The Canary Islands are often regarded as just a cheap holiday option for the bucket and spade brigade.

Four-hour flights, year round sun and tax-free prices attract flocks of mass-market sun seekers to these seven specks of Spain, just off the coast of Africa.

Concrete Overcoat

As a result, the larger and more populous islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria have long since traded authenticity for Full English breakfasts and swathes of the countryside sport more concrete than a Mafia victim.

But the Canary Islands are not all birds of a feather. On Lanzarote it is still easy to savour the flavour of traditional Canarian culture and enjoy peace and tranquility away from the three main resorts.

Rural Heart and Soil

Lanzarote is, essentially, a rural island in the sun. Today tourism is the motor of the island economy, but for centuries agriculture was the heart and soil of commerce.

This legacy is evident all over the island. Many locals still maintain and cultivate fields and plots, growing staples such as tomatoes, potatoes and spinach. Wine is produced in the La Geria region and little Lanzarote even manages to account for an eye-watering one-third of Spain’s annual onion quota.

Museo al Campesino

This pastoral past is celebrated by the ubiquitous Cesar Manrique at the Museo al Campesino, just outside Mozaga. Here visitors can experience a beautifully restored traditional farmhouse and watch local artisans engaged in authentic handcrafts, such as pottery and weaving.

Agricultural Museum El Patio

Tiagua, a little further to the north is home to the Agricultural Museum El Patio.

This excellent exhibition is housed in one of the biggest and best old rural houses on the island — where traditional crops are still cultivated and farm animals roam free.

The Real Thing

As Lanzarote is manageably small the sand-starved are never far away from one of the islands 90 plus beaches. Consequently, a growing number of visitors are now opting to experience this more authentic and tranquil island existence, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.

As a result, a number of rural retreats have opened their doors over the last decade or so. They all offer good quality accommodation in peaceful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.

Rural Hotels

Prices vary from hotel to hotel and by season. However, as an extremely general rule of thumb expect to pay between at least €80-€120 per night.

These prices are per room though, not per person and often include breakfast.

Caserio de Mozaga

Built at the end of the 18th century the Caserio de Mozaga retains its rural charm and character whilst offering thoroughly modern amenities.

The hotel is centrally located near San Bartolomé, in the heart of rural Lanzarote so it’s a great touring base. The Caserio also boasts an excellent restaurant (open to guests and non-residents alike) and an art gallery too.

Tel:
+34 928 520 060

Casa Rural La Molina

Recently renovated, this cosy and intimate rural hotel offers 7 rooms, great gardens and patios and the use of your very own hammock! Set in Tiagua, close to the Agricultural Museum El Patio.

Tel:
+34 928 529 266

Casa Tegoyo

Beautifully restored merchant’s mansion with fantastic central patio, balconies and interiors.

The house was built in the early 1800’s and is situated in Conil, close to the wine growing area of La Geria. The eleven bedrooms are all individually furnished and Casa Tegoyo also has an excellent restaurant, which is open to all.

Tel:
+34 928 834 385
Fax:
+34 928 834 369
Email:
info@casategoyo.com
Web:
www.casategoyo.com

Finca de las Salinas

High impact 18th century mansion house on the outskirts of Yaiza with great views to Timanfaya Volcano Park.

The bedrooms have been refurbished by leading local architect Angel Garcia Puertes and vibrant interior colours in the communal areas provide the perfect backdrop for antiques and designer furniture.

Tel:
+34 928 830 325
Fax:
+34 928 830 329
Email:
fincasalinas@hotmail.com
Web:
www.fincasalinas.com/

Finca La Florida

Set in peaceful vineyards on the edge of the wine region close to San Bartolomé this lovely rural hotel offers 15 rooms, modern facilities and a great restaurant. Guests can even lend a hand running the hotel farm.

Tel:
+34 928 521 124

Casona de Yaiza

A truly elegant rural hotel dating back to 1825. The Casona deYaiza boasts 8 rooms, a fantastic cellar restaurant and its own permanent art gallery, which has been recovered from an old aljibe.

Tel:
+34 928 836262

Casa Villa Lola y Juan

Set in the heart of the beautiful village of Haria in the Valley of 1,000 Palms this friendly rural hotel nestles among fruit trees, vineyards and, of course, palm trees. Good facilities and 6 individually decorated rooms are on offer.

Tel:
+34 928 835 070

Casa el Morro

Perched perfectly on a hillside in the picturesque and unspoilt village of Uga, this excellent example of rural architecture dates back to the 18th century.

Five rooms, modern facilities and close to the volcano park and the wine-growing region of La Geria.

Tel:
+34 928 522 618