Lanzarote with Kids: Our Winter Sun Family Holiday

Lanzarote with kids is one of the best winter sun holidays in Europe, especially for families looking for beaches, nature, and easy adventures. In fact, we love it so much that we’ve visited Lanzarote with kids four times, always during winter. It’s only a 4-hour flight from Paris, making it an easy and reliable winter sun escape for our family. This December marked our fourth winter trip in a row and it’s a place we keep happily returning to year after year.

We meet up with several family friends who travel to Lanzarote with kids from the UK, and love the island just as much as we do. Between all of us, and across multiple trips, we’ve explored A LOT of the island.

Lanzarote really impressed me. It’s not your typical Mediterranean island. From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by dark lava fields, cratered hills and scenery that feels almost lunar. There’s a raw, almost untamed beauty to Lanzarote’s landscape, shaped by centuries of volcanic eruptions and the influence of artist and environmental activist César Manrique. His vision helped protect the island from overdevelopment, with planning rules that limit building heights and preserve its distinctive look. Whitewashed houses dominate the island, with subtle details like green shutters inland and blue by the coast, a simple but striking contrast against the dark volcanic terrain.

Yes, Lanzarote is popular, and big resorts do exist. But there’s far more to Lanzarote with kids than waterparks and beach hotels. It’s also one of the best places I’ve ever been to for sunset watching and I LOVE watching sunsets. It’s also a great place to go hiking, even with kids!

On one of our visits, we even hopped on a ferry with our rental car to explore the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura. It’s an easy add-on to a Lanzarote holiday, especially if you’re curious to see a slightly different side of the Canary Islands. I’ve shared exactly how we did it, and where we went, in my post on “How to spend 3 days in Fuerteventura with kids“.

Where to stay in Lanzarote with kids (best areas & family hotels)

We always base ourselves in southern Lanzarote, around Playa Blanca or Playa de Papagayo, and find it the easiest area when travelling with kids. We usually choose a villa, which gives us space and flexibility. Most villas come with a private pool (often heated for a small extra cost), air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor space. Beaches are a short drive away, and the south has plenty of restaurants and easy access to the rest of the island.

If you’d rather stay in a hotel, Playa Blanca has several excellent family-friendly options:

• Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort – The most luxurious family hotel on the island and ideal if you want everything on site. This five-star resort, voted Best Family Resort in Spain, has outstanding children’s facilities through Kikoland (from babies to teens), plus a Thalasso spa and multiple restaurants for parents.
• Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park – A mid-range choice near the beach, with family areas, children’s pools and slides, a playground, and activities for different age groups, including teenagers.
• MYND Yaiza – A modern, more affordable option with a heated pool year-round, splash park, slides and a kids’ club.
• Barceló Playa Blanca – A large, modern and family-friendly hotel on the seafront with a spa and a kids’ club.

Getting around Lanzarote with kids

Public transport in Lanzarote is limited, and organised tours don’t leave much room for spontaneity. Having a car makes a huge difference as it lets you explore the island at your own pace, pull over at scenic viewpoints, and reach quieter corners away from the crowds. The roads are well maintained, driving is straightforward, and car hire is generally very affordable. We usually book through DiscoverCars, which makes it easy to compare options and find good value rentals on the island.

What’s the weather like in Lanzarote in winter?

During our winter trips, most days were bright with blue skies, although there are occasional windy days so something to keep in mind when planning. In December, daytime temperatures usually sit around 20–22°C, with evenings cooling down to around 14–15°C. When it’s not windy, it’s warm enough to spend the whole day at the beach. I personally find the sea a little too cold for swimming in winter, but that doesn’t stop many families. We always see children in the water, with some wearing wetsuits and others swimming without them. On windier days, we simply stay flexible and use the car to explore the island instead.

I pack short sleeves for the day, light layers/jackets for the evening, sandals, trainers and wetsuits for the kids (like these ones). Don’t forget sun cream, as the sun is strong year-round.

