SpainJanuary 9, 2025, by Maartje

On a (summer) holiday with the family? These are our ultimate Airbnbs in Europe

Airbnb, Sleeping wing
Spain, January 9, 2025, by Maartje

On a (summer) holiday with the family? These are our ultimate Airbnbs in Europe

Who doesn't know the struggle? The (summer) holidays are coming up again, and we want something fun (that looks good; after all, the eye wants something too) and something affordable, and we also want to be able to cook for ourselves and we also have to be able to fit the whole family in. Oh! Actually... Actually, we want to go on holiday together with two families - the kids can entertain each other and everyone wins. But where oh where are we going? Ha! We have come up with something for that: we regularly scour Airbnb for you, and only drop the very best, most beautiful and nicest finds below. All you have to do is book. On a (summer) holiday with the family? These are our ultimate Airbnbs in Europe:

Le Lieu Thomain, Northern France

Le Lieu Thomain, Northern France

We've said it here before and we'll say it again: Normandy in Northern France is beautiful! The rugged coast, the untouched vast nature, the authentic rural life and the picturesque villages and towns… And you are there, with your own car, in no time! That is nice, especially when you are traveling with your family: everything in the car and go!

Where are we going to sleep? Good question. The three very cozy Gîtes who are originally from Brabant, Yvonne, Rick and their four Dutch-Frenchified kids in that beautiful Northern French Normandy are a particularly good option. Lieu Thomain their resort is called, remember that name, and as for gites they have these flavors: Lesson 3 Soeurs , The Orchard en La Grange (the last one is our favorite but they're all fun!)

La Grange (attic), the 'high' gîte is ideal for families with children thanks to the high ceiling and the nice sleeping and playing attic. High, that's what it is, and therefore also nice and light. Nice to know: this gîte was originally a calf stable. Many old details have been preserved and the kitchen with concrete countertop and a large old sink is something we would also like to have at home. In short: the style of the past with the conveniences of today. Gîte Le Verger (orchard) owes its name to the apple cider orchard that you overlook from the terrace at the picnic table. Blossoms in the spring, calves in the summer and apples in the autumn. Here too, as many old details as possible were preserved: for example, the feeding trough now serves as a bookshelf. The gîte is located in the farmyard and is linked to la Grange - extra nice if you are staying with a larger club. Lesson 3 Soeurs is not on its own property but on the edge of the cozy village of Bonnebosq. Everything you need within walking distance: a bakery here, a butcher there - handy for the barbecue in the garden. The house is completely detached and, thanks to the fence with hedge, gate and wall, becomes your own private domain in France for a while. Outside you can sit wonderfully and the kids can play safely.

Casa Malou, Javea, Spain

Casa Malou, Javea, Spain

This has also been said many times before, and we will do it again: Javea, also Xàbia (is the same) is one of our favorite Spanish destinations when we travel with the kids. It is located between Valencia and Alicante: you can fly to both airports; you can drive to both cities in about an hour (a really nice city trip during your holiday!). Javea is located at the same height as Ibiza and if you drive to the slightly higher town of Denia, you can take the ferry to that Spanish island. Anyway: location location location, and that's all fine. Now it may seem like we're sending you on a trip, but nothing could be further from the truth: we love Javea just as much. And especially when you travel to Spain with the whole bunch and rent an Airbnb where you have everything you need.

We are in love with this Airbnb where you can fit 8 people (and possibly an extra little one): Casa Malou. The outdoor kitchen and pool are a dream, the location (we'll be back) is perfect and the view of the Montgo (the 'Montgó massif' is a mountain in the north of Alicante, between the towns of Denia and Jávea, and you can't miss it). There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and everything is decorated in an equally beautiful and serene way. 460 euros per night: divide that between two small families and you've also got your budget holiday with the looks of a millionaire's residence!

La Montaya, Javea, Spain

La Montaya, Javea, Spain

With five or six of us, and the same wishes as described above? That works out just as well: La Montaya, also in Javea, you won't find much further and is also a dream of an Airbnb for the whole family! From this house it is only a mere four minutes drive before you are on the beach. But also here a fantastic (private) swimming pool and stunning views about Javea and the Montgo mountain.

Three bedrooms here, one of which has – yes; a party for the little ones – bunk beds. Two of them, so a guest can easily fit in. But the best part of it all… This villa can be booked from 150 euros per night! Okay, that is when you go with two people and one child, so after that the counter goes up a bit, but even then we think it is one of the best (budget) accommodations in Javea. Book La Montaya here (and be quick because La Montaya is often gone, and we understand that)

How we found these Airbnbs you want to know? Good question (and we are quite happy about this 'discovery'): via the filter option via Airbnb you can indicate your preferences. Scroll down and check 'guest favorite', a kind of Airbnb quality mark where you only see the very, very, very best toppers that the site offers. Ha! We call that separating the wheat from the chaff. And that's how you end up with these kinds of pearls. Don't tell anyone...

