A FAMILY GUIDE TO LANZAROTE

WHERE TO STAY

THINGS TO DO

There is an infinite amount of activities, beaches, towns and attraction across the island that could fill weeks of a holiday let alone 10 days. However these are just a few of the main attractions that we visited this holiday and really enjoyed.

CESAR MANRIQUE

Manrique's contribution to Lanzarote is undeniable. He is thought to be responsible for the artistic development, growth and strict building regulations on the island which make it so unique.
His influence can be seen in a number of attractions and locations around the island. The first and perhaps most famous is the Jameos del Agua which was built in 1966.

JAMEOS DEL AGUA

This was the first arts and cultural development on Lanzarote and to this day still remains one of its greatest attractions. The venue is a series of lava caves created by the Corona Volcano eruption 4000 years ago and transformed into an arts centre, a concert hall and a natural salt lake. It really is stunning and definitely worth a visit.

CUEVA DE LOS VERDES

Part of the same volcanic eruption as Jameos del Agua you'll find the Cueva de Los Verdes. An 8km underground tunnel of caves, nooks and crannies and a concert hall like no other. It really is pretty incredible and an experience you won't want to miss. It is quite a trek through small spaces and uneven ground so you might need to bare that in mind if you are in any way claustrophobic.

TIP: Make sure to wear suitable footwear for the surface and bring a sweater of jacket (whatever time of year) as it can get quite fresh.

JARDIN DE CACTUS

This is the last of Manrique's projects before he died tragically in a car accident. It houses 4500 species of cactus and was developed in an old deposit used for landfill. It also has a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy typical Canarian dishes.

TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK

Lovers of all things volcanic must explore this landscape. If it wasnt for the sea in the background you would think you had stepped foot on Mars.
The park is a result of volcanic eruptions that took place between 1720 and 1824. It's regularly voted the number 1 attraction on the island but we have actually never been and I am desperate to go.

You can book guided tours on the buses they offer or if feeling brave take a camel ride around the park.

Due to the heat I would avoid gong in the middle of the day and perhaps even aim for the end of the day to avoid the early morning coach trips!

__________________________________________________________________________

BEACHES

Most people come to Lanzarote for the beaches alone and never set foot on any other part of the island. And I can understand why. It boasts a fabulous coastline with beach fronts to suit every traveller. Whether thats a sunbed and a cocktail or the feeling of a desert island Lanzarote has it all.

As mentioned the three main seaside resorts are Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Here you will find golden sands, plenty of sunbeds and cafes and restaurants all along the promenade. However there are some really beautiful beaches and coastline that are definitely worth visiting if you want something off the beaten track. 

FAMARA BEACH

This is one of my favourite beaches. Located on the West coast of the island the beach stretches for 5km. It's peppered with grass alcoves and the most dramatic waves. At low tide the shallow end extends for miles making it perfect for little kids to splash around on, but at high tide it can get quite rough with pretty big waves. If you are into surfing or body boarding you'll love it.

TIP: There are no nearby facilities so you'll need to take a picnic and drinks with you but I think thats part of the charm. It can also get pretty windy due to its location so bring a sweater just incase
There is also an amazing restaurant up the hill - more on that later.

PAPAGAYA BEACH

Papagaya is situated at the south of the island and is actually made up of 6 different coves. Each beach has amazing white sands, crystal clear waters and due to its location is also protected from the island winds. 
You access the beaches through a dirt track so don't be put off. You will need to pay a small entrance fee as the beaches are a National Park, however parking is free so its a small price to pay. 
I don't have a favourite of the 6 beaches but the busiest is usually Playa del Papagaya as it has the only cafe and restaurant on the beach. Again I would take your own food and enjoy the peace and space of the smaller beaches alongside it.

CALETóN BLANCO

This desert island beach was the highlight of our last trip.
Situated in the North near the town of Orzola are a string of white sand beaches and the most turquoise seas. The best time to go is at low tide when the little coves are safer to swim for smaller kids and the water is crystal clear.
There is no real destination as the beach stretches along for awhile but you'll be able to park up in little designated areas on the other side of the road and cross over to the sea.
Again there are no facilities here the beauty is that you feel like you're the only person on the island to discover this stunning spot.

