Casas Los 4 Soles

The beach is only a three-minute walk away, and the house was in perfect shape with everything needed to feel at home. The owner gave excellent service, even coming to fix a small water-heater problem within minutes. A great choice for a relaxing family getaway. We’ll definitely return.

The house feels airy and spacious, with a terrace and rooftop terrace looking out to sea. It sits among pine trees in the nature reserve, with a pretty garden and barbecue, plus private parking and Wi-Fi. There are some maintenance issues: several faucets were partly clogged, the outdoor shower drain was blocked, the dishwasher was broken, and there weren’t many dishes. The house also felt a little neglected. It would be better to allow bank transfers instead of requiring cash.

I stayed in Apartment No. 4 in February. The quiet road borders the holiday-home area and nature park, with a pine-covered hill behind it. The complex’s square building holds four two-story apartments arranged around a courtyard; each has a walled garden and roomy interiors. From the first floor, the two front apartments, which seem to be larger, have a distant sea view through the trees. The rear ones look out over the pine forest. The furnishings are tasteful, but at the full price the facilities and especially the upkeep feel adequate rather than excellent. The path through the complex to the main road and picturesque beach is unpaved and unlit, though it’s only a five-minute walk. In the off-season, village restaurants and cafes are closed on weekdays, so you need to bring your own food and drink, including drinking water, salt and oil, or drive to larger nearby towns. The off-season isn’t always as idyllic as you might expect. Maintenance on the houses and gardens can mean noise from angle grinders, jackhammers, chainsaws and wood chippers. Small dogs left on the grounds for “guard duty” bark constantly at passersby. Since pets are allowed in the accommodations, there’s a high statistical chance of barking contests at all hours. Still, the inconveniences are more than made up for by the wonderfully empty, wide beach, with its changing cliffs and dunes, and the secluded courtyard garden, where you can find both sun and shade when it’s quiet.

The house is roomy and comfortable, with Wi-Fi and a very modern kitchen. It’s great overall, though watch out for mosquitoes.