Looking to spice up your European travel experience? Forget conventional lodging and embark on a journey where your accommodation becomes part of the adventure itself. Europe’s diverse landscape offers an astonishing array of unique places to stay that promise to transform an ordinary holiday into an extraordinary memory. From windmills to treehouses, lighthouses to caves, these distinctive dwellings provide not just a place to rest your head, but an experience that will become the highlight of your travels.
Extraordinary stays in northern europe
Northern Europe’s breathtaking landscapes and innovative design sensibilities have given rise to some truly remarkable accommodation options. Our travel experts at hotelcondado.es have curated exceptional stays that showcase the region’s unique character while providing unforgettable experiences for adventurous travellers.
Windmill Retreats in the Dutch Countryside
The Netherlands offers more than just tulips and canals—it provides the chance to stay in authentic Dutch windmills transformed into cosy accommodation. These historic structures, some dating back centuries, have been lovingly converted into comfortable lodgings while preserving their distinctive charm. Wake up to panoramic views of endless fields, enjoy breakfast with the gentle sound of turning sails, and experience a slice of Dutch heritage that few tourists ever encounter. Many windmill stays include bicycles for guests, allowing you to explore the surrounding countryside just as the locals do.
Treehouse escapes in swedish forests
Sweden’s dedication to innovative design and environmental harmony has produced some of Europe’s most striking treehouse accommodations. Nestled among pine forests in the north, these architectural marvels range from minimalist cabins suspended among branches to the famous Treehotel near Harads with its Mirror Cube and Bird’s Nest rooms. These elevated retreats offer a perfect combination of luxury and wilderness, where you might spot northern lights in winter or enjoy the midnight sun in summer. The experience connects guests with nature without sacrificing comfort, creating a magical forest escape that appeals to both adventure seekers and design enthusiasts.
Coastal curiosities worth booking
Europe’s extensive coastlines are home to some of the continent’s most unusual accommodation options, where the constant presence of the sea creates a mesmerising backdrop for your stay.
Lighthouse keepers’ quarters along the adriatic
Croatia’s rugged coastline features numerous lighthouses where visitors can experience the romantic isolation once known only to lighthouse keepers. These historic structures offer accommodation ranging from rustic to luxurious, all sharing unparalleled sea views and a sense of splendid seclusion. Imagine falling asleep to the rhythm of waves crashing against rocks, then waking to witness dawn breaking across the Adriatic from your own private headland. Many of these lighthouses stand on their own small islands or remote peninsulas, accessible only by boat, adding to their exclusive appeal. The experience provides a glimpse into maritime history while offering a tranquil retreat from modern life.
Converted Seafront Defence Forts in the UK
Britain’s naval history has left a legacy of imposing sea forts and defence structures that creative hoteliers have transformed into extraordinary accommodation. Off the coast of Portsmouth, Spitbank Fort offers luxury suites in what was once a Victorian-era defence installation, complete with rooftop hot tubs and champagne bars. In the Thames Estuary, the Maunsell Forts present a more rugged experience for those seeking true isolation. These fortified islands deliver a compelling mix of military history and maritime adventure, surrounded by water yet just a short boat ride from shore. Their unique architecture and historical significance make them particularly attractive to history enthusiasts and those seeking an unusual coastal experience.
Rural charm and countryside oddities
The European countryside harbours countless unconventional accommodation options that showcase rural traditions and architectural creativity in equal measure.
Shepherd’s Huts and Glamping in the Cotswolds
The rolling hills of the Cotswolds have become a hotspot for elevated outdoor experiences that combine rustic charm with modern comforts. Traditional shepherd’s huts, once used by roaming shepherds tending their flocks, have been reimagined as cosy hideaways featuring woodburning stoves, plush bedding, and often private hot tubs. These intimate spaces, typically positioned in secluded meadows or woodland edges, offer an authentic countryside experience without sacrificing comfort. The region also boasts innovative glamping options including geodesic domes with transparent sections for stargazing and converted horse boxes with surprising luxury interiors. These stays connect guests with the celebrated Cotswold landscape while providing experiences quite unlike conventional hotels.
Renovated Railway Carriages in the Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s magnificent Highlands provide a dramatic backdrop for one of the country’s most distinctive accommodation trends: converted railway carriages. These vintage train cars, lovingly restored and positioned in scenic locations, offer a nostalgic journey into railway heritage combined with spectacular Highland views. Some carriages maintain their original features—polished wood panelling, brass fixtures, and compartment layouts—while others have been completely reimagined as contemporary living spaces. Their positions often take advantage of routes once travelled, with some perched along former railway lines offering views across lochs or mountains. The experience appeals particularly to railway enthusiasts but has broad charm for anyone seeking an unusual Highland retreat.