PISCINAS NATURALES DE PUNTA MUJERES

Punta Mujeres is actually a little fishing village along the North East coastline but it has the prettiest little natural rock pools I have ever seen.
At low tide these naturally formed swimming pools in the volcanic rock are the perfect spot for a quick dip before lunch. Again the waters are crystal clear and you can see all the marine life on offer. It's a lovely authentic part of the island with a handful or cafes and shops along the front. Definitely worth a visit.

PLAYA FLAMINGO

If you're looking for somewhere a little more comfortable than I would recommend Playa Flamingo. Just around the corner from the main Playa Blanca beach is this little cove of white sands and turquoise seas.
It's also protected from the wind and the waves so its perfect for families with smaller kids. It is definitely a tourist beach and you won't find many locals here but is has a handful of small restaurants and cafes which are decent and great for a bite to eat during the day.

PLAYA DEL JABLILLO

As we were staying so close to Costa Teguise we spent a number of days on the beach there.
It has a main stretch of sand with bars and restaurants tastefully located along the front. However around the corner from the main drag you'll find Playa del Jablillo which we really liked.
Smaller and more protected than the main beach, you could still rent sunbeds for the day and be close enough to any amenities that you needed. 

TIP: When we went the sunbeds and umbrellas were pretty good value I thought at €24 for two beds and an umbrella. 

__________________________________________________________________________

TEGUISE

The little towns and villages in the centre of the island are just as pretty as the coastlines and definitely worth a visit.
The old capital of Teguise is a highlight. Founded in 1402 its the oldest settlement in the Canaries and was Lanzarote's capital fo 450 years. Its full of attractive white buildings, squares and palms trees and a host of artisan shops and cafe.
Every Sunday Teguise hosts a huge outdoor market selling everything from leather goods to local cheeses. Make sure to grab a coffee at Jonnie Bakes who serves up the best pastries in the town.

TIP: If you are going for the market there are a number of fields designated for parking along the main road into town. Dont stop at the first one though as it will be quite a walk - hold you nerve and go as close to the centre as you can. 

PUERTO CALERO

If you're looking for a little bit of luxury then head to Puerto Calero.
It's the original marina built in 1986 and is sheltered in a natural alcove on the South Eastern side of the island.
You can gaze at the luxury yachts in the marina while having a bite to eat at many of the restaurants alone the front. There are also a number of designer boutiques should you want to indulge in a spot of shopping. 
The marina also offers a number of boat trips and excursions including one on a submarine!

RANCHO TEXAS

Now don't judge me but if you have kids this is a great place. Its right in the centre of the island and consists of a very pretty animal park and a small waterpark.
There are a number of attractions on throughout the day - the highlights of which were the dolphin show and the birds of prey display. 
The waterpark adjacent is ideal as it has a handful of waterslides, a couple of large pools and means you don't have to fork out for another waterpark later on during your stay. It's also included in the entry price. The food isn't awful either - it is what it is but my kids absolutely loved it. 

TIP - I would avoid the Aquarium. It is a small underground room in the centre of Costa Teguise with a handful of tubs, half of which were not working. 

__________________________________________________________________________

WHERE TO EAT

Where do you start with this really. I find restaurants such a subjective topic as it all depends on what your priorities are. I always try and do some research on the best places to eat before I go anywhere as I liken it to someone coming to London and ending up at Spaghetti House in Leicester Square not realising that Soho and its amazing eateries are literally around the corner. 

Anyway this is in no way an exhaustive list but here are the best places we ate while we were away.
Worth bearing in mind also that I am a veggie but my husband eats fish - which in Lanzarote is heaven.

CASA DE LA PLAYA

We absolutely loved this place - so much so we came back twice.
It's not much to look at but this little shack on the beach in Arrieta is always busy. In fact we had to queue for an hour for a table but it was worth it. Its beach front location meant the kids could play for the whole afternoon while we ordered bottles of local white wine. The service may be a bit hit and miss but the locals flock here for the fresh fish, tapas and fantastic location. If you can book I would.

TIP: Its just off the main road back from Jameos de Agua or the caves so definitely worth a stop.

