5 Amazingly unique ways to enjoy family holidays in Lanzarote
School’s out for summer, and you’re probably looking for ways to entertain the kids. The good news is you’ll find plenty of ways to keep them occupied during your family holiday in Lanzarote.
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful volcanic island is a paradise for children of all ages during the summer. While beaches are always among the best things to do in Lanzarote, there are many other unique things to see and explore. Discover the intriguing natural jewels of this mystic volcanic island.
Where to stay during summer holidays for families in Lanzarote
If you’ve been looking into a summer holiday for families on the island, you’ll have noticed that three main resorts offer everything you’ll need within a short distance.
Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are Lanzarote’s most popular tourist resorts. Each boasts several fabulous beaches or natural pools where the kids can play and splash to their hearts’ content. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an extensive range of hotels and apartment complexes offering kids’ clubs, entertainment, and activities.
If staying in larger hotels and complexes isn’t for you, no problem! There are also scores of villas with pools you can book exclusively for yourselves.
Wherever you choose to stay, your Lanzarote holiday isn’t complete without a day out exploring the hidden natural gems that the north of the island has to offer. You’ll discover some of the best things to do in Lanzarote: amazing views, intriguing caves, quirky plants, and natural wonders. So, it’s well worth hiring a car, packing your beach gear and walking shoes, and getting ready to discover new things.
Guatiza: discover the magical world of cactus during your Lanzarote holidays
Heading north from the old capital of Teguise, Guatiza is the home of the cactus. While you’ll see cacti all over the island, this village has a special place in Lanzarote’s history books as it was once central to the island economy through the export of cochineal.
As you enter the village, you can’t help but notice fields with thousands of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia ficus-indica). The prickly pear stands out for its flat, pad-like leaves and small fruits, which give the plant its name. They were initially imported from Mexico in the early 19th century.
However, it wasn’t the fruit that made this plant famous; it was the tiny beetles that live and feed from them: cochineal. You wouldn’t see them unless you get up close, and what appears to be a white powdery covering on the pads is actually cochineal. The red dye was extracted from the beetles by hand and was highly sought-after for its rich red colour used to dye clothing and soft furnishings.
The magical Cactus Garden
The Cactus Garden is by far the biggest attraction in Guatiza. The kids will love wandering around this fascinating cactus forest containing around 4000 cacti of all shapes and sizes, many in gorgeous colourful bloom.
When you do visit the Cactus Garden, make sure you explore inside Lanzarote’s oldest working windmill, which uses the same traditional mechanical system of old. It stands majestically overlooking the gardens and out towards the ocean on the other side.
To round it off, enjoy some refreshments at the terrace bar café with beautiful garden views. Why not even try a delicious cactus burger made from the inside of the pads from the prickly pear cactus? You will be surprised by its taste!
Discover the secrets of Aloe vera
Several ancient civilisations have considered Aloe vera a “miracle plant” for its health benefits for centuries. It has been linked to the Canarian archipelago since pre-Hispanic times, although theories about how it arrived here vary.
You can learn more about Aloe vera and take a tour of Europe’s largest organic Aloe farm, Lanzaloe Park. Located in the northernmost part of the islands, near Orzola, the plantation has over 250,000 Aloe plants and a multi-lingual team who’d be happy to give your family a tour.
It’s a great educational experience where the kids will learn about its production, health benefits, and the farm’s recycling and sustainability practices. You can buy natural organic Aloe cosmetics, lotions, and even a small Aloe plant to take home.
See the inside of Lanzarote’s highest volcano
The kids will be thrilled to peek inside a natural volcanic crater, and none better than the majestic Volcan de la Corona on your Lanzarote holiday.
Just a stone’s throw from Lanzaloe Park, follow on towards the village of Ye and park on the main road. Access to the volcano is easy along a picturesque country trail. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach the crater, and the view is breathtaking.
Cool off on the northern beaches – one of the best things to do in Lanzarote!
Beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters are never far away when you’re on holiday in Lanzarote. And the northern part of the island is no exception!
Nestled in the fishing village of Arrieta, La Garita beach is a traditional beach and popular during the summer holidays for families. And if you’re hungry by now, you’ll be spoilt for choice for local fish restaurants. A lovely promenade goes all the way to Punta Mujeres, which is ideal for walking, skateboarding or cycling.
Just a little further up the coast is the idyllic Caletón Blanco. This natural beach has gleaming white sands and shallow turquoise pools that are perfect for toddlers. Take an umbrella, sunscreen and plenty of water and snacks.
At the northernmost tip of Lanzarote, you’ll find Orzola, a fishing town with a large sandy beach with a series of caves for exploring at low tide. It’s also home to the harbour, where you can catch a boat to visit the island of La Graciosa. Orzola also has a great choice of restaurants where you can savour a variety of fish and seafood and other local dishes.
These are just some new things your children can experience during your family holiday in Lanzarote. So, venture off the usual tourist trail and enjoy the adventure!