Incredible European Villas To Book For Summer 2026
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1 month ago
Plan your next Mediterranean getaway in our pick of jaw-dropping villas
The British weather is really living up to its stereotype right now, and sunnier climes are calling. How does a beachy sojourn to a Greek island sound? Perhaps you’re dreaming of a peaceful stay in the Italian countryside? Or a week sunning yourself beside an infinity pool in France? If privacy and flexibility are high on your agenda, you can’t beat a villa holiday – and when it comes to Mediterranean destinations, the name to know is The Thinking Traveller.
Over the past 20 years, the villa rental company has curated an award-winning collection of dazzling properties across Europe. From converted stone castles in Sicily to farmhouses in Tuscany and sprawling homes in the Corsican mountains, all of its villas are hand-picked by a team of experts and available exclusively with The Thinking Traveller – each selected for its unique story and design. Rather than trawling through hundreds of properties, the villa specialist team can listen to your needs and matchmake the perfect place. Better still, you can rest assured that all of its homes are of exceptional quality, as The Thinking Traveller’s savvy specialists regularly visit throughout the season.
With top-tier facilities, sweeping views and ample space, guests will inevitably want to spend plenty of time enjoying the properties. But, being created and run by locals, The Thinking Traveller’s homes also offer plenty of opportunities for exploring nearby – with insider tips and off-the-beaten-track experiences ensuring guests can discover the true authenticity of the region. Think vineyard tours, cooking classes and boat charters, alongside bucket list experiences like helicopter rides over Mount Etna.
Find the C&TH pick of European villas to book for 2026 below.
Explore The Thinking Traveller’s Full Collection
5 Of The Best Mediterranean Villas
Don Arcangelo all’Olmo, Sicily
Looking for somewhere to host a special occasion this summer, or travelling with a big group? This sprawling villa is one of the finest places to stay in Sicily, with 12 luxurious bedrooms spread across the majestic Il Casale and an equally gorgeous guesthouse, Casa all’Olmo (nab the Riccardo room for views of both the sea and Mount Etna). The gardens are a Sicilian dreamland featuring terracotta terraces, manicured lawns and olive groves, with a heatable pool surrounded by greenery and overlooking lemon groves. This villa is fully serviced, so you’ll be treated to impressive chef-cooked spreads – with complete flexibility on how many in-villa meals you’d like, allowing time to dine at local restaurants too.
OttoConi, Puglia
Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has it all: charming villages, world-class cuisine and several hundred miles of coastline. It’s also home to some beautiful villas, like OttoConi, a three-bedroom property set amid wheat fields and olive groves between the towns of Martina Franca and Alberobello. The historic property has been thoughtfully restored, retaining original elements like the traditional Puglian trulli cones, wooden beams, cylindrical ceilings and stone walls. Ideal for travellers yearning for real tranquility, OttoConi is immersed within the countryside, with an al fresco dining area, a pool and many shaded pergolas. Nearby, guests can arrange wine and olive oil tours, alongside private guided tours of Valle d’Itria – renowned for its panoramic views and rich history.
Michaela, Lefkada
Avoid the crowds of Santorini and head to Lefkada instead, the lesser-known but equally stunning Greek island located off the west coast. Stay at Michaela, an eight-bedroom villa perched high above the Ionian sea and spread across three levels. The crown jewel is the 22m-long infinity pool, but a private jetty means sea swimmers are also well catered for here (a lift takes you down there, descending dramatically through the rock). Other facilities include a spa, a gym and a cinema room, plus your very own chef team can cook up Greek feasts to enjoy on the al fresco terrace. The Thinking Traveller’s specialists can also help organise boat trips around Lefkada – the perfect way to experience the island’s cliffs and golden beaches.
Domaine Saint Jean, Corsica
With its 600-mile coastline lined with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Corsica is an island paradise. You’ll feel on top of the world at Domaine Saint Jean, one of its finest villas set amid maquis shrubland just 100m from the pretty Plage de San Giovanni. Whether you’re lounging in a daybed beside the infinity pool or relaxing on one of the villa’s many terraces, the property offers sea views that will truly take your breath away. With seven bedrooms – including two in a separate guesthouse – it’s ideal for big families or groups of friends, with generous manicured gardens, a gym and a hot tub. If you can bear to drag yourself away from all this, Corsica is famous for its hiking trails; alternatively explore the island via boat rental in either Porto Vecchio or Propriano.
Il Soglio, Tuscany
Terracotta flooring, shady terraces, cypress trees: Il Soglio is the stuff of Tuscan dreams. The three-bedroom farmhouse is tucked away in the hills southeast of Florence, well-suited to travellers keen to really switch off (in the most magical of settings). Days here are spent reading in the secret pool area and cooking fresh pasta in the well-equipped country kitchen – perhaps topped with herbs picked from the on-site vegetable garden. But there’s also lots to see nearby: explore the hidden gems of Tuscany on a private tour, go truffle hunting in Scandicci, or simply stroll down to the village of Marciola.
