Five Tiny Homes To Change Up Your European Getaway

It means the market for short-term homes or holiday accommodation rentals has exploded in recent years, giving us ‘a little bit of local’, while staying in a new location.

Rather than embracing large scale hotels (which have their strengths and downsides) staying in a vacation home, apartment or cabin is a very private way to come and go. Of course, with the growth, many have been set up to suit a volume of people accessing each place, meaning they can seem a little bland and devoid of personality.

It’s where the option to book a tiny house to stay in, comes in.

If you’ve ever wondered what living in the very small, fully functional (and often relocatable) homes is like, a holiday is a great time to try. Often located off the beaten track, in Instagram-worthy locations, despite their compact size, they usually include essential amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, living area and sleeping loft.

Online accommodation booking platforms are so aware of the increasing desire to try the small-scale rentals they now have dedicated search functions. One site, Tiny Away, makes it even easier to search, focussing solely on booking tiny houses in desirable locations around the world.

Whether sipping wine in the Loire Valley, hiking in the Spanish highlands, or relaxing under Italian pines, Tiny Away has recently expanded with some beautiful homes in Europe. Here are five bucket-list locations to add to your itinerary.

Loire Valley, France

In France, Loire River Tranquility is in the heart of the Loire Valley. This riverside haven offers serene views and access to world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. The house in the commune of Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Mesmin, just 10 minutes from Orléans, best known as the city of Joan of Arc. There is delicious dining at Restaurant des Plantes, you can catch the latest films at Pathé Orléans or explore creativity at La Paillote, an art hub. And if history fascinates you, don’t miss Maison de Jeanne d’Arc.

Cressanges, France

La Tiny Alchimiste has popped up in a magical forest setting near Bordeaux. Located in the village of Cressanges, in the central département of Allier, step onto our terrace and enjoy the beautiful view of the meadows. In nearby Noyant d’allier, Temple Bouddhiste, Centre National du Costume de Scène, are musts and nearby towns such as Bresnay and Tréban offer plenty of other dining and sightseeing.

Girona, Spain

In Girona, Caseta Wald is in the woodlands of Llémena Valley, the warm and minimalist retreat is perfect for travellers craving solitude, forest walks, and a break from the city buzz. The house is located just a 45-minute drive away from the Costa Brava, along with other attractions such as La Garrotxa, Ermita de Sant Roc, and Banys Àrab.

Andalusia, Spain

In Spain, De la Luz Ecolodge in Andalusia is a solar-powered eco-lodge perched 400m above sea level with views across the region and to the ocean, offering a peaceful retreat amidst pine-covered mountains and crystal-clear skies, perfect for stargazing and hiking.

Calabria, Italy

In Italy, Casa della Montagna Sila is tucked in the Sila National Park in Calabria. This alpine-style cabin is beautiful year-round, with cool summer forests and access to lakes and trails. Perched near Lake Arvo in the mountain village of Lorica, the house offers a gateway to the region’s attractions: the towering Giganti della Sila, the summit adventures at Monte Botte Donato, historic Castello di Santa Severina, and the beautiful sea of the Isola Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area.