DUNAS DE FAMARA

This absolute gem of a place is just up the road from Famara beach and has some incredible views and a circular bar that wouldn't feel out of place in a Bond movie.
It's upmarket tapas at its best. Small delicious plates of local dishes and fresh fish served in the most beautiful location. We went for a long lunch after a visit to the beach but its Eastern location would make it the perfect place to go for sunset drinks. 

TIP: I would definitely book as we were lucky to find a table. If sadly you cant get a table here another great place near Famara is El Risco in Caleta de Famara.

COSTA AZUL - EL GOLFO

If you're looking for somewhere to watch the sun go down there is not better place than El Golfo.
A  small fishing village nestled between the black volcanic rocks it has a dramatic atmospheric landscape and a handful of restaurants.
Costa Azul is our favourite as if you get the right table you can watch the sunset against the crashing waves and eat fresh local food and again indulge in the local white Yaiza wine. 

TIP: Definitely book and ask for a table by the water's edge. It can get chilly so bring some layers.

LA BODEGA DE SANTIAGO

Another favourite of mine is La Bodega De Santiago.
Situated inland in the village of Yaiza this 200 year old home has been converted to a fabulous restaurant. The enormous rubber tree that dwarfs the terrace means you can sit al fresco throughout the day under dappled shade. There is no place like it. The food is exceptional but also on the pricier side. 

VILLA TOLEDO

Further up the drag from Costa Teguise you'll find a rather lovely and elegant beach called Playa Bastian. Sitting on the edge of this little beach is Villa Toledo with its various terraced layers offering drinks and snacks on top the terrace and a large restaurant and pool on the lower terraces.
It's a stunning location with views to die for. The food was also delicious.

CANTINA TEGUISE

There are a number of great places to eat in Teguise but our favourite has to be Cantina Teguise. The old world charmer is set in a white washed building in the centre of the town. Serving up traditional Spanish dishes it also has a more varied menu should you fancy a change during your holiday.

TIP: Book a table on Sunday once you had had a chance to visit the market. It gets pretty busy but does have a lovely secret garden out the back.

 

Here are a few of the other restaurants we went to or had down on our list as options should you want to check them out.

Habana 6 - Costa Teguise
We stopped here for lunch on one of our beach days and were pleasantly surprised. Set back off main beach front in a pretty shaded courtyard the food was good and varied.

Be Papagayo - Papagayo Beach
Didn't end up going here in the end but its the only restaurant on Papayago meant to have a great location and lovely fresh tapas.

Isla Bonita - Playa Bastian, Costa Teguise
This was recommended by our Air Bnb host when we asked for a local place with simple good food with little fuss. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the food was delicious, didn't cost an arm and a leg and the service was great.

Brisa Marina - Playa Blanca
There are a number of places to eat in Playa Blanca but we usually end up here. Its a large place right on the sea front which means you'll always find a table. The food is typical Lanzarote fair but its better than many other places.

Casa Carlos - Playa Blanca Marina
This is our favourite place in the Marina. It has a large open terrace with great local food. Just a lovely for lunch as it is for dinner.

La Luna - Playa Blanca
Off the beaten track, up on the hill over looking Playa Blanca you'll find a collection of restaurants to serve the large Rubicon Hotel. This family friendly Italian is really rather good and worth the trip out of the centre. If you can get a table on the terrace as you might get to hear the hilarious live music from the bar below.

El Chupadero - La Geria
This was also on my list to visit but we ran out of time. Its set in the heart of La Geria (the heartland of the Lanzarote wine region) and offers a bar and restaurant with views over the vineyard. It also has a DJ and live music from time to time.

_________________________________________________________________________

VINEYARDS

You may be surprised to know that Lanzarote produced some really delicious wine. Their unique landscape means that the vines are dug deep into the ground and surrounded by rock structures to protect them from the wind. Its quite a site to behold really. 

There are a number of wineries on the island and tours available for most and a number also hosting a restaurant in which to enjoy their local produce. 

El GRIFO - is the oldest vineyard on the island and produced some amazing wines. 

