Lanzorote Family Holiday.....1st timer help

slig17

Hi,

Heading in july. with 2 kids 12 and 6. A few questions please
Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit?
How much clothes should i bring for kids?
Things to do there other than beach and pool?
What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise?
Sorry its first time away.....clueless eeeek but super excited.
Any other tips would be great.
TIA

naughtysmurf

slig17 wrote: »

Hi,

Heading in july. with 2 kids 12 and 6. A few questions please
Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit?
How much clothes should i bring for kids?
Things to do there other than beach and pool?
What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise?
Sorry its first time away.....clueless eeeek but super excited.
Any other tips would be great.
TIA

Well we haven't used the UV vests since ours were about four but we do lather them in factor 50, it's quite easy to burn there especially with the breeze as it has a cooling effect, you can pick up a range of aloe Vera stuff over there, it's the best product if any of you get too much sun.

If you have a washing machine you won't really need more than a few days clothes, stuff will dry in a couple of hours or overnight, Lanzarote is a relaxed island, casual dress everywhere

There is a water park in Teguise, you can go in to the national park, Timanfaya & tour the Volcanoes, there are a few boat trips you could take, few mini golf places, day trip to Fuerteventura, have a look on tripadvisor

fleet

The clear spray on waterproof sun cream.

Goes to about factor 20-25, but so much easier to apply and comfortable to wear that you'll not mind putting it on.

jennyhayes123

I am going next week.Will update you when I'm back

slig17

slig17 wrote: »

Hi,

Heading in july. with 2 kids 12 and 6. A few questions please
Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit?
How much clothes should i bring for kids?
Things to do there other than beach and pool?
What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise?
Sorry its first time away.....clueless eeeek but super excited.
Any other tips would be great.
TIA

Suncream, suncream and more suncream! Put on when getting dressed before breakfast and reapply every hour or so, especially after a swim. Stay under parasol if possible and wear a hat. (I got burnt along the parting of my hair, so be warned!). Drink loads of water - bought in gallon tubs and decanted into smaller bottles.
Clotheswise, I bring, 2 each shorts, teeshirts, bikinis, bras, 2 fancier tops for nights and a long light skirt, nightie, plus a pair of panties a day. Rinse out clothes at night and leave to dry next day, apart from panties, which is why I prefer to bring enough to have fresh ones every day!
Definitely do a tour of the national park if funds allow.
Otherwise, buy the kids snorkling kits and leave them face down in the water for hours at a time.
Be careful when drinking, as the measures are different to ours and a hangover in the heat is not an experience to be endured!

slig17

Deleted User wrote: »

Suncream, suncream and more suncream! Put on when getting dressed before breakfast and reapply every hour or so, especially after a swim. Stay under parasol if possible and wear a hat. (I got burnt along the parting of my hair, so be warned!). Drink loads of water - bought in gallon tubs and decanted into smaller bottles.
Clotheswise, I bring, 2 each shorts, teeshirts, bikinis, bras, 2 fancier tops for nights and a long light skirt, nightie, plus a pair of panties a day. Rinse out clothes at night and leave to dry next day, apart from panties, which is why I prefer to bring enough to have fresh ones every day!
Definitely do a tour of the national park if funds allow.
Otherwise, buy the kids snorkling kits and leave them face down in the water for hours at a time.
Be careful when drinking, as the measures are different to ours and a hangover in the heat is not an experience to be endured!

What about P20 was gonna get this as supposed to be the biz and safe reappling all day?

naughtysmurf

slig17 wrote: »

What about P20 was gonna get this as supposed to be the biz and safe reappling all day?

P20 is very good, has the highest water resistance available to sunscreens, it's expensive though but worth it IMO, good for 8 hours unless a towel is used vigorously, it's what I'll be bringing to Fuerteventura later in the year, really can't emphasise the danger of burning without noticing due to the cooling effect of the breeze in Lanzarote & Fuerteventura

Eponymous

Factor 50 all day!

Seriously, if you're not used to the sun, you'll fry with anything lower. I take a tan well, rarely burn but still use 50 for the first few days and drop down slowly. Usually still on about 20 at the end of a fortnight. Maryanne84 is bang on the money here. The breeze can be deceptively cool, particularly around Costa Teguise, Matagorda and Los Pocillos and you can burn in minutes (no exaggeration).

