Travelling to
Europe has been a bit of a faff over the last few years. Now that we can finally fly without having to contend with amber lists and pre-departure testing, we are super eager to resume our European city breaks.
Sure, air travel has not exactly been plain sailing in recent months, thanks to ongoing flight disruptions. And UK spots such as the Cornish coast , Cumbria’s lakes and the Scottish Highlands have proven to be worthy destinations in their own right. But sometimes you just can’t beat a true Spanish sangria or a spontaneous weekend in Malta.
To help you scratch that holiday itch, we have compiled a list of the dreamiest Airbnbs you can fly to in Europe, across a range of budgets and trip types. Consider this the perfect lunchtime read if you, too, have been dreaming of catching some late summer or early autumn sunshine.
Rates do not account for cleaning, booking and other Airbnb fees.
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Location: Sitges, SpainRate: £135Guests: 4
This light-filled loft is packed with stunning architectural details, from exposed beams to brickwork arches. The outdoor patio provides a peaceful spot to soak up the sun when you want a break after exploring Sitges’ many beaches and nightclubs.Book Cosy City-Centre Loft
Location: Faro, Algarve, PortugalRate: £119Guests: 4
This Airbnb may be on the smaller side compared to other holiday rentals in Faro but the terrace is massive and the view is pretty much unbeatable. You can look out to sea and to the lagoons at Ria Formosa Natural Park. Just imagine all the perfect sunsets you will get to witness.Book Apartment With A View
Location: Prato, Umbria, ItalyRate: £143Guests: 4
With both Ryanair and BA offering direct flights to Umbria, travelling to this gorgeous region of Italy – known for its rolling hills and top-tier wineries – is now easier than ever. This Airbnb nails the “postcard from Italy” vibe with charming details like a wood-burning fireplace and garden terrace framed by orange trees. The outdoor pool is also a winner.Book Charming Umbrian Farmhouse
Location: Budapest, HungaryRate: £98Guests: 5
It’s impossible not to have a good time while staying in this bright and cheerful flat, which happens to be in District VII, Budapest’s hipster central. The eclectic artwork, palm-print wallpaper and colourful mid-century furniture make this one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to stay in the city.Book Boutique Mid-Century Apartment
Location: Valletta, MaltaRate: £104Guests: 2
One for the book lovers, this bright and airy studio is lined with contemporary art books on floor-to-ceiling shelves. The views of Fort St Elmo, plus the short walking distance to the beach, seal the deal. Book Valletta Vintage Library
Location: Barcelona, SpainRate: £125 per nightGuests: 2
This isn’t the most spacious of hotel rooms but when you’re out and about all day, exploring the city, lounging on the beach and enjoying Barcelona’s restaurants, it doesn’t matter. A compact but cosy double room is perfect for a long weekend. Bonuses include your own balcony and a communal roof terrace.
Book Boutique Hotel Room
Location: Treviso, Veneto, ItalyRate: £85Guests: 3
Treviso, just a short train journey from Venice, is a fantastic option if you want to explore the city of water on a budget. This studio is located in the historic town centre and has a terrace with romantic views of the Buranelli Canal. You’ll want to snap plenty of pictures of the unique decor, in particular the painted ceiling.Book Loft Al Buranelli
Location: Casares, Andalucía, SpainRate: £76 per nightGuests: 5
For a chilled group holiday you can’t beat this whitewashed villa with traditional tiles, blue accents, a garden and gorgeous sea views.Book Traditional Sea View Villa
Location: Thessaloniki, GreeceRate: £149Guests: 7
This chic listing is situated within an art deco building dating back to the 1930s. It has just the right layout for a city break with friends (three bedrooms, with choices of lofted beds and single beds), though everyone will probably be fighting to stay in the room with flamingo pink walls. The waterfront views are another big bonus.Book Waterfront Nikis Apartment
Location: Toulouse, FranceRate: £183Guests: 5
This grand villa in the centre of Toulouse is a total steal and looks straight out of a design magazine. The listing comes with a heated pool and air conditioning so you’re guaranteed some rest and relaxation, whatever the weather. Book Dorian’s Home
Location: Girona, Catalonia, SpainRate: £63Guests: 2
There is plenty of history to soak up in Girona so you really need a conveniently located base. This studio is right in the heart of the old town, close to many historic sights (several of which starred in Game of Thrones ) and popular restaurants. Couples will particularly enjoy the cosy and thoughtful layout.Book Aeris Boutique Studio
Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Rate: £144Guests: 4
This one is more suitable for a bigger holiday or group trip but we just couldn’t resist that sea and mountain view!
