Date of publication 23/08/2019

Travel with kids Lanzarote with the whole family

Volcanoes and beaches to keep the kids happy

There’s no video game, TV universe, Disney movie, or anything in children’s fiction that compares to Lanzarote. And that’s the number one reason to choose this volcanic island for your next family vacation. Because what do today’s kids need most? Novelty, freshness, new experiences, and at the same time, responsibility. Since this place embraced sustainable tourism decades ago, children can enjoy imaginative and unique spaces like the Cactus Garden (pictured). And there are many more impeccable family-friendly plans like this.

<h2>The world of Manrique</h2>

<p>Both the Cactus Garden and <strong>Jameos del Agua</strong> are creations that the local artist and architect <strong>César Manrique</strong> left to his native island. Visiting them is like going beyond the screen to an interactive universe, where kids are amazed by the contrast and creativity bursting from each site. <strong>In the lava tubes</strong>, children can find <strong><em>jameítos</em></strong> (an endemic species of squat lobster), curious creatures that are one of a kind in the world. They’ll surprise you with their nearly fluorescent pale color while they scuttle through these unique caves.</p>

The universe of Manrique

Both the Cactus Garden and the Jameos del Agua are two of the creations left behind by Lanzarote’s artist and architect César Manrique. Visiting them is like moving from one screen to another, from one interactive universe where the youngest ones are amazed and enjoy the contrasts and creativity that each place exudes. In the volcanic tube, children can find the jameítos, unique crabs in the world that astonish with their almost fluorescent color as they stroll through this remarkable cavity.

Welcome to Mars

Timanfaya is undoubtedly the island's main attraction for all ages. First, because its landscapes are capable of mesmerizing anyone’s eye with their otherworldly appearance. Second, because the way to explore them—whether by bus with a guide or on the back of a camel—is both entertaining and educational. And third, because at the visitor center, the water-spouting fumaroles and the natural ovens where all kinds of meat are cooked using geothermal heat are truly spectacular.

Is it a hotel or a water park?

There’s no better hotel on the island for both kids and adults to enjoy than Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park. All its facilities are designed so that the youngest don’t see this resort as just a hotel, but as a universe of emotions. The cherry on top is its brand new water park, a collection of slides of all shapes and sizes so that both the adventurous and the cautious can spend their holiday submerged in fun. Add to that Star Camp, an activity program for all ages that promotes meaningful entertainment and helps kids grow in values such as responsibility, diversity, and environmental awareness. You couldn’t ask for more.

<h2>A pirate’s life for me?</h2>

<p>Pirate stories have played a part in children’s imaginations for decades. But do kids really know <strong>the origins of Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow?</strong> If the answer is no, that can be fixed at the <strong>Castle of Santa Bárbara</strong> in Teguise, a fortress built to thwart the attacks of these fierce sailors. Today it houses a museum offering fun and education in equal measure. Here kids can learn about Ali Romero and Francis Drake, savage sea bandits who are closely linked to the Canary Islands. And no… <strong>they didn’t wear eye patches or carry talking parrots on their shoulders. </strong></p>

Is pirate life the best life?

Pirate stories have been part of every child’s imagination for decades. But do kids really know the origin of Captain Hook or Jack Sparrow? To solve this mystery, there’s the Santa Bárbara Castle in Teguise, a fortress built to fend off attacks from these fierce sailors, which today houses a museum that both entertains and educates. Here, the little ones will learn about Ali Romero or Francis Drake, fierce sea bandits with strong ties to the Canary Islands. Oh, and no, they didn’t wear an eye patch or have a talking parrot on their shoulder.

The heart of the volcano

The Cueva de los Verdes is another of the volcanic tunnels or jameos found in Monte Corona, in the north of the island. In total, there is a kilometer of cavity showcasing curious formations made of lava and ash, crossed by water, which will captivate the little ones with its colors and shapes. At the end of the tour, you’ll discover the most awe-inspiring landscape. However, we won’t spoil the surprise here. It’s much more exciting to visit it without spoilers.

<h2>A coastline full of fun</h2>

<p>The youngest part of the island, its southwestern region, is a <strong>veritable outdoor museum of natural rarities </strong>that will impress both grown-ups and little ones. From south to north you’ll find <strong>strange salt lakes</strong> made of volcanic stone, cliffs from which the sea seems to boil and bubble (hence the name “Los Hervideros,” the cauldrons) and what’s likely the most charismatic beach in the archipelago, <strong>Charco de los Ciclos</strong>. This spot in El Golfo is an expanse of black sand that merges with the vermilion hues of the mountains and the green of its lagoon, a color that comes from the various sulfates in the water. <strong>This psychedelic site fascinates children</strong>; it’s as if the kaleidoscopes of your own childhood have come to life for all to enjoy.</p>

The coast of fun

The youngest part of the island, the southwest sector, is an open-air museum of natural oddities capable of impressing both adults and children. From south to north, you’ll find curious salt flats made with volcanic stones, cliffs where the sea seems to blow like Los Hervideros, and, quite possibly, the most charismatic beach in the entire archipelago. It’s the Charco de los Ciclos in El Golfo, a black sand beach that merges with the crimson colors of the mountains and the green of its little lagoon, a color that comes from the various sulfates in the water at this location. The thing is, this psychedelic scene fascinates kids, as if the kaleidoscopes from yesteryear had a real and enjoyable replica.

