The Viziit journal

Lanzarote with the family: our sunny getaway in the heart of autumn

A family escape to Lanzarote between turquoise beaches, volcanic landscapes and walks along the ocean. From Famara to Papagayo, discover our favorite spots to soak up the sun during the autumn holidays.

Belgium11 November 2026

Papagayo Cove in Lanzarote, with its turquoise waters and sailboats offshore

Volcanic landscapes, turquoise coves and time together: our family stay in Lanzarote gave us a wonderful break before winter. During the second week of the autumn holidays, we headed to the Canaries to enjoy the sun and discover the island at our own pace. On the agenda: Famara, Papagayo, walks around the volcanoes, a bike ride and the Cueva de los Verdes.

A family getaway during the autumn holidays

Between beaches and volcanoes Famara, Papagayo, El Cuervo and Montaña Colorada

Our holiday rhythm discoveries, swims and rest

Crique de Papagayo à Lanzarote avec des voiliers au large — In Lanzarote, the landscapes quickly make you want to slow down.

Why we chose Lanzarote in autumn

Some holidays come at just the right time. The kind where you mainly feel the need to get some fresh air, change scenery and find a little sunshine before winter settles in. This time, our break had a name: Lanzarote.

We left with one wish in mind: to enjoy ourselves. During our stay, we were lucky enough to have days at 28 °C, blue skies and several chances to swim in the ocean. A real treat when autumn was already well settled at home! These temperatures are the ones from our trip; of course, the weather can vary from one stay to another.

A few discoveries, beautiful walks, beaches and above all time together: we did not need much more to feel like we were on holiday.

A volcanic island that really impressed us

From the moment we arrived, we were taken with the island's contrasts. The black earth, the volcanic relief, the white houses and the ocean create a setting that sometimes made us feel as though we had changed planets.

We discovered Lanzarote according to our own wishes, without trying to see everything. Stopping to admire a landscape, extending a walk or simply taking the time to look at the sea: that is also what we love about family travel.

Jeunes vignes cultivées dans un sol volcanique sombre à Lanzarote — The vegetation adds a touch of green to the volcanic scenery.

Fleurs roses au premier plan et océan à Lanzarote — Colors and little details to enjoy along the way.

Famara: a wild beach and a charming village

First great discovery: Playa de Famara. A huge beach, impressive cliffs, waves and an atmosphere that immediately makes you want to slow down. We loved this slightly bohemian vibe, where surfers and strollers cross paths.

We also took the time to wander through the village of Caleta de Famara. A simple and refreshing stop, with no fixed plan, just the way we like it. Here, the pleasure was mainly in walking and enjoying the landscape. For swimming, the waves and currents call for caution: it is best to follow the local advice.

Papagayo, near Playa Blanca: our postcard setting

The mood changed in the south of Lanzarote, on the Playa Blanca side. At Papagayo, the turquoise water, golden sand and coves offered us a completely different face of the island.

We loved this place. Even if we found the water a little cold, we still managed to swim. Being able to enter the ocean during the autumn holidays is one of those little joys we brought back from the trip.

Vue sur une crique de Papagayo aux eaux turquoise — Papagayo, a break facing the colors of the ocean.

Moment en famille dans l’eau au bord d’une plage de Lanzarote — The autumn holidays had, this year, a taste of swimming.

Our advice: bring water, sun protection and everything you need to enjoy the beach at your own pace. We would have happily stayed there much longer than expected. If you reach the beaches by car on the track, check the access conditions and any fees.

Baignade dans une eau turquoise à Lanzarote — Enjoying the ocean a little longer before getting back on the road.

Sable doré et rochers sombres sur une plage de Lanzarote — We really loved the contrast between the sand, the rock and the sea.

Vue sur une plage de Lanzarote et des voiliers au large — Pauses by the water, without watching the time.

El Cuervo: a hike in the heart of the volcanic landscape

To discover another side of Lanzarote, we put on good shoes and headed to Volcán del Cuervo, also known as El Cuervo. Black rocks, volcanic relief and an almost lunar ground: the change of scenery was complete.

The marked trail lets you walk around the volcano and enter its caldera through a natural opening. We found this walk accessible and impressive. In the middle of this landscape, you feel very small!

Sentier au milieu des roches volcaniques à Lanzarote — Walking through a landscape shaped by volcanoes.

Passage entre des parois de roche volcanique — The walk brings us closer to the shapes and colors of the rock.

