Travelling with children changes every decision you make, including where you sleep. The wrong hotel on a family holiday means carrying tired toddlers back from a distant beach, queuing for a pool that is too small, or realising the self-catering kitchen has one blunt knife and a single hob. Getting it right, by contrast, sets the tone for the whole trip. Lanzarote is genuinely well-suited to families. The island is compact, warm year-round, and relatively straightforward to navigate.
The volcanic scenery keeps older children genuinely engaged, the sheltered beaches in the south are ideal for young ones, and a good chunk of the accommodation is built around the needs of families travelling together. This guide cuts through the options to help you find the best family hotels in Lanzarote, matched to your budget, your children’s ages and the kind of holiday you actually want.
If you are still in the early planning stages and want a broader overview of the island before diving into accommodation, start with the full Lanzarote Travel Guide which covers everything from timing your trip to choosing what to see.
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Table of Contents
Why Lanzarote Works So Well for Families
A few things make Lanzarote stand out as a family destination, beyond the obvious appeal of guaranteed sunshine.
- The island is small. At roughly 60 kilometres from top to bottom, you are never more than 45 minutes from any major attraction. That matters when you have children in the back seat who have already asked “are we nearly there?” four times.
- The beaches are varied. You can choose calm, sheltered coves with shallow water for paddling toddlers, or longer stretches where older kids can bodyboard and swim. The Papagayo coves near Playa Blanca are some of the most family-friendly beaches in the Canary Islands.
- The volcanic landscape genuinely excites children. Watching steam erupt from the ground at Timanfaya National Park, crawling through a lava tube at Cueva de los Verdes, or spotting tiny blind crabs at Jameos del Agua are the kinds of experiences that make children forget their screens for at least an afternoon.
- The weather is reliable. Lanzarote’s year-round mild climate means you are not gambling on sunshine the way you might elsewhere in Europe. Temperatures rarely drop below 17°C even in January, and summer heat is tempered by Atlantic breezes.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status means no high-rise hotel towers looming over the beach. The island’s strict planning rules, inspired by artist César Manrique, keep the built environment low-level and relatively calm. Even the busiest resorts feel manageable compared to parts of Tenerife or the Costa del Sol. You can read more about this designation at the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme website.
Best Areas for Family Hotels in Lanzarote
Where you stay matters more than which specific hotel you pick. Each of the three main resorts has a distinct feel for families. For a full breakdown of every option, including quieter bases like Caleta de Famara and rural village stays, see our guide to where to stay in Lanzarote.
Playa Blanca: The Top Choice for Families with Young Children
Playa Blanca sits on the southern tip of the island and is consistently the most popular base for families with younger children, and for good reason. The beaches here are the calmest on Lanzarote. Playa Flamingo shelves gently into the sea, making it ideal for paddling. Playa Dorada is wide and well-maintained, with sunbed hire and a beach bar. Neither beach has the wind issues that can affect the east coast resorts.
The seafront promenade connects the beaches and runs for several kilometres, wide enough for pushchairs and buggies without any drama. Ice cream shops and casual restaurants appear at regular intervals, which helps enormously at around 5pm when small people start losing patience.
The Papagayo coves lie about four kilometres east of town. They are accessed via an unpaved road, but a standard hire car handles it without difficulty. The coves are sheltered, clear and calm, and the snorkelling is excellent for older children.
The resort itself is low-key. There is no heavy nightlife scene to worry about, the promenade is pedestrian-friendly, and the pace matches a family holiday far better than the busier resort strips. The trade-off is that Playa Blanca is the furthest main resort from the airport, around 35 minutes by car.
Puerto del Carmen: Best for Families Who Want More Going On
Puerto del Carmen is the island’s largest resort and offers the widest choice of family hotels in Lanzarote. It sits ten minutes from the airport, which makes arrival and departure days much simpler with tired children in tow.
Playa Grande is the main beach: long, wide, golden and well-serviced with lifeguards in peak season. Playa de los Pocillos, slightly further east, is broader and a little quieter, with several family-focused hotels right behind the sand. Playa Chica near the Old Town is excellent for snorkelling.
The Old Town harbour area is pleasant for an evening stroll, with restaurants offering children’s menus and a calmer atmosphere than the main Avenida de las Playas strip. The strip itself is lively and can be noisy at night, so if you are travelling with young children who need an early bedtime, it is worth choosing a hotel in the Los Pocillos end of the resort rather than right on the central strip.
Puerto del Carmen suits families with older children or teenagers particularly well, as there is more variety for young people who want something to do beyond the pool.
Costa Teguise: Ideal for Active Families with Older Kids
Costa Teguise appeals to families whose children are past the paddling stage and ready for something more active. The resort is purpose-built, well-organised and positioned perfectly for day trips across the island.
