Picture gallery: the pools, terraces, sea views and hammocks of Europe's top villas

These are the most popular villas from 20 villa companies that have properties around Europe. They've told us about the ones that get booked again and again, often by the same families, and they've told us some great alternatives to book if you can't get your hands on the number one villa. Here they are, in no particular order...

1. Simply Travel

Hot Property: Caretta's Nest, Kefalonia, Greece

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"Caretta's Nest is one of our most popular properties," says Becky Lee of Simply Travel, "this year it was already booked for three months of the summer season by January, so you need to book far in advance to stay here." Caretta's Nest is made up of three villas that comprise four one-bedroom and two two-bedroom air-conditioned apartments overlooking a sandy beach with a shared pool and sun terrace. The location in south-eastern Kefalonia is popular with Simply Travel customers who like to stay somewhere off-the-beaten-track. It's only 40 minute's drive to the airport and eight minutes to the nearest taverna, but this is one of the least-discovered corners of the popular island. Prices start from £595 per person for seven nights including flights and car hire.

Bookable alternative: Villa Delfini Lower, Lefkas, Greece

"Villa Delfini Lower in Lefkas is a great alternative to Caretta's Nest," says Becky, "it also sleeps four people in two bedrooms, overlooks a golden sandy beach and is a similar distance from the airport, but it still has availability this summer as Lefkas is less-well known by British tourists." Prices start from £579 per person for seven nights including flights and car hire.

2. Direct Corsica

Hot Property: Casa Altiani, Olmi Cappella, Corsica

“Everyone who stays here loves the character of the house and the stunning views over the Giussani - a lush valley covered in chestnut trees and cork oaks, ringed by mountains and dotted with old villages. Consequently there are many “regulars” who re-book immediately for the following year. We started taking bookings for 2008 in August 2007, and by January, peak dates were fully booked,” says Janet Rankin, owner of DirectCorsica and owner of this house. The 18th Century Manor House has five bedrooms sleeping up to 10 and is set in an acre of hillside with a private pool overlooking the village of Olmi Cappella and the snow capped mountains of central Corsica. It is 35 minute's drive to the coast and costs from £685-£2,475 per week for up to 5 people and from £820 - £2,695 for up to 10.

Bookable alternative: Villa Maison Les Tilleuls, Olmi Cappella, Corsica

Janet says: ”This house is in the same village in a quiet square, closer to the village shop and restaurants, and can accommodate the same number of people in five bedrooms. It also oozes character, but doesn't have a pool, which is perhaps why it is less booked up. A week costs from £550 - £790.

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