Renting a Casa in Southern Europe: Discover the Most Beautiful Regions in Spain, Portugal and Italy!

Staying overnight in a Spanish Casa del Pueblo, booking a Portuguese Quinta in the Algarve or fully enjoying Bella Italia in an Agriturismo in Tuscany? All these holiday homes in these Southern European countries offer a unique and comfortable experience. The word casa can refer to different types of holiday houses, where you often have the privilege of staying in a rural setting or unspoiled nature. Are you looking for a suitable holiday home as a base for a hiking holiday, or do you want to enjoy an oasis of tranquility and a swimming pool in your backyard? Almost everywhere there are charming cottages or spacious accommodations with shady plots amidst nature. Have you already chosen your destination country for your next holiday, but are you curious about well-known and lesser-known regions to explore from a comfortable or characterful casa? This article will tell you more about the most beautiful regions of Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Renting a Spanish casa during your holiday in Spain

From the endless beaches along the Mediterranean coast to the Sierra Nevada in the southern interior, and from vibrant Madrid to the green coastal regions in the north, Spain is a country with an impressive diversity. Summers are long, allowing you to enjoy this sun-drenched peninsula almost all year round. From February, you will see various places in the country adorned with cherry blossoms, and even in the middle of winter it is often pleasantly warm in the Canary Islands. All over the country, you will find opportunities to stay in a rural village house, also called a casa del pueblo. A Spanish casa includes different types of holiday homes, but they all share the feature of being located in a rural setting, with a private plot and often a swimming pool. A village or hamlet is usually nearby, so you always have access to essential facilities.

Holiday homes with pools in Spain

For much of the year, many areas of Spain can be quite warm. You crave refreshment and look for as many sources of cooling water as possible. It is therefore quite common for holiday homes in Spain to come with a swimming pool, and these are not only reserved for luxury villas. Even apartments, small holiday homes and nature houses often have a pool.

Holiday in Spain: must-see regions for staying in a Spanish casa!

Spain has over 60% of its territory along coastlines, where you can stay in many different holiday homes as a base for a day at the beach, a visit to historic cities or a road trip through the rugged interior. The following regions are promising and attractive for staying in a Spanish casa:

Beaches and architecture in Murcia

The Murcia region is one of the warmest parts of Spain, with long, fine sandy beaches. Families with children will feel right at home here, and you are slightly away from mass tourism compared to beaches like those in Barcelona. The cities here are no less beautiful, as both the city of Murcia and the inland areas offer much historical architecture dating back to the Middle Ages and the Moorish rule. The region is known for its sunny climate, mild winters, and internationally renowned wine production. From Murcia, it is easy to visit other historic cities within half a day, such as Valencia to the north or Granada to the south. In Granada, you will find one of the most impressive and best-preserved traces of the long Moorish reign: the Alhambra palace complex. The road trip to this cultural attraction is also rewarding, as you cross through an area of rugged beauty. You might want to turn off toward one of the many pueblos, where you can stay for a while in a spacious casa with a pool.

White pueblos in Málaga

The further south you go in Spain, the more authentic it becomes. This is especially true for the mountain villages where you can rent a casa. Heading towards the southern coast of Spain, you will often see entire white villages emerging in the distance. These villages lie charmingly nestled in the dry landscape, often surrounded by olive groves on desert-like slopes. One of the most picturesque villages you will encounter here is Frigiliana, a mountain village with whitewashed facades, narrow old streets and charming courtyards. The sea is only a few kilometers away, and the sight of blue in this dry landscape is an inviting call to the beach. If you are hunting for churches in Málaga province, the cathedral in the provincial capital is a must-see highlight. It is a formidable and prominent landmark of the city, with a nave as impressive as its façade. The church was built in both Gothic and Renaissance styles, and you will be truly amazed when you enter the interior! Another popular attraction: the cathedral's roof terrace offers panoramic views over the church and the city!

Asturias: the green coastal region in northern Spain

Nowhere else in Spain is it as green as in Asturias. This is mainly thanks to the mild maritime climate and frequent rainfall. The lush vegetation is a surprising experience, as the rest of the Iberian Peninsula is predominantly dry and in many areas almost desert-like. For many tourists, as well as Spaniards themselves, Asturias is a favorite summer destination. However, the area is still relatively unknown. For that reason, it is a valuable insider tip for a holiday stay where the nearest neighbors may be miles away. There are many holiday homes in Asturias, but they are much less concentrated than in other tourist areas of Spain. You have a good chance of renting a holiday home here with direct access to unspoiled nature. A fantastic hiking area with breathtaking views is the Picos de Europa.

