Lanzarote´s Best Rural Retreats
October 9, 2009 by Nick Ball
Filed under Destinations
Lanzarote is one of the seven Spanish owned Canary Islands. Which collectively are the second most popular holiday destination in Spain – after Catalonia.
Yet despite the weight of package holidaymakers the island still boasts a thriving rural tourist sector. With a growing number of visitors seeking to book rural hotels and villas in Lanzarote in order to connect with the authentic heart and soul of the island.
Lanzarote is very much a rural island in the sun. Before the advent of tourism the local economy was almost totally dependent on fishing and agriculture. And the remnants of this rural past are still in evidence across Lanzarote today. Especially in smaller villages such as Haria and Maguez in the north. This is also where visitors will find the best selection of Lanzarote rural holiday villas and hotels on the island.
One of the newest rural ventures on the island is the Finca de Arrieta – Lanzarote´s first eco retreat. Which is located close to the beach at Playa De Garita in Arrieta. An idyllic and unspoilt location that is in complete contrast to the large resorts further along the south east coastline.
Finca de Arrieta is a former farm that runs solely on wind and solar power. Guests can even enjoy picking their own organic fruit and vegtables from the farm’s garden or enjoy a ride on Mollie - the resident donkey.
This rural retreat is just one of a growing band of similar establishments catering to this growth in demand for a more authentic holiday experience. And elsewhere on the island rural holidaymakers can check in to some fanatic country house hotels such as the Casero de Mozaga, Finca de Salinas and Casona de Yaiza.
The Casona de Yaiza is located in the one time holiday home of wealthy local farmer and landowner. Dating back to around 1825 and located on the outskirts of the pretty village of the same name. Today’s owners are serious art lovers – and their passion for classic motifs echoes through the bedrooms and public spaces of this elegant hotel.
There´s an excellent restaurant on site too – which is located in the building’s former wine press area. Serving traditional Canarian cuisine with modern Mediterranean influences. As well as plenty of other luxurious amenities such as a heated pool, Jacuzzi, solarium, well tended gardens and grounds, car and bicycle rental and even horse riding. With room rates starting from €100 per night.