Yes, please.
If you are yet to firm up your holidays plans for this summer, how does a villa in southerm Europe with its own pool sound?
Like heaven? Yeah – we agree.
Which is why we have rounded up five gorgeous, family-friendly villas – all with their very own refreshing pool for you to cool down in – and all available to rent.
Now all there is left to do is take your pick, book those flights and slip into your bathing suit, mama – you’ve deserved this:
1. Mykonos, Greece
This five-bedroom villa in Mykonos is perfect for family travellers, fully stocked with toys and books for under-6s with the most child-friendly beach on the island a 2-minute drive away. There is a projector for screening your own poolside outdoor cinema or cozy indoor movie nights, and a thoughtful glass barrier separating the pergola area from the pool and infinity deck, making a stay with small children much easier and secure. A communal tennis court adds to the appeal.
The villa is situated 15 minutes from Mykonos town, and eight minutes from picturesque Ano Mera and its traditional village square. It is perched on the tranquil hillside of a stunning natural gorge overlooking the Aegean Sea and Agrari Beach. The beautiful sandy beach is a two-minute drive away and is an ideal relaxed family spot with a large stretch of unspoilt unorganised beach, as well as an organised part with a traditional taverna, sun loungers, a tree-shaded cocktail bar, a playground and water sports.
For more information or to book, check out Kid & Coe
2. Carcassonne, Southwest France
This four-bedroom house, part of a boutique family resort 15 minutes west of Carcassonne, features a shared pool, stunning views of the Pyrenees and plenty of space to play. With high ceilings and plenty of natural light, spacious and easy living family spaces, it is a great house for a relaxing family stay.
The house and grounds offer as much for children as it does their parents. There is a large swimming pool with inflatable toys, and within the safe swimming pool enclosure is a cute shady wooden cabin with toys where children can play in the heat of the day. There is also is a children’s play area with slide and swings, wooden pirate ship, log cabin, a 14-foot trampoline as well a boules area.
The nearby village of Montreal with all amenities is five minutes by car. Activities in the surrounding area include horse riding, biking, kayaking, golf, tree park, waterskiing, markets, wild lake swimming and much more. The area is steeped in history: a 20-minute drive takes you to Carcassonne and its UNESCO-listed 11th Century medieval castle (La Cité) where Robin Hood Prince of Thieves was filmed. Carcassonne has an abundance of street cafés and restaurants and a fantastic weekly market. There are many picturesque towns and villages nearby, such as Montolieu, Mirepoix and Limoux.
For more information or to book, check out Kid & Coe
3. Tuscany, Italy
This aristocratic house with a pool is located in Tuscany’s largest spa town, with hot springs and more to enjoy nearby. The house dates to the 19th Century and is in a historic fortified village and surrounded by a luxuriant garden. Giuseppi Verdi spent his holidays in this villa, fascinated and inspired by the lights and colors of this part of Tuscany. With grand yet comfortable rooms, inspiring gardens and a pool with panoramic views of the region, it’s a great place to stay as a family. The bedroom layout makes it easy for more than one family to vacation together.
The villa is very suitable for families with children and has a pool and spacious gardens. The pool is only accessible by a gate and so it is safe; fun for kids, it is accessed via a rocky passageway.
For more information or to book, check out Kid & Coe
4. Villefranche-sur-Mer, French Riviera
The view is the thing here at this whitewashed villa overlooking Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera, sleeping 14 adults, 2 young children and a baby, with white-sailed yachts and the twinkling Mediterranean beyond. It’s a fantastic spot for a big family holiday, within easy driving distance of the beach and fashionable resorts along the coast. There is a private pool and satellite TV with kids and movie channels included and there’s plenty of space for everyone. When the kids have gone to bed, have a glass of wine on the balcony and enjoy the sunset over the horseshoe-shaped bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
This chi-chi hillside town just east along the coast from Nice has a harbour teeming with yachts and a sandy beach full of families in summer. With a pedestrianised old town center and children’s playground, it’s an easy place for a family holiday. Laze by the pool in the morning then grab a baguette, ham and tomatoes at the market and head to the beach for a picnic lunch and afternoon play.
For more information or to book, check out Kid & Coe
5. Santorini, Greece
This cottage close to Cape Columbo on the north side of Santorini shares a pool with two other cottages and is spacious, secluded and beautifully designed. The village of Oia is 3.5km away for all supplies. Sit in the garden, swing in the hammock, play in the pool or enjoy time spent on the beach: this property is well placed for family fun in Santorini.
The residence is in the north of Santorini, 3.5km from cosmopolitan Oia and next to the Colombo undersea volcano. Cape Columbo Beach is 150m away. Car rental is essential for getting around the island, and particularly in this quiet and remote part. Thira is a 30-minute drive away, while the island’s main port, for ferry arrivals, is a 45-minute drive away. Santorini airport is a 30-minute drive away.
For more information or to book, check out Kid & Coe
