A shortlist of 10 villas that are within easy walking (driving if it’s too hot!) distance from the beach, in no particular order.
 Villa Ocean, Dunas Duradas Villa Ocean, Dunas Duradas, Algarve: this is a superb large modern house on high ground just about 500m from the beach. Being on high ground gives you a better view of the sea: the jacuzzi, tennis court and large pool might be the reason you stay at the villa instead of going to the beach. But the beach at Dunas Duradas is particularly good. More details of this villa are here. |
 Canta das Vagas, next to Praia da Luz Canto das Vagas, Praia da Luz. The names means ’song of the waves’. Being able to see the sea is one thing, but being able to hear it is quite another. This villa is simply furnished but enjoys a fabulous location, literally just across the road from the beach at Praia da Luz which is a very attractive sandy beach and excellent for children. There is a pool at the house, restaurants and shops are an easy walk. Details are here. |
 Linucia, next to Praia da Gale Linucia, just next to Praia da Gale: the garden leads directly onto the beach, but being above the beach assures privacy. A quite unique villa built around the pool with a lovely sun terrace, tennis court and boules. More details are here |
 Villa La Tosca, near Bordeaux La Tosca, close to Bordeaux with a lovely garden that leads straight out onto the beach, on the spectacular Atlantic coast in the enchanting Bassin d’Arcachon. It sleeps up to 16 and was recently completely renovated and refurbished to the very highest standard. More details are here. |
 La Pereza, near Marbella Club Hotel Close to the Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotel, in a beautiful garden, the whole property is elegantly furnished. The garden is a few feet above the beach which ensures privacy. More details are here |
 Timosa, Vale do Lobo Timosa: in a superb location in Vale do Lobo, with the beach literally adjacent and the famous Praca nearby with restaurants, bars and clubs, a very comfortable family home with good pool and lovely views. More details here |
 1064, by the sea in Vale do Lobo Also right by the sea (about 50 metres across grass to the beach) is this superb house, one of the best in Vale do Lobo, with stunning interiors and superb equipment throughout. More details here |
 Cortijo Blanco, Puerto Banus, Spain Truly exceptional, brand new villa with 6 bedrooms all with en suite bathroom. The beach is a two minute walk and the very popular port of Puerto Banus is a longer walk or a very short drive. Villa Cortijo Blanco has excellent equipment (as in tvs, stereos, wireless etc) and air conditioning throughout, jacuzzi in the garden and big covered dining terrace. More details are here |
Seeing the sea is one thing, but hearing it is quite another. Villa La Tosca is an absolutely unique property: built in 1903, it has turn-0f-the-century charm and a suggestion of real history, but recently completely made over. Tall windows let the light pour in, and from most of the house, the sea views are amazing. The beach is at the end of the garden, literally (and when the tide comes in, the sea is just feet away). On site services include a full-time concierge service to organise day trips in this fantastic part of France: or you might choose to just stay by the pool which is fed from a natural spring. Particularly suitable for wine fanatics: Bordeaux vineyards are just 30 minutes drive.
Beautiful, modern villa, fully furnished to a high standard and with air conditioning in all rooms. Very close to