Our Favourites...
At Vintage Travel, we are passionate about villas - and the destinations we feature. As a small specialist operator tour, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff, all experts in their own fields.
Between us, we have many years experience of hunting down individual villas with pools in unspoilt corners of Europe.
Here, we reveal our personal secrets - the regions and villages we love the most, the properties where we have stayed and the places we return to year after year for our own family holidays.
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an area from the list shown right:
Pictured: Chateau Le Pintre, Aquitaine, sleeps 12.
If you are inspired by our experiences, call us on 0845 344 0460 or email us with your personal requirements. We're waiting to hear from you.
Andalucia by Debbie Bartlett
Inland Andalucia is so beautiful that I never tire of the scenery, even though I have lived here for 20 years! I particularly love Ronda and the nearby area, where the landscape varies so much.
There are mountains, lakes, little villages where time seems to have stood still, vast areas of protected woodland where you can drive for miles without seeing another vehicle, and, everywhere, stunning views. It's a real paradise for photographers, and for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers too.
What is also lovely is the feeling of space and closeness to nature, but wonderful cities like Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Cadiz are an easy drive away so although we are 'away from it all', we're not isolated.
Andalucia is lovely at all times of year; I love the Spring, when the air is fragrant with blossom and wild flowers, and it's hard to beat sitting by the pool or on the terrace on a summer's evening, drink in hand, enjoying the herb-scented breeze and watching the sun go down.
I am often asked which is my favourite Vintage Travel house in my area, and I honestly can't answer that because I would end up naming them all! We have houses to suit all tastes and requirements and they all come highly recommended by clients who have stayed there.
I am also excited about three houses which are new to us this year: Casa Encarni, just outside the village of El Gastor, is ideal for couples or a small family and has truly incredible lake and country views; Villa Entre Olivos in Algodonales is a lovely newly-built villa which sleeps 8. It offers great privacy, is set among stunning countryside and is a perfect base for exploring the area; and La Mejorana is a beautifully restored house, tucked away at the entrance to the famous 'white village' of Grazalema, in the heart of the natural park. La Mejorana is comfortable and spacious, with five double ensuite bedrooms, and is close to the village shops and excellent restaurants so there are no drink-driving worries there!
Living here is fantastic and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else; I love seeing clients enjoying their holidays or reading their comments afterwards, but I must admit that I sometimes feel quite envious.... after all, I never get to stay in any of these lovely houses!
Debbie Bartlett, Andalucia Representitive Send us an email: holidays@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a holiday villa in Andalucia
Umbria by Aileen Tyrrell
"Ever since my very first visit to Italy in 2001, I have been captivated by the country. Perhaps it is the landscape of tree-covered mountains shimmering in the early morning mist, which evokes memories of my Scottish origins.
Maybe it is the charm of ancient stone-built villages perched on hilltops. Perhaps the friendliness of the people, going about their daily lives in an uncomplicated way.
Undoubtedly the food and the wine play a part, along with the unique style and flair of shops and markets - an enticement to even the most reluctant shopper.
Recently, I was lucky enough to spend a few days at Villa degli Olivi, a Vintage property on the shore of Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. Although I did a fair bit of sightseeing, visiting the towns of Cortona, Perugia and Siena, and strolling around the lakeside town of Passignano, my best memories are of simply relaxing on the terrace in front of the villa, drinking in the ever changing views over the lake."
Aileen Tyrrell, Italy Specialist Send me an email: aileen@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in Umbria
Mallorca by Stephen Ellsion
"I love Mallorca. For me, it's the perfect destination - the right combination of beautiful beaches, dramatic scenery and good food.
My all time favourite place in Mallorca is Pollenca. It's such a beautiful old town of cobbled streets, with squares, tapas bars and restaurants - great for people watching. You can't help but notice the Tramontana Mountains. They are the spine of the island and I find them really striking and quite mysterious.
The perfect end to a day's sightseeing or a lazy day on the beach is sitting on the terrace of Ca'n Guillem, one of our villas in Pollenca, with a glass of Vino Sol in hand - I'm talking from experience!"
Stephen Ellison, Sales Manager. Send me an email: Stephen@vintagetravel.co.uk
Find a villa in Mallorca
Menorca by Deborah Sayer
"Every time I visit Menorca, I fall in love with the island a little bit more. The gentleness of Menorca and the peace I find there is balm to my soul.
