Canary Island Wonders: Family Adventure in Lanzarote

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Family-Friendly Adventures in Lanzarote, Canary Islands!

Los Hervideros

Family-Friendly view of Los Hervideros in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Why Visit?

Day 1: Adventure at Los Hervideros

Morning: Start your day early from your hotel in Lanzarote and drive towards Los Hervideros, located on the island’s southwest coast. The drive from Arrecife takes about 30 minutes via LZ-2 road. As you approach, prepare for a stunning view of the coastline, where waves crash into a series of caves and crevices formed by lava flows.

Interesting Fact: Los Hervideros translates to "The Boiling Waters", a name inspired by the dramatic sight of seawater bursting through rock formations, creating a spectacular natural display.

Visit Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be rocky and uneven. Keep children close due to the open, unprotected stretches along the cliffs.

Afternoon: After exploring Los Hervideros, head north for about 10 minutes to the quaint village of El Golfo to enjoy a local meal. Indulge in freshly caught seafood while enjoying views of the emerald green lagoon, Charco de Los Clicos.

Evening: Post lunch, take a 15-minute drive to Timanfaya National Park. Join a guided bus tour to witness the park’s unique martian landscapes and geothermal demonstrations. A family favorite is the El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked using geothermal heat from the volcano!

Interesting Fact: The park is a part of the Fire Mountains, formed during the 1730-1736 eruptions. Today, temperatures just a few meters below the surface reach between 400°C to 600°C.

Day 2: Relax and Reflect

Morning: Spend your morning at the Playa Blanca, a beautiful beach located about 30 minutes east of Los Hervideros. It’s perfect for a family day with its white sands and calm waters.

Afternoon: Explore the local markets of Playa Blanca for souvenirs and enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea before heading back to your hotel.

This brief itinerary combines natural wonders with cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable family trip to Lanzarote’s Los Hervideros and surrounding attractions.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

La Geria

Family-Friendly view of La Geria in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Why Visit?

La Geria, nestled in the heart of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, presents a unique landscape transformed by ingenious agricultural techniques adapted to its volcanic soil. This region is famed for its picturesque vineyards and traditional winemaking practices, making it an ideal destination for a family-friendly exploration.

Morning: Timanfaya National Park

Start your day with a drive to the nearby Timanfaya National Park, about 20 minutes from La Geria. The park offers a guided bus tour showcasing its moon-like landscapes and geothermal activity — a thrilling experience for children and adults alike. Witness geysers and steam released from the ground, demonstrating the intense volcanic heat just meters below.

Lunch: Local Delicacies

Head back to La Geria for lunch at one of the local wineries. Bodegas Rubicón is a great choice, offering traditional Canarian dishes that cater to all ages. Try "papas arrugadas" (wrinkly potatoes) with "mojo" sauce, a local favorite.

Afternoon: Winery Tour

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll to one of the vineyards, such as Bodega La Geria. The vineyards in La Geria are unique, with vines planted in pits and surrounded by stone walls to protect them from the wind. The tour will allow you to learn about the distinctive viticulture technique and taste some volcanic wines, with grape juices available for the kids.

Evening: Camel Ride

Before heading back, stop for a camel ride through the vineyards. This fun and eco-friendly way to explore helps give the kids an unforgettable experience while also enjoying the dramatic landscapes of La Geria.

Getting Around

Renting a car is the most effective way to explore La Geria and its surrounding attractions, providing flexibility and ease for family travel. Most attractions in La Geria are well-signposted and accessible via LZ-30.

This engaging itinerary will immerse your family in the unique culture, scenery, and flavors of La Geria, creating lasting memories of your visit to this extraordinary part of Lanzare.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Janubio Salt Pans

Family-Friendly view of Janubio Salt Pans in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Why Visit?

Embark on an enlightening family adventure to the Janubio Salt Pans, a captivating and educational destination located in the southwest of Lanzarote. This unique site combines natural beauty with historical industrial practices, making it an exciting outing for all ages.

### Itinerary: Visit to Janubio Salt Pans

Getting There

Starting from Arrecife, drive approximately 30 minutes on LZ-2 towards Yaiza, then follow the signs directing towards the salt pans. There"s ample parking available, and the landscape en route is scenic, offering views of volcanic terrain and coastal vistas.

Tour of the Salt Pans

Begin your visit at the small onsite museum, which offers insights into the history and operation of the salt pans. The Janubio Salt Pans have been operational since the late 19th century and are crucial in the production of sea salt, harvested by evaporating seawater - a perfect chemistry lesson for curious minds!

