Spain is the up-and-coming destination for timeshare purchases in the Western Mediterranean, particularly the nation's southern shore and its longtime vacation paradise of the Canary Islands. Urban timeshares are also becoming more high-demand in this part of the world, especially in tourist-friendly cities such as Venice, Italy. Here is a look at a few Western Mediterranean timeshares that continually receive high rankings from exchange companies and consumer groups alike.

Chateau de Maulmont, Randan, France

This castle, which sits on a hill within twenty acres of ancient forest, was built in 1830 with views of the Bourdonnais Mountains. Today, it is a Resort Condominiums International Gold Crown property that features a restaurant, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, and more. All of the timeshare units have kitchens, some of them full and others partial.

The Chateau de Maulmont is near the town of Vichy, which has a famous eighteen-hole golf course along with countless fine restaurants. Other nearby activities include boating, cross-country skiing, shopping, squash, tennis, and wind surfing.

De Vere Resort Ownership, Belton Woods, England

This 500-acre estate in rural Linconshire boasts two championship golf courses with views of the rolling English countryside. The resort has earned Five Star Award status from Interval International, and it participates in the exchange company's Golf Resort Program, which offers discounted greens fees, discounted golf lessons, advance tee times, and more to Interval members.

Clay pigeon shooting is among the more unusual activities offered on site, along with bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, and tennis. There is an indoor swimming pool, too, along with a sauna, whirlpool tub, and fitness center. The timeshare units are configured in two- and three-bedroom layouts, sleeping six or eight people privately. The nearest airport is in London, about 140 miles away.

Eden Bay Resort, Malta

This Interval International Five Star Award resort is located on St.George's Bay. It is within walking distance of the trendy Sliema and St. Julian's, and it is a short drive from Malta's capital, Valletta (the airport is just ten miles away).

At the Eden Bay Resort itself, your timeshare unit will have satellite television, a full kitchen, a DVD player, and a balcony overlooking either the bay or the hotel's gardens.

Holiday Club Katinkulta, Vuokatti, Finland

The Holiday Club Katinkulta has earned the Gold Crown designation from Resort Condominiums International. Each timeshare unit has a fireplace, private sauna, and terrace barbecue, and some of the units also have private laundry facilities and-or full kitchens.

this isa an all-seasons resort, with summertime activities including swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating. An eighteen hole-golf course is on site, along with outdoor tennis courts. During the winter, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing or relax in the resort's indoor leisure center, which includes a sauna, swimming pool, tennis, squash, badminton, golf practice range, game rooms, restaurants, and bars.

Kilconquhar Castle Estate and Country Club, Fife, Scotland

This Interval International Five Star Award resort is located in the East Neuk of Fife, which has one of the driest climates in the British Isles. The world-renowned St. Andrews golf course is just seven miles away, along with the British Golf Museum. You can tune up your game at the resort itself, which offers a driving range, putting green, and discounted fees for members of Interval International.

Other amenities available on the 130-acre estate grounds include horseback riding, tennis, squash, snooker, table tennis, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Nearby, you can take part in boating, bicycling, shopping, scuba diving, ice skating, and water-skiing.

Las Rosas, Canary Islands, Spain

This property is on the southwest coast of the island Tenerife, about a ten-minute walk from the town of Los Gigantes. The resort's hillside location is known for its sweeping views — and for its moderate to difficult hiking, which you should keep in mind if anyone in your family has difficulty walking. Each of the timeshare units is two floors with a full kitchen. Laundry facilities are available on site.

The resort has children's and adults' swimming pools, live entertainment, a snack bar, and a restaurant. Many water sports activities are nearby, though the nearest water-skiing and wind surfing is about seventeen miles away. Golf, too, is about that far from the resort.

Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort, Marbella, Spain

Part of the Marriott Vacation Club Resort network, this Costa del Sol property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas that accommodate as many as ten people at a time. All of the villas have private balconies and/or patios as well as full kitchens and private laundry facilities. Master suites have king-size beds with oversized tub/showers. There is a grocery store on site.

The resort often receives high marks for family vacations, as it offers on-site baby sitting, a game room, indoor and outdoor children's swimming pools, and Compass Kids Club activities. Near the resort, you and your children can enjoy a game of miniature golf or a day of family-friendly water park fun.

For adults, Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort has a fitness center, a full-service restaurant, a beachside bar, four different swimming and lap pools, and a sauna. Nearby activities include golf, horseback riding, Jet Skiing, hiking, scuba diving, tennis, and more.

Palazzo del Giglio-Residenza Alberghiera, Venice, Italy

This property is one of precious few Resort Condominiums International Gold Crown facilities in Italy. The resort is in the heart of Venice near St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. All of its timeshare units are air conditioned, and some units offer partial kitchens (others offer no cooking amenities at all). Laundry facilities are on site for use by multiple guests at once.

The resort itself offers few amenities and activities, as the whole point of staying in Venice is to get out and explore all that the city has to offer.