🇪🇸Lanzarote

Explore Lanzarote with kids: volcanic landscapes, César Manrique attractions, secluded beaches, and fresh seafood. A family holiday that genuinely surprises.

Your family guide

Lanzarote with kids: volcanic landscapes and hidden beaches

“Volcanic landscapes that look like another planet, beaches that feel like paradise. Lanzarote does contrasts better than most islands.”

— San & Jo

Lanzarote is one of those places that genuinely surprises families. You arrive expecting a beach holiday and instead find yourself standing on the edge of a volcanic crater, watching steam rise from the earth, while your kids stare in absolute disbelief. This island in the Canary Islands, Spain, is shaped by dramatic eruptions that left behind kilometres of black lava fields, lunar craters, and bare mountain ranges unlike anything most children have ever seen.

But Lanzarote is not just about the dramatic landscapes. The island also delivers calm turquoise bays, whitewashed villages, and a food culture built around fresh seafood and bold sauces. The work of local artist and architect César Manrique is woven into the island's identity, with stunning viewpoints and attractions that blend seamlessly into the volcanic rock. It is a place where nature, art, and adventure come together in a way that works brilliantly for families.

The main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise give your family a comfortable base with beach access and all the practical amenities you need. From there, Lanzarote opens up into a playground of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and outdoor exploration that will keep every member of your family genuinely engaged.

Canary Islands, SpainLocation

Mild year-roundClimate

Euro (EUR)Currency

Best things to do

Best things to do in Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park

The Montañas del Fuego, or Mountains of Fire, are Lanzarote's most iconic attraction. The guided bus tour winds through an alien landscape of lava fields and volcanic craters, and live geothermal demonstrations show just how much heat still bubbles beneath the surface. Kids are usually speechless, which is saying something.

Book your entry in advance during peak season to avoid disappointment

2-3 hours

Mirador del Río

This clifftop viewpoint, designed by César Manrique and camouflaged into the rock face, offers one of Lanzarote's most breathtaking panoramas. You look out over the tiny island of La Graciosa and the dramatic Famara cliffs below. The design itself is worth the visit, and the views will have everyone reaching for their camera.

Visit in the morning for the clearest light and fewer crowds

45-60 minutes

Cueva de los Verdes

An illuminated lava tunnel that stretches underground in a way that feels genuinely impressive. The dramatic lighting and acoustic effects make this a memorable experience for kids and adults alike. There is also a famous surprise hidden inside the cave that children love discovering.

Combine with Jameos del Agua on the same day using the CACT pass

1 hour

Jameos del Agua

A lava tube transformed by César Manrique into an auditorium and natural pool, Jameos del Agua is home to a species of blind albino crab found nowhere else on Earth. These tiny creatures evolved in complete darkness inside the cave system. Spotting them in the natural pool is a genuinely memorable moment for curious young minds.

Look closely into the pool, the crabs are small but unmistakable

1-1.5 hours

Jardín de Cactus

Around 4,500 cacti from approximately 450 species fill this César Manrique-designed botanical garden, arranged in a natural amphitheatre carved into the volcanic rock. It is quirky, photogenic, and surprisingly engaging for children who enjoy spotting the weird and wonderful shapes. A windmill marks the entrance and adds to the charm.

Visit late afternoon when the light on the cacti is spectacular

45-60 minutes

Los Hervideros

Atlantic waves crash against jagged lava rock formations along this dramatic stretch of coastline, sending spray high into the air. It is completely free to visit, and a wide asphalt path makes it accessible for pushchairs and younger children. The raw power of the ocean meeting the volcanic rock is genuinely thrilling to watch.

Go when the sea is choppy for the most dramatic wave action

30-45 minutes

Playa Papagayo

A collection of secluded coves with white sand and dramatic cliffs in the south of the island, Playa Papagayo is Lanzarote's most beautiful beach area. The calm, clear water is ideal for snorkelling and kayaking. The Sendero Papagayo hiking trail connects the coves, making it a lovely half-day adventure for active families.

