Noja / Isla

Two contrasting resorts where at low tide one can walk across the miles of sand from one to the other.

Noja – has exploded from a tiny village to a modest town in the last 20 years but still retains a pleasant mixture of parks and natural coastline it has always had and if your preference is for a large selection of restaurants and tapas bars then Noja offers the best.

However, move west a few kms to arrive at Playa de Ris and this is a more relaxed part of town with natural bay and mile long beaches of the finest sand. There are about ten hotels and restaurants and in the rear of the resort some apartments but overall this area is a beach lovers paradise. There is also a sports complex with an indoor pool, tennis and squash facilities (cost 3 euros daily).

If you prefer isolation then six kilometres east is the Playa de Trenganden – a vast beach, safe bathing but no life guards and hardly a house in sight.

Isla – has hardly changed at all since 1980 on our last visit - clearly having decided it would have none of the building across the bay. Isla is a picturesque village – lots of small café restaurants but ideal for families with a quiet holiday atmosphere in mind. The beaches stretch around it’s coastline but all are renowned (including Noja) for the EU’s Blue Flag cleanest beaches symbol.

There are walking paths and lanes to explore almost from the resort and the La Arena beach area is one of the most attractive if you prefer peace and quiet.

Difficult to believe it is a two star hotel – the reception hall with it’s statues and chandeliers is most impressive as is it’s location in the quietest part of town facing the sea and the natural coast park and footpaths. It is around 100 yards walk to the fine sand beaches of Playa de Ris.

It also has an outdoor pool being quite private and with large terraces, private parking and gardens.

The 49 bedrooms are with en suite bathroom with bath and shower, WC, washbasin, direct dial telephone, television, mini safe and French windows on to a balcony or terrace.

Half Pension obligatory mid July to the end of August.

Children 2 to 12 years – 30% discount.

Lovely location almost facing La Arena beach in a quiet slightly elevated spot with views of the sea or mountains.

We inspected the only bedroom free on our arrival but we would have accepted it gladly, facing across the green fields towards the mountains having a smallish balcony but peaceful and the rooms are spacious with marble floors and scatter rugs, TV and telephone. The ensuite bathroom offers a bath with power shower over, WC and washbasin.

Downstairs a very large restaurant with full a la carte menu as well as daily changing meals of the day. Large bar leading onto an outdoor covered terrace.

Outside and up a steepish path is the hotel pool which is amidst meadow land and enclosed with a huge sun bathing area.

Children under 8 years have a 50% discount when sharing with parents.

A secluded hotel overlooking Noja and the Ria with some 17000 square metres of grounds that include gardens and outdoor pools (adults and children’s) yet only a short 300 metres walk from the centre of Isla and beaches.

Very professionally run hotel with excellent bedrooms all with air conditioning having French windows with electric blinds onto a good sized terrace with sea, river or mountain views.

Very smart restaurant, a café and bar onto a narrow terrace overlooking the swimming pools.

Additional facilities include one tennis court, sauna and solarium, gym and in high season and entertainment programme.

Children: - one child under 12 is free outside mid July to mid August and 50% discount in high season.

Overlooking the main beach in the centre of the small resort of Isla, is the Hotel Astuy – with apartments located in a separate building. Your feet are almost in the water as the beach is only yards away from the hotel entrance.

Both buildings have delightful views across the bay and are in the centre of the resort – within walking distance of a family run restaurant and bars.

The hotel offers rooms with en suite bathroom, with bath, shower over, WC and washbasin. Rooms all have colour TV, telephone and balcony.

Downstairs is a bar with terrace overlooking the sea, a restaurant and lounge. The hotel also offers a launderette service.

The apartments are in an adjacent building

Comillas

A university town as well as a popular resort and fishing port. This town has it all – picturesque cobbled streets overlooked by Gothic style buildings of the University and several buildings designed by the renowned architect Gaudi.

It has a lovely rocky and sand beach with easy parking and a fishing harbour – so no shortage of seafood restaurants here and it is only a 20 minute drive from an equally fascinating resort of San Vincente de la Barquera with its bridges, preserved village, church and castle.

[We also offer self catering apartments at Comillas ]