Lanzarote has everything you could wish for a family holiday in the sun, from relaxation on the stunning beaches, to unique architecture and culture – you will find something to entertain the whole family. As well as volcanoes and beaches to explore, adults and children alike will love the wildlife displays and evening shows at the main theme park on the island.
For Mum/Grandma
Bodegas Stratvs- Yaiza
Lanzarote has a long history of wine making, but this winery has boosted the reputation of Canarian wine. In stunning surroundings and beautiful buildings, you can sample some of the wines produced in this technologically advanced process. The vineyards provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day, and with two lovely restaurants on site you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here.
Rubicon Marina-Playa Blanca
Visit this modern marina on a Wednesday or Sunday for the markets and enjoy a morning coffee, lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants or bars. There is a great selection, offering traditional Spanish cuisine as well as many others. There are some excellent shops here as well as the market, perfect for a browse before enjoying a meal overlooking the stunning boats and yachts that are moored in the marina.
For Dad/Granddad
Fundacion Cesar Manrique- Arrecife
This incredible building was the house of the famous Lanzarote architect, who was responsible for ensuring that Lanzarote did not become built up with sky-scraping hotels. Created from a series of volcanic lava bubbles, this cave like building is beautifully designed, each with its own theme. Water fountains and trees growing within the building, through different levels make this house fun to explore for all the family.
Jardin de Cactus- Teguise
Another Manrique creation, this pretty garden is home to over 10,000 types of cactus. Built from an old abandoned quarry, the area has been transformed into a garden made to be enjoyed. Children will love the fact that the cochineal beetle lives here, which the natural red comes from. It has a small café and souvenir shop, great for presents for school friends back home.
For the children
Rancho Texas Park- Puerto del Carmen
For a fantastic all round day trip on your holidays to Lanzarote, a trip to this wildlife park meets Wild West theme park. During the day, dolphin and sea lion shows are always popular, as are the parrot and birds of prey displays, which feature tricks and low level flying.
Most hotels on the island organise excursions here, and as well as being a fun day out, the evening entertainment will ensure your trip here is unforgettable. Stage shows with a Wild West theme, BBQ dinners and Can-Can dancing will have the children talking about it months to come. The food is reasonably priced and the staff are all in full costume, creating a really friendly and lively atmosphere.
For all the Family
Mirador del Rio- Haria
This view point in the north of the island provides some of the best views of Lanzarote from the custom built observatory, with floor to ceiling windows built into the rock face. With views over Lanzarote and neighbouring La Graciosa, and can be visited along with Jameos del Agua, a series of gardens and caves also created by Manrique. Children will love looking over the edge of the observatory and feeling like they are at the very top of the island.
Timanfaya National Park-El Golfo
This is an unmissable excursion on a Lanzarote holiday. Explore the volcanic landscape in the guided coach tours (you cannot explore on foot as the ground is still too hot!), and see the displays of shooting steam when water is poured into holes in the ground. For the more adventurous it is possible to explore the volcanoes on camel. The restaurant here also plays on the volcanic theme, with a grill that uses the heat from the ground to cook the meats on offer.
Beaches
Last, but not least, Lanzarote beaches boast long stretches of golden and volcanic sand, perfect for soaking up the long hours of sunshine. The waters on the sand beaches are generally calm and crystal clear, perfect for paddling and snorkelling. Some of the beaches are more exposed to the wind, making them a surfer’s paradise, giving Lanzarote its name of the European Hawaii.
Top Three Family Hotels in Lanzarote
· Aparthotel Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens – Costa Teguise
Stay here if you want to be close to the beach and resort centre, it is just a 10 minute walk to the main shops, restaurants and bars.
· Hotel Blue Sea Los Fiscos– Puerto del Carmen
Stay here for excellent children’s facilities – it has a children’s pool, playground, mini club and discos in the evening.
· Aparthotel Cay Beach Sun– Playa Blanca
Stay here for the excellent indoor and outdoor pools.
Safety Tips:
· Be aware of some of the scams that go on in the tourist areas of Lanzarote, these include scratch cards that will show you have won, but involve you paying out money.
· Also restaurateurs will try and convince you into eating in their restaurants, do not feel pressured into going somewhere you do not want to, say a firm ‘no’ and just keep walking.
· Remember that even though the wind may make it feel cool, the sun in Lanzarote in the summer months is strong and you will still need to wear sun cream.
Author: Emma is a destination marketer for the Canary Islands and regularly writes articles about the islands best bits for lowcostholidays.com. She specializes in family holidays and travelling with children.