All well and good wanting to get a tan, but skin cancer is no joke and a disappointing tan is still far better than a scar from where a dodgy mole had to be extracted.

In terms of days out, hire a car for a few days from Cabrera Medina, Plus Car or Omnicars. They'll deliver to your accommodation and collect it from there too. Three days will get you to everything worth seeing and you can take your time and enjoy some of the other beaches on the island. Highlights are Timanfayna National Park - the drive alone is excellent. Works out at €9 pp to visit. If you're staying in Puerto del Carmen, take a spin to Playa Blanca for a day - lovely beach there. Mirador del Rio is worth going to see too, it's built into a cliff face and offers views over La Graciosa. Although I've never been myself (we keep saying we must!), Rancho Texas is pretty good by all accounts. One thing I've heard a lot though is there is feck all shelter from the sun, so be careful! There's a small water park there too. They offer a pick-up/drop back service so you don't need to worry about how to get there (and certainly not on a day you've hired a car!!!). If you're not planning on hiring a car, take the "Gran Tour". You can probably book via reception or have a look for Last Minute Tours in every resort. They're well reviewed and the Gran Tour is a full day covering the highlights of the island.

If there's a washing machine/dryer in your accommodation then you really only need to pack a couple of days worth of clothes each and stuff for nights out. Try bring stuff that's low maintenance and doesn't require special attention (unlikely to run, quick to dry etc.)

If shopping is your thing, DO NOT BUY from the electrical shops in the resorts. Sooo many reports of people being ripped off, thinking they're buying a top of the line tablet/phone/camera and it turns out they've paid a fortune for a knock-off. For clothes shopping etc., Biosfera shopping centre in Puerto del Carmen or the Deiland in Playa Honda are pretty good, Deiland is much bigger, all indoors and air conditioned, so it's a great way of staying in and keeping cool if you find it gets too hot some day.

naughtysmurf

You can get P20 in SPF 50+ and lower factors

slig17

Eponymous wrote: »

Factor 50 all day!

Seriously, if you're not used to the sun, you'll fry with anything lower. I take a tan well, rarely burn but still use 50 for the first few days and drop down slowly. Usually still on about 20 at the end of a fortnight. Maryanne84 is bang on the money here. The breeze can be deceptively cool, particularly around Costa Teguise, Matagorda and Los Pocillos and you can burn in minutes (no exaggeration).

All well and good wanting to get a tan, but skin cancer is no joke and a disappointing tan is still far better than a scar from where a dodgy mole had to be extracted.

In terms of days out, hire a car for a few days from Cabrera Medina, Plus Car or Omnicars. They'll deliver to your accommodation and collect it from there too. Three days will get you to everything worth seeing and you can take your time and enjoy some of the other beaches on the island. Highlights are Timanfayna National Park - the drive alone is excellent. Works out at €9 pp to visit. If you're staying in Puerto del Carmen, take a spin to Playa Blanca for a day - lovely beach there. Mirador del Rio is worth going to see too, it's built into a cliff face and offers views over La Graciosa. Although I've never been myself (we keep saying we must!), Rancho Texas is pretty good by all accounts. One thing I've heard a lot though is there is feck all shelter from the sun, so be careful! There's a small water park there too. They offer a pick-up/drop back service so you don't need to worry about how to get there (and certainly not on a day you've hired a car!!!). If you're not planning on hiring a car, take the "Gran Tour". You can probably book via reception or have a look for Last Minute Tours in every resort. They're well reviewed and the Gran Tour is a full day covering the highlights of the island.

If there's a washing machine/dryer in your accommodation then you really only need to pack a couple of days worth of clothes each and stuff for nights out. Try bring stuff that's low maintenance and doesn't require special attention (unlikely to run, quick to dry etc.)

If shopping is your thing, DO NOT BUY from the electrical shops in the resorts. Sooo many reports of people being ripped off, thinking they're buying a top of the line tablet/phone/camera and it turns out they've paid a fortune for a knock-off. For clothes shopping etc., Biosfera shopping centre in Puerto del Carmen or the Deiland in Playa Honda are pretty good, Deiland is much bigger, all indoors and air conditioned, so it's a great way of staying in and keeping cool if you find it gets too hot some day.

