The Best European Boltholes on the Market Now

Sick of the rain? Dreaming of Europe? These gorgeous continental properties are your golden ticket. From sprawling Santorini villas to slick city pads in Salzburg, these are the best houses to escape to Europe.

European Boltholes on the Market Now

1. Alexander, Peloponnese, Greece

Perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Aegean-sea, its hard to imagine a more photogenic spot for a hit-about. And the tennis courts are only the start of this sleek modern villa. With 9-bedrooms, landscaped gardens, vast sunset terraces, and a tunnel leading down to the beach, this home combines traditional Greek romance with all the comfort of modern living. Take a dip in the salt water pool, stroll along the shore, or hop over to bustling neighbouring islands to fulfil all your Mama Mia fantasies. Available through Sotheby’s International Realty for €7,800,000

2. Gassin, Provence Alpes Cote D’Azur, France

The closest most of us have been to Saint-Tropez this year was a bottle of fake tan. If you fancy swapping that out for the real deal, this villa could be your ticket. Situated on the private Sinopolis estate at the entrance to Saint Tropez bay, it’s got panoramic Mediterranean views, a spa, a swimming pool and five bedrooms. And with several sun terraces to choose from, you can kiss bottled tan goodbye. Available through Knight Frank for £9,171,803.21

3. Villa, Altos Reales, Marbella Golden Mile, Malaga, Spain

After a year of grey skies, anywhere called the ‘golden mile’ has got our vote. Just outside the buzzing city of Marbella – renowned for its cobbled old town, vibrant nightlife and free-flowing Sangria – this six-bedroom villa stands like a small Mediterranean palace. There are covered walkways to stroll down, panelled drawing rooms to shelter from the sun, and outdoor dining areas overhung with vines. After a long day in the sun serve up a paella from the massive open plan kitchen, pop some cava, and watch the sun go down from any one of the balconies and terraces. Available through Hamptons International for £6,791,000

4. Salzburg, Austria

If you’re more of a city slicker than a beach bum, this enviably apartment could be your ideal retreat. Nestled in the heart of historic Salzburg, this open plan penthouse has soaring ceilings, solid wood floors, and more than enough space to spread out and relax. Climb up the spiral staircase to the rooftop terrace for an evening under the stars, and stunning views over Hohensalzburg Fortress. Available through Christies International for £3,690,769.83 

5. Sinalunga, Tuscany, Italy

Fancy spending your summer under the Tuscan sun? You’ll be living la dolce vita in this Italian villa. There are three separate apartments, all blending rustic charm with cool contemporary interiors and powered by an eco-friendly generator. Spend long afternoons languishing on the terraces, cool of in the pool, or take day trips to the beautiful surrounding villages and countryside. Then, when evening hits, pop a cork and enjoy Tuscan wine with fresh pasta and lashings of olive oil. Bellissimo! Available through Sothebys International Realty for €5,500,000

6. Villa, Les Issambres, Cote D’Azur, France

If you’re sceptical about clubs opening and looking for the next-best thing, this French villa has a literal nightclub in the basement. Comprised of four individual suits all opening onto a galleried central living room and situated at the top of a hill, there’s more than enough space for guests and very few neighbours to complain about the noise. So crank up the speakers, pop some Champagne on the terrace, then head down to your velvet lined club room and party all night. And the hangover? Nothing a dip in your private infinity pool can’t fix. Available through Hamptons for £5,097,000

7. Quinta Do Lago, Algarve, Portugal

Make all your Love Island dreams come true in this stunning resort style villa in the south of Portugal. A stroll through the air conditioned, marble floored interior will reveal six bedrooms spread out over three floors, an impressive wine cellar with an adjoining bar, and a generous entertainment suite (think cinema room, sauna, gym and jacuzzi). If you get bored of sunning yourself on the BBQ terrace or floating in the pool, go for a wander to the lake below or a practice your swing in the neighbouring golf course. Available through Knight Frank for £12,637,686.43

8. Pollensa, Mallorca

Mallorca is a tourist hot spot, but this 500 year old farm – situated slightly inland by the quaint village of Pollensa – promises peace and quiet away from the bustle of the big towns. With over 18 acres of mature grounds criss-crossed by cobbled stone paths and a blue-shuttered five-bedroom farmhouse, this property has heaps of rustic charm. Indoors is simple but modern; white walls, dark wood beams, newly fitted bathrooms and French doors opening onto balconies and terraces, one of which has an outside kitchenette and pizza oven fitted. You can still find fruit ripening in the orchards, and for the wine lovers there’s ample opportunity to create a vineyard. Otherwise, relax with a book by the pool and soak up the Mediterranean sun to the gentle chitter of cicadas. Available through Savills for £2,800,000

9. Porto Rafael, Sardinia

Located on Sardinia’s storied Costa Smeralda – famous for its clear emerald waters – the Ulivi Estate sits in the exclusive village of Porto Rafael, lending it a wonderfully private location and over 7 acres of beautiful grounds, which lead down to a private sandy beach. A chic, whitewashed stucco building with an airy, open-plan living space, the main villa is in perfect harmony with its Mediterranean surroundings and enjoys incredible views over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea to the La Maddalena archipelago. Available through Christie’s International Real Estate, POA

10. Santanyi, Mallorca

Away from the hustle of Palma, Santanyi lies on Mallorca’s south-east coast and holds the accolade of being one of the island’s prettiest villages, with beautiful beaches and a bustling traditional market twice a week. It’s the perfect setting for this stunning country estate, secluded within its own spectacular gardens. The house features a spacious atrium, kitchen, separate dining room and reception room opening out onto the gardens as well as five bedrooms, with the master including a balcony and fireplace. Available through Engel & Völkers for €8.2m