If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy beach resorts and discover the true essence of Spain, a stay in a rural Cortijo or country house could be the perfect experience for you!
Cortijos and converted farmhouses are large homesteads that usually stand in the middle of a large estate.
Nowadays, staying in a Cortijo, a rural retreat or other types of country properties offer tranquillity and ample open spaces, a place where you can relax, go for walks, swim, read, or just take in the beauty of nature that surrounds you.
These charming rural destinations also provide a unique opportunity to experience authentic Spain in all its natural glory where you can be dazzled by the stunning scenery and look out over olive groves, vineyards and orange and lemon groves that make up the surrounding landscape.
If you're looking for a truly authentic holiday experience, a Cortijo or a rural country farmhouse stay is a perfect choice!
There are many truly amazing, charming family-run Cortijos in Spain. Here is our pick of the best Cortijos and country rural retreats in Spain for you to choose from.
1. Refugio Marnes

Refugio Marnes is a truly special place, surrounded by stunning natural beauty whilst offering a variety of accommodation options for an unforgettable rural Spanish holiday.
Refugio Marnes is an Agrotourism and Rural retreat offering a number of accommodation options. The old farmhouse, La Finca, has three exquisitely furnished rooms that offer a full B&B service. Former stables, "El Establos," is home to three additional charming B&B rooms, each with an en suite bathroom.
And if you fancy upmarket camping, you can choose the opulent glamping tent La Jaima, which is tucked away in a remote area of the valley. La Jaima can accommodate up to four people.
On the outskirts of the estate, you will find two more impressive accommodation options. Firstly, Finca Iris is a beautiful farmhouse home with a separate private pool that can accommodate up to 8 people, and holiday home Casa Grillo, a rustic property with a private swimming pool that can accommodate up to 10
guests.
Last but not least is the lush and chic rural holiday home, Casa Montaña (The Mountain Home). It is a fitting description for such a beautiful finca, set in stunning countryside, with the Sierra de Bernia as its picturesque backdrop.
It,s safe to say that whatever your accommodation preferences are you are sure to find the right one at Refugio Marnes.
Refugio Marnes is approximately 20 minutes by car from the coastal road running from the popular Costa Blanca Resorts of Benissa and Calpe (the N332). Alicante is approximately 55 minutes by car. Visitors to Marnes can visit the typical Spanish towns on the coast, such as Altea, Javea, and Denia
Experience the tranquillity and charm of Refugio Marnes and make lasting memories!
» Location: Benissa, Alicante.
» www.refugiomarnes.com
» +34 966181040 / +34 637063003 / +34 629874489
» enquiries@refugiomarnes.com
2. Casa Rural El Lliber

Casa Rural Lliber is located in the well-known wine region of the Jalon Valley, encircled by the Bernia Mountains, in the province of Alicante. It is run by owners, Ineke and Johan Landsbergen, who travelled extensively around Spain before deciding to open this rural delight.
You will start to relax as soon as you walk through the elegantly adorned historic entrance in this genuinely one-of-a-kind and charming setting where the past and contemporary coexist in perfect harmony.
The owners added modern rooms while preserving the integrity of the 200-year-old structure to create a lovely, private refuge for visitors.
Ineke and Johan certainly understand what it takes to make guests feel at home, whether it's providing a drink on arrival or a tasty tapa plus a wonderfully comfortable bed to enjoy a good night's sleep; they are always on hand to ensure a perfect stay.
» Location: Lliber, Alicante.
» Check Availability
3. Cortijo Sabila

Cortijo Sabila is an award-winning boutique hotel rural retreat located in the heart of Andalucia.
This stunning rural cortijo hotel has 8 en-suite bedrooms, 7 beautiful gardens, a pool, a jacuzzi, and stunning mountain views, in fact just about everything you need to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable stay in Andalucia.
The exquisite Alhambra water garden is a perfect setting for dinner, weddings, and other events.
Cortijo Sabila's guest event services are available for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, private groups, and yoga retreats.
The property is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive away from the stunning El Torcal National Park, 35 minutes from Malaga and Antequera, and an hour away from around 200 beaches. 4 World Heritage sites are also within easy reach, including the impressive town of Ronda, the historic city of Granada, which is home to the Alhambra Palace, and the stunning Cathedral and Mezquita located in the ancient city of Cordoba.
4. Cortijo La Organic