Playa de las Cucharas is the main beach and the hub for watersports. Wind is more consistent here than in Playa Blanca, which is exactly what windsurfers and kitesurfers want, though it can make sunbathing less comfortable on windier days. Playa Bastián and Playa del Jablillo are smaller, calmer coves that suit swimming and rock-pooling with younger children.
The Aquapark waterpark is a short drive from the resort and is a reliable half-day option for families. A golf course sits on the edge of town, and the PWA windsurfing events held here give the resort a lively, sporting energy during competition weeks.
Evenings in Costa Teguise are quiet, which suits families well. Restaurants around Pueblo Marinero square are relaxed and accessible, and the Friday evening market is a pleasant outing.
Top Family Hotel Picks in Lanzarote by Resort
Rather than list every hotel on the island, these are the types of properties that consistently work well for families, based on what matters most: beach access, pool quality, room space and facilities for children.
In Playa Blanca
Large all-inclusive resorts near Playa Dorada suit families who want everything in one place. Multiple pools, children’s clubs and dedicated kids’ pools mean that parents can relax while children are supervised and entertained. Look for properties with splash zones and shallow pool areas for toddlers.
Villa rentals with private pools are extremely popular here, particularly for families with two or more children. Having your own pool, a kitchen and outdoor space removes a lot of the logistical stress of a hotel stay, especially for naptime schedules or early dinners.
In Puerto del Carmen
Hotels backing onto Playa de los Pocillos give you direct beach access without the noise of the central strip. Hipotels La Geria is a well-regarded mid-range option in this area, with good pool facilities and proximity to both the beach and the airport.
Self-catering apartments are plentiful in Puerto del Carmen and suit families well. The ability to cook simple meals, store snacks and control mealtimes is underrated when travelling with children.
In Costa Teguise
Family-focused four-star hotels with multiple pools and children’s clubs dominate the Costa Teguise market. Look for properties within easy walking distance of Playa de las Cucharas or the calmer coves. The Barceló Teguise Beach is adults-only, so filter that one out and focus on the family-certified properties in the resort.
What to Look For in a Family Hotel in Lanzarote
When comparing family hotels in Lanzarote, these are the features worth prioritising:
- Pool setup. A dedicated children’s pool or shallow splash zone is far more useful than a single large pool shared with adults doing lengths. Check the pool area in photos before booking.
- Room size and configuration. A double room with a sofa bed squeezed in is not the same as a proper family room or interconnecting rooms. Look at floor plans and confirm configurations with the hotel if photos are unclear.
- Beach proximity. Walking distance to the beach matters on a hot day with bags, towels, sunscreen and children in tow. Even five minutes can feel like a lot.
- Children’s club. Not every family wants a kids’ club, but having the option gives parents flexibility. Check the age ranges covered and whether there are charges on top of the room rate.
- Half-board versus self-catering. Half-board suits families who do not want to think about dinner every evening. Self-catering suits those who want flexibility and a lower overall food bill.
- Waterpark or entertainment programme. For longer stays, an on-site entertainment programme for children prevents the afternoon restlessness that can set in around day four.
Practical Tips for Booking Family Hotels in Lanzarote
- Book early for peak periods. School holiday weeks in July, August and the Christmas period fill up quickly. The best family-oriented rooms and villas go first. Booking four to six months ahead gives you far more choice and better pricing.
- Consider shoulder season. April, May, September and October offer warm weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. Most family hotels remain fully operational, children’s clubs are less hectic, and beaches are noticeably quieter. The weather remains warm and reliable throughout these months.
- Read recent reviews with children in mind. General hotel reviews often do not capture what matters to families. Filter reviews by guests who travelled with children to get the most relevant picture.
- Hire a car. It is not strictly necessary in the main resorts, but it transforms the holiday. Timanfaya, Papagayo and the northern volcanic caves are all within easy driving distance from any base. With children, the ability to control your own schedule rather than relying on coach tours is genuinely valuable. Roads are well-maintained and driving is on the right, as per mainland Spain.
- Check flight times. A very early or very late arrival can disrupt children’s sleep schedules significantly on the first night. If you have a choice of flights, a mid-morning departure from the UK typically lands you in Lanzarote by early afternoon, leaving enough time to settle in, reach the pool and enjoy a relaxed first evening. Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is compact and straightforward, which helps enormously with tired children after a flight.
- Pack light but smart. Most family hotels in Lanzarote provide cots, highchairs and basic baby equipment on request, though availability varies and it is worth confirming at the time of booking rather than assuming. Sun cream, beach shoes for rocky areas and a travel first aid kit are worth bringing from home, as prices for these items in resort shops are consistently higher than at home.
- Travel insurance matters more with children. Children are unpredictable. A bout of illness, an ear infection or an accidental injury can derail a holiday quickly. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and potential repatriation is not optional when travelling with children, it is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Hotels in Lanzarote
Which resort in Lanzarote is best for families with toddlers?