Underground and cliff-side dwellings
Some of Europe’s most fascinating accommodations take advantage of natural geological features, creating living spaces within rock formations that have sheltered inhabitants for centuries.
Cave houses in spanish andalusia
The whitewashed hillsides of Andalusia conceal a network of cave dwellings that have been inhabited since Moorish times. Today, many of these have been transformed into sophisticated holiday homes that combine ancient architecture with contemporary comforts. In areas like Guadix and Sacromonte near Granada, these cave houses maintain a constant pleasant temperature year-round—cool in summer and warm in winter—making them naturally energy efficient. Their thick walls provide perfect sound insulation, while modern renovations have added luxury bathrooms, kitchens, and even swimming pools in some cases. Staying in these unique properties offers insight into a traditional Spanish lifestyle while providing a truly distinctive accommodation experience.
Subterranean stays in cappadocia
Turkey’s Cappadocia region presents one of Europe’s most otherworldly landscapes, where volcanic rock formations have been hollowed into elaborate cave dwellings for thousands of years. Today, many of these ancient homes and Byzantine churches have been converted into boutique cave hotels that range from simple and authentic to opulently luxurious. The experience of sleeping in rooms carved from soft tufa rock, often featuring original frescoes and hand-carved details, connects guests with the region’s rich history. Many properties offer terraces with views across the valley of fairy chimneys, particularly magical at sunrise when hot air balloons float above the surreal landscape. These accommodations provide not just a place to stay, but immersion in a UNESCO World Heritage environment.
Floating and water-based accommodation
Water-based stays offer a distinctive perspective on European destinations, with gentle movement and changing views creating a uniquely relaxing travel experience.
Canal boat living in amsterdam
Amsterdam’s famous canal network provides the perfect setting for houseboat accommodations that combine central locations with peaceful waterside living. These floating homes range from traditional Dutch barges to contemporary floating apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows. Staying on Amsterdam’s canals puts you at the heart of the city while providing a retreat from street-level activity. Wake to the sound of gentle water movement, watch swans glide past your window, and enjoy sunset drinks on your private deck as canal tour boats drift by. Many houseboats occupy prime positions on Amsterdam’s most picturesque waterways, offering views of historic buildings and bridges that hotel rooms simply cannot match.
Lake houseboats in slovenia
Slovenia’s pristine lakes, particularly Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, have seen the emergence of elegant houseboats that allow guests to experience these alpine waters intimately. Unlike traditional boat rentals, these floating accommodations are designed for extended stays, featuring fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, and panoramic windows to maximise the spectacular mountain views. The gentle rocking motion and the sound of water lapping against the hull create a naturally relaxing environment. Some boats can be moved to different mooring spots, allowing guests to explore various parts of the lake, while others remain in fixed positions chosen for their scenic value or proximity to swimming areas. These floating retreats provide a perfect balance of nature and comfort.
Historic transformations
Europe’s rich architectural heritage has provided countless opportunities for creative conversions that allow travellers to experience history through overnight stays.
Converted Monasteries and Convents in Italy
Italy’s religious architecture has given rise to some of the country’s most atmospheric accommodation, with former monasteries and convents now welcoming guests to spaces once reserved for contemplation and prayer. These conversions range from simple rooms in still-functioning religious houses to lavish hotels in completely repurposed historic buildings. Many maintain original features like cloisters, chapels, and frescoed ceilings, creating an ambiance that no purpose-built hotel could match. Locations often benefit from the prime positions these institutions once held—hillside perches with commanding views, central urban plots surrounded by gardens, or countryside retreats amid vineyards and olive groves. The experience offers a glimpse into Italy’s religious heritage while providing peaceful sanctuaries amid popular tourist destinations.
Repurposed medieval towers in germany
Germany’s landscape is dotted with medieval towers that once served defensive purposes but now offer unique accommodation experiences for those willing to climb their winding staircases. These vertical dwellings typically feature multiple floors, with living spaces stacked atop one another and magnificent views from their uppermost levels. Many tower stays embrace their medieval character with stone walls, arched windows, and period-appropriate furnishings, though most have added modern bathrooms and kitchens for comfort. Their unusual vertical layout creates a distinctive experience, with each floor revealing new perspectives and features. These towers often stand in picturesque locations—overlooking river valleys, perched on hilltops, or integrated into the walls of historic towns—providing both a memorable place to stay and a strategic base for exploration.
