Discover Isla: Coast, Culture and Nature

The Casco Histórico de Isla is a small rural district, partly designed for pedestrian traffic, which is ideal for walking among monuments and old houses with coats of arms. In 2004, the Casco Histórico de Isla was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category “Lugar Cultural, Ruta Camino de Santiago”.

Culture and History

The Torre de Cabrahígo is a late-medieval tower in Isla and was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monumento category in 1992. At the end of the 17th century, Juan Fernández de Isla built the Casa Palacio de los Condes de Isla.

The Iglesia de San Julián y Santa Basilisa de Isla is an example of a columnar church with a hall plan in Cantabria. It has three naves, each divided into four sections, giving it a cathedral-like appearance. The Torre de Jado stands on a small hill in the Barrio del Hoyo district of Isla, in the municipality of Arnuero in Cantabria, and was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1992.

The ruins of the Molino de Castellano have been preserved and declared a Bien de Interés Cultural; together with the “el pinaruco” picnic area, they form a noteworthy site in the surrounding natural landscape.

Coast and Nature

Playa de Arnadal is a semi-rural beach in Isla with clean, clear water, more exposed to the Cantabrian Sea, and without a lifeguard service. Playa de El Sable in Isla Playa has Blue Flag status and the Q de Calidad Turística quality mark, and is certified for environmental quality and accessibility.

Playa de El Sable in Isla Playa is also an urban, family-friendly beach with calm, clear water, protected by a rocky island. Playa de La Arena is located at the mouth of the Ría de Castellano and has fine golden sand and calm, clear water.

The Acantilados de Isla comprise rocky cliffs that rise more than 50 metres above sea level in some places. Different beach and cliff profiles give day planning several clear focal points between water, coastal landscapes and nature observation.

Paths and Experiences

The “Acantilados de Cabo Quejo” Sendero Azul connects the beaches of El Sable and La Arena along the cliffs. A route along the Acantilados de Isla leads to an observatory for birds and marine mammals.

The Camino de Santiago del Norte runs via the Senda de la Marisma Joyel and a footpath from the Bocarrero roundabout to the historic centre of Isla. This provides several route sections with different characteristics for connecting the coast, paths and local history.

Work began in 2019 to convert Isla’s former lobster pools into natural pools. The “Isla y sus langostas” coastal promenade covers a walk along the coast in the Isla Playa area, including a visit to the former lobster pools, which now serve as natural pools, as well as the lobster breeding facility of the Astuy restaurant.

Regional Specialities

Pimiento de Isla currently carries a controlled quality mark from the Government of Cantabria. The fishing of Langosta de Isla is considered a tradition dating back several centuries.

To the higher-level travel overview: Arnuero.