Forget the standard hotel room. Across Europe, travelers can now sleep in a medieval castle, a converted windmill, a cave carved into a hillside, or even a dome under the stars. A new ranking by eSIM provider Holafly has crunched Airbnb data to find which countries offer the most unconventional accommodations, and France comes out on top.
The study counted listings across eight quirky property types: caves, castles, treehouses, houseboats, windmills, lighthouses, earth homes, and domes. France leads the world with 2,947 such listings, far ahead of the United States (2,533) and Italy (1,050). The country’s appeal is clear: more than 1,000 castles are bookable, alongside 400 houseboats and 30 windmills.
France’s dominance in unusual stays
France’s top ranking is no surprise given its rich architectural heritage and tourism infrastructure. From the Loire Valley’s châteaux to canal barges in Burgundy, the country offers a deep bench of distinctive lodgings. This strength in tourism comes as France also grapples with economic headwinds, including rising borrowing costs and political uncertainty that have rattled European markets. Yet the country’s appeal as a destination remains undimmed.
The ranking also highlights regional variety. In Provence, cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs offer a cool retreat from summer heat. In Brittany, lighthouse stays provide dramatic ocean views. And in the Alps, geodesic domes allow guests to stargaze from the comfort of a heated pod.
Italy’s trulli and cave homes
Italy takes third place globally, with 1,050 unusual listings. The country is famous for the trulli of Puglia—cone-roofed stone huts that date back centuries—as well as the cave dwellings of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tuscany’s castles, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels, also draw travelers seeking a taste of medieval life.
Italy’s offerings are not just about history; they reflect a broader trend of adaptive reuse. Old farmhouses, water mills, and even monasteries have been transformed into guest accommodations, blending heritage with modern comfort.
UK and Greece: castles, domes, and caves
The United Kingdom ranks sixth globally with 696 unusual stays. Nearly 250 castles are available, from Scottish fortresses to Welsh manor houses. The UK also offers almost 150 domes, many of them glamping-style structures in rural settings, plus more than 100 houseboats, 23 lighthouses, and 12 windmills.
Greece, in ninth place, excels in cave accommodations, with 279 listings—the most of any country. The island of Santorini is particularly known for its cave houses built into volcanic cliffs, offering stunning views of the Aegean. Greece also has 27 windmill stays, second only to the Netherlands in that category.
Other European contenders
While France, Italy, the UK, and Greece dominate the European rankings, other countries also offer unique options. Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands have growing numbers of windmill and houseboat stays. In Scandinavia, treehouses and glass domes are popular for viewing the Northern Lights.
For travelers seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Europe’s diversity is a major draw. Whether it’s a castle in the French countryside, a trullo in Puglia, or a cave in Santorini, the continent offers a wealth of memorable places to rest your head.
As the travel industry rebounds, these unusual stays are becoming a key part of the tourism economy. They appeal to a growing segment of travelers who prioritize unique experiences over standard amenities. And with platforms like Airbnb making them easy to book, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
So next time you plan a European getaway, consider stepping outside the hotel norm. You might find yourself sleeping in a lighthouse, a windmill, or even a castle—and that’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