Book Vila Formosa
Location: Rovinj, CroatiaRate: £100Guests: 4
Here, you can listen to the waves lull you to sleep, then wake up the next morning and walk out on your private terrace to jump into the Adriatic Sea – the dream!
Book Chesa Konoba
Location: Watergang, Noord-Holland, NetherlandsRate: £155Guests: 4
If you are looking for a very special place to stay around Amsterdam, you can’t go wrong with this historic house, which was built in an old village haystack. The terrace looks out to a tranquil nature reserve, which you can explore by borrowing a canoe from the host. You’ll leave feeling more zen than ever.Book Watergang Village Loft
Location: Berlin, GermanyRate: £169 per nightGuests: 2
A stay here is definitely not cheap but when a houseboat is this luxurious, with a large roof terrace, wood-burning fire, central location and those stunning views of the Havel river, who can blame us for including it?
Book Luxury Houseboat
Location: Birżebbuġa, MaltaRate: £65 per nightGuests: 2
Overlooking St. George’s Bay and the Ionian Sea, this quaint, stone, Mediterranean-style home is the stuff of Airbnb dreams. Aside from your own balcony where you can watch the sun rise and set over the water, you also have access to a shared pool.
Location: Bærum, Viken, NorwayRate: £56 per nightGuests: 2
Ever dreamed of staying in a true, rustic-style woodland cabin? This tiny home, decorated in a simple, traditional style and right on the edge of a lake, really takes the biscuit – perfect for a late summer escape or a cosy autumn getaway.
Location: Noordwijk, NetherlandsRate: £137 per nightGuests: 4
A holiday to Amsterdam doesn’t just mean a city break. This cosy, rustic style cottage is close to Noordwijk beach and dunes, with its own small garden and jacuzzi, and is less than an hour drive from the city centre.
Location: Split, CroatiaRate: £69 per nightGuests: 4
Just 50 metres from the seafront, imagine ending a day exploring the city here; in the balcony at sunset, glass of something chilled in hand.
Location: Copenhagen, DenmarkList? Green list Rate: £88 per nightGuests: 4
Bright, airy, clean and comfortable – what more could you want from an Airbnb? Inside, Michael’s place is decorated like your dream Pinterest home, filled with plants and clean, simple Scandi design. Location-wise, it’s perfect for a city break, walk one direction and you’re just two minutes from the Central Station, walk the other way and you’ll find the Copenhagen Harbour Bath and waterfront.
Location: Amsterdam, NetherlandsList? Amber listRate: £153 per nightGuests: 4
One at the pricier end of the list, but for a few nights waking up to canal side views and in an Airbnb as stylish as this, we think it’s worth it.
Location: Copenhagen, DenmarkList? Green listRate: £127 per nightGuests: 4
With its sloped ceilings, wooden beams, large windows, and eclectic and homely yet stylish Scandi design, this is the kind of Airbnb we dream of owning. At least for a long weekend or week-long trip, you can call this light, cosy loft home and explore one of the the city’s coolest neighbourhoods.
Location: Barcelona, SpainRate: £60 per nightGuests: 2
Set in a historic mansion in the heart of El Born, this is perhaps one of the prettiest Airbnbs on this list. Your room has its own private balcony and views of the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, whilst within the house is a stunning patio decorated with 1920s paintings and stained glass.
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