Last-minute luxury: Gorgeous villas to rent in Europe this summer
From classic retreats on the French Riviera to off-beat adventures in Greece and Turkey, this is our pick of Mediterranean villa rentals with the wow-factor
If the warmer weather has got you dreaming of sunbeds and sangria, you’re not the only one; which means planning a stylish last-minute escape may require more than a little good timing and luck. But making a hasty getaway doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on style – if you know where to look. To give you a head start we’ve scoured the chicest rental platforms on the internet to find the most luxurious villas to rent in Europe this summer.
Bastide Saint-Rémy, Provence, France
Set among fragrant lavender gardens and shady olive groves, Bastide Saint-Rémy is a new addition to Onefinestay’s South of France portfolio and offers a restful retreat for up to 14 guests. In the heart of Provence, you’ll be spoiled for choice with an array of outdoor activities, historic attractions, and an exceptional dining scene that spans bistros to Michelin-star eateries.
The villa’s seven ensuite bedrooms feel warm and cosy, with rich heritage fabrics, exposed stone walls, and an earthy colour palette. Enjoy long, bubbly soaks in a copper clawfoot tub in your ensuite, with views out across the dreamy Mediterranean garden, or while away the hours in the magical outdoor spaces nestled underneath a 300-year-old plane tree, and featuring a 18-metre infinity pool, and volleyball and pétanque courts.
From £2,860 per night.
Villa Rosetta, Umbria, Italy
Rosetta is an elegant four-bedroom villa which can sleep up to eight guests, boasting delightful views across the verdant hillsides of Umbria. It is difficult to choose a single highlight of Villa Rosetta, but the traditional design – think majestic arched windows, marble bathrooms, and beautiful exposed wooden beams – is one of a few features that will make you feel like you’re living in an Italian palazzo. Step outside to discover the pool house and infinity pool, complemented by plenty of sun loungers and a choice of al fresco dining areas that will make it hard to leave.
From £2,300 per night.
Villa Vanilla, St Tropez, France
New for 2025 is Villa Vanilla, perched on the hillside and boasting sweeping views across the sparkling Gulf of St Tropez. The highlights of the French Riviera, from the pristine beaches and sleepy fishing villages to the glamour of St Tropez, are all within easy reach, while contemporary comfort awaits in the villa’s five bedrooms catering up to 10 guests. Each bedroom benefits from a spa-style ensuite with statement stone sinks and a walk-in waterfall shower. Chic outdoor lounges are dotted around the villa, or you can take a moment to soak in the hot tub or snooze by the infinity pool. The choice is yours…
From £870 per night.
Feronia, Tuscany, Italy
Looking for a palatial estate to host all your friends and family this summer? Look no further than Feronia: a five-building estate that sleeps up to 40 guests. Having evolved since its conception in the 14th century to become a glorious home of history and elegance, the style throughout is classical Tuscan chic, which combines soaring arches, French doors and antique furnishings. Each building, peppered throughout manicured gardens, is its own haven featuring a living area, fully equipped kitchen and grander halls where everyone can gather. Sundowners among the lavender, anyone?
From £9,425 per night.
Chalet Iona, Méribel, France
Who said Méribel was just for winter? Purple Summer – the sister brand to acclaimed luxury chalet operator Purple Ski – reopens some of its best properties for discerning travellers to enjoy the mountains in full bloom during the warmer months. Case in point is Chalet Iona, which offers unparalleled views across 13 pretty villages, stretching towards the Vanoise National Park and the magnificent Grand Bec mountain, and can accommodate up to 15 guests.
Completely rebuilt in 2017, there are two charming yet stylish master bedrooms and four twin or double guest rooms. The entrance opens into a large, high-ceilinged living dining area featuring a dramatic, suspended fireplace and a huge, hand-made oak dining table close to the large east-facing panoramic windows. A second spacious living room on the lower level is home to an array of board games, a large screen TV and an extensive selection of vinyl records. The chalet is surrounded by idyllic gardens, where deer graze in nearby meadows as guests soak in the private hot tub, and three barbecue areas and sun decks provide space for unhurried breakfasts in the morning sun.
From £17,630 per week.
Supetar Residence, Cavtat, Croatia
Having enjoyed its debut season last summer, Supetar Residence is the place to be and be seen in the Croatian town of Cavtat. A stone’s throw from the storied city of Dubrovnik – and owned and run by independent boutique hotel company, Adriatic Luxury Hotels – five bedrooms are housed within this historic Dalmatian villa, mere moments from Cavtat's charming waterfront promenade.
Designed by acclaimed Croatian designer Katarina Alamat Kusijanovic in cooperation with Studio Lacroma, the villa’s interiors blend vintage furnishings with local fabrics. The spacious living room and an intimate dining area is ideal for hosting, while those inclined to maintain their wellness and exercise routines can get their endorphins pumping in the fitness room. As the sun sets over the Dalmatian coastline, head next door to Hotel Supetar and enjoy an aperitif on the sun-drenched terrace. Guests will also have full access to the bustling restaurant and sparkling outdoor swimming pool. That’s what we call the best of both worlds.
From £25,200 per night.
Villa Aurélienne, Provence, France
Nestled among lavender and rosemary, Villa Aurélienne is another of Onefinestay’s new additions and offers an elevated oasis with mesmerising views across the rolling Provençale hills. This elegant retreat for up to 10 guests offers a memorable stay in the South of France, with the finest restaurants, wineries, and outdoor pursuits all within easy reach. Villa Aurélienne’s living spaces blend soft, natural light and charm with exposed timber ceilings while the French country kitchen’s sliding glass doors offer a bucolic vista while you plan your feasts.