It's a family-friendly island, with lovely clean sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Its rich and diverse history and the strength of its conservation programme appeal to the historian and the eco-warrior in me.
I stayed recently at Casa Aina, a four-bedroom villa near Son Parc, Menorca's only golf club. I particularly enjoyed the stroll down to the restaurants in the evenings, to dine on typical Menorcan fare, accompanied by a cool drink - the local gin is a must!"
Deborah Sayer, Sales Consultant
Send me an email: deborah@vintagetravel.co.uk
Find a villa in Menorca
Catalunya by Pat Shipp
"I was 19 when I first glimpsed Llafranc. We drove down a steep hill towards the village centre and the view framed before us was of a pine-covered hillside leading down to a small marina, a sparkling blue sea and a sandy beach. I couldn't wait to get out of the car and explore!
I wasn't disappointed - nor with the neighbouring village of Calella de Palafrugell which we reached on foot via the clifftop path. We discovered five tiny coves with colourful fishing boats sitting on the sand in front of whitewashed fishermen's houses.
To complete this trio of picturesque bays is Tamariu, which we stumbled upon by taking the road that meanders down through a hillside of pine trees. The tiny bay lay hidden at the bottom. Over the years I have enjoyed many holidays in Llafranc. I've taken my own children there from the time when they were babies through to the present day, when they are teenagers.
We see the same faces year after year. There is a particular group of elegant Catalan ladies who spend their mornings catching up with old friends and swimming in the sea, before heading home for lunch and a siesta. I have seen this charming scenario played out many times and it never fails to delight.
I have so many favourite villas in Catalunya that it's hard to choose one. I love Mas Gras (picture shown above left), a masia in Cruilles, Villa Llafranc in Llafranc, Can Tilly, a modern house in Tamariu built in the style of an old masia, and Xino Xano in Tamariu, a very comfortable house with beautiful gardens and the most incredible sea views."
Pat Shipp, Sales Consultant Send me an email: pat@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in Catalunya
Skopelos by Patricia Sumpter
"It was my first trip to Greece and I fell in love with Skopelos. I decided that swimming in the Aegean and Ionian seas is better even than swimming in the Pacific Ocean. I was delighted by the domestic scale and the prettiness of Skopelos. All around was the most beautiful, yet quite spectacular scenery.
The colours of these landscapes are both natural and intense; you think you know the colour turquoise but you don't until you have swum from Myrtos beach in Kefalonia.
If I had the choice of all our villas in Skopelos, I would stay at Maro. The house, the view and grounds are beautiful and it's close to two beaches and within easy reach of Skopelos town for restaurants, bakeries and people watching."
Patricia Sumpter, Sales Consultant Send me an email: pats@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in Skopelos
The Algarve by Andrea Clarke
"I think the Algarve has some of the most stunning beaches anywhere in the world. On each day of our holiday there we packed the car and headed for the coast - to Praia do Lagos, Vale do Lobo or Praia de Falesia.
Our days consisted of sunbathing, swimming in the warm sea and playing tennis on the vast, uncrowded beaches. At lunchtime we wandered up to one of the seafront restaurants and ordered sardines grilled on an open fire (a local speciality) and cold beers.
These beaches are only about 20 minutes from the small hamlet of Malhao where Vintage has some outstanding villas.
My favourites are Quinta dos Tomilhos, Casa do Doutor(pictured) and Casa Cahombo.
Everything about our holiday in the Algarve was delicious: good food, stunning views of the beach and sea and a genuinely warm welcome from the locals. They are delighted to see you tuck into the fish that they've been out and caught that very morning."
Andrea Clarke, Sales Consultant andrea@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in The Algarve
Catalunya by Steve Eccles
"I first went to Catalunya with my family 34 years ago. I was 10 at the time and we drove through France in an old Vauxhall estate car. Having four sisters with me, we were somewhat cramped but the uncomfortable journey was well worth it because we had a fantastic holiday.
I returned to the area some 15 years later with my girlfriend Esther (now my wife) and her parents, Mavis and Tony Poole, the founders of Vintage Travel. What surprised me most was how alive my memories where. The place had changed very little, with none of the high-rise hotels you see on some of the other Spanish Costas.
Picture shown is of Bosc Tarongers, Valls, Catalunya.
Even to this day Catalunya remains largely unspoilt. You can still sit on a beautiful sandy beach and gaze up at the hills behind you adorned with pine trees. Catalunya, for me, has something for everyone and it is for this reason that we regularly visit the area for our own family holidays."
