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    Tarifa · Spain

    Finca La Palmera

    6–12 people · 6 private rooms

    Permaculture Garden

    A 2-hectare garden with palm trees, vegetables, herbs, and permaculture design where guests can harvest fresh produce and connect with sustainable living practices.

    Yoga Deck

    An outdoor platform nestled among pine trees that provides an otherworldly setting for morning yoga, meditation, and peaceful contemplation.

    Hammock Paradise

    Three strategically placed hammocks throughout the garden that become beloved spots for daily siestas, reading marathons, and peaceful relaxation.

    Village Immersion

    Authentic rural Spanish village setting with roosters, pastoral walks, and genuine local culture that provides a peaceful escape from tourist areas.


    Websiteeco-living.orgGoogle Maps4.7(77)InstagramInstagramWhatsAppWhatsappFacebookFacebookEmailhello@eco-living.org

    About Finca La Palmera

    Finca la Palmera is a sustainable co-living and co-working paradise in southern Spain, located in a rural village near Tarifa. The coliving operates as a non-profit organization focused on living in harmony with nature and community. Set in an almost 200-year-old renovated farmhouse surrounded by 3 Natural Parks, it offers a peaceful retreat just 4km from pristine sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz.

    Origin story

    Stefanie discovered her passion for creating a special guesthouse during years of travel and hospitality work. In 2014, she fell in love with Tarifa at first sight - "the place where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, where the sun always shines and the wind steadily blows." After five years of exploring the area and learning Spanish, she found Finca la Palmera in 2019 in the charming village of La Zarzuela.

    The moment she entered the garden, "all my stress and worries seemed to melt away" - the decision was made instantly. However, COVID-19 transformed her vision. Working in traditional tourism no longer felt right when society faced stress, anxiety, and loneliness. She wanted to create "something more meaningful" - a place where people could stay longer, slow down, connect with nature and themselves, and experience authentic Spanish life rather than just consuming it.

    With support from family, friends, neighbors and volunteers, she renovated the almost 200-year-old farmhouse, building a new roof, fireplace, dry wall, and yoga deck. The pandemic made remote work accessible to more people, and by September 2022, the eco-living welcomed its first community members. The project has since hosted over 50 people from 20 countries, creating lasting friendships and connections.

    Community philosophy

    The coliving operates as a non-profit organization where residents are not guests but members of the community during their stay. The philosophy centers on self-responsibility, communication, compassion, sharing, and keeping an open mind.

    The community emphasizes collaboration over consumption - when something needs improvement, residents are encouraged to communicate and contribute solutions rather than complain. This approach helps sustain the project while teaching new skills and fostering ownership.

    Core traditions include mandatory family welcome and goodbye dinners to help new people settle in and create meaningful connections. All other activities are optional but encouraged, with residents taking initiative to organize meals, outings, workshops, and skill-sharing sessions.

    The space promotes mindful living through practices like using headphones in shared spaces, keeping personal items in rooms, immediate kitchen cleanup, and respecting the yoga platform as a silent corner. The philosophy embraces the "magic that happens when people get together" while maintaining respect for individual needs and boundaries.

    Hosts

    I've always dreamed of finding the most beautiful place in the world and building a homebase for myself and others.

    A group of people, all sitting together on a big table, sharing food, stories and laughter, having a good time - that was my vision.

    After years of traveling and working in the hospitality sector, I stumbled upon Tarifa and the Coast of Light - my personal paradise where I've been based since 2014.

    In 2019 I discovered the Finca la Palmera and instantly fell in love with the place.

    Turning this vision into reality was a challenging but rewarding journey that included renovating this almost 200 year old gem, building a new roof, clearing land, setting up an irrigation system and much more.

    A venture only possible thanks to the amazing support of family, friends, neighbours and volunteers - a community project right from the very start.

    I am forever grateful for having been able to create this magical space and am excited to share it with you!

    Rating

    9.9/10 Excellent
    Based on 24 reviews

    Key Points

    Spontaneous Friendships

    Multiple guests formed meaningful connections that extended beyond surface-level interactions, with several mentioning lasting friendships and deep bonds formed during their stays.

    Community Balance

    Guests consistently praised the balance between social connection and personal space, allowing for both community engagement and independence without pressure.

    Home Feelings

    Several guests described feeling at home and experiencing a sense of belonging that went beyond typical accommodation, with some calling it their second home.

    Extended Stays

    Multiple guests extended their stays or expressed desire to return, indicating deep satisfaction with the community experience. All mentioned durations were 1+ month, with several staying 2-3 months.