Villa Caranne, Provence, South of France

Villa Caranne, Provence, South of France

This one is (perfect!) for a week (or midweek) away with all your favourite people together. Villa Caranne in the French Provence has just that right mix between French rurality and a nice dollop of luxury. Space, lots of light, and looking out over your own piece of estate through the waving curtains. Oh, and an infinity pool, let's not forget that.
At Villa Caranne you will find six bedrooms, so every couple (that also applies to the coupled kids) will have their own place to completely retreat. Also nice: these are all just double beds, so no fiddling about who should sleep on a sofa bed. There are four bathrooms, a bath and three toilets, so perfect for 12 (!) people. Read: multiple families united!
The kitchen, lounge area (with fireplace!) and small kitchen table can be found in one room. Where one person can play a game of cards, the other one can light the fire, while the third one puts together the drinks board. Next to the kitchen, and overlooking nature, you have the large dining table. A bit half outside, half inside (covered), and ideal for hours of dining and playing games. When you lie down at the Infinity Pool, you look out over nature and you can choose whether you want to bake or grab a piece of shade under the cheerfully striped parasols.

Villa Caranne can be found in Besse-sur-Issole, which is also an ideal base for visiting places like Saint Tropez, Nice, Cannes and Aix-en-Provence. A day at the pool, a day strolling through the city, just a perfect mix of not too much, but doing something. Happy holiday!

Casina Trovanva, Massafra, Puglia, Italy

Casina Trovanva, Massafra, Puglia, Italy

Classic modern, with a retro detail here and there. We think it's great Casina Trovanva in Puglia. It may not have your standard Italian interior, which makes this place even more fun! Casina Trovanza is located in Parco Delle Gravine, a beautiful nature reserve with rugged rock formations, Mediterranean greenery and authentic villages. Think Italy on a postcard and you've got the right idea.
Casina Trovanza can accommodate five people (two bedrooms with double beds and one with a single bed). Ideal for families with (smaller) children. You can also use the basement as a bedroom, but we prefer to use it to have a catered lunch or to do a cooking workshop. You will find a fruit and vegetable garden, a small swimming pool and a BBQ area where everything is ready for you.
Where the interior of Casina Trovanza seems modern and sometimes 'un-Italian' (in the best sense of the word!), the outside is everything that Italy should breathe. Olive trees, sleek, white walls with sand-coloured natural stone, those curled cast iron garden chairs, lavender and vines that fan out over the seating area. Inside it is pleasantly cool, and although there are not many shady corners outside (there are enough, but when the sun is shining, it is shining) you do have an outdoor shower, and that is a real holiday: starting the day naked under the outdoor shower.

If you want, cooking workshops can be organized. The same goes for yoga classes (in the morning or during sunset).

Villa in Massafra, Puglia, Italy

La Huertita de Arona, Tenerife, Spain

La Huertita de Arona, Tenerife, Spain

Absolutely fantastic, the handsome La Huertita de Arona in Tenerife, Spain. This place is for four people, and then you really still have quite a bit of space. Fresh, lots of white, contemporary, but with the characteristic details preserved just right. Favorite place here is outside, in the shade of the fruit trees, between the cacti and at the small pool. Your piece outside is a patio, a free spacious patio, and therefore also very handy if you have kids with you: they can't run anywhere.

La Huertita has two bedrooms, a great outdoor area with heated pool, a BBQ (which is also suitable for making pizzas) and if it is too cold (or too hot) outside, you can also sit inside. Modern kitchen with everything on it, small dining table and a nice sitting area to cool off in.

Good base on Tenerife also if you want to experience the tourist crowds on the coast every now and then (because that is also just nice), but if you are also completely okay with just being with your own group every now and then. La Huertita is the peace and quiet you need on holiday, but close enough to everything to also let your hair down every now and then: La Huertita de Arona, Tenerife.

Punta Prima, Menorca

Punta Prima, Menorca

You can't get any closer to the sea, because then you'll get wet feet. This villa in Punta Prima on the Spanish Menorca is really on the sea, so that is 1) ideal to cool off and 2) gives you a fantastic view. With the sea ​​on your doorstep You would think that you would be fine in terms of water and cooling down, but at Punta Prima you also have your own super nice swimming pool. One that you might have seen at a photoshoot in Vogue, and then for you alone. Not big, but chic, with palm trees on one side, and striped sunbeds and parasols on the other.
This villa can accommodate four people, big or small. Really spacious enough, and don't forget that you also have the entire beach and sea to do your own thing. Around the corner you will also find enough shops and restaurants so that you don't have to sit at home all the time. Although you'd be crazy not to enjoy the view here too often. You will find a small kitchen (just enough to not always eat out, but also not to toil in for hours), and a BBQ. Holiday anyway: BBQ on, feet in the pool and a skinny dip at the end of the evening. Anyway, on to Punta Prima, Menorca.

More tips