Quinta essentials
The Algarve is always a popular spot, but Felice Hardy finds plenty of scope for spreading your horizons. Plus: where to book a Portuguese villa.

Grecian yearns
Greek villas don't have to be a modern tragedy of dodgy decor and no pool. June Field selects six of the best around the islands. Plus: where to book a Greek villa.

Getting into the groves
It may have become a middle-class cliche, but renting a house in the rolling hills of Tuscany is for many still the ultimate villa experience. Claire Duvivier explains why.

Bella vistas
From mountain hideaways to island retreats, Genevieve Fox sits back and enjoys the views from the best Italian villas.

Open houses
With family holiday bookings down, there's still plenty available across the Channel, says Desmond Balmer. Plus: where to book a French villa.

Hot properties
Fancy a week near the costas or a rural retreat? Roger Bray scans the options. Plus: where to book a Spanish villa.

Shacking up
June Field gets back to basics with a selection of the world's best located huts.