Cortijo La Organic is a typical Andalucian 19th-century Cortijo situated within an olive grove and is the brainchild of partners Philippe Starck and architect Stefano Robotti, among the
The Cortijo La Organic was meticulously built to provide every comfort for its guests whilst enjoying the surrounding olive trees, vineyards, and lavender, with stunning views of the Serrania de Ronda.
The Cortijo boasts a pool and minimalistic relaxation-oriented rooms, each with mountain views.
There is a lovely patio that provides a comfortable, secluded ambience where guests can enjoy a peaceful breakfast, a stunning sunset, or simply chill out and take in the surrounding countryside.
» Location: Ronda, Malaga
» Check Availability and prices.
5. Cortijo Del Marques

The Cortijo del Marqués is located near Granada and is the perfect place to wind down and relax within a beautiful countryside setting surrounded by olive groves and spectacular views.
The Hotel Cortijo is a rural delight that has been restored, mixing old-world charm with modern comforts. The rooms are extremely comfortable, and there is a lovely swimming pool area to enjoy in the hot summer months, as well as comfortable leather sofas by the fireplace in the cooler winter months.
The Cortijo is a perfect base if you're looking to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, horse riding, and hiking. Granada is just 14 miles away, where the marvels of the Alhambra Palace and the Albayzin Quarter await you.
The family-run Cortijo also boasts a superb restaurant that serves a selection of Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on local recipes and products, as well as dishes with a slightly modern twist.
» Location: Granada, Andalucia.
» Check Availability and prices.
6. Finca Casabela

Finca Casabela is a luxury rural retreat and eco-destination that delights guests at every level. It is located within a colonial-style 19th-century manor house with a beautiful walled garden.
The Corrala is a lovely indoor gathering area with natural light, serving as the focal point for the main rooms on the ground floor, all accessible from Casabela's main entrance.
Guests at Casabela can explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the Lecrin Valley's Pinos del Valle and take advantage of its distinctive microclimate, located just 25 minutes from the historic city of Granada and the beaches of the Costa Tropical.
Casabela is a true home away from home, perfect for any occasion, from a small family gathering to a corporate team-building activity to a yoga retreat.
» Location: Granada, Andalucia
7. Casa Higueras

Casa Higueras is a charming rural retreat located in the historic town of Moclin, a short drive from Granada. The town's history dates back over 60.000 years and is home to a Moorish castle and ancient cave dwellings.
Casa Higueras is run by Ian and Andrew who left the UK and fell in love with the area, they decided to buy and aptly restore this old Andalucia property to what it is today.
At Casa Higueras, there are two rooms available, both exquisitely equipped and decorated. The rooms feature terracotta-tiled floors and beamed ceilings. There is also a generous stock of nice toiletries in the roomy showers.
The furniture is made of natural wood, and the bedding is Egyptian Cotton. The duvets are Hungarian Goose-Down (for the winter months), soft white towels, and throws woven in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The typical tostada with tomato, homemade granola, honey, jams, and compotes, as well as a variety of cheeses, cured ham, homemade cake, shortbread, and scotch pancakes, make up a delightful breakfast.
» Location: Granada, Andalucia
» Check Availability
8. Casa Olea

