Most Unique Airbnb Rentals in Europe
Airbnb has opened the doors to creative accommodations that offer far more than just a place to rest your head. From castles to treehouses, Airbnb hosts across Europe have created unique rentals that transform every stay into an unforgettable experience.
These distinctive listings let travelers immerse themselves in locales in intimate ways a conventional hotel simply can’t provide. Whether you want to live like royalty in a real-life palace or sleep under the stars in a transparent pod, Europe’s most unique Airbnb rentals turn vacations into adventures.
1.WonderINN, Norway
Located in a remote forest in Norway, the WonderINN offers a truly unique lodging experience. This handcrafted wooden house features large windows that allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub, go hiking or skiing, and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the northern forest. With limited amenities, the WonderINN provides an opportunity to unplug and get back to nature.
2. Casa Tierra, Spain
Nestled in the mountains of southern Spain, Casa Tierra is an Earthship made almost entirely out of recycled materials. This sustainable home utilizes solar power, harvested rainwater, and indoor planting beds. Guests can experience an off-the-grid lifestyle in a modern and comfortable setting. The open architecture provides scenic views of the mountain valley. When not relaxing inside, guests can explore the numerous hiking trails just outside their door. Casa Tierra demonstrates how simplicity and sustainability can merge into a unique lodging experience.
3. Bubble Suite, Switzerland
For an incredibly unique accommodation, the Bubble Suite in Switzerland offers an opportunity to sleep under the stars while still enjoying a comfortable bed and amenities. The transparent dome structure allows guests to gaze at the twinkling constellations overhead as they rest. Located in a peaceful mountain setting, the Bubble Suite also provides views of the Alps during the day. Guests can enjoy stargazing without compromising on comfort in this innovative lodging option.
4. Trullo Suite Martodda, Italy
Trullo Suite Martodda provides the chance to stay in a historic Trullo house in the Puglia region of Italy. These circular stone dwellings dating back centuries have been renovated into modern accommodations while retaining their charm and history. The Trullo Suite includes a bedroom nestled inside the thick stone walls, creating a cool and calming space to rest. Many original details remain, like the stone alcoves and arched ceilings. Guests can experience life in a Trullo house and learn about these unique historical structures native to Italy.
5. Architecture Cave House, Santorini, Greece
Carved directly into the Caldera cliffs of Santorini sits this utterly unique cave house rental. The Architecture Cave House delivers breathtaking views of the sea and Santorini island along with a luxurious but ancient ambiance. The carved stone construction echoes generations of cave dwellings built into the volcanic rock of Santorini. While ancient on the outside, inside the cave house is outfitted with contemporary amenities and decor. Guests can experience the history and natural wonder of Santorini in this one-of-a-kind accommodation.
6. Watergang Village Loft, Netherlands
Located in a storybook village in the Netherlands, this loft rental overlooks one of the famous canals that crisscross the region. Guests can enjoy views of the boats gliding by on the canal from the enormous skylight window that angles up over the bed. The village setting also provides scenic strolls along cobblestone streets and waterways. The loft itself combines modern comforts with historic details like exposed wooden beams and brick architecture. Staying in this loft allows travelers to experience the charm, history, and natural beauty of the Netherlands from a cozy home base.
7. The Mushroom Dome, California, USA
Living up to its name, the Mushroom Dome in northern California offers a stay in a uniquely designed cob house shaped like a mushroom cap. The whimsical dwelling features organic architecture throughout with curved walls, round windows, and stone and shell details. The dome structure and surrounding forest create a nurturing, womb-like feeling of being encased in nature. Guests can experience communing with nature in this one-of-a-kind dwelling.
8. The Bird’s Nest, Portugal
Suspended on a cliffside in Portugal, this unique rental known as the Bird’s Nest lives up to its aerial name. The stilted wooden cottage provides epic views stretching across the river gorge and rolling hills. Guests ascend to the perch via a suspended rope bridge that leads to the front door. Both rustic and innovative in design, the Bird’s Nest allows travelers to feel part of the natural landscape and spread their wings.
9. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, Scotland
North of John O’Groats in Scotland sits this remote restored lighthouse keeper’s cottage available for rental. Guests can experience life in the shoes of a lighthouse keeper while enjoying scenic rugged cliffs and sea views. The 19th century lighthouse itself is still active and can be visited along with nearby Iron Age ruins. The restored cottage provides comfort and charm while the setting evokes adventure. Travelers seeking remote destinations off the beaten path will love this lodging option.
