10 Epic Destinations For The Perfect Girls’ Holiday in Europe

I’d never actually had a girls’ holiday in Europe (or anywhere, for that matter!) until my late twenties. I’d had female friends, and we’d been away for nights, sleeping in Travelodges and drinking bottles of Blossom Hill in our hotel rooms. But an actual holiday, nope. But after a few trips over the past two years with some of my best ladies, I’m definitely a convert.

One of the best ways to have an awesome girls’ holiday in Europe is by hiring an apartment or villa – it’s way less restrictive than hotel rooms, giving you great social space to spend time together. And most Clickstay villas have private pools, which immediately ups the luxury factor by, like, a million percent. With over 56,000 properties across 70+ countries, they’re definitely the go-to for finding group holiday accommodation.

So where are you planning on heading for your girls’ getaway this summer? From the best islands in Europe to city break perfection, here’s some inspiration to get you started…

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1. Mykonos, Greece

I was torn between Mykonos and Santorini for my Greek Island inclusion – but it was Mykonos’ versatility that swung it. Obviously, you’ve got some great Mediterranean parties in the island’s world class clubs and luxury yacht charter opportunities (think of the profile pics!). But you can also take a short drive to find more remote, quieter beaches and water sports for a more active girls’ holiday.

Oh, and your Instagram will be STUNNING after a walk through those famous white and blue streets of Mykonos town.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ holiday in Mykonos

• Visit a traditional Greek vineyard to find out how the ultimate drink of a girls’ trip gets made, and sample their wares for yourself.
• Live the luxe life with a catamaran trip around the nearby Delos and Rhenia Islands, with snorkelling and lunch included.
• Relax in style with guaranteed sunbeds, drinks on tap and ultimate vibes at a Mykonos beach club!

Where to stay in Mykonos

• Relax in the rooftop terrace hot tub as you gaze out across the whitewashed houses of Mykonos City at Cosmo Luxe.
• Wake up to views of the deep blue Aegean Sea at Myconian Little Venice Elite Suites, suitable for up to six guests.
• Larger groups of up to 14 will have plenty of space at the Amallini Suites Mykonos, with sweeping mountain views from the sun terrace, plunge pool and hot tub.

2. Cyprus

I had a fabulous little adventure to Cyprus for a villa holiday with some of my best girls, and definitely rate it as a destination for a girls’ holiday. We didn’t quite get the timing right with the sun, but we had a fabulous time in our villa and spending a day in Paphos, just enjoying each others’ company.

One tip I do have for a villa holiday – think about your location in terms of what you want nearby. Our villa was AGES away from civilisation, but if you want to be within walking distances of bars and shops, have a look at some Clickstay villas in Paphos, as many of them are in easy reach of local amenities. Even though, as we learnt, staying in the villa with a few bottles of wine and Cards Against Humanity can be the best part of the holiday…

Top 3 activities for a girls’ holiday in Cyprus

• Explore beyond the beaches with a full day guided trip to the Troodos Mountains. Visit charming villages, see beautiful natural landscapes and taste local wines.
• Take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkelling and a BBQ!
• Spend a day in Paphos to see ancient ruins, uncover stories from Mediterranean history, and check out the local tavernas.

Where to stay in Cyprus

• Dora’s Villa (Agarka) – I actually stayed here recently for a group holiday to Cyprus, and it’s a gorgeous, spacious villa with everything you need – including a lovely pool and a convenience store just across the road.
• If you like your holiday rentals to have character, Tina’s Country Home is a colourful, eclectic spot filled with vintage furniture in a fairytale setting of a Troodos Mountains village.
• For sleek and stylish accommodation for up to four besties, check out Down Town Villa Kato Paphos – a relaxing spot with private pool close to Paphos Old Town.

3. Barcelona, Spain

If your gal pals are more city break than beach, or you need to find a compromise, Barcelona is a great beachside destination that also offers plenty in the way of culture, history and food. The best months to visit if you want to soak up some sun on Barceloneta beach are May-September.

In the city itself, the Gothic Quarter is one of my favourite places to explore – getting lost amongst the winding streets and stopping every hour for aperitivo is something I highly recommend.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ weekend in Barcelona

• Try out delicious local cuisine on a Spanish tapas walking tour – with food and wine included!
• Spend an evening watching talented dancers peform at a traditional Spanish flamenco show.
• Unleash your creative side in a Van Gogh inspired ‘paint and sip’ class.

