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The Canary Islands are not all beaches and blue seas — though they have plenty of both. As volcanic islands, their interiors offer dramatic scenery from ancient calderas, rugged peaks and stark rock formations to lush, pine-clad hills and acres of almond blossom. These landscapes are a walker’s paradise. The adventurous can even aim for Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, on Tenerife. Dotted amongst the natural landscapes you find quiet villages with buildings in the distinctive Canarian architecture of white-washed walls, wooden balconies and blue- or green-painted timbers. If you want a peaceful retreat, often with stunning views, and with the option of gentle strolls or more strenuous hikes, the best rural hotels on the Canary Islands are worth considering. Each island has a lot to offer those looking for a wonderful off-the-beaten-track island experience, and here are our recommendations for the best rural hotels in the Canary Islands.
The Best Hotels in Rural Lanzarote
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- With one of the island’s finest restaurants, La Casona de Yaiza is a timber-clad hotel with a terrifically relaxed atmosphere and a mix of rustic and traditional rooms.
- Between Yaiza village and the Fire Mountains (in the Timanfaya National Park) the 18th-century villa Casa de Hilario offers colourful interiors of contemporary and vintage furnishings, beautiful terraces and a serene atmosphere.
- Casa Tomaren is located right in the middle of the island, so you're well placed for visiting all points north, south, east or west! It offers six chic villas with influences from both Morocco and Indonesia, and is perfect for families or small groups looking for a smart rural stay.
Tenerife's Best Rural Hotels
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- In a perfect location in the mountains near Teide National Park, the rooms - most with balconies - at Hotel Villalba enjoy stunning views. Rooms are unpretentious, plus there’s an indoor pool.
- With stunning views of Mount Tiede's cone and being Tenerife's only hotel in a nature reserve, you can't get much more rural than the Parador de las Canadas del Tiede. It's the ideal spot for nature lovers and keen walkers.
The Best Rural Hotels on Gran Canaria
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- High in the heart of the island Parador Cruz de Tejeda is surrounded by craggy, tree-cloaked mountains and offers spectacular views. The 86 rooms are crisp and contemporary plus there’s a pool and spa.
- With just six rooms, and tucked high in the mountains, Hotel Rural Las Calas offers both a peaceful retreat and stunning views. Rooms are beautifully rustic plus there’s a pool and friendly, communal dining.
- For a rural stay that's not a million miles from a beach, book Finca Las Longueras. This converted period manor has elegant, traditional rooms, lush gardens with swimming pool, and excellent table d'hote dinners.
The Best Rural Hotels on La Gomera
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- Overlooking the Hermigua Valley, Hotel Rural Ibo Alfaro is as peaceful as it sounds, with traditionally furnished rooms - some with exposed-stone walls - and epic views.
- Also overlooking the Hermigua Valley, Casa Los Herrera is a family-run guesthouse with charming traditionally furnished rooms and a small pool.
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- Far away from the seaside resorts, Mahoh is a traditional Canarian guesthouse with exposed-stone walls and tiled floors; simple and charming, and great value.
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- In a remote location at the foot of the cliffs and on a beach, Parador de El Hierro enjoys the best of both the coast and rural tranquillity. Rooms are comfortably traditional; the best with sea views.
Still not sure which to book?