10. The Floating Barrel, France
One of the most unusual rentals in France can be found floating in a vineyard in Bordeaux. This converted wine barrel has been transformed into a miniature cabin perched on a tranquil pond. The tiny space feels more expansive with its large windows and skylight overhead. Guests can relax while gazing at the pond, trees, and sky reflected on the water’s surface from the one-of-a-kind floating lodging. Afterward, guests can enjoy Bordeaux’s famous vineyards that surround the pond.
11. The Hobbit House, Slovenia
Fans of the Hobbit can live out their own Middle Earth adventures at this Hobbit House rental tucked into rolling hills in Slovenia. The charming grass-roofed dwelling was handcrafted with natural materials to emulate the cozy Hobbit holes from the famous books and films. Inside, guests can lounge in front of a round door, rounded windows, and a chimney built right into the hillside wall. The surrounding meadows, streams, and forest trails add to the magical atmosphere. Guests may just expect to spot a hobbit enjoying second breakfast outside.
12. The Treehotel, Sweden
Located in a forest in northern Sweden, the Treehotel offers a truly elevated lodging experience. Guests can choose from multiple unique treehouses suspended high up in the pine trees. Options include spherical orbs, giant bird’s nest, UFO-shaped cabins, and a reflective mirrored cube. All the structures provide breathtaking views over the forest and Lule River Valley along with a sense of being in nature. Guests can disconnect from modern life while luxuriating in a one-of-a-kind treehouse. This nature retreat offers rustic luxury and childlike wonder.
13. The Woodnest Treehouse, France
Suspended deep in an oak forest in western France, this incredible treehouse designed by architect Christophe Benichou elevates lodging to an art form. The Woodnest treehouse features a spherical pod with a massive circular window offering stunning views across the forest canopy. A spiral staircase leads up to a private rooftop deck. Handcrafted from timber and shingles, the treehouse seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Guests can experience sleeping among the trees in this architecturally stunning yet rustic oasis.
14. The Temple of Diana, Italy
Nestled in a forest near Rome lies the mysterious ruins of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. Now partially restored, travelers can spend the night in the Temple of Diana itself on a pullout bed tucked beside the ancient columns and mosaic flooring. Guests can explore the surrounding forest trails during the day and absorb the innate spirituality of resting within a 2nd century BCRoman temple at night.
15. Alpine Stargazing Cabins, Switzerland
In remote cabins perched high in the Swiss Alps, guests can enjoy breathtaking stargazing thanks to enormous skylights over the bed. The 19th-century shepherd cabins were restored into comfortable rentals but retained their historic rustic ambiance. Fall asleep while gazing up at the Milky Way twinkling overhead and wake up to panoramic Alpine views. The scenic mountain setting also offers hiking trails just outside the cabin doors.
16. The Blue Cave House, Greece
On the island of Santorini, this cave-like home carved into volcanic rock combines ancient architecture with contemporary luxury. Radiant whitewashed walls and smooth curves emit a peaceful tranquility enhanced by the home’s cliffside location overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea. Guests can soak up the sublime cave house surroundings through an expansive terrace and infinity pool that seem to spill out over the sea.
17. A Medieval Fortress, Croatia
In an 8th-century medieval fortress perched along Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, intrepid travelers can spend the night within ancient fortified stone walls overlooking the sea. Inside the fortress walls, lodging ranges from restored prison cells to luxury suites filled with modern amenities. Guests can explore the fortress bastions, turrets, dungeons, and Roman ruins by day and retreat to their historic lodgings in the evening for a uniquely immersive experience.
Conclusion
Airbnb has unlocked Europe’s potential for adventurous travelers through unique rentals that immerse guests in local allure. From sleeping in ancient structures to transparent lodging with jaw-dropping vistas, Airbnb offers countless ways to customize vacations. By staying in these distinctive accommodations, guests enjoy Europe not as tourists, but as locals embracing destination magic. For unforgettable trips that defy hotel homogeny, Europe’s most creative Airbnbs deliver destinations’ authentic spirit. Check out here more travel and adventure best lists and places.