Villas close to the beach

Fringed by sandy beaches, Cyprus is an idyllic place to get a taste of island life. The west coast is where you'll find Paphos, the area's flagship resort. Ancient archaeological gems, family attractions and meze restaurants are just the start of its best bits. For excellent water sports, buzzy nightlife and swoon-worthy shores, venture to the east coast area of Larnaca.

When it comes to dreamy beach destinations, you're spoilt for choice in Greece. Each promises outstanding beaches, cuisine and history. Islands range from traditional treasures like Kefalonia to family favourites like Crete. Magic can be found among the mainland too. Say hello to the stunning Parga Area or discover heavenly Halkidiki.

Spain’s a holiday honeypot, with something for everyone along its diverse and sun-kissed coastline. So it’s no wonder it’s one of the most-popular holiday spots across Europe. It’s all buzzy resorts and neon-lit strips in the Costa Blanca, while the Costa del Sol’s a winner for beautiful beaches. Don’t miss Levante Beach in Benidorm either!

All about Blue Flag beaches and tons of attractions? Say hello to the Algarve, Portugal's sun-kissed south coast. To experience the country island-style, make for Madeira. This sub-tropical paradise wows with its lush hiking trails and colourful capital, Funchal. Whichever you choose, eat and drink like a local. We're talking grilled sardines, creamy custard tarts and crisp wines.

From Roman-influenced Split to UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, Croatia's coastline is dazzling and then some. Expect to spend days floating around crystal-clear waters, feasting on freshly-caught seafood and tracing the country's rich past among cobbled streets.

Spellbinding scenery, out-of-this-world architecture and world-class cuisine? With so much magic to unlock in each region, you won't know where to begin. Whether it's the rolling hills of Tuscany or the sensational seascapes in Sorrento, there's nothing like a villa holiday in Italy.