When we arrived at our seafront hideaway in the quiet fishing village of Punta Mujeres, we had the sublime sense that we'd landed plum on our feet. This was the real Lanzarote, a world away from the big resorts elsewhere on the island. And the feeling continued as we visited their other properties, both coastal and inland, dotted around the northerly tip of the island. These are fabulously characterful and varied rentals, and we loved our stay in the romantic one-bedroom Arrieta Hideaway, with its ancient wooden beams and candlelit bathtub.
Other choices include some whitewashed family-sized villas in Punta Mujeres, a short walk from the beach, with 2-4 bedrooms each and a shared pool; and a stunningly quirky eco-cottage for two perched on a hill near Tabayeso. Further afield (and reviewed separately), the owners also run a handful of beach apartments further down the coast in Costa Teguise and Arrecife, as well as two enormous supervillas in Tabayesco.
This coast of Lanzarote is wonderfully tranquil, with small boats bobbing just off shore, and a handful of excellent cafés, bars and restaurants. It's only a short drive up to the astounding viewpoint of El Mirador del Río, or north to Orzola for boats to the sleepy satellite isle of La Graciosa. All have English-speaking managers on hand for advice and adventure.
Highs
- Wonderful locations, great facilities and soul-feeding views in a tranquil, unspoilt corner of Lanzarote
- Most houses have beaches and restaurants within walking distance
- The varying sizes, from one to four bedrooms, make them suitable for everyone: couples, groups of friends and families
- Great value, especially if you stay for a week or more
- The locally-based British managers offer great info and services, including meal deliveries, babysitting and farmers' grocery boxes
Lows
- Don't expect five-star luxury: the houses are all comfortable but some have quirks (e.g. Arrieta Hideaway has an external shower; plus a bathtub indoors)
- For the Tabayeso Eco-Hideaway, you'll want a 4x4 vehicle
- The hideaways do not have pools, and the three villas share one
- Boutique Villas
- 5 rentals for 2-8
- Self-catering (restaurants nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The properties vary widely, but the majority - including those in Punta Mujeres and Arrieta - share a rustic Canarian style brought up-to-date in a pleasingly simple way. Expect white walls, tiled or wooden floors, patches of exposed volcanic stone, and plenty of space. Some have four-poster beds while others feature free-standing bathtubs with views. We loved the quirky local touches, such as weathered canoes converted into wine racks or bookshelves, and the pebble-lined showers.
The Arrieta Hideaway is bang on the water's edge, with dreamy panoramas from the bedroom and sitting room. It's a supremely romantic choices for couples, or would suit a small family.
The three whitewashed Punta Mujeres villas fan out around a shared solar-heated pool. Each has lovely indoor and outdoor dining areas and a great kitchen; the medium villa is an end-of-terrace, so carries a premium. They're a short walk from the beach and, sleeping 4-8 (plus baby cots), they are ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
A 5-minute drive inland brings you to the Tabayesco Eco-Hideaway; a quirky but stunning cottage for two, built around a 40-foot shipping container, with the addition of a fully equipped kitchen, a stone-built kingsize bedroom, and two shower bathrooms. The main split-level living-dining space has picture windows overlooking the lunar landscapes to the ocean, and a huge sofa from which to enjoy them. Eco features include salvaged doors, stone carved washbasins and bamboo ceiling mats to aid insulation. It's quite remote - no neighbours, and you'll want a 4x4 car - but at the same time it's only a short drive to the coast; and you are free to use the pool at sister property Finca de Arrieta.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
All properties have spacious open-plan kitchens: the bigger the villa, the better the kitchen. A welcome basket includes coffee, tea bags and UHT milk, as well as a bottle of drinking water (tap water is not drinkable on the island). Before arrival you’ll be able to place orders for a farmers' grocery box, shopping and various other services. Almost all properties have a BBQ as well.
Local villages have small supermarkets for self-caterers. However, the Punta Mujeres-Arrieta area is home to some surprisingly good restaurants. We loved La Piscina, a small tapas place with great seafood, fresh fish and views out to sea; and family-run El Lago restaurant. There are some cool bars along Garita Beach, too. An information pack in your rental recommends others, both local and across the island.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Meal delivery service
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
- Toaster
- Welcome hamper
- Basic ingredients
Activities
- Pretty sandy beaches line the northerly coast, along with several natural swimming pools
- Before arrival you can book various activities, such as walking tours across the island and in-villa massages or yoga
- You’re within a short drive of many incredible sights, including El Mirador del Río, the ferry for the island of La Graciosa, and several lava-formed caves
- In-villa information packs also provide many other recommendations including walking tours in Parque Nacional de Timanfaya in the west of the island, submarine boat tours, watersports including SUP and surfing, wine tasting in the island bodegas, and more
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Kitesurfing
- SUP
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Best Time to go
Lanzarote has a warm climate year-round, reaching highs of around 25-30C in August, and around 17-25C in January. Rainfall is infrequent. According to locals, the best time to visit is between September and December, as the weather is most settled then. It’s a wonderful place to escape winter cold in northern Europe.
Our Top Tips
Don’t miss a visit to the incredible end-of-the-world viewpoint El Mirador del Río, a short drive away. From nearby Orzola, take a half-hour ferry ride across periwinkle-blue sea to La Graciosa, a car-free island with some fantastic fish restaurants. It's also well worth going wine-tasting in La Geria region, between here and the island's extraordinary volcanic park.
Location
Most of the Lanzarote Hideaways are in or around the fishing village of Arrieta, in the lesser-trodden north of the island.
> See all properties on a Google map
By Air:
Fly into Arrecife (30km), Lanzarote's only airport, in the island's capital.
From the Airport
Most guests self-drive. You can take a taxi or catch the bus but a car is essential if you want to tour the island. Check out our recommended rentals.
Detailed directions to your villa will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Lanzarote Arrecife 30.0 km ACE
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape