Set on the edge of the peaceful village of Las Casitas and flanked by dramatic peaks, this restored 250-year-old finca takes its name from the bowl-shaped volcanic crater that sits behind it. Reached by a gravel track, your Canarian home-from-home will be one of 4 cottages, all with high beamed ceilings and simple, traditional interiors. Three are clustered around an inner courtyard, with 1 or 2 bedrooms apiece; the other is an intimate bolthole on the other side of the shared 10m pool, whose bed lies in a converted underground water tank. Inside you’ll find a hint of bohemian flair in the Moorish fabrics, Balinese teak furniture and colourful throws; outside, the arid landscape is offset by swaying palms and a festoon of fuschia bougainvillea.
The network of trails which leads out through the Femés Valley is a treat for active types; those who prefer a lazier holiday can spend their days on the terrace, where shady cushioned seating areas and poolside loungers await. The picturesque hilltop village of Femés with its restaurants and shops is a short drive away, and the stunning beaches of Papagayo and Pozo lie within easy reach. Perfect for couples in search of rural ramblings or families looking for a relaxing escape.
Highs
- The location: peaceful and secluded, yet only a 15-minute drive from the coast
- The large, sheltered pool and terrace, where you can happily while away the hours
- A beautiful restoration, with original beams and fireplaces adding an authentic sense of history
- The mountain scenery is spectacular, and you can walk straight out from your door along fabulous trails
- Brilliant value for money, especially if you book exclusive use of the whole place for a group of up to 12 (plus 3 children)
Lows
- The homely interiors won’t suit those in search of sleek design
- You’ll need to jump in a car if you want to eat out
- There’s no service as such, but Raquel lives next door and is often around if you need help, her other self-catering suites, Casa El Morro, are a few km down the road
- A 7-night minimum stay year-round at El Aljibe; 5-night minimum for the rest of the cottages
Best time to go
Temperatures are pretty balmy all year-round, and Lanzarote makes a great short-haul escape from the north European winter. Be aware that it can get very hot in July and August.
Our top tips
Don't miss a trip to the unspoilt beaches of Papagayo, where you'll find dramatic cliffs, pretty white-sand coves and sparkling turquoise waters.
- Boutique Villas
- 4 cottages for 2-5
- Self-catering (restaurants and shops within a short drive)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The largest cottages are El Patio and La Puesta del Sol, each with 2 bedrooms (a double and a twin). The former opens onto the secluded inner courtyard; the latter has a private sun terrace. Both have great views across the Femés Valley.
Couples can choose between a pair of 1-bedroom options: rustic La Valle de Femés, which has high beams and its own garden terrace, or quirky El Aljibe. Located a discreet distance from the main house, the latter is a rock-lined hideaway whose bedroom occupies a former underground water tank.
All the cottages have airy living areas with sofas and tables, and most also come with traditional Canarian fireplaces. Décor throughout is simple but charming, with whitewashed walls, green shuttered windows and chunky wooden furniture. Ethnic cushions, bedspreads and wall hangings add splashes of colour. Bathrooms sport bright tiles, and walk-in showers or tubs with showers over.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito net
- WiFi
Eating
All the cottages have well-equipped kitchens with an electric hob, oven, microwave, kettle and fridge (but no dishwasher); there's also plenty of cookware, cutlery and crockery, plus a few basics such as salt and oil. They also have private outdoor space with a table and chairs, and there are BBQs, too. You’ll find further alfresco dining spots on the pool terrace.
For stocking up on supplies, don't miss the farmers’ market in Tias on Saturday mornings – it’s brimming with local cheeses, fruit, vegetables and bread. If you prefer to eat out, there are a couple of nice restaurants in the whitewashed hilltop town of Femés, a few minutes’ drive away, where you can eat on terraces with incredible views out to sea (on a clear day, you might even glimpse Fuertaventura on the horizon). It also has a small supermarket.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Microwave
- Oven
Activities
- Walk straight out from the finca - hiking trails criss-cross the valley, and Raquel can supply detailed directions
- Head to one of the local beaches - the beautiful white sands of Papagayo and Playa del Pozo are within an easy drive
- Pack a picnic and climb up to the rim of the caldera for the best views of the surrounding mountains
- Explore Timanfaya National Park, a hotbed (literally) of seismic activity and eerie lunar landscapes
- Sample local wine at one of the island's many bodegas. La Geria, Lanzarote's main wine-growing region, is nearby
- Visit some of the landmarks created by renowned Lanzarote architect César Manrique, including the stunning Mirador del Rio (a lookout platform and bar), his cactus garden in Guatiza, the grotto at Los Jameos del Agua, and his house at Tahiche (built on a lava flow). All lie within a 45-minute drive
- Or just take a dip in the pool, then relax in a shaded nook with a glass of vino
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
This is a great place for a relaxing family holiday – a laid-back country retreat, but within easy reach of lovely beaches. The larger cottages are particularly suitable for those with kids, and the communal pool is a godsend in the hot summer months. Bear in mind that this is a rural setting, so older kids and teens might get bored.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
El Patio and La Puesta del Sol both have 2 bedrooms (a double and a twin) plus space for an extra bed or baby cot; they also have handy washing machines.
Kids Activities on site:
- Large pool to splash in
- Traditional Canarian boules court
- Toys and games to borrow
- Beach kit such as boogie boards
Families Should Know:
The pool and gardens aren’t fenced, so keep an eye on roving little ones
Distances:
- Airport: 15 minutes' drive
- Hospital: 20 minutes' drive
- Shop: 5 minutes' drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
La Casa de la Caldera is on the edge of the village of Las Casitas, 15km west of Arrecife Airport in southern Lanzarote.
By Air:
Lanzarote's Arrecife Airport (15km away) is served by a range of scheduled, charter and budget flights from the UK and elsewhere - click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The rural location means you'll need a car - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Lanzarote and getting around
Airports:
- Lanzarote Arrecife 15.0 km ACE
Other:
- Beach 7.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 5.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 8 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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