VISIT TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK
ANNA JEYS
IEXPECTED nothing more from Lanzarote than sun, sea, swimming pools and rubber rings – everything you need for a memorable family holiday. But what I didn’t expect was to be captivated by the fascinating history of this Canary Island, and for my seven-year-old to receive the science lesson of her life.
Much of Lanzarote’s charm has been shaped by historical disaster – in the 1730s several villages were destroyed by volcanic eruptions that lasted for six years, increasing the island’s size by several square miles. There are 100 large volcanoes and more than 200 smaller ones on the island which is still considered an “active” volcano zone.
This explosive past has given Lanzarote a mysterious lunar-style landscape.
We headed to the area surrounding Playa Blanca, which is the southernmost – and newest – town in the municipality of Yaiza where we found plenty to keep our children entertained. Here are some of the options available.
THE Fire Mountains comprise one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the world.
There are a number of excursions available, ranging from full day trips with lunch, camel rides and wine tasting to the express three-hour trip that we chose because it seemed more toddler-friendly.
The bus tour around the Timanfaya National Park is mesmerising, and the closest we’ll get to experiencing what life is like on Mars. It’s even been visited by NASA for its similarities.
You can’t help but be staggered by the natural beauty surrounding you.
The kids will be blown away by the El Diablo restaurant which uses geothermal heat, with food literally cooked by a volcano.
The views are nothing short of incredible, although there wasn’t enough time on our trip to sample the food.
The rangers conduct a number of experiments in which they show the heat of the volcano in a session you couldn’t get in a classroom. They also simulate the eruption of a volcano and the crater tour that follows is incredible. You can only
Copyright: Turismo Lanzarote do this by bus as the landscape is protected but the tours stop for plenty of photo opportunities.
Camels are everywhere in Lanzarote – souvenirs are covered in them – and they almost feel like an unofficial symbol for the island.
At Timanfaya you can go on a camel safari, experiencing the landscape from a wooden board on top of one of these fascinating animals. Rides take 20 minutes and can be booked on the day. There’s more to Lanzarote than volcanoes but you can’t help feeling you are experiencing a real wonder of the world.
VISIT PAPAGAYO’S UNSPOILED BEACHES
OUR four-star all-inclusive hotel, Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort, located in a quieter, but beautiful area around six miles from Playa Blanca, had everything we needed.
It would have been easy to remain by the pool, but a short walk from our hotel were the The Playas del Papagayo. This stunning cluster of five beaches, separated by cliffs and surrounded by turquoise waters, is said to be one of the most beautiful coastlines on the island and well worth the the effort to explore.
But be warned, the walk to get there through the national park is bumpy to say the least – and definitely a challenge with a pushchair.
There is a car park closer to the beaches, but be prepared to pay a small toll on the road. Alternatively, you can get a water taxi from Playa Blanca.
Papagayo Beach is the busiest of the five and is neighboured by the bays of Las Mujeres, Pozo, Congrío and Muelas. One thing to note is that some of these beaches are popular with nudists.
The stunning beaches are part of a protected area called Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches – and