Rural Tourism Lanzarote
Over the last twenty years mass tourism on Lanzarote has been concentrated in the three main coastal resorts. Here, the traditional beach holiday holds sway and home comforts are fully catered to.
But away from the hustle and bustle of the main resorts, Lanzarote holds inner secrets. Tranquility, authenticity and tradition can all be found by heading inland, where a growing number of rural retreats are proving popular with travelers who are bored of buckets and spades.
Rural tourism is starting to blossom on the island. Its popularity encouraged by local authorities who are keen to restrict further development in the Big Three resorts and support more sustainable growth.
For anyone in search of something different there´s certainly a wide range of choice available. From distinctive private houses and villas for hire through to beautiful rural hotels. Most of which combine historic settings with modern facilities.
Here are a few of the more unique options.
Rock It
Lanzarote is best known for its volcanoes – so why not stay in one? The tradition of cave dwelling on the island goes back to the pre-Spanish native inhabitants, the Guanche. It can still be enjoyed today, albeit in a slightly more luxurious form.
The Valle de las Cuevas is a small, private valley formed by eroded cliffs in La Asomada, just north of Puerto del Carmen.
Three unique houses are literally embedded into this narrow valley with rooms built into and onto the rock and others formed from natural caves.
Winding paths, platforms and tropical gardens interlink the three houses, one of which, The Castillo de las Cuevas, boasts its own ‘mock-rock’ battlements.
It´s all done in the best possible taste though as the brickwork of the buildings has been colour matched to the surrounding rock faces, so ensuring a high degree of harmony.
The interiors match the impact of the exterior with lots of quirky personal touches and modern furnishings and amenities. So you wont be living like a caveman.
Prices start from €77 per night. Bookings: 0034 922 491132.
An alternative for would be cave dwellers lies at LagOmar in Nazaret, the well-known island restaurant which was once the home of famous actor Omar Sharif.
Visitors will already know about the bar area built into the caves but it’s also possible to rent a guest cottage there too. The style of which is very much in keeping with the architecture and décor of the restaurant and pool area.
Prices start from €630 per week. Bookings : By Fax – 0034 928 845369 or visit www.casa@lag-o-mar.com.
Royal Retreat
Fancy living like a King? Well, here´s your chance. The unique
El Aljibe in Los Valles offers some of the most exclusive accommodation on the island and has been patronized by eminents such as the Greek Royal Family.
El Aljibe was once the water reservoir for a large adjoining farm but has now been transformed into a luxurious, split level, open plan extravaganza.
Years of mineral deposits have turned the walls an incredible colour, offsetting the many works of art and sculptures by local artists.
Hand crafted furnishings and antiques from around the world create a feeling of genuine luxury and modern touches such as a surround sound stereo means that the acoustics of the old cistern can be enjoyed to the full.
If you can tear yourself outdoors there’s also a private sunbathing terrace and heated Jacuzzi. The owners can also arrange state of the art spa therapies on-site from some of the island’s leading practitioners.
Prices start from €160 per night. Bookings : 0034 902 363318 or visit www.rural-villas.com.
Beside The Sea
El Golfo offers the perfect alternative for those who want a seaview minus the crowds. In contrast to the big man-made beach resorts, this little village hugs the rugged and unspoiled northern coastline.
Tranquility can be enjoyed at Caleton del Golfo, an old fisherman’s house which is so close to the sea it almost needs it´s own waders.
This rustic house has private access to it´s own natural small bay and a sun terrace that sits directly over the Atlantic.
The interior is full of charm too, as the property is built in the traditional Canarian style around a central courtyard.
Should the sea prove too rough there´s also a small private pool on hand and the village of El Golfo itself offers a fantastic range of good quality restaurants, especially for fish lovers.
Other island alternatives can also be explored with IslaViva, who offer a good selection of country houses and apartments for rent. They can be contacted on 0034 928 845723 or visit www.islaviva.com.
