Bargain holiday homes for sale to escape to after lockdown

Looking forward to a break in the sun? These glorious European escapes are all on the market for less than £300,000

If you've spent the long weeks of lockdown daydreaming about your next overseas trip once restrictions are lifted, you've come to the right place.

A holiday home is a great investment for the future, whether you want to save money on accommodation in the long run with your own private patch of paradise or benefit from a healthy rental income when you're not in residence – and what's more, it doesn't have to cost the earth.

From an elegant home on the shores of Italy's Lake Garda to a traditional stone gite in the breathtaking French countryside, we've rounded up the most affordable properties where you can kick back and soak up the sunshine.

Take a tour of these bargain boltholes in our favourite European holiday destinations, all on the market for a wallet-friendly £300,000 or less.

Two-bedroom villa, Crete, Greece: £180,000 (€199k)

Recently renovated, this traditional villa is steeped in history. Image: A Place in Crete / Rightmove

Here’s a property fit for Zeus himself! This newly renovated home is in the village of Pemonia, within easy reach of Chania International Airport.

When it comes to exploring Crete, it offers the best of both worlds, located at the foot of the Lefka Ori mountains in a scenic valley of vineyards and olive trees, while being a mere half-hour drive from the vibrant city of Chania.

Exposed brick and a wooden coffered ceiling add character to the living spaces. Image: A Place in Crete / Rightmove

Thanks to its traditional stone architecture, the property comes with buckets of Cretan charm. The ground floor features a fully equipped kitchen and a roomy living area, complete with its own fireplace.

The upper storey hosts two bedrooms and a bathroom as well as a small balcony – the perfect spot to drink in the far-reaching views over your evening nip of Cretan raki.

The swimming pool and dining terrace offer a private outdoor spot to enjoy the summer sun. Image: A Place in Crete / Rightmove

There’s ample outdoor space to lie back and soak up the rays in the split-level yard or enjoy a refreshing dip in the home's private saltwater swimming pool.

Fancy snapping up this sunkissed escape? It can be yours for £180,000 (€199k) via A Place in Crete.

Two-bedroom apartment, Lake Garda, Italy: £230,000 (€252k)

This modern ground-floor apartment is the ideal Italian bolthole. Image: Dream Properties in Italy / Rightmove

Set on the sublime western shore of beautiful Lake Garda, this home in Moniga Del Garda offers the perfect launching pad to explore one of Italy’s most picturesque regions.

The village itself is everything you’d expect from a quaint Italian town – winding streets and alleyways, a scenic harbour and a 10th-century castle. Moniga is also renowned amongst wine experts as the production centre for Rosé Chiaretto.

The airy open-plan main living space open out onto a dining terrace. Image: Dream Properties In Italy / Rightmove

Spread across an area of 968 square feet, this contemporary home comprises a light-filled kitchen, dining and living area, two bedrooms and one bathroom, with sleek modern finishes throughout.

Situated on the ground floor of the building, the apartment has its own private garden and a pretty veranda for alfresco entertaining, as well as a garage in the basement.

A private swimming pool is a big plus is in the holiday hotspot. Image: Dream Properties in Italy / Rightmove

Plus, if you don’t fancy making the short journey to Lake Garda itself, you can always cool off with a dip in the swimming pool instead. Bellissimo!

This elegant home is on the market for £230,000 (€252k) with Dream Properties In Italy.

Three-bedroom townhouse, Torremolinos, Spain: £245,000 (€270k)

This stylish townhouse oozes chic, Mediterranean style. Image: Propertissimo

If your holiday daydreams include tasty tapas nibbles and jugs of fruity sangria, look no further than this recently renovated property in Arroyo de la Miel on the outskirts of Torremolinos.

On the ground floor, sliding doors glide back to reveal a private garden where you can bask in the Spanish sunshine amongst the olive trees.

Inside, the spacious open-plan kitchen and living area is bright and modern, while one bedroom and a bathroom are also found on this level.

