Unusual Lodgings - Places to Stay in Europe that aren't Hotels

Looking for something other than the usual European hotel experience? Look no further.

I often get tired of the hotel experience. I usually rent houses or apartments for at least some of my vacation time. But there are even more unique vacation ideas that can be found on this site. Read on.

Above: Troglodyte dwelling in Guadix, Spain. Below: Trulli in Alberobello, Italy.

Above: Buildings carved in rock near Dalyan, Turkey. Photos © 2002 by James Martin, licensed to About.

Indiana Jones meets Barney Rubble: Cave Dwelling

Cave or Troglodyte dwellings are found in Southern Europe and Turkey. People throughout the ages have been hammering away at limestone or tufa to make rooms, cathedrals, wine cellars, tombs and the like. The best known towns to visit to see this type of architecture are: Guadix, Spain, Cappadocia, Turkey, and Matera, Italy. You can even stay in one of these unique homes. Info is available in our Rental Caves and Troglodyte list.

Trulli Unique

The Italian region of Puglia around the town of Alberobello has a type of stone house called a trullo that consists of a circular floor plan and a conical roof as seen in the picture to the right. You have several options to rent such a place in our Trulli links.

Prisons? Water Towers? These are places to stay?

Why yes, as a matter of fact. If you're bored with living in a cave, try our Unusual European Lodging links. I rather like the idea of renting a cell in a Swedish prison without needing to file my way out when I want a breath of fresh air.

Not Convinced?

Ok, we have some standard hotel and apartment listings as well. How about staying in an Italian Castle in Tuscany? Or head out for a cheap farm stay in Belgium?

Enjoy your search for the best accomodations in Europe.