What to do in Lanzarote with kids

After several winter visits, here are my tips for getting both on and off the beaten track in Lanzarote with kids.

1. Family-friendly beaches in Lanzarote

Lanzarote has a good variety of beaches, and that’s one of the reasons it works so well with kids. You’ll find busier, family-friendly beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, where calm waters, soft sand and nearby cafés and restaurants make beach days easy and relaxed with children. At the other end of the scale are quieter, more natural spots such as Playa Papagayo, with its clear turquoise water and dramatic setting. There are also beaches known for surfing like Playa de Famara, long stretches of volcanic black sand, and wilder coastal spots shaped by the island’s volcanic landscape.

2. Timanfaya National Park and La Geria wine region

Timanfaya National Park is a must-visit on your trip to this island. Volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736 and, most recently, in 1824, moulded the park’s landscape. The result is an almost lunar-like surface and sprawling lava fields, offering a stark reminder of the powerful forces that formed the Canary Islands. Access to the park is strictly regulated, and only certain areas can be visited. The admission price of around €22 includes parking, geothermal demonstrations and a tour of the Volcano Route by bus. The tour bus lasts 30-40 minutes, with pre-recorded audio in several languages. Take the window seat for the best views. You can take photos through the windows, but the bus does not stop during the tour to let you go outside.

I recommend arriving at the park as soon as it opens in the morning to avoid the long line of cars that often forms at the entrance gate. At the on-site El Diablo restaurant, you can taste chicken cooked using geothermal heat from the ground. To be honest, it tastes like any other chicken, but it’s really fun to know a volcano cooked your meal! The restaurant has a large bay window, offering panoramic views of the park and its volcanoes. If you want tastier food, there are other restaurants just a short drive away.

La Geria wine region

The winery region of La Geria sits just beyond Timanfaya National Park and is one of Lanzarote’s most striking landscapes. The volcanic ash fields where vines are planted in hand‑dug pits and protected by low stone walls, a method that makes the island’s Malvasía wines so distinctive. After our visit to the park, we stopped at Bodega Stratvs, a modern winery in La Geria where you can join a guided tour to learn about how wine is made here and taste local bottles surrounded by volcanic scenery (book your time slot ahead of time online). For lunch, we headed to Restaurante Grill Casa Satorno, a highly‑rated local grill that served one of the most delicious meals we had on our last trip. The combination of dramatic wine‑country views and excellent food made it a really memorable stop after exploring Timanfaya and the vineyards.

3. Cueva de los Verdes with kids

Having explored many caves during my travels, Cueva de los Verdes stands out as one of my favourites. Carved by ancient lava flows, this exceptional cave system showcases intricate rock formations, expansive chambers and winding lava tubes. The tours are on the hour, each hour, and the entry is only with a guided tour (book your time slot online in advance). Our youngest was four years old at the time of our visit there and had no problem navigating the caves. We lifted her occasionally, but the cave was generally easy to walk through.

The highlight of the cave for me was a jaw-dropping view with a surprising twist at the end of the tour. We’ve all promised not to reveal the surprise – you’ll have to visit to find out!

4. El Golfo village and Los Hervideros

To the east of Lanzarote is a small fishing village called El Golfo, surrounded by lava. Just a 5-minute easy walk from the village, you’ll find a green lake within a volcanic crater, forming a small bay of emerald green water due to the high concentration of algae. Algae turn the water bright green against the black sand beach, and you can discover some fabulously dramatic coastline in this part of the island. Follow the designated path to reach an observation platform, from where you can see the lagoon, the black sand beach and the volcano.

There are several seafood restaurants in El Golfo serving local fish. Have lunch right on the waterfront and enjoy magnificent scenery. Our favourite lunch and sunset spots are Restaurant Bogavante, Restaurant Casa Torano and Restaurant El Caleton. If you have older children, go on a short hike on the opposite side of the village to the green lagoon. There, walk along the stones to admire rock formations and watch the waves crash against the rocks.

