why the frig is it so hard to find a VILLA that is walking distance to STUFF? Please tell me you know of one.

[Ocho]

Well, OK, I know why; it's because the larger properties have to be outside of any built up area for the space, and in practice it usually means properties off out in the countryside.

But surely there must be a villa with a pool, somewhere in hot bits of Europe, where I wouldn't have to drive to get the bread and we could walk back from having a nice dinner with lovely wine, eh?

Please help if you know of any, because I feel like I've looked at every single villa in Europe and I'm going villa blind.

(it's for next summer btw and needs to sleep at least 8)

ooh, more for Kalkan eh?!

Where do you fly to? And then do you drive or get transfers?

I think I'd like to avoid driving if possible, hence the search for somewhere we can just wander about as a family doing shop>beach>restaurant-->villa and repeat.

Carvoeiro is perfect for that

Try Hisaronu /Ovacik in Turkey. A great b place. Loads of fab villas in walking distance. We booked a private transfer on line - Just found one on Google. It wasn't expensive xx

Another vote for Carvoeiro in the Algarve (I live here) happy to answer any questions

I've read many a Carvoeiro recommendation on here. And another vote for Turkey!

Came to suggest Nerja too, this was the reason we went there & really liked it, ate very well. Not all villas are in town though, need to check location map.

brilliant, thank you Chewy

Ooh I'm liking the sound of these turkey villas. Personally I thought hisaronu/ovacik was a dump. Is kalkan like that? Brits abroad?

Kalkan is lovely, we are doing a week in kalkan and a week in dalyan!

Ocho we stayed in yellow villa last time. Easy walk to town, there are loads of day trip type things to do as well. Its very much Brits abroad- no other nationalities in the town but its an older sedate crowd who like to drink sundowners and have a nice meal. The transfer is 2 hours but we had a car pick us up for around £50.mine are tens now and so excited to be going back.

Just another suggestion, somewhere else: www.gicthevillacollection.com/paxos-and-antipaxos/villa-adrianna/intro#.VV2A1XyCPCQ

Paxos is wonderful - lovely harbour, great tavernas, pebble beache with crystal clear water fringed by olive trees. This villa is in a great location. Only things to consider are there is a boat transfer to get there and no sun loungers on beach, so may not be for everyone.

Hope you find somewhere!

god that looks gorgeous OneOfTheThree

It really is. Probably my favourite Greek island so far. My parents stay at that villa every year.

Different company but also a great location on Paxos are: www.travelalacarte.co.uk/ServiceDetails.aspx?ServiceID=13 never been to that one though so can't vouch for it apart from location.

Ah, just saw it needs to sleep 8, sorry! The last link I shared is one of two villas next to each other, would sleep eight between them, but not sure if that would suit.

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/la-flotte-en-re/80239

Le Flotte, Il de Re, France. This place has everything in walking distance - beaches, little harbour town with markets, restaurants, shops. Hire bikes and cycle round the island.

French holidays are best avoided apparently as it gets busy. We went in late September and it was about 24 degrees every day and sunny. Perfect holiday destination!

(Please don't tell anybody else about it though )

www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/la-flotte-en-re/80239

Kusadasi in turkey is our fave, is really nice lots of villas/apartments that sleep 8, and cheaper for shopping eating/drinking etc

Try clickstay, owners direct, trip advisor.
And skyscanner for flights

I would also add kalkan, stayed twice, great villas at reasonable prices and good size pools. Both occasions we never hired a car. The villa owners arranged the transfer from the airport for us. Would highly recommend.

Adding Kalkan- we're staying in a gorgeous villa that is walking distance. It's a steep walk, but it's worth it!