STRATVS - is a more modern vineyard but is known for its fabulous restaurant and fantastic wines

Our favourite white on the island was the Bermejo Malvasia Seco - a lovely dry white which we drank throughout the holiday

________________________________________________________________________

SPORT

Due to the climate in Lanzarote is it often a hub of all sporting fans to be able to train or simply enjoy some activity in the sunshine and breathtaking surroundings. Whether that's simply swimming in the crystal clear waters, surfing the waves in Famara or, like my husband did, renting a bike and cycling the coastal roads around the island its a wonderful place to get your heart rate up.

If you were interested in cycling then I can highly recommend Papagayo Bikes. My husband spent many a happy morning cycling around the impeccable roads of the island and seeing sights you might miss on a more conventional road.
We didn't make it there this time but am told that La Graciosa - the small island found on the North of the island is a haven for cyclists. The island is accessible by ferry and has no real roads, only dirt tracks and secluded beaches.

Hiking up the various mountains and volcanoes is also a thing in Lanzarote. I always plan on doing it one time but never seem to muster the enthusiasm. However I am told that the views when you do are second to none

_______________________________________________________________________

WHAT TO WEAR

  

The weather in Lanzarote is pretty much amazing throughout the year. This time we went in early Feb but I have been in August and December and each time it has always come up trumps.
That said it does get windy so whatever time of year you go I would definitely recommend taking a jacket or sweater with you.
This time round I lived in my H&M linen trousers and shirts and my Arizona Birkenstock sandals.
Here are a few of the key items I took with me and wore on repeat.

H&M - Linen Shirt
£27.99
Like the linen trousers I have this short in 3 colours. I like them oversized so you can thrown on over a swimsuit during the day or tucked into a pair of shorts for the evening.

H&M - Linen Trousers 
£27.99
These are my favourite summer trousers ever. They come in an array of colours, are cropped at the ankle and have an elasticated waist for all the delicious food you inevitably eat on holiday.

COSSIE & CO - EDIE
£150
I don't normally spend a lot of money on swimwear as never really saw the point, that is until I got given one of these swimsuits a couple of years ago. Since then I have bought two more in the same style. They are so comfortable and flattering I even wear them as a bodysuit in the evenings.

BIRKENSTOCK - ARIZONA EVA
£45
There seems to be a theme here but I also have these shoes in three colours. They are the lightest most comfortable shoes I own. The only problem is that I end up with tan lines on my feet as I wear them so much.

ARKET - BRETON TOP
£57
I must have about 20 different Breton tops but this one is my favourite. I like the wide sleeves, slouched shoulders and thicker feel to the cotton. It's a great layering top for both winter and summer.

H&M - CASHMERE SWEATER
£129.99
This light weight cashmere oversized sweater was a lifesaver. Warm enough for the windier nights but also light enough to throw in a bag when I didn't need it. Also the perfect travelling companion.

GOLD TASSEL HOOPS
£98
I always travel with a pair of our classic Tassel Hoops. They can elevate the simplest of outfits and give you a little bit of glam on a balmy summer's evening.

GOLD SHELL AND PEARL PENDANT
£45
A little bit of seaside jewellery is always welcome on holiday in my opinion and this little pendant hit all the right notes for me this trip.

________________________________________________________________________

BOOKS

I am so grateful that my kids are now at the age where they can play and swim without constant supervision. This means I get to sit on a sunbed and gauge myself on some brilliant prose. These are the books that I read and loved on this trip.

A stunning love story set in Belfast during the troubles. Couldn't put it down.

I am probably a bit late to the party on this one but its a great holiday read. A really fascinating  insight into the world of publishing.

A spellbinding story of the efforts of Native Americans to save their lands from being taken away by the U.S. government in the early 1950s.

This beautiful novel is set in Trinidad and written with a lilt and local dialect that brings to life the  of violence and brutality faced by some women on a day to day basis. 

_________________________________________________________________

Congratulations! You made it to the end. Thank you so much for your time to read this as it took me forever to write. I hope it was helpful and portrays Lanzarote as the stunningly beautiful, vibrant and welcoming island that I have found it to be.

If any of you are planning a trip and have any questions please feel free to contact me and I will help if I can.

Andrea x