Playa Blanca is the most consistent recommendation for families with toddlers and very young children. The beaches are calm and sheltered with gentle gradients into the sea, the promenade is wide and pushchair-friendly, and the resort has a quiet, unhurried atmosphere that suits early bedtimes and slower-paced days. The Papagayo coves are also nearby for a memorable excursion. Puerto del Carmen is a good alternative if you prefer to be closer to the airport, particularly Playa de los Pocillos at the eastern end of the resort.
Are all-inclusive hotels worth it for families in Lanzarote?
For many families, yes. All-inclusive removes the daily decision-making around food and drink, which reduces stress and makes budgeting far simpler. Children can eat and snack on their own schedule without parents worrying about the bill, and the pool and entertainment facilities are usually more extensive at all-inclusive properties. The trade-off is that you spend more time within the hotel grounds and less time exploring local restaurants and the wider island. A half-board arrangement can offer a useful middle ground, covering breakfast and dinner while leaving lunchtimes free for exploring.
What age is Lanzarote suitable for?
Lanzarote works well for children of all ages, though the appeal shifts depending on age. Toddlers and young children love the calm beaches, pools and simple seaside pleasures. Primary school-age children are usually captivated by the volcanic landscape at Timanfaya, the Jameos del Agua cave system, the Cueva de los Verdes lava tube and the colourful Cactus Garden. Teenagers tend to respond well to the watersports on offer at Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen, and the general freedom that a compact, safe island allows. Lanzarote is also one of the more manageable Canary Island destinations for babies, with straightforward transfers, reliable medical facilities and a well-established family tourism infrastructure.
When is the best time to take a family holiday to Lanzarote?
The honest answer is that Lanzarote has no genuinely bad time to visit. The warmest and busiest months are July and August, when temperatures reach around 28–30°C and school holiday crowds fill the resorts. Prices are at their highest during this period and school holidays in the UK. April, May, September and October represent the best combination of warm weather, quieter beaches and lower accommodation prices. Even January and February are mild enough for beach walks and outdoor sightseeing, with temperatures around 17–20°C, making Lanzarote a genuinely viable half-term destination at any point in the school year.
Do family hotels in Lanzarote provide cots and highchairs?
Most family-oriented hotels in Lanzarote provide cots and highchairs on request, but availability is not unlimited and it is strongly advisable to confirm your requirements at the time of booking rather than assuming they will be available on arrival. Some properties charge a small supplement for cot hire. If you are booking through a tour operator, add these requests to your booking notes. Self-catering apartments and villa rentals vary considerably, so it is worth checking directly with the property owner or manager ahead of travel.
Is Lanzarote safe for children?
Lanzarote is considered a very safe destination for family travel. Crime rates are low, the resort areas are well-lit and monitored, and the island has good medical facilities including the Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa near Arrecife. The main safety consideration for families is sun exposure, as the UV index is higher than most UK visitors expect, even in winter. Applying high-factor sun cream regularly, keeping young children covered during the midday hours and ensuring children stay well hydrated are the most important practical precautions. Some beaches, particularly on the northern and eastern coasts, have stronger currents and are less suitable for children, so stick to the main resort beaches or the Papagayo coves where lifeguard cover is available in peak season.
How far is the airport from the main family resorts?
Lanzarote Airport (ACE) sits on the northeastern outskirts of Puerto del Carmen, making transfers to the main resorts relatively short. Puerto del Carmen is approximately 10–15 minutes by car or taxi. Costa Teguise is around 20–25 minutes. Playa Blanca, the furthest resort, is approximately 35–40 minutes south. All three resorts are served by shuttle transfers through most major tour operators, and private taxis are readily available at the airport at reasonable rates.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Family Hotels in Lanzarote
Lanzarote has a lot going for it as a family holiday destination. The combination of reliable sunshine, compact geography, genuinely engaging volcanic attractions and a wide range of well-equipped family hotels makes it one of the more straightforward choices for a first family holiday abroad or a return trip when you already know the island works for you.
The key is matching your choice of resort and hotel to the ages of your children and your own priorities as a family. Families with toddlers tend to gravitate towards Playa Blanca for the calm beaches and relaxed pace. Families with older children and teenagers often prefer Puerto del Carmen for its variety and convenience, or Costa Teguise for the active watersports culture. Whichever you choose, booking early, reading family-specific reviews and prioritising pool configuration and room size over star ratings will serve you well.
For a complete picture of everything the island has to offer before and during your trip, revisit the full Lanzarote Travel Guide and the detailed where to stay in Lanzarote hub, both of which cover the island in full depth.
Planning a family trip to Lanzarote? Browse the full site for resort guides, beach guides, activity recommendations and up-to-date travel tips for the island.
