January 28, 2026, by Maartje

Great alternatives to tourist hotspots? Check out these Airbnbs

January 28, 2026, by Maartje

Great alternatives to tourist hotspots? Check out these Airbnbs

Are you so ready for a getaway and then you still end up among the tourists... Being a tourist does not mean that you want to be surrounded by tourists. Or Dutch people who spend the winter in Cape Town or Bali (very understandable, everyone is longing for sun, but still). Looking for nice alternatives to tourist hotspots? Check out these Airbnbs.

 

Modern Treehouse in Scotland

Modern Treehouse in Scotland

Would you rather be among cows than among people? Tree house Skoghus is located in the middle of a Scottish Highland cattle farm, surrounded by meadows and forest. If you come by car, it is wise to park it within the fenced yard to prevent the Scottish Highlanders from rubbing against it. Furthermore, there is little rubbing, but the animals do provide coziness at a distance. Because the cows graze around the tree house, there may be a cow pat here and there, that is also part of the experienceThe tree house is cozy and comfortable and has a terrace with a hot tub (and without cows).

Skoghus

 

 

Super luxury in Italy

Super luxury in Italy

A modern gem near Lake Garda in Italy, with a super sleek modern design: Civic 65Wake up to mountain views and then relax on a spacious terrace for a long coffee (or aperitif). You'll look out over both the mountains and the city; the scenery is truly breathtaking here. We know all aboutYou do have to appreciate modernity, but one thing's for sure: you'll find peace and quiet here. And if you get tired of all that walking through the mountainous landscape, good news! Civico 65 has an elevator! If that's not worthy of a 5-star rating...

Civic 65

Where countryside meets luxury, Australia

Where countryside meets luxury, Australia

On to down underOne of the most beloved Airbnbs of 2025: Gilay Estate in Australia. We know all aboutIt's quite a distance away, but we thought it was worth including. Nestled in the heart of the Liverpool Plains, this estate blends rural living and luxury. Surrounded by the photogenic gardens and sleek architecture of Gilay Estate, it's amidst tranquility. The interior is also beautiful, with plenty of warm colors, even more wood, and soft light (we love (soft light). And the icing on the cake is a hot tub overlooking the Plains—gorgeous!

Gilay Estate

Sea view in Greece

Sea view in Greece

Mamma Mia, here we go again! Sun, sea and beach in the always beautiful Greece where nothing is too much resist fall. Liviana House is located on the Greek island of Skopelos. That may not ring a bell, but it is the place where Mamma Mia was filmed. Most of the film was shot on Glysteri Beach and Kastani Beach, two beaches close to Liviana House. Get that inner Sophie, go upstairs and move into this picturesque white house. To get there you have to climb a few stairs, but you get a beautiful view of the sea in return. And a good butt, that too.

Liviana House

 

Game of Thrones in Penha Longa, Portugal

Game of Thrones in Penha Longa, Portugal

Although no movies have been filmed in Penha Longa, Portugal, it could easily be a Game of Thrones film set. And on that film set is Javaline: a cute stone cottage. Although Javalina has only one bedroom, it feels like a mini boutique hotel. Without other guests, but with a delicious breakfast prepared and delivered by Marianne every morning. And with its own swimming pool. It is the ideal base for exploring the Douro Valley and Porto. The town is about an hour's drive from Penha Longa.

Javaline

The Owl's Nest in England

The Owl's Nest in England

In the forest of East Allington, England, there is a tree house on stilts. The Owl's Nest It is easy to describe in three words: wood, wood and wood. Outside and inside. The doors, walls, ceilings and floors are all made of wood, as is most of the furniture. A carved tree trunk serves as a table and the headboard of the bed is made of planks. There is not much else in the hut, but the mini kitchen is sufficient for throwing together a simple meal. The kitchen may be small, but there is a sauna. Outside you can also bubble between the treetops.

The Owl's Nest

 

Glamping on the beach Lezhë, Albania

Glamping on the beach Lezhë, Albania

In Albania the adventure begins before you reach your destination. At the beginning of the road you will be picked up by a 4×4 that will take you to Glamping Rana e Hedhun brings. Rana e Hedun is not located at but on the beach and consists of a number of pods with a bamboo roof. Watching the sun set in the sea from your bed, it doesn't get much better than that. There is not much to do in the area but breakfast is included and not far from the glamping is a local bar that serves lunch and dinner for a reasonable price.

Glamping Rana e Hedhun

Colorful house in Merida, Mexico

Colorful house in Merida, Mexico

You probably haven't missed the fact that Mexico is a popular destination, but that doesn't mean there aren't any quiet spots to be found. This colorful house is located in the city, but has a private garden with a swimming pool where you can completely relax. The center of Mérida is about half an hour's walk, something to keep in mind when you come back in the dark. The house is nice and spacious and light and serenely decorated. The colored walls provide a cheerful touch and remind you that you are in Mexico.

Colorful house in Merida