When it comes to going on holiday, a cheap week by a crowded pool or an all inclusive cruise isn't everyone's idea of fun. Escaping from the tourist traps and hustle and bustle of package holidays is a speciality at HomeAway.co.uk.

Listing over 545,000 holiday rentals worldwide, HomeAway.co.uk knows that whilst some people like to return to the same locations year in, year out, others are keen to leave their comfort zone and try somewhere different and broaden their horizons.

Erica Chang, Regional Director for HomeAway.co.uk, said; "It simply isn't true that the greatest holidays are those taken somewhere familiar. When it comes to booking rental accommodation, HomeAway.co.uk is a window to the world and we allow people to try somewhere new where they can explore villages, try undiscovered beaches and new experiences that aren't in the guide books".

She added; "From rural retreats amid the lush countryside of northern green Spain, villas in the volcanic Canaries and houses in the mountains of Portugal, it is all about personal catering at HomeAway.co.uk and creating the right holiday destination for you."

Mainland Spain

Whilst Spain is a top destination for HomeAway.co.uk, there is more to this Mediterranean hotspot than the Costa del Sol and Barcelona.

This superb architect designed villa is situated near Muro de Alcoy, Alicante and is perfect for a relaxing break with the family or a group of friends. It has three double and two single bedrooms, a garden with a private pool and mountains views. With hiking in the mountains, days on the beach in Gandia, exploring the Medieval Quarter of Bocairent as well as days spent kicking back by the pool; this is a holiday that will take you far away from the stresses of everyday life. 

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p471789  and prices start from £1,065 per week.
  

Can Xarina is a restored Catalan farmhouse with four bedrooms and four bathrooms that can sleep up to ten. It is spacious and light with a large garden and pool and is perfect for a Spanish holiday with authentic, rural charm. Forget the tourist traps, this area of the Costa Brava coastline is beautiful and rugged, with sweeping sandy bays, stunning coves and crystal clear water. It is also perfect for cycling, walking and the historic town of Pals is just a five minute drive away if sightseeing is needed.

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p1082565 and prices start from £1,250 per week.

The Canary Islands

Despite its reputation for cheap package deals, these beautiful islands offer so much more than this.

La Gomera is almost like a little bit of the Caribbean in Europe and is a world away from mass tourism developments. Casa Chica is a beautiful villa set in exotic gardens with breathtaking sea views. An exclusive villa set in magnificent gardens; the accommodation sleeps up to six people and is adorned with sculptures and paintings from local artists. There is a beautiful private pool overlooking the ocean and the beach is a short walk away.

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p480114  and prices start from £2,087 per week.

Arrieta is a small unspoilt fishing village in the north of Lanzarote and home to one of island's best beaches. Finca Natura is an eco retreat nestled in the Valley of Temisa close to the beach but guests can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking all year round. The two bedroom farmhouse is set in a huge, mature garden and is the perfect holiday hideaway for couples and families offering total peace and privacy as well as breathtaking sea and mountain views, whilst still enjoying close proximity to local restaurants and shops.

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p1093485 and prices start from a very reasonable £623 per week.

Portugal beyond the Algarve

The seaside town of Viana do Castelo, with its baroque buildings, tends to attract Portuguese rather than foreign tourists. Built in 1868 Casa da Fonte is a stone farmhouse with many original features and stunning views across a river valley and mountains. There is a large swimming pool, flower gardens and vines that are used to produce wine. With beautiful forest walks on the doorstep, this property is ideally situated to explore the sandy beaches, market towns and the Peneda-Geres National Park.

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p414261 and prices are an absolute bargain starting at £238 per week.

This historic seven bedroom holiday villa that sleeps 14 is in Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal. The area is known for beautiful scenery, fresh air, fertile soil, rich culture, unique wine and cuisine as well as unforgettable architectural beauty. The property is surrounded by a crystal clear stream, large lawns and an apple orchard. Spain, Braga and Viana do Castelo are only half an hour away by car whilst the beaches and fishing villages on the Costa Verde are a stone's throw away.

Full details can be seen at: www.homeaway.co.uk/p1055606 and prices start from £1,200 per week.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Founded in 1996 and part of HomeAway Inc., HomeAway.co.uk is the UK's number one holiday rentals website, listing over 545,000 self-catering properties worldwide. The site provides a simple, cost-effective way for holiday home owners and managers to market their property and manage bookings, with unrivalled worldwide exposure for a fixed annual fee. For holidaymakers, HomeAway.co.uk offers the best choice of any UK website.

For more information, images or quotes please contact Eveleen Hatch at Seriously PR - (0)1491 822647/07815002276 eveleen@seriouslypr.co.uk or Anca Popa at HomeAway.co.uk - (0)20 3513 0801/ apopa@homeaway.co.uk