The Most Incredible Villas To Stay In This Summer That Are Right By The Sea
As summer in the Mediterranean beckons, Kate Lough curates her edit of the most breathtaking villas right on the water.
There is something particularly intoxicating about summer in the Mediterranean. The way the sea dazzles all shades of blue. Or the way light bounces off myriad styles of beautiful architecture, from Cycladic cube houses in Greece to rustic fincas in Ibiza. The way you feel as you dive off a boat into its crystal clear waters.
As summer beckons on the horizon in Europe, we’ve scoured our collection of villas for the most idyllic ones that sit right on the water, with expansive views of the sea. From Greek islands to the Balearics and the South of France to Italy’s Tuscan coast, here are a few of our favorites:
ITALY
Villa Talamo, Tuscany
The Maremma is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, with an emerald coastline, pretty medieval hilltop towns, and rolling hills. And this one-of-a-kind Tuscan villa, with its 10 bedrooms and serious Call Me By Your Name vibes, is an even better-kept one.
Villa Talamo is an 18th-century Italian masterpiece set right on the Tyrrhenian sea, just above a secluded beach in the Tuscan archipelago and surrounded by beautiful gardens and cypress trees. You’ll enjoy alfresco breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and everything in between at the beautiful table looking out over the sea, and be hard-pressed to leave the villa. If you do, make the half-hour drive south to Monte Argentario, where you can explore the chic town of Porto Ercole and pop into the iconic Il Pellicano hotel for aperitivo.
How to Get There:
- Nearest airports: Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (150 km), Roma Ciampino Airport (160 km, Galileo Galilei Pisa Airport (205 km), Amerigo Vespucci Florence Airport (200 km).
- Nearest train station: Orbetello (15 km), Roma Termini railway station (2 hours), Pisa Centrale railway station (2 hours).
Book here
Read our Insider Guide to Maremma here.
La Scogliera, Porto Rotondo, Sardinia
La Scogliera is an exquisite villa nestled in the prestigious enclave of Punta Lada, only a 3-minute drive from the center of Porto Rotondo. This stunning retreat offers a serene escape with direct access to the sea with incredible views of the azure waters. With its recent renovations, La Scogliera combines modern luxury with timeless charm, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer getaway.
How to Get There:
- The house is 30 minutes from Olbia airport.
- Highly recommended: Rental car.
Book here
SPAIN
Villa Portinatx, Ibiza
Ibiza has a magnetism that sees us return to this Balearic island summer after summer - and its wild, northern coast is unquestionably one of the most special parts. Acres of forest, olive groves, and trees laden with fruit lead down to a turquoise sea and create the ideal location for your Ibiza summer trip, away from the crowds in the south of the island.
Villa Portinatx is a spectacular place to stay, with Mediterranean meets Moorish design and English country-style gardens that are a respite from the summer heat. Inside, beautiful arched doorways typical of Ibiza create an inside-outside feel, while stone fireplaces and four-posters add a dash of elegance. With space for 12, this house is ideal for those who want to hide away in their own Ibizan enclave on the quieter side of the island. Hidden just above the shoreline, you can be swimming in your paradise in minutes.
However, when you do feel like exploring, you’re still near many of our favorite places to eat, including Cala Xuclar for seafood lunches and Paloma for alfresco dinners among the trees. And a day trip to the neighboring island of Formentera is always a must…
How to Get There:
- Fly to Ibiza, served by several major European airlines. The villa is half an hour's drive.
Book here
Read our Ibiza Insider Guide here.
FRANCE
Villa sur Mer, Ramatuelle, Côte d’Azur
Saint Tropez has been the epitome of French summertime chic since Brigitte Bardot made the small fishing village her home in the 1950s — and nothing looks set to change as the years go by. Laid-back beach clubs and restaurants, golden sands kissed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the prettiest towns make the French Riviera a stretch like no other.
Just minutes away from the Pampelonne beaches, Villa sur mer is located at the heart of a magnificent 2,700-square-metre garden, perfect for taking long strolls amidst the beautiful Mediterranean vegetation. The villa is centered around common loft-style, open-concept spaces featuring enormous windows overlooking the enchanting bay. A large master kitchen, 2 living rooms, and the dining room showcase contemporary designer furniture, modern art pieces, Concorde furniture, a 1950s-style projector, and tarmac lamps.
If you can drag yourself away from the villa and its outdoor bar, make time for the market at Place des Lices (every Tuesday and Saturday), lunch at the famed Pampelonne beach, and pre-dinner drinks at Senequier in the port.
How to Get There:
- Nice airport is a 1.5-hour drive or taxi.
Book here
Read our St Tropez Guide here.
GREECE
Villa Heleni, Antiparos
It can be hard to pick just one Greek island for your summer getaway, but Antiparos makes a good case for 2023. Low-key with a bohemian character that’s enchanted everyone from Lord Byron to Tom Hanks, it’s a haven of whitewashed houses with blue shutters, open fields, and endless secluded coves.
Villa Heleni is our favorite private house on the island, and with seven bedrooms, she’s perfect for a couple of families or a big house party of friends. A whitewashed exterior in the typical Cycladic style is framed with pale green shutters and shelters minimal, pared interiors within that let the exceptional views do the talking. A pretty infinity pool appears to drip gloriously into the Aegean, with driftwood day beds providing the most coveted spots to laze around in the Greek sun.
It’s so close to the sea that you can trip down to the water’s edge in minutes — there’s no better way to start and end your day than by jumping off the smooth rocks in front of the villa into the sea. Spend your days lazing at Helena — or there’s a tennis and basketball court for sporty types — or explore this heavenly island. Make sure you spend at least one afternoon at Beach House and settle into the cocktail list.
How to Get There:
- Fly to Paros and take a quick ferry (30 mins) or private speedboat to Paros.
Book here
Villa Tama, Mykonos
On the island of Mykonos, a slow-living sanctuary of unparalleled magnificence and effortless serenity Villa Tama has opened its doors. Located in the exclusive and tranquil pocket of Aleomandra, this lavish seven-bedroom property occupies a privileged perch shared by no other accommodations on the island. Suspended above a semi-private sandy beach, the dreamy hillside haven has been exquisitely renovated with a spectacular array of prestigious amenities and thoughtful touches to inspire an unforgettable barefoot-luxury stay for up to 14 guests.
How to Get There:
- Mykonos has its airport, and BA flies direct from London. There are also direct flights from Athens, Munich, and several other European cities.
Book here
84 Rooms recommends: Poolside Collection, and Under The Tuscan Sun.