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In May this year we went on our first family holiday to Lanzarote, staying in Costa de Tiguise. There are so many things to do with kids in Lanzarote we'll definitely be going back in a couple of years. At only 3.5 hours from Bristol Airport we thought it was nice and close given Baby B, was 11 months and not very keen on sitting still. Or being quiet. Or potentially napping. We were in absolute need of relaxing, and didn't plan too much. We did wander around Costa Tiguise every morning and it was a really nice little place. The beaches were quiet, and never too bustling. What we didn't do, and would love to in the future is visit the volcanos and see a bit more of the island. We thought we'd done quite well with B sitting for 25 minutes on the bus on my lap, and didn't think it wise to do any coach trips. Anyway, there were loads of things we could to do with kids in Lanzarote next time we go. Along with Holiday Gem's website ( holidaygems.co.uk - which has holiday deals and destination info) I've popped a few places we'd visit if we went back in a few years, including a few favourites hubby visited before...
Amazing volcanos
- Visit Timanfaya National Park
A barren terrain created following volcanic eruptions. The last eruption occurred in 1824, however, volcanic activity still continues on a smaller scale. the ground is very hot, and leads to rare plant species and moon-like terrain which are known to be a must-see during holidays to Lanzarote. You can also take a ride on a camel up the volcano and explore the Fire Region area.
- Cueva de los Verdes
To the north of the island is another impressive volcanic-formed landscape, different as it lies beneath the ground. The Cueva de los Verdes (Green Caves) span nearly 6km. Visit the beautiful rock formations and an open space which is often used to hosts concerts.
- El Diablo - eat food cooked by the volcano
At El Diablo, in Timanfaya National Park, you can have food cooked using geothermal heat from the volcano. This sounds a very surreal experience, an experience unique to Lanzarote - sitting eating food cooked using geothermal heat from the volcano while looking at a moon type landscape created between 1731 and 1736 by huge volcanic eruptions. Visiting at sunset sounds incredible, and also such a memorable way to try traditional Canarian food.
Wildlife
- Rancho Texas, Puerto del Carmen
Of course kids of all ages love animals, so a visit to Rancho Texas would suit all the family. It's a huge park - - including an animal park including white tigers, with birds of prey, dolphin and sea lion shows, cowboy lasso displays, a gold Mine, canoeing, pony rides and splash zone including swimming pools, slides and water features.
- Camel rides
At Timanfaya National Park, camels await to take you on a trip across the sand dunes and the barren volcanic landscape. A must do, as it's something quite unique to Lanzarote.
- The Aquarium in Costa Tiguise
Perfect for a cooler day, if they really exist, is a visit to the Aquarium in Costa Tiguise. Many marine species feature, along with touch tanks and a shark viewing tunnel.
Waterpark
- Aqua Lava water park, Playa Blanca
Visit Aqua Lava water park in Playa Blanca to keep cool in the heat and have fun on the water slides, the lazy river, or the wave pool. There are also kids' play structures.
- El Rancho water park
Included in the El Rancho animal park (mentioned above), El Rancho water park has pools, slides, and water features to keep everyone cool.
Pirate Museum, Costa Tiguise
Located in Santa Bárbara castle perched on the top of mount Guanapay in Cost Tiguise, the pirate museum showcases pirates such as Frances Drake and also exhibits weapons used by pirates. It might seem odd museum to have in Lanzarote, however, Lanzarote was very popular with many pirate attacks during the 15th, 16th and 17th century's as many ships travelling to and from the Americas would stop to stock up on food and drinking water.
The beach - sandcastles galore
Of course if you're choosing a family holiday in Lanzarote, you're there for the sun, the beaches and most likely to relax too.
Lanzarote is full of pristine beaches and warm waters, not just a few beaches, but 93 beaches, along with rugged coastline to explore (and photograph). The variety of beaches, almost every type imaginable from bleached white sands, to black volcanic sands to soft golden sands, provide a relaxing fun filled family holiday, as well as backdrops to yet more stunning photographs.
Some is Lanzarote's beaches I've read about include Famara on the northwest, Papagayo on the southern tip, Las Conchas in the north, Caletón Blanco on the northeast and Playa Quemada on the southeast.
We loved Costa Tiguise:
Watersports
Being all about the beaches Lanzarote obviously offers every type of water sport going from Jetboad rides, parascending, jetski rental, jetski safaris, banana ski bus and Flyboard. Places like the watersport centre in Puerto del Carmen offer it all. I'd have loved this as a teenager, my sister and I loved the banana boats in France.
And of course, in a foreign country, discovering different cultures is something you really shouldn't avoid. Kids will find it fascinating and new exciting foods to discover...
Lanzarote's Culture
However, like with any foreign country, no matter how many British tourists descended every year, the local culture still exists. Lanzarote hosts several festivals through the eat where you can try local delicacies
Lanzarote's Festivals
End May/June - Corpus Christi Festival
This festival is celebrated across the island - locals begin the construction of true masterpieces - vast carpets of dyed sea salt, coming from the Salinas de Janubio, embellish streets and squares with lively colours and pretty designs. This sounds incredible to see.
June - San Juan Festivals
Celebrated on the 23rd to the 24th of June when huge bonfires are traditionally lit all over the island and corncobs are roasted. There are also folk music and dance.
June - Lanzarote Wine Run and Traditional Cuisine Festival
For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample several different local delicacies, head to the island during the Lanzarote Wine Run and Traditional Cuisine Festival. The festival combines a half-marathon through the country's wine region and a showcase of local restaurants' and wineries' best offerings.
July - Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Second fortnight of July - lots of celebrations in Tiguise (former capital) along to Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca which involve an image of the Virgin being carried in a boat along the coast, accompanied by many decorated fishing boats which set out to sea filled with fishermen praying for a good catch in the year to come.
The fiestas of the Virgen del Carmen also feature many traditional activities, such as lucha canaria (Canarian wrestling), typical folklore performances, street parties and artisan fairs.
August - San Ginés Festival
A large gathering in the island's capital city of Arrecife for the San Ginés festival which honours the patron saint.
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Obviously these are just a few of the things to do with kids in Lanzarote, and I think you'd struggle to fit them all into one holiday. Next time, we're definitely visiting the volcanos in Timifaya and El Diablo restaurant!
Do you have any suggestions to add?If you like this post I'd appreciate a pin over on Pinterest 😀 ⤵️