Camino Art House
Authentic slow travelling in Gran Canaria
Colorful flowers, majestic trees, and historical buildings line the streets as you drive through Gran Canaria’s north. At every corner, stories are yearning to be told, and memories are waiting to be made. With mystical forests in the north and luxuriant beaches in the south, it is an island so diverse that planning your adventure may seem like an overwhelming task. This is a familiar feeling for many & this is why more and more sustainable-minded travelers have been engaging in an alternative holiday experience called “slow travel”.
Slow travel is an approach to travel that emphasizes connection: to local people, cultures, food, and music. It relies on the idea that a trip is meant to educate and have an emotional impact, in the present moment and on the future, while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment. This concept of Contemporary Alternative Travel emerged in the early 70s, in reaction to the negative economic, environmental, and social effects of mass tourism, accused of being unsustainable, inauthentic, and superficial. If you want to truly step out into the unknown and leave all our familiar routines at the front door – slow traveling is just the thing for you.
The crisp mountain air battles the warmth of the eternal spring sun as we ring Camino Art House’s doorbell. We are immediately greeted by Dublin, Camino’s friendly resident dog, who wiggles his tail in anticipation of new guests arriving. As our eyes wander around the eclectic mix of unique art and stunning scenery one of the volunteers explains:
Camino Art House is the perfect place to fully disconnect. The house, which is lovingly called Casa Mireles after its original owners, was built almost 90 years ago. The vast land is almost made for hiding away or escaping from regular life. You can spend hours wandering around in the valley, listening to the birds, thinking, creating, or having a conversation with others.
What makes Camino Art House such a unique holiday experience?
Camino Art House’s energy invites you to slow down and shift from a busy mind to a simple life. Surrounded by green hills, Camino blends into the landscape so delicately that it truly is a hidden gem in the north of Gran Canaria. We often find ourselves trying to prove that sustainable traveling does not mean one has to forsake the luxuries of the modern-day. However, sometimes leaving everything behind and embracing minimalism can be truly liberating.
In line with the alternative travel philosophy, Camino Art House turned two of the natural caves on the land into adventurous means of accommodation. The bohemian rooms do not have electricity but carefully curated fairy lights, candles, and artworks make it cozy and comfortable. You can start your day with a refreshing shower at the “outdoor spa” – an open-air shower overlooking the Vega de San Mateo mountains.
For less adventurous travelers, Camino Art House also offers cozy private rooms or dorm-style accommodation. The true highlight of the Art House, however, is the art corridor. The walls of the walkway are lined with countless creations of different artists who have visited Camino Art House. You can support the artists directly by buying pieces in the small art shop and bringing them back with you as a unique souvenirs.
Comino Art House is an outstanding example of genuine hospitality. Bea and her team work hard to create a familiar atmosphere and calming energy in this place. For example, Camino Art House offers its guests to join the volunteers for a vegan or vegetarian “family dinner”.
How is Camino Art House embodying sustainability?
Embracing mindful living practices also means taking care of the environment around us. For this reason, you can find many playful reminders of how to minimize your impact during your stay spread around the whole house:
- Recycle water: Camino Art house reuses greywater for handwashing and flushing the toilet.
- Second-hand clothing: You can recycle your clothes and shoes at Camino’s very own hand closet.
- Natural cleaning products: At Camino Art House you can wash your laundry with natural soap and they use cleaning alternatives like sodium and vinegar – they get the job done just as well and are better for the environment.
- Minimize your rubbish: Camino Art House does not use trash bags and they are trying to produce as little trash as possible. You will receive a 100% compostable bag & you will need to take care of your own rubbish.
- Zero-Kilometre-Food: The Camino herb and vegetable garden allow the personnel to spoil guests with family meals made from ingredients grown in their backyard or bought at the eco market just across the street.
