The best Airbnbs in Europe for a dreamy escape

Dating back to 1780, this Airbnb in one of Europe's prettiest corners is a superb rental for sharing with the family or friends. It's been fully renovated while still sitting among centuries-old olive trees in a sun-kissed location close to the town of Ceglie Messapica.

Inside, there are three bedrooms (one is in the separate trullo), gorgeous rustic interiors and a colourful lounge that has just the right amount of sunlight, perfect for spending quality time as a group. The private swimming pool is another great spot to gather with loved ones on sunny days.

Sleeps: 6

Get there: 45 minutes' drive from Brindisi, 1 hour and 15 minutes' drive from Bari

SEE INSIDE

Like a stone house with pastel-hued shutters of French holiday dreams, this Airbnb is just the ticket to a heavenly farmhouse retreat. Situated around a kilometre from the ancient town of Uzès, and east of the Rhone River, this cottage for two is part of a master house.

There's a delightful patio for alfresco coffees and relaxing with a book, chic interiors and six hectares of grounds to make you feel a world away from any city. The outdoor swimming pool is ideal for soaking up the sunshine and the Airbnb is perfect for travellers looking for a dreamy ground-floor stay.

Sleeps: 2

Get there: Around a 30-minute drive from Nimes and 40 minutes from Avignon

SEE INSIDE

For a unique European Airbnb with wow factor, this one ticks all the right boxes. It's located in the peaceful nature reserve of Nordre Øyeren, just a 30-minutes drive from Oslo, and offers a peaceful escape in Norway, whether you're staying to witness the longest days of the summer or checking in during the winter when the area is covered in snow.

The mirrored design offers a unique rental that blends beautifully into the scenery. Inside, it's cosy with sheepskin throws and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the setting. An outdoor hot tub completes the experience.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: 30 minutes' drive from Oslo, 40 minutes from Oslo Airport

SEE INSIDE

Just the place to rent for a big gathering with loved ones, perhaps if celebrating a birthday or other milestone, this European villa was built for lounging by the pool with your favourite people. The sea views from the swimming pool are simply sublime and there are other features that make it ideal for sharing, such as the outdoor kitchen for alfresco meals.

Set over three floors, you'll find seven bedrooms, as well as an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture, plus a utility room that comes in handy when you're staying for more than a couple of days. If you can take yourself away from the pool, there's Dubrovnik's old town to explore, as well as vineyards and pretty coastal villages nearby.

Sleeps: 14

Get there: 40 minutes by car from Dubrovnik Airport

SEE INSIDE

For a fabulous trip to one of Europe's most exciting destinations, head to Istanbul and stay on the European side of the city in the bohemian neighbhourhood of Cihangir in the Beyoğlu district. It's home to this gorgeous Airbnb that's perfect for travellers looking to soak up the creative vibe of the area.

With three bedrooms, it's ideal for enjoying with friends or the family, and there's interesting art, hammocks and swings to relax in the garden and cosy spaces to relax, whatever time of year you're visiting. The stylish home has been featured in an interior magazine, too.

Sleeps: 7

Get there: 40 minutes by taxi from either of Istanbul's airports

SEE INSIDE

Think Holland and one of the first images that probably pops into your head is its windmills but did you ever imagine staying in one? This unusual Airbnb is close to the town of Abcoude, yet near enough to Amsterdam and Utrecht too, whenever you feel like venturing further.

There are three bedrooms, making it a superb rental for families, and all the things you'd expect from a quirky windmill stay: the wooden beams, amazing views and original features. Bikes and kayaks can be borrowed, and you can go for swims in the water outside.

Sleeps: 6

Get there: 20 minutes from Amsterdam

SEE INSIDE

With a stunning, family-friendly beach less than a minute's walk away, this Airbnb is an excellent choice for a European break in Portugal's Algarve. Salema is a working fishing village with a beach that often gets voted one of the best in the world.

This two-bedroom house was once a fishing house and has Moroccan-style features, such as the oasis-like courtyard and decorative pool, as well as colourful tiles and intricate stonework. All you need is a good book to fully relax and take in the serene atmosphere of this lovely Airbnb.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: Just over an hour's drive from Faro Airport

SEE INSIDE

Surrounded by 500 hectares of lava fields, close to the small town of Hella, this glass cottage is a must for viewing the Northern Lights or simply sleeping under the stars. It's secret, secluded and unique, the perfect location for getting away from it all and immersing yourself in Iceland's outstanding nature.

The bedroom is made entirely out of glass and from the bathroom you can see Iceland's largest volcanoes. If the plan is to hole up for a few days, there's a kitchen with all the essentials. To make the experience all the more dreamy, there's an outdoor hot tub so you can spend the evenings soaking in hot water with the ice all around you.

Sleeps: 2

Get there: Around two hours by car from Keflavik Airport

SEE INSIDE

A trip in the Greek islands never goes out of style and once you've explored Rhodes, Kos, Santorini and Corfu, it's time to get to know one of the lesser-known treasures: Paros. Part of the Cycladic group, Paros has the glorious beaches, picturesque villages and great hiking trails. It also attracts fewer tourists.

You'll want to hire a car for a stay at this Airbnb in Krotiri, which is around five minutes from the port and town centre of Parikia. Part of a complex, the house has access to a swimming pool, tennis courts and a private chapel. We love the minimalist Greek interiors. Guests say the sunset views are gorgeous and one previous holidaymaker says: "This is by far the best Airbnb I have stayed at in Europe."

Sleeps: 5

Get there: Fly from Athens or get the ferry to Paros from Santorini or Mykonos

SEE INSIDE

Less than an hour's drive from Finland's buzzing capital, Helsinki, this beautifully designed wooden cabin offers the ultimate peaceful getaway.

