Lanzarote is the place to go if you want to escape to somewhere warm during the winter. At the end of November, we went to this volcanic island – me, my five-year-old daughter Klara, my mother Adrijana, my father Andrej and my mother's friend Mirka. And what did we experience in seven days on this small Spanish island? Read on.
Return tickets and accommodation
First of all, the return tickets with Ryanair from Venice cost us 140 euros per person (including 2x20kg of luggage). We booked a house because there were 5 of us. We also rented a minivan car that took us all over the island. The roads are great. Everything is close, no trips longer than half an hour. Ideal for quick trips from place to place. We drove the whole island and only filled up once (when we returned the car).
Volcanic exploration
We walked most of the hiking trails on the island, this is the part that attracts us the most on the trip - natural beauty. And we dragged Klara along with us, without any special encouragement needed. All the hiking trails are suitable for children, short, easy, a little steep in places, but always worth the effort.
Day One – Hike to Caldera Blanca, camel riding, wine tasting and beach
The first day we went to Caldera Blanca, the highest volcano on the island. The island is made up of over 300 volcanoes. Then we decided to go on a very touristy camel ride through the volcanic landscape (for 11 euros per person). This was followed by a wine tasting in the wine region of La Guerria, which is essentially a vineyard area and the vines grow right in the volcanic ash (the wine was excellent!) and finally we relaxed on the beach of Playa la Honda.
Day Two – Volcan de la Corona, underground museum and Cactus garden
We started the morning with a climb to Volcan de la Corona, a walk past vineyards and then you arrive at a red crater with a view of the neighboring island of La Graciosa. Then we explored Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua – a cave and a walk through a lava tunnel and a museum that exceeded our expectations. Jameos del Agua was formed by a volcanic eruption more than 4,000 years ago. We continued with Cactus garden, where we ate a cactus burger and ice cream. We ended the day at Mirador El Rio de Famara, from where there is a beautiful view of the island landscape. Then we stopped along the road at the Stratified City or Antigua Rafera, where we saw interesting natural sculptures. Lanzarote is one of the seven Canary Islands and is the homeland of the famous Spanish artist César Manrique. He is considered the "father of the island" and he impressed us with his vision. The child is truly beautiful precisely because of the architecture and contrasts: white houses, green palm trees and cacti, and black and gray rock.
Tip: If you plan to visit several attractions (I recommend it!) buy cheaper tickets that include more attractions. They can be purchased directly at the counter at the above-mentioned attractions. We visited 6 of them and bought a ticket for 5 (we paid for one, cheaper one later).
Day Three – La Graciosa Island and Monster Electric Bikes
The best day was the third, when we visited the island of La Graciosa. The ferry from Orzola took us to the island. We rode Monster electric bikes around the island (25 euros/day). The island of La Graciosa is also known as the "Island of Peace" and is the smallest inhabited island in the Canary Islands. It has no roads or tracks. The ferry ride takes 30 minutes (28 euros return ticket for adults, 14 euros for children). We spent three hours on the island. I really recommend renting electric bikes because the roads are really bad and you have a hard time without electricity. There are only two settlements on the island (have enough food and drinks with you!). We cycled the circular route Ruta del Norte, which is a good 15km long. After returning to Lanzarote, we also visited Mirador del Rio, from where there is a spectacular view of the La Graciosa archipelago.
Day Four – Timanfaya Fire Mountains and Playa Papagayo
On the fourth day, we admired the Timanfaya Fire Mountains, a spectacular national park. The Timanfaya volcano was last active in 1730–1736 (it erupted for 6 years!). I recommend visiting the park first thing in the morning, we were there a few minutes before opening, then the crowds start. The park can only be visited with a guide. They take you on a pretty wild ride with buses (not for those who are afraid of heights or who get sick while driving). Later, they show you a geyser, show you how the ground is still warm by setting fire to dry branches and putting hot stones in your hand. And they also cook chicken thighs for you on a volcanic grill, if you want.
In the afternoon we cooled off and swam in the sea on the beautiful beach Playa Papagayo, which is reached by a gravel road. The air temperature was 27 degrees, the sea about 22. Despite the crowds, I HIGHLY recommend it!
Day five – Montana Tinamala, Aquarium Costa Teguese and Charco del Palo
On the fifth day we climbed Montana Tinamala, which offers a stunning view of the island. Then we visited the Aquarium Costa Teguese (adults 15 euros, children 10 euros). We had some rain that day, so we decided to visit the aquarium (I don't recommend it, it's very small). Later we went to another peak: Montana Tinaguache. Then we enjoyed swimming in the nudist town and natural pool Charco del Palo. Only later did we find out that it was a nudist place. :)
Day Six – Trip to Fuerteventura
On the sixth day we took the ferry to Fuerteventura. Fuerteventura means "strong wind" in Spanish. And it really blew non-stop. The return ticket for the ferry (it leaves from Playa Blanca) is 38 euros for adults, children pay 20 euros. The ferry ride was horrible. We spent the whole day on Fuerteventura. We walked to the beaches of Corralejo and took the bus back. If you get there early enough, you might find a vacant plot of land where it's not windy. Otherwise, be careful because there are nudists hiding in them. The beach is mainly intended for lovers of wind, waves and the sea (not to my taste 😆).
Day Seven - Rancho Texas
We flew home in the afternoon. We parted ways with the team. Klara and I went to Rancho Texas, a small zoo with shows (birds, sea lions, dolphins) and a water park (only a few slides) but still enough that it's fine if you take the whole day. They open at 10am. The park is much less visited than Loro Parque in Tenerife (well, it doesn't offer as much either) and I thought it was really great for the price and the offer.
Lanzarote really impressed us with its volcanic beauty, white houses and diverse experiences. We had mostly very nice weather, not too windy, but one day it rained (occasional showers, but we still made the most of the day outdoors). And if you ever decide to escape from winter, Lanzarote is definitely a good idea - especially if you have little travelers with you.