Spain

5 fantastic family villas to rent in Spain

Last updated 1st September 2017

Spain as good as invented villa holidays, and it’s still one of the most places to rent in Europe; continuously scoring high on everything from sunny weather, and fantastic beaches to amazing islands, good value, and sheer variety.

Private pools are standard on Spanish Costas, and larger villas for multi-generation, or multi-family groups, are easy to find, even in quieter regions.

Opting for a little independence in Spain also lets you avoid the package-holiday downside of many otherwise gorgeous areas. You’ll find lovely villas in most of Andalusia’s pretty, sugar-cube mountain villages, only a short drive from the fun coasts. Inland Majorca is magical, uncrowded, and authentic, but never far from beaches. The same is true of most of the Canary Islands. Or you could mix urban with rural, rent in the countryside and surround yourself with iconic Spanish cities.

Here are five gorgeous villas which clearly show why Spain is still Europe’s number one choice for independent family holidays.

1/5 Mazzarón Country Club Villa, Costa Cálida

Sleeps up to four. Entire villa from £590 per week.

Just 10 minutes from the historic Mediterranean port of Mazzarón, this two bedroom family villa has a large private swimming pool, spacious outdoor dining terrace, and enclosed grounds. The design is cool and contemporary, and traditional features include an open fireplace in the living room, and an unusual tower bedroom.

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Sleeps up to four
  • Private pool, dining terrace, enclosed grounds
  • Country Club setting with golf, beaches, and parkland.
  • 10 minutes drive from Mediterranean coast.
  • Just over an hour’s drive from Alicante Airport

About the area

The villa is part of Mazzarón Country Club, and has access to golf courses, beaches, and extensive parkland. Mazzarón town is one of the most popular resorts on Costa Cálida’s Mediterranean coast, and just 10 minutes drive away. The ancient city of Cartegena, famous for its remarkable amphitheatre and Modernist architecture, is less than an hour east of Mazzarón.

Find out more about Mazzaron Country Club Villa with Casamundo.

2/5 Villa Leonardo, Playa de la Arena, Tenerife

Sleeps up to six. Entire villa from £1587 per week.

This single storey villa in Playa de la Arena is ideal for families with younger kids. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private pool, enclosed garden, and sheltered outdoor dining room with barbecue. The villa has lovely mountain views, just minutes from the beach.

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Sleeps up to six
  • Single storey, private pool, sun terraces, enclosed garden
  • Walking distance for Playa de la Arena beaches.
  • North west coast of Tenerife
  • One hour’s drive from Tenerife South Airport

About the area

Playa de la Arena is a lively, family resort on Tenerife’s sunny northwest coast. The spectacular Los Gigantes cliffs are nearby, and the villa is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and beaches. Aqualand and Siam Park are less than an hour’s drive south, and Mount Teide National Park is an hour inland from the coast.

Find out more about Villa Leonardo with James Villas.

3/5 Villa Gran, Puerto Pollensa, Majorca

Sleeps up to 13. Entire villa from £1389 per week.

Set in the countryside with views of the Tramuntana Mountains, this roomy villa is perfect for larger families. It has six spacious bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a  private pool surrounded by lawn. Both the living room and dining room have patio doors, and there’s a shady sun terrace overlooking a large garden.

  • 6 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Sleeps up to 13
  • Private pool, large garden, mountain views, countryside setting.
  • 10 minutes’ walk from Puerto Pollenso
  • Majorca’s northeast coast.
  • One hour’s drive from Palma Airport

About the area

The chic holiday resort of Puerto Pollensa is an easy 10 minutes’ walk from the villa for seafood restaurants, beautiful beaches, and smart shops. Nearby Cap Formentor is one of the most dramatic spots on Majorca’s north coast. You’ll find waterparks and water sports at Port d’Alcúdia, less than 20 minutes away by car; and the Majorcan capital, Palma, is just over an hour’s drive west.

Find out more about Villa Gran with Villa Plus.

4/5 La Joya Villa, Antequera, Andalusia

Sleeps up to 6. Entire villa from £625 per week.

This charming three bedroom country villa sits just outside the tiny Andalusian mountain village of La Joya. It’s surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and has a private pool, sun terraces, fully enclosed garden, and magnificent views. There’s plenty of space indoors and out, and the pool is gated, so this is good choice for younger kids.

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Sleeps up to six
  • Private pool, enclosed garden, countryside setting
  • An hour’s drive from Mediterranean beaches
  • One hour and 15 minutes from Granada
  • 50 minutes’ drive from Malaga Airport

About the area

The villa is 10 minutes walk from La Joya village centre, and 20 minutes by car to the historic cathedral town of Antequera. Walking, hiking, and exploring round the local area is good fun. Granada is just over an hour’s drive east, and Seville is two hour’s drive west. For beaches, waterparks, theme parks, and incredible Andalusian restaurants, Malaga is an hour away by road on the Costa del Sol.

Find out more about La Joya Villa with Rustica Travel.

Photo courtesy of Ruralidays.com

5/5 Villa Axarquia, Nerja, Costa del Sol  

Sleeps up to seven. Entire villa from £813 per week

A pretty three bedroom family villa built in traditional Nerja style, Axarquia sits in an enclosed garden with a private pool, furnished dining terrace, built-in barbecue, and shady sun porch. The holiday price includes cleaning, and a range of baby equipment is also available on request.

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • Sleeps up to seven
  • Enclosed garden, private pool, countryside views
  • Minutes from Nerja town centre and Costa del Sol beaches
  • Just over an hour’s drive from Granada
  • 50 minutes’ drive from Malaga Airport

About the area

The villa sits on the edge of Nerja, a charming Costa del Sol town, with a lively resort atmosphere, lots of kids’ activities and water sports, excellent restaurants, and some of the coast’s loveliest beaches. The great Moorish city of Granada is just over an hour’s drive away, and Andalusia’s prettiest village, Frigiliana, is less than 20 minutes from the villa by car. Almijarra Natural Park, Rio Chillar, and Cuevas de Nerja are also within easy driving distance of Nerja.

Find out more about Villa Axarquia with Ruralidays.

Want to book your villa holiday now? View a handpicked selection of our favourite family friendly villas in Europe.