    Shared Activities

    Guests engaged in various spontaneous group activities including cooking together, beach walks, board games, and communal dinners, demonstrating organic community building.

    Key Points

    Host Presence

    Steffi is consistently mentioned by name across the vast majority of reviews, with guests praising her authentic presence, care, and dedication to creating a welcoming environment.

    Community Building

    The host actively facilitates community through welcome/goodbye dinners and by bringing people together, while maintaining a balance that allows for organic connections to form.

    Staff Support

    Additional staff member Maral contributes to the community atmosphere with humor and cooking skills, supporting the overall welcoming environment.

    Organic Facilitation

    The host's approach enables spontaneous community dynamics rather than over-managing, allowing residents to organize activities and support each other naturally.

    Key Points

    Multiple Purpose Spaces

    The property offers diverse dedicated spaces for different activities including yoga deck, hammocks, garden areas, office space, and common areas, enabling various types of gatherings and activities.

    Full-House Gatherings

    Regular welcome/goodbye dinners and spontaneous communal meals bring all residents together, with the spaces facilitating these group interactions effectively.

    Space Enthusiasm

    Guests express genuine enthusiasm for the communal spaces, particularly the garden and yoga deck, describing them as magical, otherworldly, and paradisiacal.

    Privacy Balance

    The layout provides both communal gathering spaces and private areas with separate entrances, allowing guests to choose their level of social engagement without feeling isolated or overcrowded.

    Key Points

    Dedicated Workspace

    The property offers a dedicated, comfortable, and fully equipped coworking space along with private desk options in rooms, providing multiple work environment choices.

    Internet Reliability

    Multiple remote workers confirmed the WiFi works well for client work and online meetings, with one minor signal issue in a room that was resolved by working in the main building.

    Call Privacy

    The workspace design includes multiple nooks and areas that provide privacy for taking calls, addressing the needs of remote workers with meeting requirements.

    Work Productivity

    Guests successfully completed work projects and maintained productivity, with the peaceful environment and facilities supporting focused work.

    Key Points

    Kitchen Equipment

    The kitchen is described as having everything needed for cooking from simple to extravagant meals, though specific equipment details are limited in reviews.

    Cooking Together

    Multiple guests engaged in communal cooking activities including shared dinners and BBQs, indicating the kitchen facilitates social cooking experiences.

    Kitchen Cleanliness

    Common areas including the kitchen are maintained in clean and tidy condition, contributing to a pleasant cooking environment.

    Meal Alternatives

    For those who prefer not to cook, there are nearby restaurants within walking distance and a local fish delivery service, providing convenient alternatives.

    Key Points

    Cleanliness Standards

    Multiple guests praised the immaculate cleanliness of rooms and common areas, with consistent maintenance of tidiness throughout the property.

    Furniture Quality

    Rooms are well-appointed with comfortable, thoughtfully chosen furniture that makes guests feel at home, including spacious layouts and quality beds.

    Temperature Comfort

    The property provides adequate heating with a fireplace for cooler evenings, ensuring comfortable living conditions throughout different seasons.

    Privacy Design

    Each of the 5 rooms has private bathrooms and separate entrances, providing good sound separation and personal space without overcrowding.

    Potential Issues

    Pest Incident

    One guest reported finding cockroaches in their room on the first night and left immediately. The owner explained this is an eco-friendly property in a rural setting that doesn't use chemical pesticides, so occasional bugs may appear. No other guests across 22 reviews mentioned pest issues, suggesting this was an isolated incident rather than a recurring problem.

    Key Points

    Bed Comfort

    Guests specifically praised the comfortable beds, with one insomniac reporting improved sleep quality during their stay.

    Peaceful Environment

    The rural setting provides a quiet, peaceful atmosphere conducive to rest, with no mentions of noise disturbances from other rooms or external sources.
    Read all reviews on Google Maps

    Work

    Main workspace
    One room that serves as an office with 2 dedicated work stations (desk with ergonomic chair)
    Alternative workspaces
    Big wooden table in the communal area, covered and open air terraces with tables and chairs, and privacy of your own room

    Equipment

    Ergonomic chairs
    Ergonomic chairs available at the 2 dedicated work stations in the office
    Coffee & tea
    Complimentary tea & coffee provided, fully equipped kitchen for making coffee, kettles available in rooms

    Internet

    Fiber
    100/80 Mbps
    Fast and reliable fiber line internet access smartly distributed with various antennas and routers throughout the whole Finca
    Wi-Fi coverage
    Distributed with various antennas and routers throughout the whole Finca, allowing work from anywhere on the property

    Meals

    Welcome dinnerWhen new residents arrive
    Included
    Communal welcome dinner for new arrivals, prepared by taking turns cooking
    Goodbye dinnerWhen residents depart
    Included
    Communal goodbye dinner for departing residents, organized by the person leaving
    Weekly dinnerAt least once a week
    Included
    Shared meal when there are no arrivals or departures, residents take turns cooking

    Groceries

    Cooking basics (salt, oil, herbs) are provided by the Finca. Local sourcing is encouraged through manifesto promoting buying from local vendors rather than chain stores.