A few minutes’ drive from El Golfo are “Los Hervideros“, translated from Spanish as “boiling pots”. Stop here to watch the turbulent waters as waves crash against the rocky coastline. There is a footpath you can follow towards the coast and it’s safe to visit with children, assuming they can stay close to you. It’s completely free and you can stay for as long as you want to admire the power of the sea.

5. Rancho Texas Park with kids

If you’re travelling to Lanzarote with kids, Rancho Texas Park in Puerto del Carmen is one of those places that keeps everyone happy. It’s part zoo, part water park, so you can fill a whole day without stressing about what the kids will get bored with. In the zoo, they’ll love seeing tigers, turtles and the animal show displays (dolphins, sea lions, birds of prey and parrots). Each animal show is repeated about 3 times each day at different times so you can see all if you want in one day. There are also small playgrounds, a zip line and a small kayak for paddling.

The water park is really big and has pools, slides and splash areas for all ages. Our kids love it and could spend hours here. The splash zones for the younger kids have fun giant tipping buckets that get filled up and tip over causing waves of laughter. We usually spend the morning wandering around the zoo and catching the shows, then head to the pools in the afternoon. There’s plenty of shade and cafés on site. Remember to bring your swimsuits and towels if you plan to visit the Rancho Texas Park.

6. Take a ferry to La Graciosa Island

If you want to truly get off the beaten track in Lanzarote, then take the ferry to the island of La Graciosa north of Lanzarote. This compact island stretches out over 8 km in length and 4 km in width. Click here to purchase your ferry ticket from Órzola (north coast of Lanzarote) to La Graciosa. The ferry takes about 25 minutes to reach the island. It gets pretty windy on the boat, so take an extra layer of clothes to keep yourself warm.

There are no paved roads on this island, and only 700 people live here. There are three ways to get around the island – on foot, by bicycle and by 4×4 Jeep. Given that the nearest beach is about a 45-minute walk away from the harbour, this is not an ideal setting for young children to navigate on foot. While our older daughter could walk around for a few hours, we ended up carrying our 4-year-old on the way back to the port because she was exhausted from all the walking. Therefore, I’d advise hiring a bike upon arrival if your child can cycle. You will see several bike rental shops as soon as you step off the ferry, with children’s bikes and bikes adapted for baby seats on offer.

7. Go hiking in Lanzarote with kids

Hiking in Lanzarote with kids is surprisingly easy, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the island’s volcanic landscapes without it feeling like a “proper hike.” One of our favourite family walks is Montaña Roja, just outside Playa Blanca. The path is wide and manageable for children, and the steady climb makes it doable even with younger kids.

What really impressed us was the view inside the crater, especially from the far side. It feels wild and dramatic without being intimidating. From the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful views across Playa Blanca, which only get better as the sun starts to dip. We like going around 4pm, taking our time, and staying up there to watch the sunset. It’s absolutely worth it.

One thing to keep in mind: once the sun goes down, it gets chilly quickly, so bring an extra layer for the walk back down. It’s a simple, memorable hike that feels like a real adventure for kids, without being too much for anyone.

8. Find scenic spots to watch sunsets

In December, the sun lazily dips below the horizon around around 6pm. As such, every day, promptly at 17:40, I’d usher my family to accompany me in exploring new vistas on the island from which to appreciate the day’s spectacular curtain call. Whichever viewpoint you choose on the island, I assure you the vibrant hues of the sunset-painted skies will leave you in awe.

At times, we’d watch the sunsets with the kids from the waterfront. On other occasions, we’d settle onto a restaurant terrace, savouring a glass of cava while basking in the golden twilight before making our way to a cosy indoor spot for dinner. Our top spots for sunset drinks and dinner are Restaurant Mirador de Las Salinas, Restaurante Casa Emiliano and Restaurante Balcón de Femes, as well as waterfront restaurants in Marina Rubicon area such as Restaurante Casa Carlos and La Taberna.

Have you ever visited Lanzarote with kids or want to go? Share in the comments below and join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for travel with kids.

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