The 10 best holiday rentals in Isla

If you are looking at holiday rentals in Isla, the first thing you should know is that we are not talking about a single area, but a stretch of coast in Cantabria that runs from the ría de Ajo to the playa de Berria, with several nuclei that are worth distinguishing before booking. The center of Isla, around the church and the marina, is where you will find the most activity, shops and restaurants, and also most of the apartments. From there, in a five-minute walk you reach the playa de Los Barcos, which is the most urban and busy. If you prefer tranquility, the Arnadal area or the road towards Quejo give you access to wider and less crowded beaches, such as Arnadal or Berria, although to go out for dinner or shopping you will have to take the car.

The main difference between the areas is the balance between convenience and calm. The apartments in the center, such as Apartamentos Astuy or Apartamentos Playa De Los Barcos, are designed so you do not need a vehicle: you walk down to the beach, the supermarket or the promenade. In contrast, the villas and guest houses, such as those towards the La Pradera de Isla area or near the campsite, usually have more outdoor space and parking, but you depend on the car for almost everything. If you travel with young children, note that the central beaches have gentler waves and lifeguard services; if you are looking for surfing or long walks, the Arnadal area suits you better.

As for prices, high season (July and August) sends rates soaring: the average price is around 207 euros per night, and the lowest you will find in those dates will be about 101 euros, almost always in small apartments and with early booking. If you can, look at June or September: the water is still good, there are fewer people and prices drop between 25% and 35%. To get there, the most practical option is the car, via the A-8 motorway to the Gama or Beranga exit, and then follow the signs to Isla. The Feve commuter train stops at Isla station, but it is about two kilometers from the center and is not convenient with suitcases. Within the town, everything is less than ten minutes by car, and there is free parking at most beaches, although in August it fills up quickly.

Before booking, check three things: whether the accommodation has an elevator (many apartment buildings are three or four floors without an elevator), whether the parking space is included or paid separately (in summer it can cost 10-15 euros per day), and whether the kitchen has a dishwasher or washing machine, because on week-long stays it makes a difference. Also check the exact distance to the beach: some listings say "200 meters" but as the crow flies, and then you have to take a ten-minute detour. Finally, check whether final cleaning is included or is a mandatory supplement; in Isla it is common to charge it separately, between 30 and 50 euros.