Lanzarote is one of the easiest Canary Islands to enjoy with children. It has a mild climate for much of the year, a flight time of around four and a half hours from Ireland, calm family-friendly beaches and attractions that keep kids curious long after the novelty of the pool has worn off. If you’re comparing family holidays in Lanzarote, here’s where to stay, which beaches to try and what to do with the little ones.
Best Kid-Friendly Beaches
- Playa Dorada (Playa Blanca): a sheltered, golden-sand beach with calm, shallow water, protected by breakwaters and backed by a promenade full of cafés. It’s widely considered one of the best choices for small children.
- Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen): a small, sheltered cove that’s usually calmer than the much longer Playa Grande next door. It’s handy for families staying in the resort’s main strip.
- Playa Bastián (Costa Teguise): a long, easy beach with gentle water, lifeguards in season and plenty of facilities nearby. Costa Teguise also has Playa de las Cucharas, which is more popular with windsurfers.
- Papagayo beaches: among the prettiest on the island, with turquoise water framed by low cliffs. They’re a lovely day trip, but the access road is unpaved and there are no facilities to speak of, so pack water, snacks and shade.
Where to Stay: Resort Areas Compared
- Playa Blanca (south): quieter and relaxed, with a long promenade, calm beaches and a marina. A good choice for families with younger children.
- Costa Teguise (east): a modern resort area with lots of hotels, calm beaches and a water park nearby. Popular with families who like to have everything close.
- Puerto del Carmen (south-east): the busiest resort, with the widest choice of restaurants, shops and activities along its seafront strip. Best for families with older children and teenagers.
Many families prefer to book a resort with a kids’ pool, a kids’ club and entertainment, which makes evenings much easier. If you like the idea of one fixed price, take a look at all-inclusive holidays or all-inclusive family holidays in the Spanish islands.
Family Attractions Worth Planning Around
- Timanfaya National Park: the “Fire Mountains” are the island’s most famous sight. Children tend to love the geothermal demonstrations, where water poured into a borehole erupts as steam.
- Cueva de los Verdes: a vast lava tube you can walk through on a guided tour. It feels like an adventure for kids.
- Jameos del Agua: a lava cave transformed by artist César Manrique, with a lagoon that’s home to tiny pale crabs.
- Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park: an animal park and entertainment venue in Puerto del Carmen, with shows and animal encounters.
- Aqualava Waterpark: a water park in Costa Teguise with slides for different ages, ideal for a hot afternoon.
- Mirador del Río: a clifftop viewpoint with big views over the island of La Graciosa.
It’s worth mixing active days with beach days. A good rhythm for most families is one big outing, then one or two relaxed days by the pool or on the sand.
A Day Trip to Fuerteventura
From Playa Blanca, a short ferry crossing takes you to Corralejo on Fuerteventura, famous for its huge sand dunes and pale beaches. It makes a fun change of scenery, and you can read more about Fuerteventura holidays if the island catches your eye.
Weather and When to Go
Lanzarote enjoys a mild climate for much of the year, with winter daytime temperatures typically in the low 20s, which is why it’s so popular with Irish families escaping the cold. Summers are warm and can be breezy, thanks to the trade winds, so bring a windbreaker for the beach. School holidays are the busiest and priciest times, so booking early helps.
Family Travel Tips
- Pack high-factor sun cream. The island’s breeze can disguise how strong the sun is.
- Hire a car for at least a day or two. Attractions are spread across the island and a car makes things simpler.
- Check cots, high chairs and kids’ meals are available if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler.
- Book popular attractions ahead in school holiday periods.
Compare other Canary Islands
If you’re still deciding between islands, compare Tenerife and Gran Canaria, or browse all Canary Islands holidays. For a mix of volcanic scenery and relaxed resort life, though, Lanzarote is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Lanzarote suits families because it’s compact, easy to navigate and full of things that feel different from a typical beach holiday. Pick a resort area that matches your children’s ages, add a couple of memorable excursions and the rest looks after itself.
Ready to start planning? Browse current Lanzarote holiday packages from Travelodeal Ireland and compare family-friendly hotels, travel dates and departure airports in one place.