The combination of wooded valleys and jagged peaks is unique in Asturias, and you might almost think you have landed in the foothills of the Alps. However, there are also noteworthy cities that immerse you in the typical Spanish culture, such as the capital Oviedo. This city is even one of the oldest in Spain and has a car-free city center that holds UNESCO World Heritage status. You can enjoy panoramic views over the city from several cathedrals such as the San Miguel, as well as from Mount Naranco.

Rent a casa on the coast or in the mountains of Asturias

An accommodation in Asturias is almost always a fantastic base for hiking trips or a day at the beach. From a chalet or typical casa with pool and patio, you’ll enjoy an authentic and unforgettable stay in Asturias, surrounded by beautiful nature and magnificent views! For example, rent a holiday home along the Costa Verde or in the mountains.

Book a casa in the hiker’s paradise of Extremadura

In the west of Spain, near the border with Portugal, lies the hiker’s paradise of Extremadura. This region is mainly characterized by rolling and mountainous landscapes with impressive cliffs along rivers. However, the elevation changes in this unspoiled area are not too extreme, and some areas are rather flat, making it popular among walkers of all fitness levels. In summer, Extremadura can get quite hot, but luckily there are natural water sources like freshwater reservoirs to cool off. Often you can walk along dry riverbeds, and by now there is a solid network of hiking trails, sometimes crossing country paths still used by local farmers. Good hiking boots are definitely recommended here, as some paths can be fairly rugged.

In northern Extremadura, you are in the heart of inland Spain, far from all the beaches. However, the area is crossed by two major rivers: the Tagus River and the Río Guadiana. To the south, cities like Seville and Córdoba are easily reached by car, as well as the beaches on the southern coast of Spain and Portugal. Extremadura not only impresses with unspoiled nature reserves and beautiful hiking routes but is also rich in UNESCO-listed towns such as Cáceres and the capital Mérida, where you can see remains from Roman times.

Rent a holiday home in Extremadura during blossom season

For long hikes, the best time to visit Extremadura is outside the summer months, as temperatures can rise considerably. But there is another reason to avoid summer and ideally plan your trip in spring. In spring, the Jerte Valley transforms into a sea of cherry blossoms. There are more places in Spain where you’ll see blossoms in spring, but the Jerte Valley is a highlight that deserves a special trip. Although Extremadura is not very touristy, you can expect many visitors in the “blossom valley” during this period. So make sure to book your holiday home in time, because accommodations are quickly fully booked.

Holiday in Portugal

Although Portugal is only twice the size of the Netherlands, it can still be hard to choose where to go for your vacation. Will you head to the sunny Algarve coast in the south? Take a city trip to Lisbon combined with a road trip through the Tagus Valley? Or do you prefer Porto in the north to enjoy a milder climate in the middle of summer? But Portugal has much more to offer. What about the flower-filled island of Madeira or the countryside along the Spanish border?

Herdada, quinta or casa: types of holiday homes in Portugal

When you look for a holiday home in Portugal, you’ll come across specific names like casa or quinta. You’ll also see terms like agriturismo or herdada. What’s the difference between these accommodations? A casa can be any kind of holiday home, while a quinta usually refers to a rural house or a country estate. A herdada often indicates a property that still partly functions as a farm. Sometimes you’ll find the word “Monte,” meaning the holiday home is located in a hilly or mountainous landscape, often surrounded by extensive grounds.

A holiday home or casa in the Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and is an attractive beach destination almost all year round. Iconic here is the rugged, gold-orange coastline with steep cliffs plunging into the water and rock formations standing out in the sea. From the beach, it’s an impressive sight, but an even better way to explore this wild coast is to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This route is about 10 km long and leads past beautiful beaches and unique caves. Near Benagil, you’ll find one of the most famous caves carved by the sea’s erosion. You can only reach it by water, so you’ll need to rent a boat. This gives you the chance to visit multiple caves or paddle along the dramatic coastline.

Casa da Praia/casa do Mar: holiday homes on Portugal’s coast

Holiday homes, apartments or villas called casa da Praia or casa do Mar are usually accommodations close to the beach. Often these are apartments, but country houses or villas with pools are common too. If you rent a casa near Praia da Samouqueira or Praia da Amalia, you’ll be close to the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. This park features a long, rugged coastline with broad sandy beaches. Surfers especially love this park, which is considered one of Europe’s top surf spots. But also visitors who enjoy spotting rare animals will love this protected area along the Atlantic coast. If you look closely, you may see storks nesting on the cliffs.

Renting a quinta in Portugal

A quinta is a holiday home that comes in many shapes and sizes, but one thing is clear: by staying in a quinta, you’ll be in the countryside and experience the unique atmosphere of a region. For anyone who likes to stay away from crowded tourist spots, a quinta is a perfect way to discover Portugal authentically. Around a quinta, you’ll often find orchards where you can pick fruit or vineyards producing Portuguese wine. Especially Madeira is a popular destination to rent a quinta. Situated on a hill, you often look out over green slopes dotted with colorful flowers, while the Atlantic Ocean rustles in the background.

