Five things for Families in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands, set just 79 miles off the coast of Africa. At just 37 miles long by 12 miles wide it is the perfect size for families, with plenty of sights to explore but all within easy reach.
Given its size and the range of attractions available, car hire in Lanzarote is a must. It’s easy to do and means the whole island is at your disposal. Because it’s so small you also know you won’t need to worry about shouts of ‘I’m bored!’ from the back seats.
Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/23072179@N00/2288732987/
So once you’ve got your car sorted, where exactly should you go? Here are five of our favourite Lanzarote attractions:
The Cave of Los Verdes
Kids love caves right? The Cueva de los Verdes or Green Caves were formed around 3000 years ago during the eruptions of the Corona Volcano and have been used throughout the ages as a place for locals to hide from pirates. One of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world, around 2 km of the Green Caves are open to the public, with part of the cave even used from time to time as a concert hall.
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya is a must for stunning scenery and to conjure up a real sense of the island’s volcanic history. Make the trip early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat and look out for the steam jets powered by the volcanic heat.
Fundacion Cesar Manrique
Home of the famous Spanish artist Cesar Manrique the building is maintained as a testament to his architectural flare and vision. Although the artist’s story is a sad one in parts the building is beautiful and offers visitors the chance to find out more about Manrique’s influence on the development of Lanzarote.
Playas de Papagayo
This is definitely one for the beach lovers – a beautiful collection of small beaches set within a national park offering fine sandy coves and dazzlingly clear water, popular with locals and perfect for diving. Some restaurant/café facilities are available, although do take supplies as facilities generally are limited.
Jardin de Cactus
The Jardin de Cactus is sure to appeal to all ages and is home to literally thousands cacti, ranging in size from just a few centimetres right up to the size of a large tree. Created by Cesar Manrique, the gardens are thoughtfully laid out, incorporating the natural volcanic landscape.