Where to stay in Barcelona

• With vaulted ceiling and traditional Catalan tiles, Ola Living Music oozes Old Town chic – with two- and three-bedroom apartment available depending on your group size.
• Stay alongside Barcelona’s most visited attraction at Sensation Sagrada Familia.
• Larger groups will love the cosy Victoria City Center Barcelona – which sleeps up to 10 people.

4. The Algarve, Portugal

I spent some time in the Algarve as part of my Portugal road trip, and it’s the ideal spot for a beach, pool and nightlife holiday with the girls! Stretched across Portugal’s southern coast, it’s blessed with picturesque coastline, charming villages and plenty of great hotels and villas.

The main resort towns are Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura. Albufeira contrasts lively party vibes with quaint old town charm; and Lagos is more of a historic city with some gorgeous beaches. Vilamoura is the more upmarket and glamourous area; while Praia da Rocha attracts a younger crowd for more afforable luxury vibes.

Wherever you choose to stay in the Algarve, you’ll never be too far from golden sands, a beachfront restaurant or a buzzing bar!

Top 3 activities for a girls’ holiday in the Algarve

• Take a sunset boat cruise to a secret, secluded beach location, where you’ll moor up and enjoy BBQ food with live music.
• Join a kayak tour of beaches and sea caves dotted along the Algarve coast.
• Learn more about the region’s history and landscapes on a full-day guided Algarve tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where to stay in the Algarve

• Villa Palmares Beach, Golf & Dream (Lagos) offers sweeping views over Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean with a private pool and rooftop terrace.
• Aqua Pedra dos Bicos (Albufeira) is an adults-only design hotel, with a relaxed pool deck and easy access to a quiet section of beach. (This is where I stayed on my trip in 2019 – read my review here.)
• Bigger groups will love LV Premier Algarve, which sleeps up to 12 guests (single beds) with private pool, hot tub and plenty of space to chill.

5. Split, Croatia

Croatia’s popularity has grown exponentially in the past 10 years – and for good reason. Balmy Mediterranean temperatures, medieval old towns, stunning national parkland and sparkling seas all contribute to making Croatia the perfect destination for your next girls’ holiday.

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split sits on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. As well as having an abundant nightlife scene and sandy beaches, the Old Town has some interesting historical buildings to check out. For a well-rounded escape with great weather, Split is also a great base for exploring more of Croatia’s mainland and islands.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ holiday in Split

• Sail around the islands of Drvenik Veli, St. Fumija and Šolta on an All-Inclusive 3 Islands and Blue Lagoon Cruise.
• Get a taste of the city’s rich history in Split’s Old Town. Don’t miss the Diocletian Palace, Cathedral of St. Domnius and the Riva waterfront.
• Visit Croatia’s largest national park, Plitvice Lakes. Hike through lush greenery to stunning waterfalls and sparkling lakes.

Where to stay in Split

• Chill out by the private pool at Apartment Joy before heading into nearby Split city centre to continue the party!
• Just five minutes walk from Diocletian’s Palace, Captain’s Guest House is ideally located for a girls city break, with charming exposed stone walls and minimalist design touches.
• If you’re looking to escape the city bustle, just outside of Split you’ll find stylish villas to rent, including Gastro Villa LenTini Luxury, which has a large sun terrace and private pool.

6. Ibiza, Spain

Nope, I haven’t turned into a glowstick-wielding wet-t-shirt wearing clubber. Stay with me here. After reading Jess’ post about ‘hidden Ibiza’ and saw how awesome her girls’ trip to the Balearic island looked, I’ve definitely had my mind changed on the place. Out with the vest-wearing lads, in with the scenic countryside, views for days and secret, off-the-beaten track spots. I’m totally game.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ weekend in Ibiza

• Discover hidden caves (and give yourself a full body workout) on a stand up paddle boarding trip to a secret location!
• Get a taste of classic Ibiza vibes with a sunset boat party, featuring a live DJ and unlimited drinks.
• See the island’s hidden gems as you explore the island’s natural landscapes on an ATV jeep tour of Ibiza.

7. Madeira, Portugal

A slightly more unexpected destination for a girls’ holiday, as it’s often associated with the older crowd, the Portuguese island of Madeira is perfect for a relaxing week away. Although, sorry guys, it’s actually got nothing to do with Madeira cake…but try Madeira wine instead.

