The Best Beach Houses in Europe to Rent This Summer
It’s a proven scientific fact that being near water makes us happy, which is why the thought of spending summer on a house right by the sea feels hard to beat. While Europe’s best beach hotels boast top-notch service and facilities, these seaside boltholes offer the luxury of privacy; just you, your guests, and the sound of waves in the distance. From traditional cottages on remote islands to slick design homes and cheerful shacks on the sand, these are some of our favorite beach houses in Europe to rent this summer.
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Courtesy AirbnbArchinos by the Sea in Milos
Greece
There are many reasons to love the Greek Island of Milos, and one of them is for the boat houses, known locally as Sirma. Dug into the soft rock, these traditional cave houses were once the humble homes of local fisherman and have since become Instagrammed icons of the island thanks to their colorful doors and details. Just seeing these houses is a treat, which is why Archinos by the Sea is a real find on Airbnb. Located in the small village of Agios Konstantinos, this tidy three-bedroom house has been smartly updated while maintaining all the historic charm. Inside is sleek and comfortable, but ultimately it's outside where you’ll spend most of your time, with a casual dining table that’s made for sundowners. Sun loungers sit on a beach that’s just steps away.
Sleeps: Five
Price: From $208 per night
Courtesy Plum GuideSea & Rocks in Sardinia
Italy
From living room to grass to sand in only a few steps, this beach house in Sardinia makes the most of its spectacular seaside location. Set on the secluded Mar e Rocce beach, you can enjoy Mediterranean views from multiple vantage points. Take your morning coffee from the kitchen breakfast bar with a view, or head to the rooftop terrace in the evening for a sunset cocktail in the hot tub. Interiors are fresh with a subtle nautical theme throughout, while the garden, complete with barbecue and dining area, is an idyllic setting for playing little ones.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From $1,024 per night
Courtesy AirbnbBlue Cabana in Costa da Caparica
Portugal
This cheerful blue cabana isn’t just near the beach, but on the beach, completely surrounded by sand and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The beach shack is one of only a few old fishing homes on Costa da Caparica, less than half an hour from Lisbon. The spacious wraparound deck is dotted with various lounge and dining spaces, while inside the living room is decked out in colorful textiles. The rest of the house is calming white, with loft-style bedrooms combined with a soundtrack of crashing waves creating a serene sanctuary.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From $415 per night
Courtesy AirbnbOceanfront house in Cantabria
Spain
The position of this oceanfront house really packs a punch, set within the heart of Oyambre National Park, perched on a cliff overlooking Gerra Beach and with the snow capped Picos de Europa in the background. The idyllic setting is well-showcased from the house, with floor to ceiling windows and no neighbors to block the views. The interior is simple yet cosy, well-suited to a family. One of the bedrooms is in the loft space—a great novelty for older kids, while the generous lawn outside is perfect for kicking a football around.
Sleeps: Five
Price: From $230 per night
Courtesy Welcome BeyondComporta Beach House in Comporta
Portugal
Drawing upon the inside-outside design concept, this slick abode is spread across one level, with an open-air patio located at the centre. Views of the beach and surrounds can be admired from almost every room thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. Everything is top quality, from the Siemens Class-A appliances in the fully-equipped kitchen to the elegant lounge area featuring a suspended Gyrofocus fireplace. Take in the sun from the patio or head to the rooftop where there’s a 30-foot rooftop pool (heated from May to September) on one side and six sun loungers on the other. One of the best beaches in Portugal, Pego Beach, is within walking distance, and some of the highlights of Comporta are nearby.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From $513 per night
Filip Brala/AirbnbVilla 26 in Pakoštane
Croatia
Set on a private beach along the Adriatic coast, this tiny home is one of a series of villas made from natural ecological materials that form the ECO resort Buqez. The minimalist design is sleek and smart, with much of the focus on the beautiful outdoors—beds and the kitchen overlook the water and the patio has steps straight onto the sand. A hammock poses as the perfect place to take in the sunsets.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From $262 per night
Courtesy The Thinking TravellerHiera in Sicily
Italy
This beach house is so close to the water you can practically jump from the bedroom into the sea. At least, that’s what it feels like when you wake up in the morning to the sound of lapping waves and a front row seat to the Mediterranean. The lovingly restored fisherman’s cottage is located on Marettimo, offering a rare and authentic glimpse of life on the lesser known Egadi Islands off the coast of Sicily. As the most vertiginous and mystical of the Egadis, the island’s five square miles are swept with rare botanicals, honeycombed by caves, and lined with lagoons and beaches. When it’s time to rest, the best seat in the house is the al fresco tub on the rooftop where you can take in views of the sea and mountains.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From $2,461 per week
Courtesy Plum GuideSalty Shores in Biarritz
France
The sizeable white-washed balcony is what makes this French beach house a standout spot to while away the summer. Between the sun loungers and alfresco dining area, you could easily spend most of your days in this space, taking in the sun and sweeping ocean views. If you did want to venture further, Landes Beach is literally steps away, while the resort town’s designer boutiques and Michelin star restaurants are just nearby. Inside, the decor is minimalist and modern. A homely living room and fully equipped kitchen lie on one level, while three bedrooms can be found upstairs.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From $346 per night
Courtesy Plum GuideKiln and Stone in Santorini
Greece
More a beach cave than a house, this original lime kiln abode was built by the owner’s family over two hundred years ago. The white spherical lines of the structure combined with the up-to-the-minute modern details and decor gives the house a unique futuristic feel. As you’d expect with most Santorini stays, the sea view is a total knockout, with a hammock, infinity pool and various lounges all lined up along the sprawling deck to take it all in. When you want to get closer, Monolithos Beach is a thirteen-minute drive away.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From $1,631 per night
Marco Mora/Welcome BeyondSea View House in Andalucia
Spain
The surfboard propped up on the exterior sets the relaxed tone for this open and airy surf shack. The house has an open plan Scandinavian concept: a living area on one side and a bathroom and sleeping area on the other, with a central courtyard in the middle. Apart from the main double bedroom, the rest of the beds are in an open plan space with privacy curtains, so it’s an ideal set up for kids. Ultimately it’s the location that you’re here for though—perched on a rock overlooking the ocean. The walk to the beach is quite steep, so it’s recommended to do the short drive down instead.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From $203 per night
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.