Rent a casa in Portugal with a pool

Renting a holiday home with a pool is quite common in Portugal, regardless of the region or the size of your accommodation. In the Quinta d’Allegria Valley, you have a good chance of staying in a charming casa with a pool and a beautiful view over the valley. Sometimes you’ll sleep in houses that were once inhabited or had another function. These rustic homes often have thick granite walls that keep the interior cool longer. The Portuguese hinterland attracts fewer tourists than the Algarve, so staying in a casa here often means you’re surrounded by peace and quiet. Visiting the Portuguese interior in summer? Then definitely book a casa with a pool!

Sights in Portugal: Lisbon & Sintra

Lisbon is a popular city break destination and the perfect base to explore the Tagus Valley. You’ll notice how popular Lisbon is if you don’t book your accommodation in time. And choosing a neighborhood isn’t easy either, as every area has its own unique charm. Perched on one of the city’s hills is the picturesque Bairro Alto district, which is almost car-free but lively thanks to many coffee bars and cafés.

If Disneyland is to Paris, Sintra’s palaces are to Lisbon, with Pena Palace as one of the highlights. This fairytale castle crowns a hilltop, famous for its colorful facades and countless turrets. Around the palace lies a botanical garden filled with trees imported from all over the world by the royal family. Another unique building in Sintra is the Montserrate Palace. Though less visited than Pena Palace, its architecture is absolutely worth seeing, with an extraordinary mix of Moorish and Indian styles. Sintra has more architectural gems worth exploring, and the best way to see them all is on the hop-on/hop-off bus. If you combine a Lisbon city trip with Sintra’s palaces, you can also buy a ticket that covers both the train journey and the bus.

Porto

Another city in Portugal with a unique atmosphere that has captured many hearts is Porto. Porto is considered the birthplace of port wine, and a glass of this sweet wine can be enjoyed in many places across the city, often combined with stunning views. One place where you can truly indulge in panoramic views over Porto and the Douro River is the Wine Quay Bar. From here, you look out over steep, colorful hillsides that give the city its characteristic charm. The elevation differences can be significant, so now and then you’ll need to climb, but once you’re seated on a terrace with a glass of port, you’ll be rewarded with a well-deserved view.

Holiday in Portugal: what is the best time to travel?

Although Portugal is much smaller than neighboring Spain, the climate varies considerably between the north and the south. While you can enjoy warm, sunny months almost anywhere in the country, northern Portugal is noticeably cooler than the south. In summer, Porto is a perfect destination, while spring or autumn offer pleasant temperatures in Lisbon and the southern regions. Planning to visit Porto in winter? Then you can expect significantly more rain.

Renting a holiday home in Italy: Casa mia!

Like Spain, Italy has an extensive coastline, but with the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia included, this Mediterranean country becomes an enticing destination for a sunny holiday by the sea. Yet in Italy, it would be a shame to stay only along the coast because the countryside is rich in romantic landscapes, picturesque villages, and cities that showcase the height of the Renaissance. Lake Como in the north, the scenic hills of Tuscany, and the Adriatic coast are just a few of the most popular regions in Italy. Here, a holiday home may become your second home—your own “casa mia” in Italy!

These regions are waiting for you in Italy!

Italy is hard to describe in a nutshell. Each region, from north to south, has its own character, and besides the many well-known cities, you’ll find gems of villages throughout the country waiting to be discovered. Italy’s climate varies greatly: in the north, you can still ski in the Alps well into spring, while by then you can already swim in the Adriatic Sea. Want to know which areas offer the most authentic experiences of Bella Italia and which are still relatively undiscovered by tourists? Here is an overview with tips!

The sunflower fields of Umbria

Umbria is a region in Italy that is less known than others, but if you’d love to enjoy stunning sunflower fields and hillsides covered in vineyards, a holiday home here is a wonderful way to experience the Italian countryside. Umbria also excels in gastronomy—you’ll discover local culinary delights such as truffles. A great way to stay here is at an agriturismo: a holiday home where you not only soak in the countryside atmosphere but also have the unique chance to enjoy specialties prepared by your host. Once you taste the fresh tomatoes of this region, you’ll likely be hooked and want to return every year to your casa mia!

Feel at home in a holiday home in rural Tuscany

Tuscany has won many hearts. It is a vast patchwork of farms and winding roads lined with iconic cypress trees. Traveling through this region feels like stepping into a painting. You won’t find towering mountains like the Dolomites here, but the beauty of Tuscany’s rolling countryside is just as impressive. The region offers a huge range of holiday homes, from rural farmhouses to apartments and luxury villas by the sea.