Steve Eccles, Managing Director
Send me an email: steve@vintagetravel.co.uk
Find a villa in Catalunya
Istria, Croatia by Andrew Hillyard
"I first went to Istria in Croatia five years ago and I was instantly smitten by the warmth of the people, the spectacular landscapes and the remarkable restaurants.
But it was the vivid colours that stood out for me: the conker-red fertile soil, perfect for sustaining the battalions of olive groves and vineyards; the turquoise sea, clean and transparent; the warm, golden hue of the local stone and the lush greenery, with pine woods here, and oak forests there.
Pictured is Casa Amelie, sleeps 10.
Delving deeper, I discovered a land of fascinating, chequered history that has bestowed a rich legacy of varied traditions, architectural and culinary influences. This compels me to return, again and again."
Andrew Hillyard, Sales Consultant Send me an email: Andrew@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in Istria
The Algarve by Stephen Ellison
"I had no idea how amazing the Algarve was before I went; the beaches are fantastic, miles and miles of golden sand as far as the eye can see!
With all the hours of sunshine, the golf courses and marinas, it's a great destination with something for everyone.
The houses we have there are some of the best I've seen - beautiful locations with panoramic views, simply stunning.
At Casa de Baixo (my favourite villa!) the garden is wonderful and the pool is huge.
There's a great poolside games room with table football, pool table, card table and PlayStation -what more could you ask for?"
Stephen Ellison, Sales Manager. Send me an email: Stephen@vintagetravel.co.uk or Find a villa in The Algarve
Galicia by Patricia Sumpter
"At Santiago de Compostela, the most important place of pilgrimage after St Paul's in Rome, we sat on the square outside the Hotel de Catholica watching the pilgrims shuffle away for a well-earned meal. In the evening they were replaced by wedding parties that arrived and left, one after another in conveyor-belt style.
We entertained ourselves by awarding marks out of ten for the outfits of the "Mother of the Bride". Hilarity ensued and we soon found ourselves invited to a wedding reception - difficult to imagine that happening in Rome.
There are two sides to Galicia. Most people live and work in the cities and along the edge of the Rias, where pretty villages merge into each other. But get into the countryside and the villages and farms disappear into the folds of the hills.
It takes a while to realise just what is so different. You are sitting on the side of a hill gazing at miles of fields and countryside laid out in all directions and you cannot see a single vehicle - not a car or even a tractor. It is amazing.
Of our villas in Galicia, I have a few favourites. I like Casa de Anunciada(pictured above) near the coastal town of Baiona, and I would love to hold a house party at Casa do Remesal - it's built of solid local stone, it has been beautifully restored and staying there you have a whole hillside to yourself."
Patricia Sumpter, Sales Consultant
Send me an email: pats@vintagetravel.co.uk
Find a villa in Galicia
Costa de la Luz, Andalucia
by Andrew Hillyard
"My favourite part of the Costa de la Luz is Vejer de la Frontera. Precariously perched atop a solitary hilltop, its whitewashed walls and facades dazzle like a beacon.
Drawing from the town's heavy Moorish influences, Casa Juan Bueno is in the town centre amid a network of narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees. The town's summit offers views inland and out to sea over El Palmar, a simple beachside village which chaperones the vast, golden sandy beach stretching north and south as far as the eye can see.
Such is the space here that you are never short of a spot to install yourself and enjoy those hours of unbroken sunshine."
Pictured is Casa Manue, Andalucia, sleeps 6.
Andrew Hillyard, Sales Consultant Send me an email: Andrew@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in Costa de la Luz
South West France by Denise Egan
"With France being our closest neighbour I wonder why I still get excited at the thought of an impending holiday there, but I do!
As I drive along the quiet, tree-lined open roads, witness the rural way of life and gaze out over vast open spaces, I know why I always return home feeling relaxed and invigorated.
Pictured: Chateau Le Pintre, sleeps 12.
In the mornings I love to meander through the local markets, soak up the atmosphere and see the freshest fruit and vegetables displayed like coloured jewels. With the tastiest and smelliest cheeses, local wines and chocolate covered prunes (a local speciality) offered for tasting, it's my idea of heaven."
Denise Egan, French Specialist Send me an email: denise@vintagetravel.co.uk Find a villa in South West France