This discovery also reminded us that great memories do not always require a big budget: our walk cost us no entrance fee at all. With children, adapt the route to their age and the heat. Bring water, a hat and stay on the designated path.

Montaña Colorada: a walk among Lanzarote's colors

We also walked around Montaña Colorada. Its reddish hues contrast with the darker ground around it: yet another lovely surprise on this island where the landscapes keep changing.

I really loved this walk, which let us enjoy the scenery at our own pace. There was no need to aim for performance: taking the time to observe the shapes and rocks was enough to make the outing worthwhile.

Bloc rocheux dans une plaine volcanique avec des montagnes en arrière-plan — Around the volcanoes, every stop offers a new perspective.

By bike and scooter along the ocean in Puerto del Carmen

To change things up, we rented bikes and a scooter on the Puerto del Carmen side. A lovely way to discover the coast differently and enjoy the sun while moving.

We followed the ocean and took breaks whenever we felt like it. It is the kind of simple activity we enjoy as a family: a bit of exercise, sea air and no reason to hurry.

Deux vacanciers avec leurs vélos dans une rue de Lanzarote — Ready for a bike ride in the sun.

Vélos à l’arrêt face à la plage et à l’océan — A pause facing the sea during the walk.

Cycling in the sun rather than under autumn grey skies, we savored that privilege! To plan a similar outing, ask the rental company for a route suited to your family and check the permitted areas depending on the equipment chosen.

Côte rocheuse de Lanzarote bordée par l’océan — The coastline accompanies our discoveries.

Petite construction blanche au milieu des roches du bord de mer — Details noticed along the coastal walk.

Cueva de los Verdes: discovering Lanzarote beneath the surface

After the beaches and open-air walks, the Cueva de los Verdes plunged us into a completely different atmosphere. This volcanic cave reveals passages, chambers and plays of light that make the visit fascinating.

We really enjoyed discovering this more mysterious side of Lanzarote. It is a great way to vary activities during a family stay and to continue exploring the island's volcanic history.

Parois volcaniques éclairées à l’intérieur de la Cueva de los Verdes — Below the surface, Lanzarote reveals another world.

The visit is paid, and booking a day and time slot is mandatory. Check the conditions on the official website before traveling there, especially if you are traveling with young children or someone with mobility difficulties.

Our oceanfront hotel: time to unwind

For this holiday, we had chosen a family hotel facing the ocean. What a joy to return to a pleasant setting after our walks and discoveries! We were also happy to slow down and enjoy calmer moments together.

Because holidays are not just about sightseeing. Taking the time to do nothing, admire the view or linger over an evening is just as much part of the trip.

Palmiers et allées dans le cadre de notre séjour à Lanzarote — A sunny setting for moments of rest.

Piscine et palmiers éclairés à la tombée de la nuit — The pleasure of extending holiday evenings.

Holidays are also about taking the time to sit down to eat

Between discoveries, gourmet breaks also found their place. Sharing a meal, talking about the day and choosing the next walk: these simple moments are part of our family memories.

Plat de crevettes servi à table pendant le séjour à Lanzarote — Foodie breaks are also part of the journey.

Planches à partager et accompagnements au restaurant — Taking the time to reconnect around the table.

Our tips for discovering Lanzarote with the family in autumn

Keep the schedule flexible: alternate between beaches, walks and rest time rather than multiplying stops.
Prepare for the walks: closed shoes, water, a hat and sun protection are useful in volcanic landscapes with little shade.
Adapt swimming to conditions: take waves, currents and local advice into account, especially at Famara.
Plan ahead for Cueva de los Verdes: book your slot and check the visiting conditions.
Keep costs in mind: walks and beach time can help limit the budget, but equipment rental, certain visits and some access points remain paid.
Also bring a light layer: the wind and evenings can change how the temperature feels.

Lanzarote in autumn: a break that did us good

What I remember most about this trip is that feeling of lightness. We discovered magnificent landscapes, shared lovely family moments and soaked up the sun before heading home.

Lanzarote allowed us to alternate atmospheres without filling every day: a beach, a volcano, a bike ride, an underground visit... and then rest. We came back with beautiful memories and that little urge to leave again that never really goes away.

If you are looking for a family travel idea for the autumn holidays, our experience in Lanzarote might just inspire you. For us, the essential thing was to discover the island at our own pace and enjoy being together.

And you, do you know the Canaries?