<h2>Allure and awareness under the sea</h2>

<p>The Lanzarote Aquarium is much more than the second largest aquarium in the archipelago. It’s also a place where the whole family can have fun learning about <strong>different kinds of marine ecosystems</strong> and, above all, the importance of their preservation. For example, the aquarium has a tank that <strong>shows the impact of garbage on the oceans</strong>. Other highlights include the <strong>touching pools</strong>, where you can touch creatures like sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Of course, visitors are only allowed to touch the animals with care and supervision, and without disturbing them too much.</p>

Fascination and awareness underwater

The Lanzarote Aquarium is much more than the second-largest aquarium in the archipelago. It’s also a place where families can learn in an entertaining way about the different types of marine ecosystems and, most importantly, about the importance of preserving them. For example, it features a tank called "trash," which shows the impact of waste on the oceans. Also particularly notable are its touch tanks, where you can touch species like sea urchins or sea cucumbers. Of course, it’s always done in a controlled manner and without disturbing the creatures too much.

<h2>Much more than a quick dip</h2>

<p><strong>The beaches of Papagayo</strong> are the best way to expose your littlest ones to the wildest side of nature—and it won’t be in vain. The coves and waters here are home to many marine species that can easily be seen <strong>with a snorkel mask</strong>. Plus, since you don’t have to swim too much to enjoy these underwater volcanic homes, it’s the perfect place for beginners to fall in love with the world hidden beneath the waves.</p>

Much more than a dip

Papagayo Beaches are the best way to encourage the little ones to enjoy nature at its wildest. After all, its coves and waters are home to numerous marine species that can be easily spotted with a snorkel mask on. Additionally, the fact that you don’t have to swim far to enjoy these underwater volcanic habitats makes it a perfect space to get started and begin falling in love with the world that hides behind the waves.

<h2>Head to the unpaved island</h2>

<p>An <strong>outing to the island of La Graciosa</strong> is one of the best ways to spend a day with the family on an improvised adventure. Crossing the water to reach Caleta del Sebo from Orzola, in northern Lanzarote, is an experience in and of itself. Once ashore, expect <strong>a nearly deserted island</strong>, with a dry landscape of volcanoes and remote beaches that seem to have <strong>never before been set foot on by humans. </strong>Add a few extra activities to the scene, like an <strong>orienteering game with compasses</strong> or a bike tour, and your day will be, quite simply, perfect.</p>

<p>If there is a Canary Island capable of surprising and enchanting, it is definitely Lanzarote. With an area of only 846 km², this fascinating island in the province of Las Palmas is a territory with landscapes not to be found anywhere else in the world, which was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993. To understand how unusual Lanzarote is, look no further than its almost lunar, rocky plains which are astonishingly arid, with hundreds of volcanoes scattered around. Its nickname – the Island of the Moon – comes exactly thanks to the scenery. If that isn’t enough for you to start planning <strong>family holidays to Lanzarote</strong>, short breaks from your everyday routine or a romantic weekend, then there is much more of the island to discover. What is more, in order for you to be able to experience the entire island’s beauty with comfort, we provide the <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/lanzarote"><strong>best hotels in Lanzarote</strong></a>.</p>

Heading to the island without asphalt

The trip to the island of La Graciosa is one of the best ways to spend a day with the family, improvising an adventure. Simply crossing the river and heading to Caleta del Sebo, skirting the northern coast of Lanzarote from Orzola, is quite the experience. Once on land, you’ll find an almost deserted island, with dry volcanoes and remote beaches that give the sensation of never having been touched by humans. Add some extras like an orientation game with compasses or a bike ride, and the day will be simply perfect.

If there is a Canary Island capable of surprising and captivating, it’s Lanzarote. In an area of just 846 km², this fascinating island territory in the province of Las Palmas hosts a landscape that is unique in the world. Just looking at its almost lunar plains, astonishingly arid and rocky, with a hundred volcanoes, has earned it the nickname the island of the Moon, and it was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. And so you can see it for yourself, we present you with the best hotels in Lanzarote.

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Iberostar Beachfront Resorts is a leading hotel chain in responsible tourism with 4- and 5-star hotels on the best beaches in the world. Its beachfront resorts are located in destinations such as Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Crete, Morocco, Tunisia, Montenegro, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Jamaica, and Aruba. The hotels are divided into three segments: JOIA by Iberostar, with exquisite, personalized service; Iberostar Selection, which combines elegance and relaxation to enjoy with your loved ones; and Iberostar Waves, the ultimate expression of beachfront fun for families and couples. Its philosophy focuses on living in the present in a positive way while taking care of the natural landscapes that surround its resorts so that future generations can also enjoy them.

The alliance between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.