Thanks for that were in peurto del carmen - right centre by what i can gather so the beach, the strip for walks shops etc and pool at the appts was all i was kinda thinking and maybe the markets i think on a sunday its on and maybe that rancho texas if not too hot. gonna get p20 how much do you think i would need thinkin 100ml bottle each should do? places to eat with kids cheap? gonna get bits in supermarket beside us mostly. Anyone use the rash vests on kids for the pool beach?

uck51js9zml2yt

Its easiest to keep a t shirt on the kids at the pool/ beach.

Eating out is cheap.
If you're getting a car you could take the boat over to fuertaventura and drove south.
The timanfaya NP is worth doing and the bus tour of the lava fields when there. Its free with admission.
Mirador is worth doing. Have lunch and watch the scenery.
There is also a cave with blind shrimp in it on the east coast. Can't remember its name.

geotrig

jameos de agua of somthing like that !

Cueva de los Verdes is only across the way the road from it and is a stunning cave system and the kids and yourself will love it, also mirador del rio is close by so you can do them all the same morning .

I think the uv vest are well worth it especially with kids, sunscreen is plentuful over there quite cheap. reapply ever 30ish mins to stop burning thats what the spainish seem to do anyway

get a car they are cheap enough over and everyone is in a rental ! ive used autoreisen and found them reasonable but also look into the other mentioned above as well.

rancho texas is a decent zoo and has a pool area etc ,haria has another guinate tropical zoo park and is nearly always empty /quiet , you get a free lunch and it a cheap day out staff are great there normally . lunch is very basis paella or something. both places will try and sell you photo's with animals etc..rancho texas has the better animals. but the kids feed the penguins in the tropical zoo !

dont know about peurto del carmen but the beaches in playa blanca ...closer to the marina side , are fantastic for snorkeling

there is also the yellow sub thing in puerto calero which is pretty decent but it is expensive.

Eponymous

Keegan Fresh Woodpecker wrote: »

Its easiest to keep a t shirt on the kids at the pool/ beach.

Eating out is cheap.
If you're getting a car you could take the boat over to fuertaventura and drove south.
The timanfaya NP is worth doing and the bus tour of the lava fields when there. Its free with admission.
Mirador is worth doing. Have lunch and watch the scenery.
There is also a cave with blind shrimp in it on the east coast. Can't remember its name.

The caves are Jameos del Agua.

The market on a Sunday is in Teguise in the middle of the island. It's really not worth it, IMHO. There's a market in the car park of the Harbour on a Friday in PdC. Same stalls, just on a much smaller scale, selling the same tat. That said, Teguise is a must-see. Just go on a different day when the market's not on so you can appreciate the town properly. Actually, if you want to do a nice walk, there's a lovely track from the harbour at PdC to the Marina at Puerto Calero. If you do that on a Friday there's a small (and nice) market there and some good shops too along with some nice cafes. You can then get the water taxi back to PdC for about a fiver. It has a glass bottom so you get to see some fishies.

If you're picking up bits in a supermarket, there's a Lidl near the Biosfera. Worth stocking up there and getting a cab back. They've a fair bit of branded stuff and it's great for fresh bread etc too. Better selection than the stores here, but for day to day stuff, the local Spar or Hiperdino will do you fine.

geotrig

tequise also has the pirate museum ,fantastic views and the drive up the hill is a bit daunting at 1st ! ... not worth going out of the way for but worth a stop when near teguise

Blizzard

Oh wow, first time away! You are going to have a brilliant holiday and couldn’t have picked a better place for it. To answer your questions -

- Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit? - not really necessary for your kids ages (I would say a ‘must have’ for infants/toddlers) but if you can get them in their ages, go for it. Proper sun screen with a high factor should be sufficient for the first few days, then you can slowly reduce from say factor 50 to 30 or 20. If you’re checking in luggage, I would definitely suggest/recommend the sun creams from Aldi. I’ve gotten them the last few years and haven’t had one problem with them for the kids - be sure to apply 2 or 3 times a day at least 15-30 mins before they go swimming. For myself and my husband, I get the Once a Day cream also from Aldi - even though I’m fair-skinned and would normally burn, I’ve never burned using this - it’s only factor 20 but I apply it 2 or 3 times a day. On our last trip to Lanzarote last August, we looked around and decided that if we went this year we wouldn’t check luggage and would just buy our sun creams there as the prices we saw were very reasonable - we ran low when we were there and bought some and had no problems with them either.

