Last November, in an attempt to escape the cold in Madrid, I decided to take a break in the Costa de la Luz, where the sun shines almost all year round and life seems to move at a different pace. My destination was Eco-living Finca la Palmera, an ecoliving located in the peaceful village of La Zarzuela, within the Tarifa district, just 4 km from some of the most spectacular beaches in southern Spain. From the moment I set foot on the finca, I knew this trip would be special.

Characteristics of the Finca

The finca, with over 200 years of history, has been carefully renovated to become a sustainable and community-driven oasis spanning 2800 m², where nature and conscious living take center stage. The accommodation consists of six private rooms, each with its own bathroom and direct access to the garden.

Every room is uniquely decorated, blending restored furniture with handcrafted details from local artists. The main house preserves its rustic charm, with wooden beam ceilings, whitewashed walls, and a warm, cozy atmosphere.

The common spaces are truly special. From the fully equipped kitchen, where colivers gathered daily to cook and share meals, to the living room with a fireplace, which became our refuge on cooler nights while we played board games.

There is also a Moroccan-inspired chill-out room, perfect for relaxing, reading, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in good company.

Outside, the finca features a lush palm garden, fruit trees, and colorful flowers. The yoga platform among pine trees was one of my favorite spots—a place where every morning, some colivers practiced meditation or stretching at sunrise.

Community

One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the community. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed with a dinner, a finca tradition that helps new guests feel at home from day one. During my stay, I took part in skill shares, where each coliver shares their knowledge with the group. I learned about nutrition with Adriana, while I contributed with a salsa and bachata workshop, which turned into a fun night of dancing.

The experiences went far beyond the finca. Throughout my month-long stay, we explored the surroundings with activities like hiking through the mountains, cycling routes, and rock climbing on Tarifa’s breathtaking cliffs.

The nearby beaches were the perfect spot for surfing, swimming, or simply taking a sunset stroll. Milo, the finca’s dog, was always by our side on our adventures, becoming an inseparable companion for our excursions.

One detail I loved was the weekly visit of a truck loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, which stopped right at the finca’s entrance, offering us local produce. The region is particularly famous for its bluefin tuna, which I had the chance to try at some of the restaurants in nearby towns, such as Zahara de los Atunes and Vejer de la Frontera. The local gastronomy was undoubtedly one of the greatest pleasures of the trip.

Another unforgettable experience was cooking my first-ever paella. With the help of other colivers, I took on the challenge of preparing this iconic Spanish dish. Although I had my doubts about how it would turn out, I must say—it wasn’t bad at all! Sharing it together on the terrace, with a glass of wine and lively conversation, made the moment even more special.

Social Media

I also took advantage of my stay to document everything on social media, creating a series of reels to share the magic of this place:

• Reel 1

• Reel 2

• Reel 3

• Reel 4

• Reel 5

Additionally, through Colivers Club, we interviewed Stefi, the founder of Eco-living, to learn more about her vision and the purpose behind this incredible place. We will be publishing the episode very soon, but in the meantime, you can listen to a previous interview here.

Conclusion

Eco-living Finca la Palmera offered me more than just a winter escape. It allowed me to slow down, reconnect with myself, and be part of a vibrant and conscious community. If you’re looking for a place to work remotely, enjoy nature, and share meaningful moments with like-minded people from around the world, this is the perfect spot.

If you’re thinking about visiting, you can book through Mapmelon and use my code CESAR60 for a discount. See you in Tarifa!