Summer special offers on self-catering breaks

It’s that time of year again when thoughts start wandering to long summer days, sandy beaches and refreshing cocktails. With the summer holidays just round the corner, now is the best time to start looking for special offers and travel deals in sunny destinations around the world.

HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, currently features more than 800 special offers on self-catering villas, cottages and apartments in popular destinations such as Italy, Spain, France, Turkey and the UK, and has selected some of the best current deals below.

Get 30% off a designer apartment in a farmhouse near Rome, or enjoy a high-end experience in a stunning villa with infinity pool in Kalkan, Turkey. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something closer to home, head to Devon and book a stylish Victorian vicarage near the sea, ideal for entertaining the whole family or a large group of friends. There’s also plenty in Spain, a summer classic; get a 20% discount on a beautiful hilltop villa set among split-level gardens, located just a short distance from the famous beaches of the Costa Brava.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a fantastic deal on 2011 summer holidays, check out the special offers below or browse the HomeAway.co.uk travel deals section for more ideas and useful links.

Properties are listed in order from highest to lowest discount and prices quoted are per property, after discount, and were correct at time of going to press.

ITALY
Chic apartment in a 20th century farmhouse near Rome
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £621 per week
Special Offer: 30% off between 1st May and 31st October
Casa Fattoria is an early 20th century farmhouse which is now fully restored and transformed into modern flats. The property is strategically located between the town and the countryside, just eight miles from the city centre and set in a large well-kept gated garden, with parking and children's play area, on top of a quiet and breezy hill. The apartment was completely renovated and refurnished by a team of young Roman architects. Luxury, comfort and design are its main features throughout: beautiful stone and wooden floors, lavish marble bathrooms, chestnut wooden beams on the ceilings, a picturesque fireplace, a private internal staircase and top-class fixtures, fittings, furniture and equipments. Each room has a distinctive flair merging harmoniously into a charming, cosy retreat.
HomeAway.co.uk/p61871

TURKEY
Villa with infinity pool, panoramic sea and mountain views in Kalkan
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £675 per week
Special Offer: 25% off remaining weeks in 2011, including May, June and July
This newly developed complex nestles on the hillside over Kalamar Bay and is surrounded by ancient olive trees, with panoramic sea and mountain views. Infinity View Villa has been tastefully finished with marble floors, contemporary furnishings, Ottoman lighting and high quality audio visual systems. The villa comprises of an open plan lounge and kitchen with patio doors opening onto the sea; two en-suite bedrooms situated on the first floor; an en-suite twin bedroom situated on the ground floor with patio doors opening onto its private sun terrace. Located on the route of the ancient Lycian Way, close to the renowned Patara Beach and five minutes from the centre of Kalkan, this property is the perfect location for any type of holiday.
HomeAway.co.uk/p428897

SPAIN
Hilltop villa with private pool, terraces and sea views, Costa Brava
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. From £709 per week
Special Offer: 20% off between 14th May and 22nd July
This stunning villa sits in its own multi-level gardens, just a short distance from the famous beaches of Costa Brava. It is finished to a very high standard and equipped with all modern conveniences. While the exterior of the property benefits from sunny as well as shady areas, the interior of the house has been tastefully decorated and feels like a 'home away from home'. There is off-road parking for five vehicles. The pool is suitable for young children and can be seen from the terraces adjacent to the sitting and dining rooms. The villa is conveniently situated for daily trips to Gerona, Barcelona and the South of France and also numerous renowned golf clubs.
HomeAway.co.uk/p437298

ENGLAND
Victorian Vicarage near the sea in Devon
7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15. From £2,025 per week
Special Offer: 10% off remaining dates in May, June and July
The Old Vicarage is ideally placed within Lee village and for the numerous activities and sites of the North Devon area. The accommodation itself is exceptional, blending stylish, contemporary luxury, with delightful period character. The drawing room is large and bright with open fire, doors opening out onto garden and valley views. There is a plasma TV/DVD with surround sound, iPod docking station with loaded iPod and a bookcase full of reading delights. The sitting room also features a host of games including table football, WII and a 300 DVD library for all ages.
HomeAway.co.uk/p492193

FRANCE
Delightful cottage in a secluded garden in Aquitaine
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5. From £355 per week
Special Offer: 10% off all bookings in 2011 plus free food hamper on arrival
This delightful cottage, only minutes from a small market town, is perfect for a peaceful, but convenient, rural break. Sleeping five and well-equipped throughout, it includes a restful family/reading room with French doors opening onto a secluded garden with woodland beyond. The garden is large, secure and level – ideal for children (toys available on request). Relax on sun loungers beneath the wisteria on the veranda, or enjoy al fresco dining using the charcoal BBQ.
HomeAway.co.uk/p433354