In the heart of Andalucia, close to Priego de Cordoba, you will find the award-winning Casa Olea, a delightful B&B rural hotel.
Casa Olea, a former farmhouse turned delightful hotel, boasts a perfect location for visiting Granada's Alhambra, Cordoba's Mecena, and the pristine Sierras Subbeticas.
This rural B&B is in an ideal location to unwind and disengage from the hectic pace of daily life due to its location close to the serene river valley, quiet countryside, and stunning big vistas.
Set out on foot or by bike to explore one of Spain's lesser-known national parks, real white towns, and hilltop medieval castles if you're feeling more energetic.
Enjoy wholesome, home-cooked dinners on the patio at night while gazing at the sky.
Casa Olea has been featured in The Times, Telegraph, Guardian (UK), Boston Globe (US), El Pais (Spain), Guide Routard, Lonely Planet, and more.
» Location: Granada, Andalucia
9. Casona de Cefontes

The Rural Hotel La Casona de Cefontes is just 5 kilometres from the centre of Gijon. It stands in a traditional Asturian building, with magnificent bougainvillaeas decorating its entire façade, giving it a special charm.
All the rooms are named after Asturian trees, each one with exterior views of the beautiful Asturian green countryside.
The garden is filled with fruit trees, including apples, lemons, figs, plums, peaches, pears, and kiwis, plus a variety of flowers that make this pretty rural estate a true haven of peace.
» Location: Gijon, Asturias
» Check Availability and prices.
10. Finca Buen Vino

Finca Buenvino is a beautiful rural property in a 100-acre forested valley within the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche nature reserve.
The Rio Buenvino, which gives the house and land their names, runs through the valley. In the summer, it dries up to a trickle, but in the winter, it can erupt into a fierce torrent that carves through stone gulleys before heading north past fruit and olive groves and into the Dehesa, where its waters merge with those of the Aracena reservoir.
Finca Buenvino is located in deepest Andalucia, Spain, close to Seville, in the centre of the Sierra de Aracena National Park. One of the least well-known yet most stunning regions in Andalucia is this one, known for its scenery. e excellent walking trails and fresh air.
This beautiful family-run rural retreat offers a range of accommodations, including B&B rooms and self-catered cottages, so you are sure to find the right place to stay.
» Location: Las Marines, Huelva
11. Casa El Zorzal

Casa el Zorzal is a hidden gem in the middle of Extremadura's countryside.
The house was built in 1860 and is situated on a 10,000-square-meter estate with stunning views of the region's countryside. It is bordered by olive and oak trees. The remote home is 4* rated and features opulent finishing touches.
A few kilometres from Trujillo, Cáceres, or Mérida is the region known as Sierra de Los Lagares, which is part of the hamlet of Pago de San Clemente. With the Monfrague National Park, this region has some of the highest biodiversity levels in all of Europe and is a natural haven for ornithologists plus due to the low levels of light pollution, it is a fantastic location for astro-tourism.
The Casa Zorzal is a stunning country house that has maintained its traditional charm, whilst conserving the traditions of the area.
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms with a capacity for 10 people, including pets.
Outside, surrounded by olive trees, holm oaks, and other fruit trees, there is a swimming pool, several relaxation areas, and, for the more active, a mini-football pitch.
» Location: Pago de San Clemente, Caseres
» Check Availability
12. Cortijo Las Salinas

This charming Andalusian farmhouse is located between Cazorla and the Sierra Magina near the pretty town of Ubeda in the province of Jaen, Andalucia.
It has recently undergone a complete restoration that has only enhanced its charm and beauty.
Guests are treated to lovely furnishings, quality household linen, a cosy fireplace, and spectacular sunsets.
Cortijo Las Salinas offers its guests complete peace and tranquillity set within the stunning natural surroundings of the Jaen countryside.
» Location: Alcuadete, Jaen
13. Hotel Finca El Cerillo

Finca el Cerrillo is a small, charming hotel that can be found in the tranquil Andalucian countryside close to the pretty whitewashed town of Canillas de Albaida in the province of Malaga in Southern Spain.
The location is second to none, set within the foothills of the Sierra Almijara and offering stunning views over the adjacent national park and the valley below.
The Finca is a terrific place to stay if you're looking for walking or painting holidays, as well as other pursuits such as writing, although many guests choose Finca El Cerillo simply to relax by the pool and gardens or to make the most of the extensive library.
The proximity to Malaga Airport makes a stay at Finca El Cerillo a perfect place to begin or end your tour of traditional Andalucia.
» Location: Canilla de Albaida, Málaga
» Check Availability
14. Finca Donaire

