The Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain.  With only Catalonia and the magnet of Barcelona attracting more visitors than the archipelago ever year.

But despite the Canaries reputations as a bucket and spade package holiday destination there is a growing rural tourism sector.  With islands such as Lanzarote enjoying an upsurge in the number of country hotels and fincas catering to this market.

Whilst over 1.5 million tourists visit Lanzarote every year the island still manages to remain largely unspoiled.  Making it an ideal venue for rural holidays.  With a host of good quality Lanzarote villas and hotels available for rent outside of the main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

On Lanzarote rural tourism is concentrated in the interior and the north of the island.  With the coast dominated by package holiday makers.  One of the newest rural options is the excellent and eco friendly Finca de Arrieta.  Which is located close to the coastal village of the same name. 

This former farm runs entirely on wind and solar power – a first on Lanzarote – and offers guests a range of accommodation options from cottages through to Yurts – which are a Mongolian yak herders tent but with a modern twist.  As these glamourous camping options also include hard wood floors, top quality furnishings and all mod cons.

Close to Arrieta lies the pretty village of Haria, located in the Valley of 1000 Palms.  Where locals still plant a Canarian plam for each newborn baby.  Here rural holidaymakers can check into the Finca la Crucita, which boasts eight guest villas all named after various villages on the island. Finca La Crucita is set in delightful gardens, surrounded by giant Canarian palms, and offers seriously luxurious accommodation in very relaxing surroundings.

The pretty village of Yaiza is home to two of Lanzarote´s best known rural hotels – the Casona de Yiaza and the Finca de Salinas.  The Casona de Yaiza occupies the former holiday home of a local landowner and farmer.  Dating back to 1825.  And is owned by a couple of art lovers – whose passion can be seen through out the public spaces and bedrooms.

Whilst the Finca de Salinas was once the stately pile of a local salt trader.  Bought and converted into a luxurious rural hotel by the current owners in 1996 and featuring an excellent on site restaurant. Both hotels charge around €100 per room per night and are located around twenty minutes way from the main international airport on the island at Arrecife.