Searching for an overseas property with the wow factor and guests queuing up to stay there? On-line rental platform Airbnb has released a list of the 10 most popular homes on people’s ‘wish-lists’, which could be a useful hack for anyone looking for a holiday home with serious rental appeal. We highlight five of those homes and find some close matches available to buy…

A trullo in Puglia
The listing that got pulses racing the most, appearing on more than 164,000 Airbnb wish-lists, was a beautifully restored ‘trullo’ in southern Italy.

A type of character home unique to the Puglia region, the property’s enchanting roof cones and white stone walls make it hard to ignore. The furnished guest accommodation, with overflows with authentic features, includes one double bedroom and a double sofa bed in the living area.

The property, known as Trullo Edera, is located in the olive-tree-carpeted countryside near the pretty town of Cisternino.

While its surroundings are tranquil and rustic, it is still convenient for the coast and other highlights, including the white towns of Ostuni and Martina Franca, and the magical trullo town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cliffside cave house in Santorini
Earning the second highest number of wish-list appearances was a cave-house style property built dramatically into a cliff in the picture postcard town of Oia.

The property, which sleeps up to five people, began life as a wine cellar, when it was created in a volcanic mountainside 250 years ago.

The owners have transformed it into a bijou property that oozes local character and boasts incredible views over the sea to the volcano and Thirassia island located next door to Santorini – best viewed from the plunge pool!

Luxury cave villa in Crete
Another thumbs up for the Greek islands, the fifth most ‘wish-listed’ property was a luxury villa built around a natural cave in an unspoilt corner of western Crete.

Located in the unspoilt village of Kaliviani, near Kissamos Bay and the Balos lagoon, the quirky one-bedroom property marries modern-day comforts with the fun of a village setting near the beach. The views from the balcony of the sea and mountains are a real highlight and add to the property’s overall appeal.

Another equally popular area of the island, where similar properties are available, is Apokoronas, between Chania and Rethymnon. This part includes a choice of authentic Cretan villages close to lovely sandy beaches, such as Kalyves, Almyrida and Kokkino Horio. The island’s airports with UK flights aren’t too far either, being at Chania and Heraklion.

Strict planning laws means most development in Crete, and wider Greece, is low rise and over-development is rare.

Riad in Marrakesh
Marrakesh has always been a magnet for adventurous culture vultures, lured by the colourful markets, bustling medina and exotic lifestyle. Recent decades have seen boutique hotels pop up in and around its medina, which has forged a reputation as a boho chic destination. Larger resort style complexes can be found just outside the city limits of Marrakesh.

So, it’s hardly surprising that a Morrocan riad features as one of the 10 most ‘wish-listed’ properties.

Located in Marrakesh’s medina, The Cosy Palace is typical of a restored riad, a name given to former a palace or townhouse in a medina that is built around a shady internal courtyard with exotic North African architecture.

Waterfront apartment in Montenegro
Our fifth pick from the wish-list top 10 is a stunning waterfront apartment in Montenegro.

Its real selling point is its terrace with unobstructed views across the Bay of Kotor to the islands of Saint George and Lady of the Rocks.

Located in the UNESCO-protected medieval town of Perast, the apartment is part of a charming stone building and was featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of most popular Airbnbs in Europe. Montenegro’s glorious coastal scenery and unspoilt seaside towns are attracting discerning international homeowners eeking a tranquil, picturesque destination with an exclusive edge.