Of all the continents, Europe's the smallest, but that means it's easy to find its iconic historic sites, drink in the culture, and admire the varied landscapes, from shimmering shores to mountains that soar. Its open borders, plus the infrastructure around Europe vacation rentals, make it easy to hop from country to country. Seeing all 50 countries will take a while, so history buffs and city lovers, try the traditional favourites—Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Britain. Or rip up that list and head east. Snow bunnies should check out the many mountain ranges or the Scandinavian countries, and beach bums will love the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
Take a breath, because no matter where your Europe vacation rental is, the amount of attractions can overwhelm you. The place is bursting with culture and history, not to mention great food. Greece and Italy are filled with ancient pieces of civilizations past, and empires have shaped eastern Europe. Posh it up in London or Paris, dance in the clubs of Amsterdam or Berlin, or hit the resorts along the glam Mediterranean. Or what about a trip north and east—check out Scandinavia's fjords, St. Petersburg's heritage, or Prague's architecture. Or head to the hills, the Alps and the Pyrenees will satisfy all your outdoor cravings.
First, the fun stuff. France, Spain, and Italy are the world's biggest wine producers, so grab a glass and start sightseeing. The bustling metropolitan areas are your best bet for seeing palaces, iconic artwork, and ancient cathedrals. For natural treasures and wildlife, there are about 360 national parks perfect for everything from skiiing to hiking. For the quieter side of life, tour the peaceful rural villages while you admire Europe's delightful and diverse countrysides, all with their own distinctive cuisines, cultures, festivals, and activities (not to mention the endless supply of castles). Or try the coastlines, from the wild Atlantic and its surfers, to chic Med hotspots.
Summertime is always a popular holiday season for Europe vacation rentals, where the temperate climate means hot but not blistering temps for most of the area (southern Europe actually does get some scorching summer heat). A winter visit to any of the mountainous regions will be fun, lively, and snowy. The areas around the Mediterranean are sunny and mostly dry year-round, while the Scandanavian regions see extreme cold temps. Spring and fall bring breathtaking color to many of the continent's countrysides, especially as you head towards more northerly latitudes.
Mountains? Check. Ocean? Check. Forests? Check. Sea, lakes, wetlands? Check, check, check! And beaches? Yup, those too. Desert? Not so much. You've got the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Where Europe ends and Asia begins varies depending on whom you ask, but Istanbul is the only city on 2 continents. In Scandanavia, there are miles of sandy beaches along the North and Baltic Seas, but the water's a little chilly for swimming. Europe's highest point is in the Caucasus Mountains, which straddle Russia.
Our 2023 property listings offer a large selection of 382,797 vacation rentals around Europe. From 132,618 house rentals to 240 castle rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.