Lanzarote, the easternmost gem of the Canary Islands, offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural experiences that make it an ideal destination for a family holiday. With its year-round mild climate and diverse attractions, this Spanish island provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with loved ones of all ages. From exploring otherworldly lava fields to lounging on golden sands, Lanzarote caters to a wide range of interests and ensures an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Navigating lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscape
The island’s dramatic terrain, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, offers a fascinating playground for families to explore. Lanzarote’s lunar-like scenery provides an excellent opportunity to spark children’s curiosity about geology and natural history while enjoying breathtaking views and unique experiences.
Timanfaya national park: exploring the fire mountains
At the heart of Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders lies Timanfaya National Park, a must-visit destination for any family trip. The park’s otherworldly landscape, often referred to as the “Fire Mountains,” showcases the raw power of nature. Visitors can embark on guided bus tours that wind through the park’s most spectacular formations, offering panoramic views of the russet-coloured peaks and vast lava fields.
One of the highlights for children is the geothermal demonstrations at the park’s visitor centre. Here, park rangers demonstrate the intense heat just below the surface by pouring water into boreholes, resulting in impressive geysers of steam. This hands-on experience brings science to life and captivates young minds.
The landscapes of Timanfaya are so unique, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto another planet. It’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with your family long after you’ve returned home.
Cueva de los verdes: underground lava tube adventures
For families seeking a more immersive volcanic experience, the Cueva de los Verdes offers an exciting journey into the island’s subterranean world. This extensive lava tube system, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, stretches for over six kilometres. Guided tours take visitors through a one-kilometre section of the cave, revealing stunning rock formations, vibrant colours, and intriguing geological features.
The cave’s low ceilings and narrow passages create an atmosphere of adventure that children particularly enjoy. As you navigate through the dimly lit tunnels, guides share fascinating stories about the cave’s history, including its use as a hideout for locals during pirate attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Jameos del agua: césar manrique’s subterranean masterpiece
No family trip to Lanzarote is complete without visiting Jameos del Agua, a stunning example of how art and nature can harmoniously coexist. This unique attraction, created by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique, transforms part of the same lava tube system as Cueva de los Verdes into a mesmerizing blend of natural wonder and architectural brilliance.
The centrepiece of Jameos del Agua is a crystal-clear underground lagoon home to a species of blind albino crabs found nowhere else on Earth. Children are often captivated by these tiny white creatures scuttling across the dark volcanic rocks. The complex also features beautiful gardens, a striking blue pool (for viewing only), and a concert hall with exceptional acoustics, offering a multifaceted experience that appeals to all ages.
Family-friendly beaches and water activities
While Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is undoubtedly a major draw, the island’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect complement for a well-rounded family vacation. From bustling resort beaches to secluded coves, there’s a coastal spot to suit every family’s preferences.
Playa blanca: safe swimming and resort amenities
Located on the southern tip of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a favourite among families for its calm waters and golden sand beaches. The main beach, also called Playa Blanca, offers gentle slopes into the sea, making it ideal for young children to paddle and swim safely. The promenade behind the beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing easy access to amenities and refreshments throughout the day.
For families staying in Playa Blanca, the nearby Marina Rubicón offers additional entertainment options, including mini-golf and a weekly market where you can browse local crafts and produce. The marina is also the departure point for boat trips to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura, which can make for an exciting day excursion.
Papagayo beaches: secluded coves for snorkelling
For families with older children or those seeking a more natural beach experience, the Papagayo Beaches in the south of Lanzarote are a true paradise. This series of small coves, protected by high cliffs, offers some of the clearest waters on the island, perfect for snorkelling and exploring marine life.
While the beaches are less developed than those in resort areas, their unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere make them well worth the visit. Pack a picnic, bring plenty of water, and spend a day hopping between the different coves. The crystal-clear waters reveal an underwater world teeming with colourful fish, making it an excellent spot for children to discover the joys of snorkelling.
Puerto del carmen: water parks and submarine safaris
Puerto del Carmen, one of Lanzarote’s most popular resort towns, offers a wide range of water-based activities suitable for families. The town’s main beach, Playa Grande, stretches for kilometres and is well-equipped with sunbeds, parasols, and water sports facilities. For a unique family adventure, consider booking a submarine safari from the old town harbour, allowing you to explore the underwater world without getting wet.
Families with water-loving children will also appreciate the Aqualava Waterpark in nearby Playa Blanca. This volcanic-themed water park features slides, pools, and play areas suitable for different age groups, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family. The park’s use of seawater and solar heating aligns with Lanzarote’s commitment to sustainability, offering an eco-friendly entertainment option.
Cultural immersion and artistic experiences
Lanzarote’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene provide ample opportunities for families to engage with local traditions and contemporary creativity. From exploring the legacy of César Manrique to experiencing traditional markets, the island offers a wealth of experiences that can broaden children’s horizons and create lasting memories.
César manrique foundation: interactive art for all ages
The César Manrique Foundation, housed in the artist’s former home, is a testament to Lanzarote’s unique blend of art and nature. Built within five volcanic bubbles, the house itself is a work of art that fascinates visitors of all ages. Children are often amazed by the innovative use of space and the integration of natural volcanic features into the living areas.
The foundation offers interactive tours and workshops designed specifically for families, allowing children to engage with Manrique’s artistic concepts in a hands-on manner. These activities not only foster creativity but also help young visitors understand the importance of harmonizing human habitation with the natural environment, a principle central to Manrique’s work and Lanzarote’s development.
