The best beach houses in Europe to rent this summer, from a luxury lighthouse to chic fishing homes
It’s a proven scientific fact that being near water makes us happy, which is why the thought of spending summer at beach houses in Europe is 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 that sit straight on the sand, these are some of our favourite beach houses in Europe to rent this summer.
The Blue House, Camber Sands, UK
Arriving on Camber Sands first thing in the morning or just before the skies darken, there’s barely anyone here. That’s the beauty of a seaside where there’s no promenade, no town at the sand’s edge, and no garish ice cream van. What’s more? To get here, you have to work for it, and clambering the dunes from the car park in order to see the sea means those laden with pop-up brollies and picnics tend to nestle close to the banks instead of wandering down to the water. The Blue House is well worth it, for so many reasons. Its floor-to-ceiling glass doors open directly onto the sand (by way of a private terrace), and it's equipped with a barbeque, a pizza oven and a stack of games to keep the whole group occupied. Bedroom views span the length of the beach and way into the distance, and at sunrise, I spot horses galloping along the shores. This is the kind of place you can feel at peace in a way only possible by the ocean, and the minimal, well-designed interiors play into that feeling of calm. Two nights here and I leave restored and reminded that you don't have to fly to find the best beaches in Europe. Book your stay on Airbnb. Sarah Leigh Bannerman
Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
The shade of blue in the heated infinity pool at this beachside villa matches the blue of the Mediterranean behind it so much so that if you stand in the right spot the two blend into each other. It’s for this location alone that this villa is a standout. Behind the pool, shaded by soaring pine and olive trees, the white five-bedroom house is equally impressive. All five bedrooms come with ensuite bathrooms and leafy views of the landscape garden or the sea. In the master bedroom is a supersized bathtub, as well as a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Interiors are smart yet minimalist, with room for the crew to curl up on cheerful yellow sofas by the fireplace as well as let loose in the games room complete with a pool table, foosball table and arcade game.
Sleeps: 10
Price: From £1,639, with a three-night minimum
Casa Luzia, Alentejo, Portugal
This refined yet barefoot-easy hideaway sits just a short stroll from Comporta’s glitzy golden stretch at Pego Beach. Inspired by the region’s traditional fishermen’s huts, its three minimalist cabins curve around a sandy courtyard that feels like a private beach – complete with a gently bubbling water feature for ambience. Inside, clean lines, soft neutrals, and floor-to-ceiling glass create a calming atmosphere that reflects the easy breezy surroundings. Four en-suite bedrooms offer plenty of privacy, and there’s an accessible suite, making it ideal for couples, families, and friends alike. Secluded but close to Carvalhal’s buzz, it’s a slow living hideaway with all of Comporta’s signature tranquillity, while remaining within easy reach of the sights.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From around £942 per night
Lighthouse Island, Tuscany, Italy
This former Tuscan lighthouse is now a soulful private island retreat, offering a one-of-a-kind stay and sheer joyful escapism that’s accessible only via dinghy or helicopter – all the more exciting for a truly unique stay. Once you’re there, you’ll be immersed in complete stillness, with only the sounds of the sea hitting the shoreline to intrude. The space has been carefully restored paying homage to its history, opening with a bright, book-lined living room and a spiral staircase leading to a panoramic terrace. En-suite bedrooms spill onto a private deck dotted with parasols and loungers, and the on-site chef will whip you up whatever you like using the area’s hyper-local produce. Days drift by in a blissful haze of sunbathing, snorkelling, paddleboarding or soaking in the hot spring tub, while nights are spent gazing up at a thick carpet of stars.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £13,434 for a two-night stay
Casa Frontemare, Rosignano Marittimo, Italy
It’s hard to beat the setting of this two-bedroom Tuscan house that peeks over the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. Sea views are a constant focal point throughout the recently renovated house, most notably in the modern galley kitchen which is fully equipped to rustle up an Italian supper. The terrace in front of the entrance is the ideal spot for al-fresco dining, with a dining table and barbecue shaded by a large umbrella. Below is another terrace with a small pool and sun loungers, while the sea is just mere steps away.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From £299 with a three-night minimum
A Pearl in Paradise, Sardinia, Italy
Offering up a magnificent slice of Costa Smeralda, this cream-coloured three-bedroom family home has everything you could need from an Italian beachside holiday. The glamorous Porto Cervo is just seconds away. Views of the water are the focal point on the large balcony, which has a dining and lounge area along with an exposed stone wall and a curved wicker canopy. The house forms part of a complex of six other properties, all with access to a sprawling blue swimming pool.
