Top 10 European Second Home Destinations

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

With the European summer arriving any day now, people from all over the continent will soon pack their bags for an extended summer trip to their favorite second home away from home. Forbes has done the hard leg work and put some of these spots onto the map so that we too can see where everybody mingles when the temperatures soar. These destinations are on the top ten list of where Europeans buy a second home to spend some time when they want to relax and chill out.

Not every one of these spots are summer residences of the high and mighty either. Some lend themselves as a perfect winter getaway due to the fantastic skiing. We’ll let you be the judge of it all.

Lake Como, Italy

George Clooney has it and so have many other celebrities. That is a property of course on this magical lake that is surrounded by lush Mediterranean greenery as well as snow covered alpine peaks. A convenient 30 minute drive from the bustling metropolis of Milan, Lake Como is a great destination and ideal for those with some two wheeled horsepower under their backs.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia is to beach life and water what Ibiza is to nigh clubbing. The Costa Smeralda has a great reputation for stunning white beaches, dazzling beauty and family friendly holiday spot.

The wealthy and rich consistently make the Costa Smeralda their home turf in summer and the paparazzi have a field day. So much so that they too set up camp on this rugged stretch of land on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia.

Turned into an eco-sensitive millionaire’s paradise in the 1960’s by The Aga Khan, the coast has become a favourite with many starlets.

Crans Montana, Switzerland

Crans Montana enjoys the reputation for being the sunniest spot in the Swiss Alps. The rather large village is known for the great shopping with flourishing fashion labels such as Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. Local restaurants welcome the fashion and celebrity high flyers with open arms and if you have the urge to see and be seen, than dining in Crans Montana will do the trick.

Andalusia, Spain

As one of Spain’s seventeen autonomous regions, Andalusia offers attractive living with plenty of sightseeing for tourists. Cities like Marbella, Seville and Granada lure the holiday maker into their folds and keep them entertained with plenty of nightlife, history and charm for hours on end. Greats such as Antonio Banderas and Carlos Herrera were born in Andalusia.

Cannes, France

Cannes is the playground for the rich and famous pretty much all year round. With a perfect climate, lovely beaches and a very interesting old town by the name of “Le Suquet”, Cannes is situated on the French Riviera which is part of the Cote D’Azure.

Here you will find glitzy hotels, fast cars and powerful yachts as well as great scenery if you venture into the hinterland.

Courchevel 1850, France

Courchevel is made up of five villages and has a good name for its challenging and testing ski runs with enthusiasts. Once upon a time, Courchevel was one of the first high class ski resorts in France.

Today it is a bustling resort town that attracts celebrity holiday makers as well as jet setters like bees to honey. The resort is located in the Savoie region of France and is part of the three valleys.

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, on the south coast of Portugal is a heaven for foodies. With a minimum of one food festival every month you won’t be running out of tasty bites soon. The region is hilly but contains plenty of valleys to explore.

The local climate, beaches and scenery are all reason enough to spend some time. Plus the Algarve is very affordable.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbuhel is situated in the Tyrol region of Austria. This medieval city is well known for the great skiing slopes that surround the city. But due to recent changes in the European Union, new regulations have made mortgages very affordable.

This has brought a new surge of visits and interest to this town.

London, UK

What would an all time favourite list be without London. Having enjoyed a great boom in as many years as we care to remember, London is still a favourite for overseas buyers due to the non-domicile tax break available if you reside in town.

Plus, the city is a bustling metropolis that never sleeps.

Paris, France

The city of romance, Paris has long been a popular destination with holiday makers throughout the times. Easy to get to from just about anywhere in Europe, Paris lends itself quite well to a second home away from home.

Did we mention the fabulous shopping, food, nightlife and sights?

Either of these home spots lend themselves to some unforgettable and romantic holiday spots. Therefore it is no wonder that they have made it onto the list of the top 10 European Second Home Destinations.

Which of these is your favorite?

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