Aurresku

Located on the ground floor of a traditional Basque home, this apartment is close enough to the sea to be blessed by the gentle ocean breeze, yet far enough away that you aren't faced with tourist crowds the moment you step outside. The interior is cute and compact, with everything a couple could need for a romantic coastal retreat. There's a sofa in the multi-purpose kitchen/dining/living area, and both this space and the bedroom enjoy direct access to a lovely patio with outdoor seating that's perfect for alfresco meals morning, noon and night. The location couldn't be more convenient with the nearest beaches, city centre and airport just a five-minute drive or half-hour walk away, while the train station is even closer. Biarritz's six beaches are the headline attraction, and its outstanding location on the Bay of Biscay means the city has become the surfing capital of Europe. For those who want a less strenuous time at the seaside, the golden stretches of sand offer great places to relax, take a dip or simply soak up the sun.

Home truths:
* Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available upon request
* Host meet-and-greet on arrival
* Late check-in from 9pm to 12am is subject to an additional fee of €22
* There's private residents' parking on site
* Exterior wooden shutters can be closed to block all light from entering
* The sofa in the living area can be converted into a double bed, but the apartment would feel too cramped with four guests – we've set the limit at two
* The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
* Access to the apartment is via a private entrance