Top European Destinations for Holiday Homes in 2025 – A Guide for Irish Buyers
Introduction
For many Irish families and investors, a holiday home abroad offers a blend of lifestyle, rental income and a passport‑style escape. 2023 saw a record 2.9 billion tourist nights across the EU – a 6 % rise on pre‑pandemic levels – signalling strong demand for short‑term rentals. But which European regions combine solid price growth, attractive yields and a high quality of life?
This article distils the latest market data, tourism statistics and on‑the‑ground insights to highlight the six top destinations for Irish buyers in 2024:
- Paphos, Cyprus
- Southern France (e.g., Bordeaux, La Rochelle)
- Crete, Greece
- Tuscany, Italy
- Faro (Algarve), Portugal
- Andalusia, Spain
Each profile includes average purchase prices, typical rental yields, visa or residency incentives, and practical travel information – everything you need to decide where to invest your next holiday retreat.
1. Paphos, Cyprus – History Meets Sun
Why Irish buyers love it
- Tourism boom – Eurostat notes a 20 % jump in nights spent in Cyprus in 2023, the sharpest rise among EU states.
- Heritage & beaches – Roman villas, the Tombs of the Kings and the mythic Aphrodite’s Rock sit beside 20 km of sandy coastline.
- English‑speaking environment – English is widely used in business and legal matters, easing the purchase process for Irish investors.
Market snapshot (2025)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 3‑bed villa |
|---|---|---|
| New build villa (sea view) | €2 800 – €3 200 | €450 000 – €550 000 |
| Apartment in Kato Paphos | €2 200 – €2 600 | €180 000 – €250 000 |
| Rural plot (Ktima) | €150 – €300 per m² | €120 000 – €250 000 (varies by location) |
Rental performance
- Average short‑term yield: 5‑6 % gross.
- Peak season: May‑October, with occupancy rates of 70‑80 % for well‑managed Airbnb listings.
Residency perk
Cyprus offers a “Fast‑Track” permanent residency for property purchases of €300 000 plus a €30 000 deposit, granting visa‑free travel across the Schengen area and the UK.
2. Southern France – Elegance on the Atlantic
Why Irish buyers love it
- Cultural cachet – Bordeaux’s wine heritage, La Rochelle’s historic port and the Atlantic surf scene attract both lifestyle seekers and high‑net‑worth investors.
- Strong rental market – France recorded a 23 % rise in international tourist nights in 2023, with the Atlantic coast benefitting from UK and Irish visitors.
Market snapshot (2024)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 4‑bed house |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal villa (Bordeaux outskirts) | €4 200 – €5 500 | €800 000 – €1 200 000 |
| Townhouse in La Rochelle | €3 800 – €4 400 | €450 000 – €650 000 |
| Rural farmhouse (Nouvelle‑Aquitaine) | €2 200 – €2 800 | €300 000 – €500 000 |
Rental performance
- Average gross yield: 4‑5 % for short‑term lets, 3‑4 % for long‑term rentals.
- Seasonality: High demand July‑September; off‑season rates improve with “work‑cations” and digital nomad stays.
Residency perk
France’s “Talent Passport” (a residence permit for investors) can be obtained with a property purchase of at least €300 000, granting a 4‑year renewable visa and the right to work.
3. Crete, Greece – Island Life with a Budget Edge
Why Irish buyers love it
- Affordability – Crete remains one of the cheapest Greek islands for property, yet offers a sophisticated tourism infrastructure.
- Rising arrivals – Eurostat shows a 13 % increase in nights spent by domestic guests in Greece in 2023, with Crete capturing a large share of inbound tourists.
Market snapshot (2024)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 3‑bed villa |
|---|---|---|
| Sea‑view villa (Chania) | €1 800 – €2 400 | €260 000 – €340 000 |
| City apartment (Heraklion) | €1 500 – €1 900 | €150 000 – €210 000 |
| Traditional stone house (Rethymno) | €1 200 – €1 600 | €120 000 – €190 000 |
Rental performance
- Average gross yield: 5‑7 % for short‑term rentals, thanks to year‑round tourism (beach season + cultural festivals).
- Occupancy: 65‑75 % in peak months, with a growing market for “slow‑travel” stays in spring and autumn.
Residency perk
Greece’s Golden Visa grants a five‑year residence permit for property purchases of €250 000 – the lowest threshold in the EU – and includes free travel within the Schengen zone.
4. Tuscany, Italy – Rolling Hills and World‑Class Cuisine
Why Irish buyers love it
- Iconic landscape – Vine‑covered hills, historic towns (Siena, Florence) and a reputation for culinary tourism.
- Strong visitor numbers – Italy recorded 23 % growth in international tourist nights in 2023, with Tuscany remaining a top draw for luxury and cultural travel.
Market snapshot (2024)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 4‑bed farmhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Restored farmhouse (Chianti) | €2 600 – €3 400 | €500 000 – €750 000 |
| Modern villa (Florence outskirts) | €3 200 – €4 100 | €850 000 – €1 200 000 |
| Apartment in historic centre | €3 800 – €5 200 | €400 000 – €620 000 |
Rental performance
- Average gross yield: 3‑5 % for long‑term rentals, 5‑6 % for boutique short‑term lets (wine‑tour packages, culinary retreats).
