For those traveling with a large group or a multi-generational family, a villa often proves to be a better choice than a hotel, offering more space and privacy, while the cost per person is frequently lower. But where in Europe can such a vacation deliver the best value for money? Euronews reports on this, citing a new study by the short-term rental platform Holidu.
How the ranking was compiled
To compile the Villa Value Index, analysts examined 30 of Europe's most popular villa destinations. For each destination, they considered the average guest review score, the median nightly rental price for an entire house, and the average daytime temperature in August and September. Only destinations with at least 100 villas and over 1,000 reviews were included in the sample, with the final ranking determined by the "rating-to-price" ratio.
France dominates the top spots
Provence in southeastern France secured the top spot: villas here receive an average score of 8.9 out of 10, daytime highs reach 30°C, and the median rental price is just 151 euros per night.
Another French destination, Dordogne in the southwest of the country, took second place: its rating is even higher (9.0 out of 10), but the median price is also higher at 199 euros per night.
Calabria in southern Italy rounds out the top three, boasting the highest rating among the leaders (9.2 out of 10) with a median price of 221 euros per night.
The French island of Corsica claimed fourth place (9.1/10 and 234 euros per night), while Spain's Costa Blanca, encompassing Alicante and Benidorm, came in fifth with a median price of 224 euros per night and a slightly more modest rating of 8.5/10.
The full list of Europe's ten best-value villa destinations is as follows:
1. Provence, France
2. Dordogne, France
3. Calabria, Italy
4. Corsica, France
5. Costa Blanca, Spain
6. Tenerife, Spain
7. Peloponnese, Greece
8. Lanzarote, Spain
9. Sicily, Italy
10. Madeira, Portugal
Where "price-to-quality" falls short
A number of well-known destinations did not make it into the top 30 at all. For instance, on the Amalfi Coast, the median villa price is 655 euros per night—four times more expensive than comparable options in Provence, despite similar ratings.
The conclusion for travelers is straightforward: if you desire a warm late summer, high-quality service, and a reasonable price, you should look towards southern France and the "toe" of Italy's "boot."