Finca La Donaira is a peaceful eco-retreat haven with subtle elegance, an organic farm, and an equestrian centre located within the Serrana de Ronda in southern Spain.
Each of the 9 rooms has been uniquely designed in the typical Andalucian style, featuring beautiful furnishings, stone-washed basins, copper baths, fireplaces, impressive wall art, king-sized beds, low-beamed ceilings, and high-quality linen.
The facilities at La Donaire are second to none and include a Spa and horseback riding
La Donaira offers a variety of activities designed to stimulate discussion about design and architecture, the arts, modern agriculture, and our place in the natural world.
» Location: Montecorto, Malaga
15. Agriturisme Es Picot

Agroturisme Es Picot is a small bed-and-breakfast rural villa-hotel located near the pretty village of Manacor on the Balearic Island of Mallorca.
This charming bed & breakfast country villa-hotel is located only 10 minutes from the stunning beaches of Cala Murada and Cala Varques, just 8 minutes from the small community of Son Macia, and 12 minutes from the vibrant Porto Colom.
The property is surrounded by mountains and has a wonderfully natural setting.
This is a perfect place to unwind in the peace and tranquillity of the Mallorcan countryside. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the woods or spend a few hours relaxing under the shade of the wild olive tree.
» Location: Monacor, Mallorca
» Check Availability and prices.
16. Sa Bassa Rotja Ecoturisme

Sa Bassa Rotja is an authentic rural hotel retreat located on a 13th-century farm near the village of Perreras in central Mallorca.
It is more than just a rural hotel, though, as it offers a wide range of facilities and activities to suit just about everyone. These include cycling, wine tasting, boating, yoga, horse riding, a large swimming pool, and a spa; there is even a first-class restaurant serving delicious local dishes.
All 38 rooms are tastefully decorated in a mix of traditional and modern styles.
If you are looking for a rural destination in the heart of Mallorca to simply chill out in the peace and tranquillity of the Mallorca countryside or are looking for a destination that includes more energetic activities, then Sa Bassa Rotja is the place for you.
» Location: Porreras, Mallorca
» Check Availability and prices.
17. Senderos de Abona

This charming rural hotel is located in the urban area of Granadilla de Abona, in a unique spot on the island of Tenerife.
Senderos de Abona is centrally located in the town, next to the San Antonio church, and is a very peaceful haven if you are looking for a tranquil stay.
The decor of each room has been created in line with Canarian traditions, with large wooden-beamed ceilings, floors, and beds, and large ornate chandeliers.
There is plenty to keep you busy in the surrounding countryside excursions and walking routes to enjoy, plus there are a number of beaches just a 10-minute drive away.
» Location: Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife
» Check Availability and prices.
18. Sa Rota D´En Palerm

Sa Rota D'en Palerm is a family-run, stunning country retreat located in rural Sineu in central Mallorca.
Days at this beautiful destination are spent lounging by the pool, enjoying the neighbourhood, or gathering towels and swimsuits for the beaches a half-hour away.
The 18th-century mansion has been completely reformed into a rural community of cosy apartments. It is situated in a picturesque valley, surrounded by pine trees, grain crops, and fruit trees.
The old family home, which still bears signs of its past as a wine-growing and agricultural operation, is surrounded by a complex of seven upscale apartments that have been completely restored.
Due to its ideal central location, you can access any part of the island from Sa Rota while still enjoying the tranquillity of rural Mallorca. Here, guests can enjoy a peaceful stay in the island's agricultural interior.
Amazing activities at Sa Rota include lounging around the swimming pool, watching one of the famous Mallorca sunsets, enjoying a delicious breakfast, or experiencing local food at one of Sa Rota´s candlelit evenings.
» Location: Lloret de Vista Alegre, Mallorca.
» Check Availability and prices.










