With a four hour flight time and year long sunshine, Lanzarote is an appealing holiday destination for a family. With all inclusive stays to self catering villas there really is something to suit everyone’s tastes and budget. I find that a short transfer from the airport is always good when you have children. With resorts such as Costa Teguise and villas in Puerto del Carmen being less that half an hour by road, Lanzarote is the perfect destination to explore with children.

We visited Lanzarote 2 years ago and have fond memories. The weather was beautiful and we weren’t short of things to do. When it comes to booking tours on holiday, I am always a bit wary. I don’t like to haggle on the street with a tour operator on a stand but in the same breath I don’t want to pay over the top. We found that Last Minute were perfect. They offered a range of tours at set prices. Even better is that they offer short tours (half day) which are perfect for families. My boys are pretty good at enjoying exploring, but when it is hot they like to play in the pool. These types of tours mean that we were able to see some of the island as well as have fun playing in the pool.

I have to say the thing I love about Lanzarote, is that the boys still talk about it. We decided to do the short tour of the South of the Island. Here, they take you to the Timanfaya National Park. The boys were given volcanic rocks so they could feel how warm they were and we were treated to some geothermal experiments. It really is amazing to think how hot it is us a few centimeters under your feet!

As an optional extra on our tour, you were able to add on a Camel ride. It was a lot longer and less expensive that the one we had had in Dubai! In contrast to the white sands and skyscrapers of Dubai, this time we had a black volcanic landscape to take in.

To end the trip we went to a winery. Whilst it was interesting watching how they grow grapes, the tasting didn’t leave me wanting to take a bottle home.

There are other excursions that you can arrange that would suit a family such as Express Caves and Express Caesar Manrique. I would certainly look into these when we return to Lanzarote.

Of course, you don’t have to spend lots of money on excursions to enjoy Lanzarote either. It has some fantastic beaches and some great calm pools perfect for snorkelling. Infact this was the boys’ first experience of snorkelling. Snorkels were easily purchased in the stores by the beach and after his initial fear of the fish, big man loved it. There is something really calming about a swim surrounded by fish!

As a family holiday destination, Lanzarote ticks all the boxes for me. Have you been? What trips would you recommend?