Incredible Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Florence, Italy

This open-plan beauty is a must-book for anyone with an eye for design and architecture: farmhouse-rustic ceilings clash stylishly with slick concrete steps, minimalist furniture and an angular, modern kitchen. With two bedrooms and a double sofa bed, it’s big enough for a family gathering, and views out to the quaint Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, parts of which date back to the 13th century, are the stuff of Florentine fantasy.

They’re not exaggerating with the name. Located in the heart of most Florence first-timers’ starting point, these homely, modest twin apartments are literally steps from the imposing Duomo. Each sleeping four or six guests, and simply decorated with fabric headboards, mosaic-tiled bathrooms and a mix of modern and antique furniture, they’re a central, well-equipped crash-pad for anyone planning on spending most of their time out and about exploring.

This handsome building of nine apartments has the old bones – and the Duomo views – for a total Florence immersion from day one. The Deluxe Apartment with Duomo view and balcony is the real jackpot, but all have a classic cream and gold palette, plus angular prints and russet details that mirror the cathedral’s red-brick domes and monochromatic facade. There’s a real home-from-home feeling, too, thanks to kitchenettes with microwaves and a petite roof terrace.

Designed with an architect’s eye and plenty of wow factor, each of these nine apartments in the central Santa Croce neighbourhood is slightly different. Some come with glass-cube bathrooms, others with white-leather upholstery, but all of them have a hint of Italian flashiness (great if you’ve always longed to watch your flatscreen mega-TV from a circular bath). They’re set inside a lovely 19th-century palazzo, complete with arched windows, wooden shutters and wrought-iron gates.

Plum in the city centre, close to the ever-visible Duomo, this smart one-bedroom apartment has a washing machine, kitchen and living area – making it ideal for longer stays. With polished wooden floors and pastel frescoes on the ceiling, you’ll feel connected to the ancient tales in your guidebook, but there’s a lightness and serenity to the place that makes it feel just modern enough, with the alabaster-white kitchenette and beautifully curated objets on the sideboard.

With apartment options in this hotel sleeping from two to four – some with mezzanine levels and generous sofa areas, this is a fun spot for young families to spread out in. Okay, so the decor is a little corny, with laser prints of the city’s iconic buildings gracing bedspreads and curtains, but there are also neat kitchenettes, dining tables and a staffed front desk for when you need help with directions to decent kid-friendly restaurants.

A free continental breakfast sends you off to the sights with full batteries at this Tuscan-style stay, where five apartments have the polished floors, embellished bedspreads and heavy drapes you’d expect from a boutique hotel. Flourishes such as fabric-canopied beds and windows filled with views of crumbling villas and the magnificent San Lorenzo church make it a strong choice for honeymooners and couples on a romantic escape.

A quintessential Italian villa in the Tuscan countryside, this sprawling 17th-century estate is so picture-perfect that it could be a Renaissance painting. Its private pool is fringed by vineyards and soaring cypress trees, while its interior is full of lovingly restored period features, antique furniture and eclectic decor spanning decades from the early 20th century to the present day (including a funky ’70s-style bathroom, chintzy floral sofas, retro posters and classic art in gilded frames). Balconies and terraces look out over olive groves and the villa’s landscaped garden, and the five bedrooms have a mix of king-, queen- and twin-size beds. Pick up fresh bread and biscotti from the local bakery, sample wine from the vineyard or zip into Florence from the train station in the nearby village.

If you’ve ever dreamt of sleeping under frescoed ceilings in the birthplace of the Renaissance, you won’t beat this luxurious apartment in the heart of the city. It’s bright and spacious with tiled floors, authentic period details and an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture. A full-size kitchen with an induction hob and stainless steel appliances make it perfect for either a relaxed family meal or for hosting a dinner party, and its two opulent bedrooms can easily accommodate up to eight guests. You’ll sleep in style close to major attractions, including Giotto’s Bell Tower, the church of Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo. Extra features include an original stone fireplace with a bio-furnace and a small but sunny balcony.