Rent a holiday home as your 'second home' on the Adriatic coast

The Adriatic coast of Italy welcomes holidaymakers with lovely sandy beaches and a string of picturesque seaside towns like Pesaro, Otranto, and Ancona. Looking for a unique tip? Visit the white town of Polignano a Mare and the Grotta Palazzese. This cave is a favorite among couples because it hides a restaurant with views over the sea. From Termoli, you can cross over to the Tremiti Islands to explore unique nature and go snorkeling in the azure waters.

Discover your casa mia at Lake Como

Lake Como in northern Italy is a long, narrow lake surrounded by countless holiday homes. It’s popular among families thanks to many options for water activities. Whether you’re hiking or spending time relaxing at your holiday home, you’ll almost always have a view of the lake—many accommodations have direct lake views. The east side is less crowded compared to the western shores, and here you’ll find authentic villages like Varenna, built steeply against the mountainside. Also worth visiting is the fishing village of Dorio, where you can hike and cycle through the beautiful surroundings.

Experience rural life at an agriturismo

In regions like Tuscany, there are countless options to experience the countryside during a stay at an agriturismo. These accommodations are working farms that also host guests. You’ll stay on an Italian farmer’s property, often learning about life on the land. The agriturismo concept arose when Italian farmers faced an uncertain future and needed new income streams to preserve rural life. Staying here doesn’t just give you a taste of authentic living—you also support local farmers and help preserve Italian traditions.

Taste the best of Italy!

Agriturismo is now also a familiar term in Spain and Portugal, but in Italy, these rural accommodations are everywhere. They guarantee you a peaceful setting—often on farms with sheep or vineyards and olive groves. Local farmers take pride in their lifestyle and are happy to share it with you. When you sit down for a meal in an Italian farmhouse, you’ll often be served dishes prepared with only fresh, local ingredients. From a culinary perspective, agriturismo lets you taste the best of Italy!

Camping on a farm or staying in a luxury casa

Agriturismo options have become very diverse—from camping on a farm to staying in a luxury Italian casa on a large estate. The fun part of these eco-friendly holidays is that you can often join in on activities like regional tours or wine tastings.

Abruzzo: hidden, unspoiled Italy

In the heart of Italy, between the Adriatic coast, Rome, and Naples, lies a mountain range that is still relatively unknown. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the mountains, forests, and rivers. The lush mountain scenery is perfect for a road trip from Rome to the Adriatic coast. The route takes you through the Apennines, where you can make a stop at an agriturismo and find hidden turquoise lakes between green peaks.

Take a walk past cascading waterfalls

Abruzzo stretches from the Adriatic Sea almost to Rome. It may not be the first place that comes to mind for an Italian holiday, but it is one of the most unspoiled and diverse nature regions in southern Italy. Abruzzo is not only rugged and green—it also boasts many waterfalls and lakes created by rivers flowing from the Apennines to the Adriatic. These waterfalls make hiking here a joy and provide welcome refreshment.

Make sure not to miss the Cascata di Casanova waterfall on your walking holiday. A nearby riverbed leads to this beautiful cascade, which you’ll often have all to yourself. Tip: bring lunch and enjoy a picnic by the waterfall. Some waterfalls aren’t easy to find, but that only makes exploring more rewarding—a hike here feels like a treasure hunt for hidden pools.

Overnight in a mountain hut

Abruzzo’s nature is impressively varied—one moment you’ll be in silent forests with only waterfalls for company, the next you’ll be face to face with towering peaks and hiking in strong winds. The mountain areas are loved by seasoned hikers, and there are many mountain huts offering shelter for multi-day treks. From these huts, you’ll have panoramic views stretching into the distance.

Abruzzo by the coast

Abruzzo has a long Adriatic coastline with beaches offering good facilities and excellent water quality. You won’t find crowds of foreign tourists here—mostly Italians vacationing in their own country. If you enjoy delicious, freshly prepared seafood, you’re in the right place. Want to explore the coast after a hearty lunch? These beaches are not just for sunbathing—some coastal spots are great for walking under the pine trees.

Renting a casa: tips and conclusion

Booking a casa is an authentic and comfortable way to stay in southern Europe. Just keep in mind that Wi-Fi can be unreliable in remote areas—or look for properties that guarantee good internet. In summer, it’s wise to choose a holiday home with shady grounds and thick walls to stay cool—ideally with a pool.

Going to Spain? Book a casa in Extremadura in spring to see the cherry blossoms, explore lush Asturias in the north, or stay in a charming casa del pueblo!

Heading to Portugal? Rent a casa on the west coast near the Sudoeste Alentejano Natural Park, or choose a holiday home with a pool in the Algarve.

Want to stay at an agriturismo in Italy? Choose a farm stay in the Tuscan countryside or make a stop with locals on your road trip through Abruzzo!