Fancy a sunshine winter break with a difference? The Canary Islands offer year round sunshine at affordable prices. With much more to offer in the way of accommodation than just cheap hotels and apartments. As the islands now boast a growing rural tourism sector – fuelled by the desire of visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the main resorts.

This trend is at its most pronounced on islands such as La Palma and El Hierro. Where walking holidays are popular and good quality rural hotels and fincas are the norm.

Lanzarote is at the other end of the chain from these islands but is still gaining in popularity as a rural holiday destination. Despite the fact that many people associate the island with package holidays. In fairness in the past this was largely true. As it was difficult to buy anything other than a package deal here ten years ago.

But now that has all changed thanks to the rise in internet usage in the UK and the advent of cheap flights for independent travellers. Enabling many tourists to book their own rural holidays in Lanzarote direct online.

So which parts of the island offer the best locations for a tranquil break in the countryside?

Like some of the other Canary Islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria Lanzarote could be described as an island of two halves. With the south given over to package tourism and large resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. Whilst the north retains more of the character and individual identity of the island.

This is certainly so on Lanzarote as the north still bears plenty of evidence of agricultural activity and is also home to loads of pretty little villages such as Haria, Maguez and Arietta.

Haria is arguably the most picturesque village on the island in fact. As it is located in the folds of the Valley of 1000 Palms. Which is a huge oasis that has been created by a tradition which locals follow of planting palm trees for every new born baby in the village. Making this the greenest and most atmospheric spot on Lanzarote.

Haria also plays host to an excellent weekly market where visitors can pick up organic fruit and veg along with local wines and cheeses. With good quality accommodation available in the local finca La Crucita.

Anyone booking a rural break should be aware that they will need to rent a vehicle. As some rural areas are relatively remote. But fortunately car hire in Lanzarote is very competitively priced.