I just fancy my own place, my own space

From a fabulous finca in Mallorca to a seaside cottage in Galicia, Nick Trend picks the perfect villa for you

Perhaps because of the privacy and sense of independence and escape that they offer, villa holidays are proving particularly popular this year. Among those who have taken the plunge and already booked, Spain – especially the Balearics and mainland coasts – is leading the way.

Recent uncertainty about when travel restrictions will end has obviVILLA ously suppressed bookings in the short term, but the outlook is still positive.

By early December, Scott Williams, for example, had already sold more than 50 per cent of its summer capacity, whereas normally the figure would be about 10 per cent. Part of the reason for the high level of early bookings is a large number of holidays from August 2020 that were cancelled and rolled forSIMPSON ward when Spain was removed from the travel corridors list at the end of July.

To try to satisfy the higher demand, some operators have been attempting to increase their offering. Red Savannah says it is expanding its portfolio in the Balearics, where “availability for the prime weeks is always a challenge”.

In greener, quieter northern Spain, Casas Cantabricas is confident that more rural locations such as the Picos de Europa and Rias Bajas of Galicia will also be in high demand. And Brittany Ferries, which also concentrates on the north, is strengthening its commitment to its Spanish services with the recent launch a new ship called Galicia.

So, whether you feel more inclined to stick to one of the most popular regions, or explore somewhere new, here is our guide to the 20 best Spanish villa operators and agents, and our pick of what they have to offer.

Prices quoted are the starting rate in low season for rental only, based on full occupancy, unless otherwise stated.

Websites for direct bookings: vrbo.com; interhome.co.uk; villaselect.com; spain-holiday.com