- Seasonality: High summer demand, but spring “wine‑tour” weeks sustain occupancy through May‑June.
Residency perk
Italy’s Investor Visa (or “Investor Residence Permit”) can be secured with a property investment of €250 000‑€500 000, offering a renewable 2‑year permit and eventual citizenship after ten years.
5. Faro (Algarve), Portugal – Sun, Sea and Golf
Why Irish buyers love it
- Record tourism – Portugal saw a 14.7 % YoY price rise in the Algarve in 2022 and continues to attract British and Irish visitors; Eurostat notes a 20 % jump in nights spent in Cyprus, with the Algarve mirroring that growth.
- Golden Visa – The Portuguese residency programme remains a magnet for non‑EU investors.
Market snapshot (2024)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 3‑bed villa |
|---|---|---|
| Beachfront villa (Albufeira) | €3 200 – €3 800 | €550 000 – €750 000 |
| Townhouse (Faro city) | €2 400 – €2 900 | €300 000 – €420 000 |
| Rural plot (Loulé) | €1 800 – €2 200 | €150 000 – €250 000 |
Source: Fastighetsbyrån – Algarve market data, 2024.
Rental performance
- Average gross yield: 5‑6 % for short‑term holiday lets, 4‑5 % for long‑term rentals.
- Occupancy: 70‑85 % during the long summer season (April‑October); strong demand from UK and Irish families.
Residency perk
The Portuguese Golden Visa requires a minimum €280 000 investment in low‑density areas (Algarve qualifies) or €350 000 in property. It provides a residence permit, Schengen travel, and a pathway to citizenship after five years.
6. Andalusia, Spain – Culture, Coast and Mountains
Why Irish buyers love it
- Diverse attractions – From the historic Alhambra in Granada to the sun‑kissed Costa del Sol, Andalusia offers both cultural depth and beach leisure.
- Tourist influx – Spain logged 23 % growth in international tourist nights in 2023, with the Andalusian coast accounting for a large share of that surge.
Market snapshot (2024)
| Property type | Avg. price (€/m²) | Typical price for a 3‑bed villa |
|---|---|---|
| Seafront villa (Marbella) | €4 200 – €5 100 | €800 000 – €1 200 000 |
| Townhouse (Seville) | €2 800 – €3 600 | €350 000 – €520 000 |
| Rural finca (Ronda) | €1 800 – €2 400 | €250 000 – €380 000 |
Rental performance
- Average gross yield: 4‑5 % for short‑term rentals, 3‑4 % for long‑term.
- Occupancy: Very high in summer (June‑September) – up to 85 % – and a growing “cultural tourism” market in spring and autumn.
Residency perk
Spain’s Non‑EU Investor Visa (Golden Visa) requires a €500 000 property investment, granting a residence permit and Schengen access. The programme is popular among Irish high‑net‑worth buyers seeking a European base.
Practical Considerations for Irish Buyers
| Factor | What to Check | Typical Irish Buyer Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Currency risk | Use a forward contract or a multi‑currency account to lock in €‑to‑local currency rates. | Many favour Euro‑zone markets to avoid FX volatility. |
| Tax implications | Research local property tax, capital gains tax, and double‑tax treaties with Ireland. | Portugal and Cyprus have favourable tax regimes for non‑resident owners. |
| Financing | Local mortgage rates (often 2‑3 % in EU) vs Irish rates (4‑5 %). Some banks offer cross‑border loans. | Irish expats often combine Irish equity with a local mortgage. |
| Management | Hire a local property manager for short‑term lets – ensures compliance with licensing (e.g., Spain’s “vivienda vacacional”). | 70‑80 % of Irish investors use a management company for hassle‑free rentals. |
| Legal due diligence | Verify title deeds, planning permissions, and any community fees. Use a bilingual solicitor. | Essential for coastal parcels where building restrictions apply. |
| Healthcare & schooling | If planning a semi‑permanent stay, check proximity to EU‑standard health services and international schools. | Algarve and Costa del Sol score high on both criteria. |
Conclusion
The data is clear: tourism is thriving, and European holiday‑home markets are responding with solid price growth and attractive yields. For Irish families and investors, the six destinations outlined above combine:
- Strong demand (evidenced by Eurostat tourism night increases)
- Reasonable entry‑price points (especially in Cyprus, Crete and the Algarve)
- Residency incentives that open wider European mobility
- Lifestyle appeal ranging from historic towns to sun‑soaked beaches.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat in Paphos, a wine‑filled estate in Tuscany, or a bustling beach villa on the Costa del Sol, Europe offers a holiday‑home option that fits a range of budgets and aspirations.
Start by visiting the local property portals, arrange a virtual viewing, and engage a specialist adviser who understands Irish tax and financing nuances. Your perfect European holiday home could be just a flight away.