Sleep: 6
Price: From around £2,119 per night, seven-night minimum
Perfect Beach House, Rhodes, Greece
Though much of Greece is home to large and lavish villas, this sweet little coastal hideaway is an ideal option for a couple, or two plus a baby. The minimalist whitewash mico-home has been cleverly designed to fit all of the essentials into a tiny space, while large picture windows bring the outside in. The outside living space includes a dining table on the terrace as well as sun chairs. Nearby, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance, and the closest beach is only 200 metres away.
Sleeps: 2
Price: From £218 per night with a three-night minimum
A seafront home in Crete, Greece
An earthy mix of soothing neutral tones make up the decor in this pretty seafront home, which is filled with natural wooden furniture, a stone feature fireplace and cosy wooden beams to up the relaxed ambience. There’s space for four, with room for two extra on the comfy sofas. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, the stylish property has all the modcons you need for a proper night in, including a fully equipped kitchen, smart TVs, good WiFi – and all-important air conditioning in every room. The bedrooms are fitted with luxe Sealy mattresses and high thread-count cotton sheets and, in the bathrooms, super fluffy towels add to the luxuriousness. Sit on the spacious veranda to soak up some rays in the daytime, or you could take a daytrip to the Minoan Palace of Nirou, which is just a short walk away.
Sleeps: Five
Price: From around £156 per night, with a three-night minimum stay
A Moroccan style fishing house in Faro, Portugal
Forget Portugal, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Moroccan riad when you check into this former fishing hut, with its tasteful decorative details and joyful pops of colour, right in the centre of Salema’s old town. Both bedrooms have a queen-size bed and cosy sloping ceilings, where you can drift off to the sounds of the sea and the palm trees swaying gently in the distance. In the morning, head out to the oasis-style courtyard and set up on a lounger, or dip your feet in the decorative pool to cool down when the mercury starts climbing. You’re just steps from the beach, where paddleboarding and excursions by boat await, along with jet skiing, surfing and some very impressive sunsets.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £165 per night
A colourful family home, Andalucia, Spain
Bright, punchy and airy, this spacious home is perfect for big family getaways, offering all you need to keep both adults and children entertained. There are three spacious bedrooms, decked out in suitably beachy decor, including headboards made of paddles and breezy seagrass decor. In the large private garden there’s a barbecue, roomy dining table for serving al fresco and plenty of comfy seating – and all just a one minute walk from the beach. The area is quiet, while remaining within walking distance of all the sights, including the Breña Nature Park with its beautiful vistas and abundance of cliffside walking routes.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From around £152 per night, with a five night minimum stay
Marsaskala, Malta
One might tire of the Maltan beach at this, for no reason other than that it’s so easy to access. And if one takes too many journeys down the stairs and straight onto the sand that they can simply take no more, there are plenty of other options on hand. Descend another staircase and find a subterranean spa outfitted with a hot tub, sauna, and rain shower among other amenities. And of course, one of Malta's most family-friendly Airbnbs wouldn't be complete without a game room with foosball and poker and pool.
Sleeps: 16
Price: From £433 per night
Archinos by the Sea in Milos, Greece
There are many reasons to love the Greek Island of Milos, and one of them is for the colourful boat houses, known locally at 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 colourful 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 and sunloungers on a beach that’s just steps away.
Sleeps: Five
Price: From £170 per night
Comporta Beach House in Comporta, Portugal
Drawing upon the ‘inside outside’ design concept, this super-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-ceiling-windows utilised throughout. Everything here is top quality, from the Siemens Class-A top-end 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 10 metre 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 £419 per night
Oceanfront 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 neighbours to block the views. The interior of the bolthole is simple yet cosy and 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 £188 per night
Sea & 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 £835 per night
Hiera 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, found 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 £2,014 per week
Salty 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 sunloungers 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 with a homely living room and fully equipped kitchen on one level, and three bedrooms upstairs.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From £283 per night
Kiln 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 £1,334 per night