La geria wine region: vineyard tours and tastings
While wine tasting might not seem like an obvious family activity, a visit to La Geria wine region can be an educational and enjoyable experience for all ages. The unique cultivation method used in this volcanic landscape, where vines are planted in individual pits surrounded by semi-circular stone walls, creates a striking visual spectacle that intrigues both adults and children.
Many wineries in the area offer family-friendly tours that focus on the cultivation process, the history of winemaking on the island, and the challenges of growing grapes in this unusual terrain. While parents can enjoy wine tastings, children can often sample local grape juice and learn about the importance of agriculture in Lanzarote’s culture and economy.
Teguise sunday market: traditional crafts and local flavours
For a vibrant immersion into local culture, plan a visit to the Sunday market in the historic town of Teguise. This weekly event transforms the town’s picturesque streets into a bustling marketplace filled with stalls selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs to local delicacies.
Children can watch artisans at work, try traditional Canarian foods, and perhaps even pick up a unique memento of their trip. The market also often features live music and dance performances, providing entertainment for the whole family. After exploring the market, take time to wander through Teguise’s charming streets and visit its historic buildings, including the 15th-century Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
Eco-tourism and sustainable family adventures
Lanzarote’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation offers families the opportunity to enjoy eco-friendly activities while learning about the importance of protecting natural resources. The island’s unique ecosystems and innovative approaches to sustainability provide valuable lessons in environmental stewardship for visitors of all ages.
Charco de los clicos: green lagoon ecosystem exploration
The Charco de los Clicos, also known as the Green Lagoon, is a striking natural phenomenon that captivates visitors with its vivid emerald colour. Located within a volcanic crater in El Golfo, this small lake gets its distinctive hue from algae that thrive in its unique ecosystem. The contrast between the green water, black sand beach, and red and ochre cliffs creates a spectacular visual display.
Families can take a short hike to the viewpoint overlooking the lagoon, learning about the geological forces that shaped this landscape and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The nearby black sand beach offers an opportunity for children to examine volcanic minerals up close and perhaps spot some of the unique flora adapted to this harsh environment.
Aloe vera museum: learning lanzarote’s natural remedies
Lanzarote’s climate is ideal for growing aloe vera, and the plant has been cultivated on the island for centuries. The Aloe Vera Museum in Punta Mujeres offers an interactive experience where families can learn about the history, cultivation, and uses of this versatile plant.
Guided tours of the museum and adjacent aloe vera plantations provide insights into sustainable farming practices and the plant’s importance in local culture. Children can participate in hands-on activities, such as extracting gel from aloe leaves, and learn about the plant’s healing properties. The museum also offers workshops on making natural cosmetics, which can be a fun and educational activity for older children and teenagers.
Jardín de cactus: discovering unique desert flora
The Jardín de Cactus, another masterpiece by César Manrique, is a celebration of desert flora that showcases over 1,100 species of cacti and succulents from around the world. This beautifully designed garden, set in an old quarry, demonstrates how barren landscapes can be transformed into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems.
For families, the garden offers a fascinating exploration of plant adaptation and biodiversity. Children can learn about how cacti survive in harsh desert environments and discover the wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours these plants can take. The garden also features a restored windmill, providing insight into traditional water management techniques on the island.
The Jardín de Cactus is not just a garden; it’s a living museum that teaches us about resilience and adaptation in nature. It’s a place where children can develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of plant life.
Accommodation strategies for Multi-Generational travel
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all family members, especially when traveling with multiple generations. Lanzarote offers a diverse range of options to suit different preferences and needs, from all-inclusive resorts to private villas.
Costa teguise: All-Inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs
Costa Teguise, located on the eastern coast of Lanzarote, is known for its family-friendly resorts and gentle beaches. Many all-inclusive hotels in this area offer extensive facilities for children, including kids’ clubs, dedicated pools, and organised activities. These resorts can be an excellent choice for families looking for a hassle-free vacation where meals, entertainment, and childcare are readily available.
The Sands Beach Resort in Costa Teguise, for example, features a range of accommodation options, from standard rooms to private villas, catering to different family sizes and preferences. With multiple pools, a kids’ club, and direct beach access, it provides a comfortable base for exploring the island while ensuring plenty of on-site entertainment for children.
Playa blanca: villa rentals for extended family groups
For larger family groups or those preferring more privacy and space, renting a villa in Playa Blanca can be an ideal solution. This southern resort town offers a wide selection of private villas, many with their own pools, gardens, and stunning sea views. Choosing a villa allows families to enjoy meals together, have more flexible schedules, and create a home-away-from-home atmosphere.
Areas like Faro Park and Montana Roja in Playa Blanca are particularly popular for villa rentals, offering a quieter environment while still being within easy reach of beaches, restaurants, and attractions. Many villas come equipped with amenities such as barbecue areas, games rooms, and even small play areas, making them perfect for multi-generational groups.
Puerto calero: luxury marina apartments for upscale stays
For families seeking a more upscale experience, the marina development of Puerto Calero offers luxurious apartments and hotels in a sophisticated setting. This exclusive area, known for its high-end shops and restaurants, provides a tranquil environment away from the busier tourist centres.
Accommodations in Puerto Calero often feature spacious layouts, modern amenities, and beautiful views over the marina or the Atlantic Ocean. While the area doesn’t have its own beach, it’s well-connected to nearby attractions and offers a range of activities, including boat trips and water sports, that can appeal to both adults and older children.
When choosing accommodation in Lanzarote, consider factors such as proximity to beaches and attractions, on-site facilities, and the level of privacy and space required for your family group. By carefully selecting a base that meets everyone’s needs, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay that enhances your overall family vacation experience on this captivating island.