Nestled in the middle of a pine forest overlooking a private lake, the one-bedroom property has an abundance of windows and glass doors from which you can admire the stunning scenery – perfect for when you're snuggled up inside during the depths of winter.

A stay in summertime allows guests to enjoy the large terrace, outdoor dining space and the aforementioned lake. Whatever the time of year, be sure to embark on a detoxing sweat session in the cabin's wood-fired sauna. When in Finland, of course...

Sleeps: 4

Get there: 55 minutes by car from Helsinki

SEE INSIDE

A quirky and unique Airbnb in the pretty Provençal village of Goult, this charming house is owned by an antique dealer, so you know you can expect a wealth of treasures inside. Previous guests have praised the antiques and the heated pool, which is in a stone grotto.

One guest said it was an "absolute dream of an experience" and that booking this stay was at the top of their bucket list. Perfect for a romantic break, there is a vaulted kitchen and dining space, a covered patio leading to the bedroom and a sitting room with a cool stone floor.

Sleeps: 2

Get there: 45 minutes' drive from Avignon, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Nimes

SEE INSIDE

This idyllic Airbnb is a former Mallorcan mill, renovated and recently refurbished (in 2022) to add some luxury to its authentic charm. Inside, two bedrooms are tastefully furnished and both en suite, while the outdoor terrace is covered in Mediterranean flora and the shade of olive and fruit trees.

Former guests praise the property's spacious exterior and beautifully maintained plant life, as well as the quality of the interior decoration. The setting is rural and secluded, so it's one to book if you're seeking an off-grid escape.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: Around 40 minutes' drive from Palma Mallorca Airport

SEE INSIDE

This dreamy two-bedroom apartment is the perfect spot from which to soak up the historic charm of Budapest. In fact, it's something of a sightseeing spot itself, located inside the 1884 Dreher Palota building, with enchanting facades and a neo-Renaissance courtyard.

After soaking up the atmosphere of 19th-century Budapest, you can enjoy the similarly grand interiors, with high ceilings, wooden floors and original stuccos, all of which create a beautiful backdrop for the contemporary furnishings. Vast windows ensure that light floods the property all day.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: Around 25 minutes' drive from Budapest Airport

SEE INSIDE

The city of Córdoba in Andalusia, Spain is a must-visit for history buffs, what with its ancient Roman buildings, UNESCO-listed Old Town, and breathtaking Mezquita, a wonderfully ornate mosque dating back to 784 AD. Less than 1o miles from here is the Cave House, a four-person property that's built into the side of stone quarry.

Surrounded by sprawling farmland, the house (which sleeps up to four) has minimalist, natural-looking decor that compliments the imposing, sand-coloured stone running throughout. There's a pretty terrace with dining set for al fresco eating and drinking, and access to a shared pool for a cooling dip under the Andalusian sun.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: 25 minutes by car from Córdoba

SEE INSIDE

This farmhouse is like something out of a film. Set among the meadows and green woods of Lake Garda's Valle di Bondo Nature Reserve, it's a truly rural retreat away from the crowds – although there are beaches nearby too. There are plenty of scenic trails to walk nearby, in the shade of monumental beech trees.

The property contains two apartments – one on the ground floor and one upstairs – both of which can sleep up to four. There's some lovely outdoor space to make the most of too, complete with a BBQ for cooking up some al fresco feasts using the bountiful produce of this part of the world.

Sleeps: 4

Get there: 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Brescia Airport

SEE INSIDE

Directly on the seafront on the scenic shores of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, this has to be one of Europe's dreamiest Airbnbs. The rental encompasses the left side of the villa, sleeping six in three bedrooms, however, for larger groups it's also possible to rent the entire villa.

The exterior is a highlight, with direct sea access and plenty of comfy loungers and chairs in which to soak up the sun or rest in the shade. Inside, you'll find a spacious dining room and a fully equipped kitchen (which is a cooking fan's dream with top-of-the range appliances). Alongside the bedrooms, there are two well-appointed bathrooms.

Sleeps: 6

Get there: 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Podgorica Airport

SEE INSIDE

An Alpine fantasy incarnate, this Airbnb in Bern offers incredible views of the Alps and Lake Thun, not to mention beautiful local hiking, biking, sailing, swimming and many more activities on the doorstep. It's an authentic Swiss chalet, full of charm and character throughout the bedroom with king-sized bed, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and cosy living and dining area.

The balcony is difficult to leave, with gorgeous views all year round and the perfect spots for the most romantic breakfasts, lunches and dinners. That said, if you're seeking a little peace and solitude, this would make an ideal Airbnb for a solo traveller looking to stay somewhere private but scenic.

Sleeps: 2

Get there: 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Zurich Airport

SEE INSIDE

This two-bedroom property in the Danish capital was formerly stables, and with muted tones, white-washed original beams, super-sleek furniture and smart design features, it's the epitome of Scandi-chic. On top of that, the bathrooms are straight out of spa - hello free-standing tub.

This Copenhagen Airbnb is in the Østerbro neighbourhood, which is perfect for families thanks to its quieter, more residential feel. It does, however, have a thriving restaurant scene, as well as plenty of coffee shops, green spaces (including Fælledparken, Denmark’s largest public park) and is a short distance from the city's lakes

Sleeps: 4

Get there: 30 minutes by car from Copenhagen airport

SEE INSIDE

More Airbnbs we love:
- Stylish Airbnbs in Paris
- The Airbnbs to book in Croatia
- The most beautiful Airbnbs in Portugal
- 15 charming Airbnbs in Italy