Planning a European holiday often comes with one major challenge—finding the perfect accommodation. While hotels remain a popular option, many travelers today prefer vacation homes, cottages, villas, and apartments that offer more space, privacy, and flexibility. One company that has been serving this market for decades is NOVASOL.
Founded in Denmark in 1968, NOVASOL has grown into one of Europe’s largest vacation rental providers, offering thousands of holiday homes across numerous European destinations. From beachfront villas in Spain to countryside cottages in Sweden and luxury homes in Croatia, NOVASOL provides a wide variety of accommodations for different budgets and travel styles.
But is NOVASOL really worth using in 2026? Is it trustworthy? How does it compare to Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo? In this detailed review, we’ll explore its features, advantages, disadvantages, customer experiences, and overall value.
What Is NOVASOL?
NOVASOL is a vacation rental company specializing in self-catering holiday homes throughout Europe. Unlike hotel booking websites, NOVASOL focuses primarily on private vacation properties, including:
- Holiday homes
- Villas
- Apartments
- Country cottages
- Pool villas
- Beachfront properties
- Pet-friendly accommodations
The company began as a small Danish business called Nordisk Ferie and has evolved into one of Europe’s largest vacation rental brands. Today, NOVASOL offers more than 50,000 holiday properties across numerous European countries and operates as part of the Awaze Group.
How NOVASOL Works
The booking process is fairly straightforward.
Users search for a destination, select travel dates, and browse available properties. Each listing includes photos, property details, amenities, occupancy limits, and pricing information.
Once a suitable property is found, travelers can complete the reservation directly through NOVASOL’s website. Depending on the property, payment may be made in installments or in full.
Unlike Airbnb, where individual hosts often manage communication, NOVASOL generally acts as the professional intermediary between property owners and guests.
This creates a more structured booking experience but may sometimes feel less personal than peer-to-peer rental platforms.
Property Selection
One of NOVASOL’s strongest advantages is the sheer variety of properties available.
Travelers can find accommodations in:
- Denmark
- Germany
- Sweden
- Norway
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Croatia
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Greece
and many other European destinations.
The platform offers options ranging from budget-friendly cottages to luxury villas with private swimming pools.
Particularly impressive is the selection of Scandinavian holiday homes, where NOVASOL has built a strong reputation over several decades.
Website Experience
The NOVASOL website is modern, easy to navigate, and available in multiple languages.
Key features include:
Advanced Search Filters
Users can filter properties based on:
- Price
- Number of bedrooms
- Pool availability
- Pet-friendliness
- Waterfront location
- Property type
- Guest capacity
Detailed Property Pages
Most listings contain:
- High-quality photos
- Property descriptions
- Nearby attractions
- House rules
- Guest capacity information
- Pricing details
Mobile-Friendly Design
The platform performs well on smartphones and tablets, making it convenient for travelers who book while on the go.
Overall, the user experience is smooth and beginner-friendly.
Advantages of Using NOVASOL
1. More Than 55 Years of Industry Experience
One of NOVASOL’s biggest strengths is its longevity.
The company has been operating since 1968 and has decades of experience in the vacation rental industry. This level of experience helps establish trust and credibility.
2. Massive Property Portfolio
With over 50,000 holiday homes across Europe, travelers have access to an enormous selection of accommodation options.
Whether you’re planning:
- A family vacation
- A romantic getaway
- A group trip
- A pet-friendly holiday
you’ll likely find suitable options.
3. Professional Management
Unlike some peer-to-peer platforms, NOVASOL maintains a professional approach to vacation rentals.
Properties are generally inspected and selected according to company standards. The company emphasizes quality, service, and reliability as core principles.
4. Excellent European Coverage
NOVASOL specializes exclusively in Europe.
If your vacation plans involve European destinations, you’ll often find a wider selection than on some competing platforms.
5. Family-Friendly Options
Many properties include:
- Full kitchens
- Multiple bedrooms
- Gardens
- Swimming pools
- Parking facilities
These features can be especially valuable for families and larger groups.