    Nearby vendors

    Supermarket (5min drive)
    Closest supermarket located in Zahara de los Atunes
    Supermarket (20min by bike)
    Closest supermarket located in Zahara de los Atunes, accessible by bicycle
    Small supermarket
    Small store in town, recommended over chain stores for local shopping
    Bakery (nearby)
    Local bread vendor that passes by the Finca front door every Monday
    Fruit & vegetable shop (nearby)
    Local fruit and vegetable vendor that passes by the Finca front door every Wednesday
    Fish monger (nearby)
    Local fish vendor that passes by the Finca front door every Friday

    Organized trips & deliveries

    Shopping trips
    Weekly Finca shopping trips available for residents without cars
    Websiteeco-living.orgGoogle Maps4.7(77)InstagramInstagramWhatsAppWhatsappFacebookFacebookEmailhello@eco-living.org

    Activities

    Yoga

    Morning yoga sessions on the dedicated yoga deck nestled among pine trees, with sunlight filtering through the treetops creating an otherworldly experience. The peaceful platform overlooks sunflower fields and provides the perfect setting to start your day in nature.

    8 mentions in reviews

    Kitesurfing

    Kitesurfing lessons and practice on the nearby Costa de la Luz beaches, particularly at Punta Paloma, Valdevaqueros, and Los Lances. The area offers excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced kiters.

    2 mentions in reviews

    Wingfoiling

    Modern water sport combining elements of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, practiced at the nearby beaches of Punta Paloma, Valdevaqueros, and Los Lances with excellent wind conditions.

    Surfing

    Surfing on Spain's pristine sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, with shared surf sessions among community members and access to some of the best beaches in Europe just 7 minutes away.

    2 mentions in reviews

    Permaculture Gardening

    Hands-on experience with sustainable vegetable gardening and permaculture principles in the finca's own garden. Guests can pick fresh vegetables and herbs, and learn about eco-friendly growing methods from the host who creates her own natural fertilizing products.

    4 mentions in reviews

    Cycling

    Mountain biking and cycling through the 3 surrounding National Parks and along the coast. Guests enjoy epic 36km round trips along compact sandy beaches to Barbate and Las Breñas Natural Park, with bikes available for exploring the area.

    4 mentions in reviews

    National Parks Exploration

    Exploring the 3 surrounding National Parks including the amazing Breña y Marismas Natural Park, with hiking trails, cliff views, and diverse natural landscapes. The host provides excellent tips for discovering these protected areas.

    3 mentions in reviews

    Beach Discovery

    Discovering endless sandy beaches along the Costa de la Luz coastline, including wild beautiful beaches perfect for running and swimming. Zahara beach is just 7 minutes away and offers some of the best coastal experiences in Europe.

    8 mentions in reviews

    Rooms

    Double Room

    Double bed
    Up to 2 guests
    Private bathroom

    Private rooms that can accommodate double occupancy. All rooms have their own entrance directly from the garden and an ensuite bathroom. Room configurations include double bed, two single beds, or single bed and sofabed options. Each room is uniquely decorated with restored 2nd hand furniture, upcycled rugs and throws, and handcrafted decor from local artists. Includes table, chair, wardrobe, fan, hair dryer, and kettle.

    Availability

    Location

    La Zarzuela Nº 38, 11393 La Zarzuela – Tarifa, Spain

    Nestled in the idyllic village of La Zarzuela, Finca la Palmera sits on a 2800m² plot featuring a reformed 200-year-old farmhouse surrounded by a beautiful garden with 10 palm trees and lush vegetation. The property is located in the Province of Cádiz, at the most southern point of mainland Europe.

    Surrounded by 3 National Parks, the area offers stunning natural beauty with endless sandy beaches just 4km away on the Costa de la Luz. The landscape features white Andalusian villages, Roman ruins, and views of Africa across the strait. The perpetual mild climate keeps the surroundings green and adorned with blossoms throughout the year.

