For Australians, the European summer has become something of a seasonal migration. Each year, as winter sets in, feeds fill with sparkling coastlines, amber-coloured spritz, and cracked book spines spread across beach towels.
If you’re one of the lucky few making the pilgrimage this year, you’ve likely been met with an abundance of recommendations from the travellers of Euro summers past: the best sandwich, the perfect sunset spot, the unbookable it restaurant.
But with that comes the paradox of choice. Do you follow the Instagram trail, booking the sun-soaked terrace only to arrive and find everyone else had the same idea? Or do you veer off-course, chasing something quieter and less documented?
The secret to a good holiday is less about where you go and more about how you live once you arrive. Away from the crowds and overbooked beach clubs, villas offer a different kind of European summer; one that feels slower, more private and entirely your own.
From the rolling, cypress-lined hills of Tuscany to the lavender-filled estates of Provence and the whitewashed calm of the Greek islands, these are the most coveted villas to book this European summer.
Villa Caturgelio, Tuscany, Italy
Set deep within the Tuscan countryside, Villa Catureglio offers the kind of European summer that feels both cinematic and deeply rooted in history.
Dating back to the 13th century, the villa once belonged to a noble and well-known family from Lucca before being purchased in 1987 by Sir Michael and Patricia Hopkins. Their restoration was careful and considered, preserving the home’s integrity and allowing its past to remain visible in every corner.
“It reflects centuries of culture, with every detail honouring its past rather than hiding it,” says Tuscany-based wedding planner, Laura Ferrari. That philosophy defines the experience of staying here. From original frescoes to antique furnishings, Villa Catureglio doesn’t attempt to modernise history; it invites guests to live within it.
Immersed in the Tuscan landscape, the estate is enveloped by woodland and olive groves, offering a level of privacy that feels increasingly rare.
“The most special feature is its secluded location, surrounded by nature, creating privacy and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere,” says Villa Catureglio’s venue manager, Richard Hobbs. It’s this sense of removal that shapes the rhythm of a stay; quiet mornings, long afternoons, and evenings that stretch without interruption.
The grounds are central to that experience. Luxurious gardens frame the villa, while multiple outdoor spaces invite both solitude and gathering. There are two swimming pools designed for slow afternoons, along with courtyards and shaded areas that naturally become the setting for long lunches and late dinners.
“The sunset light adds a magical, romantic glow to the villa and its architecture,” says Hobbs.
It’s this atmosphere that guests remember most. “Visitors praise the peaceful natural surroundings and the warm, family-style welcome,” he says. “They appreciate the intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Many describe it as a true escape from everyday life.”
Beyond private stays, Villa Catureglio has quietly built a reputation as one of Tuscany’s most enchanting wedding destinations. Licensed for civil ceremonies, the estate offers multiple settings – from ornamental gardens to a frescoed chapel – allowing celebrations to unfold across the property.
With accommodation for up to 41 guests and space for larger receptions, it lends itself to multi-day gatherings that feel less like events and more like an extended, shared experience.
“Staying at Villa Catureglio offers an authentic atmosphere where history is present in every detail, from antique furnishings to frescoes,” Hobbs says. “The design balances elegance and comfort, creating a refined yet welcoming space.”
In a region defined by beauty, Villa Catureglio offers something quieter and more enduring: not just a place to stay, but a place to truly live – whether for a week, or for something far more memorable.
Visit catureglio.com for more information.
Villa Ammos, Crete, Greece
On an island known for its scale and diversity, Villa Ammos rises to meet the moment. Set along Crete’s coastline with direct access to a private stretch of beach, the property offers a self-contained world, designed for groups who want space and privacy.
With 12 bedrooms and the capacity to host up to 28 guests, the property operates on a different scale to most.
Days unfold across multiple zones: mornings by the water, afternoons split between the pool and the shared tennis court, evenings that gather momentum across a choice of dining settings. It’s a place built for togetherness, but with enough room to retreat when needed.
Despite its size, the design remains considered. The architecture leans ultramodern, but is softened by rustic, locally inspired details: Venetian plaster walls, natural stonework and thatched pergolas that frame the outdoor spaces. The result is a villa that feels contemporary, yet still anchored to its surroundings.
For those who like to entertain, Villa Ammos delivers in full. A dedicated outdoor kitchen and bar set the tone for long, informal meals, while a range of dining options, indoor, outdoor, covered, open-air, even picnic-style, means no two gatherings need to feel the same.
It’s the kind of place where plans are loose, but the setting always delivers.
Much of that ease is supported by Le Collectionist’s concierge service, which can arrange everything from helicopter transfers to childcare, allowing each stay to be tailored in detail.
Visit Stays.com.au for more information.
The Gordes Residence, Provence, France
Perched high above the Luberon Valley, The Gordes Residence captures the quiet, sun-drenched romance that defines Provence at its most alluring. Set within a national park and surrounded by sweeping views of lavender fields, olive groves and pine trees, the property feels both elevated and entirely immersed in its landscape.
The home itself is designed to make the most of its setting. Large patio doors open wide to the terrace, flooding the interiors with natural light and creating that effortless indoor-outdoor flow that defines a well-spent European summer. Spaces feel airy and expansive, yet grounded in the warmth of a traditional countryhouse.
On the terrace, the magic continues to unfold. Overlooking the valley, it becomes the natural setting for long lunches that stretch lazily into the afternoon, punctuated only by the occasional breeze or the hum of cicadas. There’s no urgency here, just the quiet luxury of time and space.
Tucked discreetly among the trees, the pool offers a more secluded retreat. Hidden from view and dappled in soft light, it feels almost secretive—a place to retreat to in the heat of the day, where hours slip by unnoticed. It’s this balance of openness and privacy that gives the residence its particular charm.
Both expansive and intimate, The Gordes Residence offers a version of Provence that feels untouched and deeply restorative.
Visit Kid and Coe
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