Disadvantages of Using NOVASOL
1. Additional Fees Can Be Confusing
One criticism occasionally mentioned by travelers involves additional charges such as:
- Cleaning fees
- Linen fees
- Utility costs
- Security deposits
While many of these fees are disclosed, some guests report confusion regarding the final total cost. Travelers should carefully review all charges before confirming a booking.
2. Cancellation Policies Vary
Cancellation rules can differ depending on the property and booking conditions.
Travelers should read the cancellation terms thoroughly before making a reservation to avoid unexpected charges.
3. Not Every Property Is Identical
As with any vacation rental platform, property quality can vary.
While many guests have excellent experiences, others occasionally report that photos make properties appear larger or different than expected.
4. Customer Service Experiences Are Mixed
Many customers praise the booking process and ease of finding accommodations.
However, some reviews indicate dissatisfaction regarding disputes, fees, or property-related issues. This is fairly common among large vacation rental companies but remains worth considering.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
NOVASOL generally maintains a positive reputation within the European vacation rental industry.
On major review platforms, many travelers praise:
- Easy booking process
- Large selection of properties
- Flexible payment options
- Family-friendly accommodations
At the same time, negative reviews typically focus on:
- Additional charges
- Cancellation disputes
- Property expectations versus reality
The overall picture suggests that most customers have satisfactory experiences, though travelers should carefully review listing details before booking.
NOVASOL vs Airbnb
NOVASOL
Pros:
- Professional vacation rental company
- Strong European presence
- Long-established reputation
- Large inventory of holiday homes
Cons:
- Less direct interaction with property owners
- Additional fees may apply
Airbnb
Pros:
- Global availability
- Unique accommodations
- Direct host communication
Cons:
- Property quality can vary significantly
- Service quality depends heavily on individual hosts
Travelers seeking a professionally managed European vacation home may prefer NOVASOL, while those looking for unique local experiences might favor Airbnb.
NOVASOL vs Booking.com
Booking.com excels in hotel bookings and offers a wide range of accommodation types worldwide.
NOVASOL, however, specializes specifically in holiday homes and self-catering properties.
For travelers seeking villas, cottages, or large family accommodations in Europe, NOVASOL often provides more specialized options.
Is NOVASOL Legit?
Yes, NOVASOL is a legitimate company.
The business has operated since 1968 and serves travelers throughout Europe. It is one of the most recognized names in the European vacation rental market and is part of the larger Awaze travel group.
While no booking platform is entirely free from complaints, there is no evidence suggesting that NOVASOL itself is a scam.
As with any travel booking, users should carefully read property descriptions, fees, and cancellation policies before making a reservation.
Tips Before Booking Through NOVASOL
To maximize your experience:
- Read the complete property description.
- Review cancellation policies carefully.
- Check whether cleaning or utility fees apply.
- Read recent guest reviews.
- Confirm total costs before payment.
- Compare similar properties in the area.
- Contact support if any charges seem unclear.
Following these steps can help avoid misunderstandings and improve your overall experience.
Final Verdict
NOVASOL remains one of the most established vacation rental companies in Europe. With more than five decades of experience, a huge inventory of holiday homes, and strong coverage across popular European destinations, it offers excellent value for travelers seeking villas, cottages, and self-catering accommodations.
The platform’s biggest strengths are its professional management, extensive property selection, and long-standing industry reputation. However, travelers should carefully review fees, cancellation policies, and property details before booking.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Pros:
✔ Huge selection of European holiday homes
✔ More than 55 years of experience
✔ Family-friendly accommodations
✔ Professional vacation rental management
✔ Strong reputation across Europe
Cons:
✘ Additional fees may apply to some properties
✘ Cancellation policies can vary
✘ Property quality differs between listings
✘ Customer service experiences are mixed
If you’re planning a European holiday and want more space and privacy than a hotel can offer, NOVASOL is definitely worth considering.