    Getting Around

    Limited walkability
    3 restaurants within walking distance, 40-minute walk to beach, basic necessities available locally
    Reviews: Guests mention walking to nearby restaurants and enjoying walks around the countryside pastures with Milo the dog. Some walked to Zahara beach or hitchhiked when needed.
    Basic bicycles
    2 basic bicycles provided by the Finca for guest use
    Destinations: Beach (20min cycle), Zahara de los Atunes supermarket (20min cycle), surrounding countryside and villages
    Reviews: Guests found bikes sufficient for reaching the beach and local areas. One guest cycled 36km to Barbate and Las Breñas Natural Park along sandy beach sections.
    Car rental
    Rent at airport or arrange locally - highly recommended by Finca for area exploration
    Destinations: Beach (5min), Zahara de los Atunes (5min), Barbate (15min), Tarifa (30min), Vejer de la Frontera (30min), Cádiz (1h), 3 National Parks, white Andalusian villages, surfing/kiting spots
    Reviews: Guests highly recommend having a car for exploring beaches and towns. Those with cars appreciated the 7-minute drive to Zahara beach and easy access to surrounding areas.
    Bus service
    Good bus connections from both Tahivilla and Zahara bus stops, accessible by bike or hitchhiking
    Destinations: Regional connections to larger towns and cities
    Reviews: Guests without cars found the bus system workable, with good connections from Tahivilla and Zahara stops. Getting to bus stops requires biking or hitchhiking but is manageable.
    Parking available
    Parking available for guests arriving by car, located on the 2800m² property

    Getting There

    How to get to Finca La Palmera from the nearest transportation hubs:

    Jerez de la Frontera Airport

    1. Take a train to PUERTO REAL from Jerez de la Frontera
    2. From Puerto Real, take a bus to TAHIVILLA (closest bus stop to Finca, 10km away)
    3. Contact Finca for pickup from TAHIVILLA or take taxi (12min drive, ~€15)

    Bus tickets and info available at TG Comes. Finca offers pickup service from TAHIVILLA - advance notice required.

    1. Rent a car at Jerez Airport
    2. Drive directly to Finca la Palmera using navigation

    Recommended option for exploring the area. Car rental available at airport.

    Gibraltar Airport

    1. Cross the border by foot to Spanish town LA LINEA (10min walk)
    2. Take a bus to TAHIVILLA from La Linea
    3. Contact Finca for pickup from TAHIVILLA or take taxi (12min drive, ~€15)

    Bus tickets and info available at TG Comes. Finca offers pickup service from TAHIVILLA - advance notice required.

    1. Rent a car at Gibraltar Airport
    2. Drive directly to Finca la Palmera using navigation

    Recommended option for exploring the area. Car rental available at airport.

    Sevilla Airport

    1. Take a direct bus to TAHIVILLA from Sevilla
    2. Contact Finca for pickup from TAHIVILLA or take taxi (12min drive, ~€15)

    Bus tickets and info available at TG Comes. Finca offers pickup service from TAHIVILLA - advance notice required.

    1. Rent a car at Sevilla Airport
    2. Drive directly to Finca la Palmera using navigation

    Recommended option for exploring the area. Car rental available at airport.

    Málaga Airport

    1. Take a bus to ALGECIRAS from Málaga
    2. From Algeciras, take a bus to TAHIVILLA
    3. Contact Finca for pickup from TAHIVILLA or take taxi (12min drive, ~€15)

    First bus tickets at AVANZABUS, second bus tickets at TG Comes. Finca offers pickup service from TAHIVILLA - advance notice required.

    1. Rent a car at Málaga Airport
    2. Drive directly to Finca la Palmera using navigation

    Recommended option for exploring the area. Car rental available at airport.

    Policies

    Stay restrictions

    30 nights minimum

    Guest restrictions

    Pets may be allowed

    Resident border collie mix named Milo lives at the Finca. Other dogs not accepted to respect Milo's space. Other pets may be considered on case-by-case basis.

    Payment & cancellation policy

    Booking

    Prepayment (full)

    Full payment required at booking for confirmation

    30+ days
    before check-in

    Full refund (minus fees)

    Full refund minus 50€ admin fee for cancellations 30+ days before arrival

    14+ days
    before check-in

    Partial refund

    50% refund for cancellations 14-29 days before arrival

    Less than 14 days
    before check-in

    No refund

    No refund for cancellations less than 14 days before arrival

    Check-in

    Frequently Asked Questions

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