Why

Lanzarote is a beautiful family friendly island with an unusual volcanic landscape, low rise white washed resorts and sandy beaches. It is one of the closest places to Ireland and the UK to find reliable sun in the winter months and it is a firm family favourite. The beaches have naturally white sand rather than black sand seen in many of the other Canary Islands. As a family holiday for winter sun or summer sun, it is a good option.

The newest resort Playa Blanca is the nicest and most family friendly on the island. It retains the atmosphere of a once small fishing village and has an excellent selection of white sandy beaches and a promenade. The beaches are child friendly and all of the accommodation is low-rise.

Lanzarote also has the benefit of having a beautiful landscape. It is famous for its volcanoes and the entire island has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Highlights for family friendly things to see and do include a visit to the Timanfaya National Park to see the blasted landscape of rock, the illuminated grottoes of Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua and the numerous options for a boat trips around the island.

When and how

Lanzarote can be busy in July and August and if it is possible to travel out of high season you should try to do that. May and September are also good options and you get sun most of the year round so it is great for a family holiday with some winter sun too.

There are several flights a day from most Irish and UK airports with options ranging from the budget airlines through to scheduled flights and tour operator packages with companies including Sunway and Panorama. You can check flights here. Sunway also do charter flights.

If you have booked with a tour operator your holiday is likely to include transfers to and from your accommodation. Even if it does we would recommend you rent a car so that you can explore the numerous beaches and the beautiful mountains. The island is very manageable and you are generally no more than two hours from anywhere on the island. Book car hire here for the best deals and special offers for you for your car hire.

Family friendly accommodation

Lanzarote has family friendly accommodation options to suit every family budget and requirements from five-star luxury hotels and family friendly luxury villas. If you would like to book independently you can book here with booking.com.

A family favourite and popular choice is the Lanzarote Princess which provides lots of entertainment for all of the family. There is a daisy mini club for kids between the ages of four and twelve and a host of sport and leisure options including two swimming pools one of which is heated in winter, mini golf, volleyball, table tennis, billiards and a giant outdoor chess board. You can book special offers and deals for this hotel here with booking.com.

If you would prefer to book with a Tour Operator have a look at the offerings from Panorama and Sunway. Sunway features the well-regarded Princess Yaiza Hotel in Playa Blanca. This is a most sought after hotel right on the beach with fantastic family facilities including two pools and a spa for mum and dad. Families can stay in double rooms suitable for two adults and an infant, junior suites, suites with sea views or family suites. The family suites are connected by an underground corridor and have their own large swimming pool and a separate children's pool. Family suites are two bedroom suites and are suitable for a maximum of four adults or two adults and three children.

Kikoland is a children’s play area attached to the Princess Yaiza for children ages between three and sixteen. It features three lands and offers a range of facilities including face painting, arts and crafts, videos and games with its own amphitheatre for discos, shows and activities. There is a large swimming pool and bar adults and can relax a while the children are entertained. Sports courts include soccer, tennis, and squash. There is also a supervised mini club for children between three and six years of age operated on the main hotel. Book here with Sunway.

If you prefer to rent a family villa and Meon Villas have a number of family friendly villas in great locations many of which have private pools and good access to beaches. If you have a baby or a toddler you might like to consider having your supplies such as nappies sent to your destination by tinytotsaway.

See and do with the kids

Lanzarote is full or family friendly things to see and do. If you would like to book some trips before you go have a look at iSango whose experiences include a catamaran cruise, a luxury sightseeing tour, a submarine safari and a trip to the volcano’s of the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya.

There are around 100 beaches all over the island which are generally gently shelving and very family friendly. You can explore the island by car and visit lots of coves and deserted beaches.

Get yourself down to the Rancho Texas, Lanzarote’s wildest theme park and a major attraction. A trip to the Rancho Texas is like going back to the ‘old west’. The park is a complete western setting and has everything including wigwams, cowboys, buffalo, crocodiles and many more animals.

Enjoy a great family experience as you dive into the aquamarine waters around the beautiful island of Lanzarote in a submarine. In 1987, Lanzarote was declared one of the six universal models of sustainable development by the World Tourism Organization and in 1993 it was declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO. The very popular Yellow Submarine Safari is a magical experience for the entire family and a great opportunity to explore the marine life around Lanzarote together.

Fuerteventura is only 20 minutes away by ferry and it is one the Canary Islands most spectacular wonders. With over one hundred and fifty beaches this is a beautiful environment. When in Fuerteventura there are plenty of places to see and things to do. Corralejo is a town situated in the northern-most part of Fuerteventura. Surrounded by an unusual landscape of dunes, the town combines the traditional seafaring flavour of its port with a host of interesting activities and entertainment.

The interior of Lanzarote has a spectacular lunar landscape and parts of Star Wars were filmed there. You can visit the Montanas del Fuego in the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya and wonder at the rocks, volcanos and landscape.