Lanzarote: Finca de Arrieta: Discovering Lanzarote’s Hidden Gem

Sometimes the best travel experiences come from venturing off the beaten path. While most visitors to Lanzarote flock to the southern resorts, I found myself drawn to something different—a rustic retreat in the island’s quieter, more authentic north. My stay at Finca de Arrieta proved to be one of those rare discoveries that reminds you why authentic travel experiences matter.

Welcome to the Real Lanzarote

Finca de Arrieta sits in the charming coastal village of Arrieta, a place where local fishermen still mend their nets by the harbor and life moves at the unhurried pace the Canary Islands were famous for before mass tourism arrived. This isn’t a glossy resort—it’s a traditional Canarian finca (farmhouse) that’s been lovingly restored to offer visitors a genuine taste of island life.

The moment I arrived, I knew this would be different from typical accommodation. The property exudes rustic charm with its volcanic stone walls, traditional architecture, and that wonderfully weathered character that only authentic old buildings possess. There’s no pretense here, no Instagram-perfect staging—just honest hospitality and real Lanzarote.

Rustic Charm with Modern Comfort

My accommodation at the finca perfectly embodied the property’s philosophy: respect the past while embracing comfort. The room featured exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and traditional tilework that told stories of the building’s history. Yet modern touches—comfortable bedding, updated bathrooms, reliable Wi-Fi—ensured I wasn’t sacrificing comfort for authenticity.

What I loved most was the sense of space and privacy. The finca’s layout, with its various buildings and courtyards, creates intimate corners perfect for reading, writing, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The outdoor areas are particularly inviting, with shaded terraces where I spent mornings sipping coffee and evenings enjoying local wine under star-filled skies.

The simplicity was refreshing. No endless amenities competing for attention, no over-the-top luxury—just well-maintained, comfortable spaces that let the location and atmosphere do the talking.

Arrieta: The Village Time Forgot (In the Best Way)

One of Finca de Arrieta’s greatest strengths is its location in this authentic fishing village. Unlike the tourist-heavy south, Arrieta retains its genuine character. The village harbor is working and real, not a sanitized attraction. The beach—Playa de la Garita—is where locals actually swim, not just a photo opportunity.

I quickly fell into a rhythm: morning walks along the seafront promenade, afternoons exploring the coastline, evenings at local restaurants where menus are in Spanish first and English second (always a good sign). The village has several excellent seafood restaurants—Casa Rafa became my favorite, serving the freshest fish you can imagine, caught that very morning.

The natural swimming pools carved into the volcanic rock near the village are spectacular. Watching local families enjoying these pools on weekends felt like a privilege—a glimpse into real island life that most tourists never see.

Gateway to Northern Lanzarote’s Treasures

From Finca de Arrieta, the island’s northern attractions are wonderfully accessible. I spent my days exploring:

Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua: These volcanic cave systems, transformed by César Manrique, are absolutely unmissable. The underground concert hall in Jameos del Agua is one of the most unique spaces I’ve ever encountered.

Órzola: The island’s northernmost village, where I caught a ferry to La Graciosa—a tiny island that feels like Lanzarote must have felt fifty years ago.

Haría: The « Valley of a Thousand Palms, » a lush contrast to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, with one of the island’s best weekly markets.

Mirador del Río: Manrique’s spectacular clifftop viewpoint offering breathtaking views to La Graciosa.

The coastal route: Dramatic volcanic coastlines, hidden coves, and that sense of discovery that comes from exploring less-traveled roads.

Having the finca as a base made these explorations feel like returning home rather than to anonymous accommodation. There’s something special about staying in one place long enough to develop routines, recognize faces in the village, and feel connected to the community.

A Different Pace of Life

What struck me most about my time at Finca de Arrieta was how it encouraged a different pace of travel. Without a pool to lounge by or resort entertainment demanding my attention, I naturally fell into a more exploratory, engaged rhythm. Days were filled with genuine discovery rather than structured activities.

Evenings were particularly special. As darkness fell and Arrieta’s few streetlights flickered on, the village transformed. The finca’s outdoor spaces became perfect spots for stargazing—Lanzarote’s clear skies and low light pollution make it incredible for astronomy enthusiasts.

I found myself having conversations with other guests, swapping recommendations and travel stories in a way that rarely happens in larger, more impersonal properties. The finca attracts a certain type of traveler—people seeking authenticity over luxury, experience over convenience.

What to Know Before You Book

Finca de Arrieta isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Here’s what you should consider:

Transportation is essential: You absolutely need a rental car. Public transport in northern Lanzarote is limited, and most of the area’s attractions require driving.

Embrace the rustic: This is authentic restoration, not modern construction disguised as traditional. Expect some quirks—creaky doors, uneven floors, the occasional gecko visitor (they’re good luck!).

Limited dining options nearby: While Arrieta has several good restaurants, the selection is modest. The finca’s kitchen facilities are useful for simple meals.

Pack for variety: Northern Lanzarote can be windier and occasionally cooler than the south. Bring layers.

Bring beach gear: The natural pools and beaches are walking distance, but you’ll need your own towels, snorkel equipment, etc.

Who Will Love Finca de Arrieta

This is the perfect choice for travelers who:

Value authenticity over polished luxury
Want to experience local life rather than tourist bubbles
Appreciate architecture with history and character
Enjoy self-guided exploration and independence
Seek peace and genuine tranquility
Are interested in Lanzarote’s natural and cultural attractions beyond the beaches

It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic, low-key escape, solo travelers who want a base for exploration, or small groups of friends who appreciate unique accommodations.

Sustainability and Community

I was impressed by the finca’s approach to sustainability and community engagement. The restoration preserved traditional building techniques and materials, supporting local craftspeople. The property sources locally where possible and encourages guests to explore and support the village’s small businesses.

This isn’t just good ethics—it’s good travel. When you stay at places like Finca de Arrieta, your tourism euros flow directly into local communities rather than international hotel chains.

Final Reflections

My stay at Finca de Arrieta reminded me why I started travel blogging—to share discoveries that offer something beyond the ordinary. In a world where so many destinations feel increasingly homogenized, where « boutique » often means « expensive » rather than « unique, » this finca stands out for its genuine character.

It won’t suit everyone. If you want a poolside resort with cocktail service and organized activities, look elsewhere. But if you’re seeking an authentic base for exploring Lanzarote’s quieter, more traditional side—if you want to feel like a temporary resident rather than a tourist—Finca de Arrieta delivers beautifully.

Northern Lanzarote moves at its own pace, preserving traditions and landscapes that have largely disappeared from the south. Staying at Finca de Arrieta puts you right in the heart of this authentic island experience. The volcanic stone walls, the village sounds drifting through open windows, the sense of connection to place and community—these are the details that transform a trip into a journey.

Sometimes luxury isn’t about thread counts and infinity pools. Sometimes it’s about authenticity, character, and the privilege of experiencing a place as it truly is. Finca de Arrieta offers exactly that kind of luxury.

Have you explored northern Lanzarote or stayed in traditional fincas? I’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations in the comments. And if you’re planning a visit to Arrieta, feel free to ask questions—I’m happy to share more tips from my stay!