Interactive Learning

Join a guided tour (available in multiple languages) where families can learn about the significance of salt in human history, the local ecosystems, and the method of salt extraction used here. Children will be fascinated to see the vibrant pink hues of the saltwater pools, which are colored by microorganisms that thrive in high salinity.

Birdwatching and Photography

Bring binoculars and cameras, as the salt pans are a haven for birdwatchers. The area attracts a variety of bird species, especially during migration periods. The contrast of the white salt pyramids against the blue water makes for stunning photographs, capturing memories of your visit.

Picnic by the Lagoon

Conclude your visit with a leisurely picnic by the lagoon, enjoying the serene environment and maybe spotting a few flamingos! There are no catering facilities, so pack a lunch and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Duration

Allocate around 2-3 hours for a relaxed and thorough exploration of the area, allowing kids to wander and absorb the natural and historical wonders of the Janubio Salt Pans.

This visit not only entertains but also educates, offering a unique glimpse into an important ecological and economic activity on the island of Lanzarote.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego)

Family-Friendly view of Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego) in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Why Visit?

### Family-Friendly Itinerary to Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego), Lanzarote

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your adventure early in the morning to make the most of a cooler temperature and fewer crowds. Drive or take a bus from Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, to Timanfaya National Park, home to the breathtaking Fire Mountains. The drive takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the unique volcanic landscape.

Upon arrival, head to the Islote de Hilario visitor center. Here, you can participate in a geothermal demonstration showcasing the intense heat just below the earth"s surface — watch as dry brush catches fire instantly when thrown into a hole in the ground, and marvel at geysers of steam erupting from geothermal boreholes.

Midday: Camel Ride and Lunch

Next, treat the family to a fun camel ride across the volcanic terrain, a unique way to experience the rugged landscape. The camel station is conveniently located near the visitor center. After your ride, enjoy a lunch at El Diablo Restaurant, where food is cooked using geothermal heat from the volcano, providing a tasty and educational experience.

Afternoon: Guided Tour

Post-lunch, join a guided bus tour around the national park. The tour, which is included with your entry ticket, covers the Montañas del Fuego and provides fascinating insights into the history of volcanic activity in the region. Large windows on the bus offer panoramic views of the lava fields and volcanic craters.

Tips

- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as the area can get very hot and shade is scarce.

- Arrive early to avoid the busiest times and secure a spot on the tours, as they can fill up quickly.

Conclusion

Exploring the Fire Mountains offers a perfect blend of education, adventure, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable day for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lanzarote Aquarium

Family-Friendly view of Lanzarote Aquarium in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Why Visit?

Family Visit Itinerary to Lanzarote Aquarium

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early by heading to Lanzarote Aquarium, situated in Costa Teguise, which is easily accessible by car or public transport from most parts of the island. If you"re driving, parking is available onsite. The aquarium opens at 10 AM, so aim to get there for opening time to beat the crowds.

Fascinating Marine Life

Upon entering, begin your underwater adventure by exploring the variety of zones in the aquarium. The touch pools are a fantastic interactive experience for kids, where they can feel starfish and sea urchins under careful supervision. Don"t miss the tropical tank, home to brightly colored fish and intricate coral structures, providing an excellent opportunity for learning about marine biodiversity.

Shark Tunnel Experience

One of the highlights is the impressive shark tunnel. As you walk through this acrylic tunnel, marvel at the majestic sharks and rays swimming gracefully overhead. This immersive experience is both thrilling and educational, and it"s bound to be a hit with the entire family.

Educational Talks and Feeding Times

Check the schedule upon arrival for any talks or feeding demonstrations. These are great for learning more about the habits and habitats of sea creatures, particularly the endangered species the aquarium works to protect.

Lunch Break & Souvenir Shopping

Around noon, take a break at the café within the aquarium complex, offering light meals and snacks with views of the sea. Afterwards, visit the gift shop where you can pick up educational books and souvenirs to remember your visit.

Afternoon at Playa de las Cucharas

After your aquarium visit, take a short drive or walk to Playa de las Cucharas for some beach time. It"s a great way to unwind and discuss the day"s discoveries, with plenty of space for kids to play and adults to relax.

This engaging tour of Lanzarote Aquarium will be both educational and exciting, making for memorable family moments surrounded by the wonders of the ocean!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.