Last-minute beach breaks in top European destinations

With holiday prices in the Eurozone coming down as the pound strengthens against the euro, a beach break to top European destinations is now much more affordable. For late-bookers, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals still has thousands of properties available to rent this summer in favourite holiday spots in France, Spain and Italy.

So by taking advantage of the good exchange rate and opting for a private holiday rental instead of a hotel, travellers can now afford a break in some of the most sought-after locations on the continent.

Those in search of a spacious apartment near the sea for a friends’ getaway, a villa with pool for a family break or a romantic beachside chalet need look no further than HomeAway.co.uk. The UK’s largest holiday rentals website with over 210,000 properties worldwide, it lists a wide range of private holiday homes to cater for every interest and budget. And with its advanced search tools and over 200,000 independent traveller reviews it makes finding that perfect rental quicker, simpler and more secure than ever before.

Browse HomeAway.co.uk for more than 19,000 European holiday homes near the beach or view some of the best current deals below.

Prices quoted are per property per week for the peak summer season and correct at the time of going to press. All properties still have good availability for the 2010 summer season.

FRANCE
Historic apartment in the Old Town of Nice
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £774 per week
Steeped in history, this apartment dates back to the 1800s with its old winding staircase and wooden shutters. The apartment has been entirely modernised and boasts two en-suite bedrooms, a brand new American style kitchen with eating area and large TV with home cinema. Enclosed within a maize of the old town’s cobbled streets, the apartment has been standing proudly for 200 years in the famous Place Rossetti, with its typical buildings in red and overlooking the ancient white stone fountain in the centre.
HomeAway.co.uk Property 426236

Villa with private swimming pool and country views in Languedoc-Roussillon
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. £1,593 per week
This is a stunning villa set in a natural environment surrounded by vine yards woodlands. Featuring two double bedrooms and one single bedroom with bunk beds, as well as a trampoline for the children pool, this is the ideal family villa. A 15 minute cycle into the medieval town of Aigue Mortes and 3.5 km from the closest Mediterranean beaches, the property provides a great and safe retreat for families with children.
HomeAway.co.uk Property 439045

SPAIN
Romantic chalet with spectacular views over white sandy beaches, Costa de la Luz
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2. £310 per week
This is a West facing chalet offering twin bed accommodation overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the bedroom. It has a front balcony with table, chairs and umbrella for shade if required. The chalet also provides access to a shared swimming pool and is ideal for surfers or couples who just want to get away from it all.
HomeAway.co.uk Property 65231

CANARY ISLANDS
Luxury villa with private heated pool, close to beaches in Tenerife
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. £1,947 per week
The villa is located in the South of Tenerife and offers a private garden and private heated swimming pool. Within walking distance to the beaches of Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas, the property has a fully equipped kitchen and provides facilities like TV, internet access, ping pong table and BBQ.
HomeAway.co.uk Property 77372

ITALY
Lovely, rustic villa in Sicily
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. £2,750 per week
With an elevated hillside position, this is a rustic, welcoming house decorated in a traditional Sicilian style, just a short distance from beaches and the town of Cefalu. Surrounded by juniper, oak and pine trees, the property enjoys a panoramic location, with excellent sea views. The property has exposed wooden timbers, hand made tiles and is decorated in a neutral, light fashion. There are several outdoor seating areas (covered) including an attractive covered barbecue terraced area.
HomeAway.co.uk Property 405106