The idea of renting out villas came from the way we ourselves like to travel and spend our holidays abroad. Over the years, we’ve had both great and not-so-great experiences. That’s why we’d like to share our insights with you.
1. Exact Location and Proximity to the Beach
Check the address on Google Maps:
We’ve encountered situations where properties were advertised under the name of a well-known location, but the actual address was in a small village 7 km away—technically part of the same municipality, but far from what we expected. If a property is advertised as “first line,” make sure this is truly the case and not a location several kilometers from the coast.
Beaches:
Ask the owners about nearby beaches—how far they are on foot, whether there are umbrellas, restaurants, and how crowded they get during different months. Every family has different preferences.
Parking:
Is there a parking space available? Is it inside the property? How many cars can it accommodate? If not, where can you park your vehicle?
The surrounding area:
Are there grocery stores, restaurants, or pharmacies nearby? Pay attention to how willing the owners are to provide details about the property. Is it managed directly by them or by an agency? Properties managed by their owners are often better maintained and offer more personalized service.
2. Reviews from Previous Guests
Check reviews on Google Maps:
It’s always a good idea to read feedback from previous guests. This helps you quickly understand the advantages of the property, as well as any important details you should consider. If something important to you isn’t mentioned, don’t hesitate to ask the hosts.
Photos:
Pay attention to the photos—do they indicate when they were taken? It’s common for properties to be photographed once when listed and not updated afterward. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask when the photos were taken or when the last renovation took place. We personally always check this—even when booking hotels—as this information is often easy to find online.
3. Amenities and Equipment
Kitchen: Is it fully equipped with an oven, refrigerator, cookware, dishwasher, and coffee machine? Check the kitchen photos carefully.
Air conditioning: Are there units in every room or only in the living room? Older villas often rely on a single unit.
Pool: If there is a pool, ask how often it is cleaned. This is crucial, as many families specifically look for villas with pools. Different systems are used: Older systems use high levels of chlorine (strong smell, can affect skin and swimwear). Modern systems use ionization or saltwater purification. Ionization: no chemical smell. Saltwater: slightly salty water
Wi-Fi: What is the internet speed? Many people now combine holidays with remote work. Mobile internet is not always reliable during peak season due to network congestion.
Barbecue: A good BBQ area is always a plus. Ask whether it uses charcoal, electricity, or gas. If it’s charcoal, you’ll likely need to bring your own.
Garden landscaping: A well-maintained garden says a lot about how the property is managed. Keeping a green lawn, trimmed shrubs, and blooming flowers during summer requires effort. Even a quick look at the garden can tell you a lot about the hosts. We personally love properties with beautiful gardens.
4. Rental Details
Hidden costs: Some hosts charge a cleaning fee. In some countries, electricity consumption is billed separately (e.g. Cyprus), and in rare cases, even bed linen may not be included.
Deposit: Is a damage deposit required and under what conditions is it returned? What documentation do you receive—invoice, contract, etc.? Consider whether you have legal protection if your reservation is canceled by the host.
Cancellation policy: What happens if you cancel? What amounts are refundable and under what conditions? Choose properties with clear policies, a track record of previous guests, their own website, and legitimate payment methods (bank transfer, contract, invoice).
5. External Factors and Neighbors
Noise: Is the villa standalone or part of a complex? Is the pool private or shared? What are the noise rules? Clear rules usually indicate that the hosts care about guests’ comfort.
Insects: In rural coastal areas, mosquitoes are common – check if the property has window screens.
6. Pets and Children
Pet-friendly: More and more guests travel with their pets. Before booking, ask in advance about the conditions—whether pets are allowed and if the yard is fenced. Be specific with the hosts—for example, if you have a dog, mention its weight. Keep in mind that even if dogs are allowed, this does not necessarily mean cats are accepted. We are increasingly hearing stories about guests arriving with more than two dogs or even unusual pets. It’s important to be transparent with the hosts and, if you are allowed to bring your pets, to take responsibility for cleaning up after them. Carelessness by one or two families can lead to a property no longer accepting pets.
Safety: If you are traveling with children, check whether the stairs have railings and whether the pool is properly secured. If you need a baby cot or an extra bed, confirm whether the property can provide it and in which rooms there is enough space to accommodate it.