Seven of our top family-friendly villas

Our experts have handpicked seven of the best villas from across Europe where you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to kick back and relax together. 

From the Algarve to Tuscany, take your pick from private playgrounds, saltwater swimming pools, games rooms, tennis courts and safe, tree-lined gardens. We know your needs change as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers. So, whether it’s a landmark birthday, anniversary or family reunion, we have the right villa waiting for you.

Vineyard picnics

Luxury is space when it comes to Podere le Colline a nine-bedroom Tuscan villa with spectacular views of Pienza. A football field, heated pool and lure of the fragrant garden will ensure fun for all the family – whatever your age.

Youngsters can let off steam playing hide and seek in the rolling grounds dotted with gnarled olive trees while grandparents can retreat to the rose-tined pergola. Enjoy a family picnic in your own vineyard and sample a wedge of pecorino cheese complemented by the estate’s fine wine. 

This 18th-century villa offers country pleasures fused with modern luxury. Your personal chef will ensure your family time lasts from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy Italian-inspired meals from pizza to tiramisu around the vast dining table which seats 18. Cin cin!


When two become one

Why not lead your flock to Villa Flamingo, which can easily be a paired with Villa Famenco Rosa for an unforgettable family holiday? This is the perfect combination for anyone planning a landmark birthday or anniversary in Sardinia.

Step onto the terrace of Villa Flamenco Rosa and you’ll be bowled over by the stunning views of shimmering Med. This five-bedroom villa connects with the six-bedroom villa next door to create space for your closest family or friends. Come together by day and enjoy your privacy by night.

A discreet gate in the garden allows easy access between the bright and breezy family homes. Both are a short stroll from the beach. The aptly named villas are close to the marine resort of Capo Coda Cavallo, a popular spot with snorkelers, divers and the star attractions – a flock of pink flamingo.

Haven for foodie families

Enjoy hearty family meals cooked in the homely Provençal kitchen of the beautifully-restored farmhouse of Le Mas des trois Platanes, which has the added benefit of a guest annex.  

Children will love browsing the local food market in the historic town of St-Rémy-de-Provence for ripe peaches and succulent tomatoes to bring to the table. This delightful 10-bedroom villa is made for socialising with its communal living, heated pool and outdoor dining area on the terrace.

After a day exploring the Les Alpilles mountains relax in the grounds with a family game of boule before tucking into a fresh plate of Daube Provençale complemented with a chilled glass of rosé. 

Play paradise for kids – big and small

There are not many French bastide’s that offer a luxury retreat for parents and outdoor adventure area for children. La Cigale is one of them with the lure of outdoors never far away. 

You won’t be able to resist hiding in the tree house with your kids, attempting somersaults on the trampoline or challenging them to a game of table tennis before cooling off in the swimming pool. 

The four-bedroom villa in the hills of the Cote d’Azur, near Pegomas, offers a play paradise, whatever your age. With the glamour of Cannes beach and the Gallic charm of nearby villages to visit you’ll have plenty of stunning sights and action shots to share with friends.

Pure escapism 

Escape to one of the best beaches along the Costa del Sol when you stay in the bright and breezy Villa Margarita. If a holiday home right on the beach features on your bucket list, this is for you.

Lying only 100 metres from the soft golden sand this is sure to be a hit with all the family who yearn a bit of sea air and swim in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Located in the grounds of Puente Romano Marbella, you have access to all the five-star facilities from 11 restaurants to water sports and tennis club. 

A stay at Villa Margarita offers pure escapism from the moment you arrive. Start by relaxing on your sun terrace around the private pool and head to the tranquil Six Senses spa where you can enjoy a signature treatment. Staying in the heart of a lively resort ensures you will find the best restaurant for your fussy eaters along with complimentary kids’ club and a green fee for the Marbella Golf Club.

Sample Cretan culture

Enjoy a glimpse of local Cretan life when you stay among the olive groves in the spacious stone Villa Iranai near the former fishing hamlet of Kolymbari. This is the perfect base to mingle with the locals, explore the Moni Gonias monastery and sample the Greek cuisine within the traditional seafood tavernas. 

Those seeking some R&R can retreat to the four-bedroom villa and relax with a cool glass of wine from your expertly-stocked cellar looking out over the countryside towards the shimmering waters of the Med. A shallow swimming pool allows youngsters to enjoy a refreshing dip while you look on.

This newly built Villa Iranai neighbours its sister property Villa Valomia allowing you the flexibility to share your holiday with extended family and friends. 

Golf and games for all

A games room for them, tick. A golf course for you, tick. Stay in the beautiful Villa Azul on the Algarve and you’ll keep everyone happy. Where else could you sit in your own outdoor Jacuzzi and view one of Portugal’s best golf courses?

This contemporary five-bedroom villa flows naturally onto the large terrace with spacious barbecue topped off with a dramatic waterfall-effect pool and a choice of four nearby golf courses.  If you don't want to stray too far, you can challenge the kids to a game of pool, table tennis or Wii in the well-equipped games room.

Keep trim in the basement gym, complete with cross trainer and rowing machine, or head outside for a family bike ride. Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery as you head to the local deli in the nearby town of Vilamoura or down to the sandy beach at Quarteira.for an unforgettable family holiday? This is the perfect combination for anyone planning a landmark birthday or anniversary in Sardinia.

Step onto the terrace of Villa Flamenco Rosa and you’ll be bowled over by the stunning views of shimmering Med. This five-bedroom villa connects with the six-bedroom villa next door to create space for your closest family or friends. Come together by day and enjoy your privacy by night.

A discreet gate in the garden allows easy access between the bright and breezy family homes. Both are a short stroll from the beach. The aptly named villas are close to the marine resort of Capo Coda Cavallo, a popular spot with snorkelers, divers and the star attractions – a flock of pink flamingo.