eat and shop in lively Poreč, just 20 minutes away.
One of the main resorts in the area and fun to explore, Poreč’s seafront is surfaced and good for young, first-time swimmers. Although, more confident kids will probably prefer days out on the pretty pebble beaches stretching along the Adriatic coast on either side of the resort.
Find out more about Villa Cirsium with Villa Plus
10/10 Villa Picon, Callao Salvaje, Tenerife
Sleeps up to 10
Villa Cirsium’s mix of charming authentic features and contemporary design, along with a peaceful countryside setting, make it a perfect choice for a family holiday on Croatia’s historic Istrian Peninsula.
The villa’s large enclosed garden, swimming pool and shaded dining terrace all sit to the rear for complete privacy. Kids have huge lawns for running around, along with games tables on the terrace. And an adjoining one-bedroom annexe is a handy feature for independent teens, or multi-gen groups.
- 5 bedrooms
- 3 bath/shower rooms
- Private heated pool, garden, outdoor dining terrace with brick-built BBQ.
- Five minutes drive from Callao Salvaje resort and beaches.
- South west coast of Tenerife.
- 25 minutes from airport.
About the area
The centre of Callao Salvaje is just five minutes drive from Villa Picon. A lively resort, it’s known for its safe black sand beach which is ideal for family days out as it has everything from changing rooms and toilets to snack bars. Younger kids also love Playa La Pinta in nearby Costa Adeje, because it’s small, very sheltered, and not given to any wild Atlantic waves.