From £1,678 per night.
Villa Gaïa, Thessaloniki, Greece
Villa Gaïa is a stylish and modern property situated on a scenic bluff in Greece (close to Thessaloniki) and offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea. With five spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a 345 sqm living space, this villa comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests. The open-plan design is enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and amenities include a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and hammam, while the outdoor pool and beach are perfect for relaxation. A villa manager and transfers are included so you certainly won’t have to lift a finger.
From £38,370 per week.
L’Écrin de Bellefontaine, Provence, France
Cradled by the craggy Alpilles mountain range, L’Écrin de Bellefontaine is a secluded sanctuary for up to 16 guests across eight bedrooms. This grand villa, rich with period features, makes an elegant base for adventures in the heart of Provence. Glorious arched ceilings, a period stone fireplace, and an antique oil press add character to the main living room while a number of modern artworks are peppered across the space to add a contemporary touch. There are several trendy living spaces where guests can relax with an apéritif before rustling up a hearty pot of daube in the sophisticated grey and granite kitchen.
From £3,145 per night.
Villa Dune, Cap Ferret, France
Part of Le Collectionist portfolio, Villa Dune is a charming family home with classic Cap Ferret wooden architecture, situated in the scenic southwest of France. Accommodating up to 10 guests across five bedrooms and four bathrooms, begin your day with a coffee on the terrace, enjoying panoramic views of Arcachon Bay before relaxing in the garden, making the most of the private pontoon, and making a splash in the sea with boating or paddleboarding excursions. With its stunning sea views, barbecue, and inviting chimney, Villa Dune promises the ultimate summer getaway.
From £11,490 per week.
Villa Alva, Pico, Portuguese Azores
Villa Alva is a tranquil retreat located on the island of Pico in the Azores, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. Set within a bicentennial distillery, this property sits in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, where old structures and preserved materials transport guests back in time. With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, the villa accommodates up to 18 guests, inviting them to take in the views of the vineyards and the sea from the infinity pool, unwind in the sauna, or indulge in a delicious barbecue meal. For added relaxation, a chef or masseuse can be arranged, while bicycles and tour guides are available for exploring the lush surroundings. See you there.
From £16,190 per week.
Casa Fazziò, Corsica, France
Casa Fazziò is a beautifully designed property located in Bonifacio, Corsica, offering a serene retreat combining sea, mountains, and nature. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the eight-person villa features an overflowing swimming pool, a private pathway to the beach, and a range of outdoor amenities, including a barbecue and jacuzzi. Located within walking distance of the beach, Casa Fazziò includes a daily breakfast basket so you can enjoy the morning uninterrupted.
From £18,210 per week.
Villa Sol Y Luna, Ibiza, Spain
Villa Sol y Luna
Villa Sol y Luna is a peaceful retreat perched atop Benimussa Hill in Ibiza, surrounded by lush Mediterranean rolling hills. This traditional finca offers discreet luxury and authentic charm, accommodating up to 10 guests across five bedrooms and four bathrooms within a vast thoughtfully designed space. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a cosy fireplace, this is an ideal escape for those seeking a different side to the White Isle.
From £5,485 per week.
Tempted By The Morning Sun, Antalya, Turkey
The Turkish Riviera – as it’s been rebranded in recent years – is having a serious renaissance as a Mediterranean destination full of fascinating history, culture and pristine beaches. Beyond the party towns of Bodrum and Izmir, Antalya is difficult to beat for its charming villages and unspoiled nature.
In the hills above Kalamar Beach, this five-bedroom villa looks out over lush mountains and clear blue skies, the warm sea just a short stroll away. You’ll find excellent seafood restaurants in the local town of Kalkan, where cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages line the waterfront. Back at the villa, find a shady spot to read a book in the hammock, or spend an afternoon in the beautifully tiled pool.
From £8,660 per week.
The Red Chalet, Algarve, Portugal
Having opened for the first time in 2023, this bijoux two-bedroom villa kickstarted a new chapter for the quaint seaside town of Armação de Pêra in the Algarve. The Belle Époque era holiday house was built at the turn of the 20th century, inspired by the opulent luxury of the day, and was originally known as ‘Chalet dos Caldas e Vasconcelos’. It remained a family summer home for almost 80 years, and this sense of familial warmth has been recreated in the unique wooden flooring, antique chandeliers, and a spectacular staircase. In the grounds, a small annex – the White House – offers a duplex suite with living room and terrace, ideal for an extra couple, au pair or older children.
From £15,000 per week.
Villa Sheherezade, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The jewel of the Dalmatian coast, the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik is no well-kept secret. What is a secret, however, is this palatial villa positioned on the clifftop above the town. A masterpiece of white stone, topped with a striking turquoise dome, it is surrounded by 4,000 square metres of original white-stone terraces and a Mediterranean garden. Originally built in 1920 with an intoxicating mix of Moorish and Mediterranean architecture, and views onto the terracotta-coloured Old City, the impossibly clear Adriatic and the secluded island of Lokrum, Villa Sheherezade once played host to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Now, its five newly-renovated bedrooms are each as sumptuous as the next, and you’ll get Bvlgari toiletries, a private chef and a butler to boot.
POA.
Read more: The best beaches in Europe (and where to stay while you’re there)