Contemporary fixtures and furnishings create stunning, family-friendly living spaces. Image: Propertissimo

Upstairs, there are two additional large bedrooms, a family bathroom and a 160-square-foot sun terrace with glittering sea views – the ideal spot to watch the sunset over a glass of vino.

Outside, there's a spacious terrace for dining alfresco. Image: Propertissimo

A plethora of cafes, restaurants and bars are a short walk away, while the property benefits from its proximity to the coast and numerous golf courses.

You can snap up this suntrap for £245,000 (€270k) via Propertissimo.

Three-bedroom chalet, Menorca, Spain: £271,000 (€299k)

This remarkable family property offers incredible value for money. Image: Menorcasa

Perched on the southeastern tip of Menorca in S’Algar, this recently refurbished property offers the perfect spot to get away from it all.

With accommodation spread across 1,420 square feet, the property features an upside-down layout so the main living spaces on the upper level benefit from the best views.

The three spacious bedrooms feature modern fixtures and plenty of light. Image: Menorcasa

Downstairs, there are ample facilities to host a whole family, including two double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and two bathrooms.

Upstairs, the sunny open-plan kitchen and dining area gives way to a covered outdoor living space complete with exposed lime-washed beams, while a stunning roof terrace leads off from the kitchen too.

The outdoor living room offers breathtaking views across the the treetops. Image: Menorcasa

For holidaymakers hiring their own car to get around, off-road parking is available and there's also a private garage.

The area is known for its breathtaking coastline, with Cala Alcaufar, the nearest beach to S’Algar, a mere 15-minute walk away.

This beautiful bolthole is on the market for £271,000 (€299k) with Menorcasa.

Three-bedroom apartment, Algarve, Portugal: £271,000 (€299k)

This idyllic holiday apartment includes a private terrace for soaking up the sun. Image: Portugal Realty

There’s a lot to love about this charming townhouse in Luz de Tavira in Portugal's popular Algarve region, from the gleaming ocean views to the cinema room in the basement.

On the ground floor, there’s an open-plan living space with a breakfast bar in the kitchen that's perfect for families, plus a comfortable bedroom and a bathroom.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing bathes the open-plan living zones in light. Image: Portugal Realty

Upstairs, there are two further bedrooms and an office space on the mezzanine level. The most surprising feature, however, has to be the spacious cinema room in the basement – what could be better for a family movie night?

Characterful touches like this old-fashioned hearth reflect the area's traditional architecture. Image: Portugal Realty

The outdoor patio has a gorgeous pergola, covered in bougainvillea blooms, while the sunny roof terrace affords splendid views across the sea. Other bonuses include the home's air-conditioning and handy carport.

There’s a selection of shops within walking distance, with the quaint town of Tavira and its abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops only 10 minutes away.

This stylish coastal retreat is on the market for £271,000 (€299k) via Portugal Realty.

Two-bedroom gite, Dordogne, France: £284,000 (€313k)

Complete with quaint window shutters, this period property is a picture-perfect escape. Image: Pioneer France

The Dordogne is a favourite holiday hotspot among Brits, and this stunning gite occupies one of the area's most sought-after spots in the beautiful village of Limeuil, where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet.

Modern amenities sit alongside spectacular heritage features in the kitchen. Image: Pioneer France

Built in the 16th century, the history of this stunning heritage home is clear to see, from the lime-washed oak beams and parquet flooring in the open-plan living area to the large brick hearth, which houses a wood-burning fire.

The characterful ground floor offers an entrance hall, modern kitchen, reception room and shower room, while upstairs you'll find a family bathroom and two bedrooms framed by more rustic beams.

Framed by flowers and foliage, we can't think of more a beautiful spot to take a dip. Image: Pioneer France

Sat on almost an acre of land, the home's pièce de résistance has to be its idyllic garden, complete with a swimming pool, terrace and bread oven.

The perfect period retreat, the gite's modern renovations include the installation of air-conditioning to fend off the summer heat, as well as contemporary appliances and fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms.

This slice of pastoral paradise can be yours for £284,000 (€313k) via Pioneer France.

Featured image: Pioneer France