The 10 best hotels in Isla de Arosa

Isla de Arosa, or Illa de Arousa, is a destination that lends itself to calm, but it's worth choosing carefully where you stay depending on what you're looking for. The island is divided into two main areas: the urban core, around the port and the main street, and the more rural and beach area, which stretches to the south and west. If you're coming to enjoy restaurants, strolls along the promenade and having everything within reach, the center will suit you well; there you'll find most of the apartments, many of them just a few meters from the marina. On the other hand, if what you want is peace and quiet and quick access to sandy beaches like Area da Secada or O Cabalo, look for holiday homes in the lower part of the island, near the road that runs along the coast. There's no bad area, but the difference lies in the noise and the distance to services.

As for prices, high season (July and August) sends rates soaring, and that's when it's hardest to find anything for under 100 euros. If you can, travel in June or September: the water is still fine, there are fewer people and prices drop quite a bit. The average price on the island is around 144 euros per night, but there are options from 77 euros, especially in small apartments or with last-minute bookings outside the weekend. Apartments are the majority option (39 of the 52 accommodations), followed by holiday homes (11) and only one guesthouse. If you're traveling as a group or with family, a house usually works out cheaper than two apartments.

To get there, the usual way is to cross the bridge that links the island to the Salnés peninsula, from Vilanova de Arousa. If you come by car, you won't have trouble parking at most accommodations, although in August the center fills up. There are also buses from Pontevedra and Vilanova, but the frequency is limited, so check the schedules before planning excursions. On the island, the most practical way to get around is by car or bicycle; the distances aren't long, but the hills are noticeable. Before booking, check whether the accommodation includes bed linen and towels (in some apartments they're charged separately), whether it has stable wifi and whether the kitchen is equipped for cooking, because in low season many restaurants close on weekdays. Also check whether the final price includes taxes or cleaning, which sometimes don't show up at first glance.