Rising demand for experiences over standard hotels
The global short‑term rental market increasingly offers more than just apartments and rooms. Travelling is ever more about seeking a unique experience, and that is reflected in the number of listings on Airbnb in the unusual stays categories.
The ranking shows that supply is concentrated in specific countries and that these options often cost more than typical accommodation. If you plan a holiday as an experience rather than just a place to sleep, these shifts will affect your budget and trip planning.
Methodology and which types were included
The ranking was compiled by Holafly based on Airbnb listings across eight property types. The analysis counted the number of listings of each type in each country and set a threshold: a location had to have at least 2947 listings to be considered a leader.
- caves
- castles
- treehouses
- houseboats
- windmills
- lighthouses
- earth houses
- domes
The results were also reported on es.euronews.com. This methodology emphasises that the study is not about isolated exotica but about well‑represented accommodation categories.
Who’s leading and what it means for your budget
France comes first with almost 3000 unique listings on Airbnb. These include over 1000 castles, 400 houseboats and 30 windmills. Italy ranks third thanks to Tuscan castles, Apulian trulli and the cave houses of Matera.
The United Kingdom is sixth with 696 properties, nearly 250 castles, about 150 domes, over 100 houseboats, 23 lighthouses and 12 windmills. Greece is ninth, notable for 279 cave listings and second place for windmills with 27 entries.
Is this relevant to you and what practical steps to take
If you are planning a trip as an experience and are looking for non‑standard accommodation, this directly concerns you. Expect demand for unique properties to push up prices and reduce available dates. Check availability and rates well in advance and book if an almost‑perfect option fits your budget.
Make sure your trip is protected. The piece also mentions the option of arranging travel insurance quickly and receiving the policy by email. Before booking, check cancellation policies, compare prices for the same dates and factor in additional cleaning fees and service charges.