Bring your own snorkelling gear and snacks as facilities are limited

Half day

La Graciosa day trip

A short ferry ride from Lanzarote takes you to this small, largely unspoilt islet with pristine beaches and sand dunes. There are no paved roads, no crowds, and a pace of life that feels wonderfully removed from everyday stress. It is a brilliant escape for families who want to discover somewhere that still feels genuinely off the beaten path.

Hire bikes on the island to explore the beaches at your own pace

Full day

Our verdict

How Lanzarote scores for families

Kids

Volcanoes, caves, crabs that live in the dark, and beaches with clear water. Lanzarote has a genuinely impressive lineup of experiences that spark curiosity and excitement in children of all ages.

Culture

The legacy of César Manrique gives Lanzarote a strong cultural identity. The CACT attractions are creative and thoughtfully designed, and the historic town of Teguise adds a layer of real history to explore.

Food

Fresh seafood, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and local wines make Lanzarote a genuinely rewarding destination for food-loving families. Most restaurants are relaxed and welcoming to children.

Nature

This is where Lanzarote truly excels. The volcanic landscapes, national park, coastal formations, and ferry trips to La Graciosa make it one of Europe's most dramatic natural destinations for families.

Budget

Mid-range overall, with some free attractions like Los Hervideros and Volcán del Cuervo balancing the cost of paid entries. The CACT combined pass offers good value for families visiting multiple Manrique sites.

Planning your visit

How long should you stay in Lanzarote?

4 days

Quick taste

Hit Timanfaya, one or two Manrique attractions, and spend time on the beach. You will get a feel for the island but will leave wanting more.

sweet spot

7 days

Sweet spot

A full week lets your family explore the volcanic north, relax on the southern beaches, take the ferry to La Graciosa, and still have time to slow down and enjoy it properly.

10 days

Deep dive

Ten days means you can do everything at a truly relaxed pace, explore Teguise and the La Geria wine region, and repeat your favourite beaches without rushing a single thing.

Fun facts

Things to know about Lanzarote

The cave crabs that lost their eyes

The blind albino crabs living in Jameos del Agua evolved in complete darkness over thousands of years and gradually lost their eyesight entirely. They are found nowhere else on Earth, making Lanzarote the only place in the world where you can see them.

Named after a sailor from Genoa

The island's name is believed to come from Lancelotto Malocello, a Genoese sailor who arrived from Lisbon in 1336 and used the alias 'Lanzarote da Framqua'. So when your kids ask how the island got its name, you have a genuinely good story to tell.

Vines grown in volcanic ash

In the La Geria region, grape vines are planted in individual pits dug into the volcanic ash, each surrounded by a low stone wall to protect them from the wind. It looks like something from a science fiction film, and it produces some genuinely distinctive local wines.

Taste Lanzarote

What to eat with your family in Lanzarote

Papas arrugadas with mojo

Kids love it

La Casa de La Playa

Small wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with red or green mojo sauce. This is the dish every child ends up loving on Lanzarote, and you will find it on almost every menu on the island.

Fresh grilled vieja

Local favourite

La Bodega de Santiago

Vieja, or parrotfish, is one of the most popular local catches and is typically grilled simply and served with papas arrugadas and mojo. Head to Arrecife's working harbour area for the freshest catch in the most authentic setting.

Sancocho canario

Must try

La Bodega de Santiago

A traditional stew made with salted fish, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mojo sauce, and gofio. It is hearty, warming, and deeply rooted in the island's culinary history. A must-try for families who like to eat like locals.

Bienmesabe

Kids love it

La Casa de La Playa

A dessert made from ground almonds, honey, egg yolks, cinnamon, sugar syrup, and lemon zest. It has a gooey, marzipan-like texture that children tend to adore. Look for it on dessert menus across the island.

Gofio escaldado

Safe choice

La Bodega de Santiago

Toasted grain flour mixed into a thick purée with fish or meat broth, gofio escaldado is one of Lanzarote's most traditional dishes. It is earthy and filling, and a great way to introduce children to the island's deep culinary roots.

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