There are loads of great places to find your base in Madeira as you explore the island, including the capital city of Funchal. The city is so high above sea level, there’s actually a cable car that takes you to some of the higher points. Which means AMAZING views.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ getaway to Madeira

• See marine wildlife in its natural habitat on an Eco Catamaran dolphin and whale watching excursion.
• Climb your way through Madeira’s natural landscapes and abseil down breathtaking waterfalls, with a beginners canyoning experience – suitable for all experience levels.
• Take an off-road day trip adventure that includes the Cabo Girão Skywalk, the picturesque Serra d’Água valley, an organic beekeeping museum and a professional wine tasting experience.

8. Marbella, Spain

From the charm of the whitewashed old town streets to the glamour of Puerto Banus, Marbella has everything you need for the perfect girls holiday. Enjoy delectable cuisine in cosy old town restaurants, sip cocktails at the region’s classiest beach clubs and enjoy warm, sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Top 3 activities for a girls’ trip to Marbella

• Enjoy amazing organic dishes served with a side of flamenco at The Farm (I highly recommend this one – the food was amazing and it was such a fun evening!)
• Go sailing! Marbella’s beautiful coastline is the perfect place to hop aboard a catamaran and have a luxurious day at sea.
• Marbella offers the perfect all-year round conditions for diving – so it’s the perfect place to try out scuba diving for the first time. (I completed my PADI Open Water in Marbella and would absolutely recommend a try dive session with SimplyDiving!)

Where to stay in Marbella

• Villa Mimosa is a quintessentially Spanish villa with a private pool, and five bedrooms – perfect for groups of girlfriends who like their own sleeping space!
• Rub shoulders with the rich and famous in this Puerto Banus penthouse apartment.
• Cosy up in a charming luxury townhouse in Marbella’s Old Town.

9. Paris, France

Ah, Paris. The city of love. But you don’t have to be coupled up to visit one of the world’s most iconic spaces – it’s also a great destination for a girly weekend city break! Strolling along the streets of Montmartre, stopping for a coffee and a pastry, and checking out iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Shop to your heart’s content, then enjoy dinner and drinks at a chic Parisian restaurant – what could be better?!

Top 3 activities for a girls’ weekend in Paris

• Take a group photo in front of the Eiffel Tower – check out the best locations for the perfect Paris pic!
• Enjoy dinner on the water, passing Paris’ most iconic sights on a Seine River Dinner Cruise.
• Have a sumptuous, spectacular night out at the iconic Moulin Rouge!

Where to stay in Paris

• Colourful, modern, stylish decor pops in WS Opéra – Châteaudun‘s apartments and studios, with easy metro access to travel around the city.
• PEPPER & PAPER Apartments offer homely, welcoming apartments in a quiet residential area, just 15 minutes walk from Luxembourg Gardens and the Panthéon.
• For larger groups, this five bedroom apartment sleeps up to 12 people, within walking distance of Palais Royal and The Louvre.

10. Cornwall, UK

If you’re reading this from the UK, stick with me here – a staycation might not be your first thought when planning the dream girls’ holiday. Okay, you can’t control the weather – but Cornwall’s coastal landscapes are beautiful rain or shine, and booking a cute cottage or stylish glamping spot is the perfect way to immerse yourself in some of the best scenery the United Kingdom has to offer.

Plus, you can drive there for the ultimate girls’ road trip!

Top 3 activities for a girls’ holiday in Cornwall

• If the weather’s good, head to the beach! Cornwall has some of the country’s most stunning beaches, from the golden crescent of Gyllyngvase Beach to surfer favourite Constantine Bay.
• Learn to surf! Cornwall is known for its laid back surf culture and having great waves for all skill levels, and a taster surfing session is a great active way to spend a few hours (and laugh at each other when you wipe out…)
• Head out onto the water to spot marine wildlife on a Guided Seal Safari.

Where to stay in Cornwall

• Sleep under canvas in style in the Cornish countryside, in one of Ekopod‘s safari tents or geodomes.
• Hammocks, hot tubs and homely vibes – Hinterland House is located on a 500-acre working farm, and makes a charming, tranquil place to stay for up to six people.
• Prefer to be right at the centre of the action? This four bedroom Newquay townhouse is a stone’s throw away from the beach and nightlife.