- How much clothes should i bring for kids? It depends on how long you’re going - I’d agree with what others posted on previously - you’ll need very little; for a week, I’d say 3 day outfits and same for evening, a couple of swimsuits, beach towel maybe? - if 2 weeks, I’d only say an outfit or two extra. If you have access to a washing machine and aren’t checking luggage, go with less and wash as needed. Spending most days in a swimsuit, you really won’t need much at all.

- Things to do there other than beach and pool? Definitely! I second visiting Timanfaya National Park, rent a car and go yourselves. We rented a car from a place on the strip in Puerto del Carmen - had it for 3 days and visited the National Park one day (great drive and easy - but go early in the morning or face long queues to get in) then we drove up to Jameos del Agua in the afternoon while stopping in Teguise on the way for lunch (if I recall correctly). We drove to the water park in Costa Teguise another day which we really enjoyed - they have lockers you can store your bags in and sun loungers, but I think you have to pay €3 for a bed for the day but it's great to use as a base to come back to.

The other thing I’d highly recommend and because you have a 12 and 6 year old, you can do with or without them. Ours like to sleep on a bit in the morning, so my husband and I rented bikes for 3 days and each morning about 7 or 8am we got up, dressed and went out for a lovely bike ride on the promenade from centre of Puerto del Carmen all the way up to the airport - it’s stunning and brilliant. On the way back we stopped for coffee anywhere opposite the beach. It was just a nice way to be on your own in a fab setting and starts the day off perfectly - I highly recommend doing this if you can.

- What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise? Similar to kids - just a few outfits for day 2/3 - shorts or light dress (you can definitely find what you need in Penny’s); 2 or 3 coverups for over your swimsuit, 2/3 swimsuits and 3 dresses for the evening will be loads. As it can be a little windy (which is great), a light cardigan wouldn’t go astray either. For your hubby, whatever during the day, swim togs (if their shorts) would be great for day trips with a t-shirt and for evening, 2 or 3 casual pairs of shorts with shirts would be great too.

- Any other tips would be great. - Check tripadvisor for more information and restaurant listings. Eating out will be a great past time each evening and something we looked forward to almost as much as the sun and pool/beach! You will find loads of good info on TripAdvisor. If I think of anything else, I’ll post again. You are going to have a brilliant, relaxed and fun holiday. Enjoy planning the holiday!

naughtysmurf

If you think you will do the volcano tour in Timanfaya, bring a couple of hoodies or sweatshirts as it's a lot cooler up there even in July, as already said,, get there early, before 10am, before the tour buses arrive, on the way back there is a place to stop off and do a camel ride if you wish

slig17

Blizzard wrote: »

Oh wow, first time away! You are going to have a brilliant holiday and couldn’t have picked a better place for it. To answer your questions -

- Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit? - not really necessary for your kids ages (I would say a ‘must have’ for infants/toddlers) but if you can get them in their ages, go for it. Proper sun screen with a high factor should be sufficient for the first few days, then you can slowly reduce from say factor 50 to 30 or 20. If you’re checking in luggage, I would definitely suggest/recommend the sun creams from Aldi. I’ve gotten them the last few years and haven’t had one problem with them for the kids - be sure to apply 2 or 3 times a day at least 15-30 mins before they go swimming. For myself and my husband, I get the Once a Day cream also from Aldi - even though I’m fair-skinned and would normally burn, I’ve never burned using this - it’s only factor 20 but I apply it 2 or 3 times a day. On our last trip to Lanzarote last August, we looked around and decided that if we went this year we wouldn’t check luggage and would just buy our sun creams there as the prices we saw were very reasonable - we ran low when we were there and bought some and had no problems with them either.

- How much clothes should i bring for kids? It depends on how long you’re going - I’d agree with what others posted on previously - you’ll need very little; for a week, I’d say 3 day outfits and same for evening, a couple of swimsuits, beach towel maybe? - if 2 weeks, I’d only say an outfit or two extra. If you have access to a washing machine and aren’t checking luggage, go with less and wash as needed. Spending most days in a swimsuit, you really won’t need much at all.

- Things to do there other than beach and pool? Definitely! I second visiting Timanfaya National Park, rent a car and go yourselves. We rented a car from a place on the strip in Puerto del Carmen - had it for 3 days and visited the National Park one day (great drive and easy - but go early in the morning or face long queues to get in) then we drove up to Jameos del Agua in the afternoon while stopping in Teguise on the way for lunch (if I recall correctly). We drove to the water park in Costa Teguise another day which we really enjoyed - they have lockers you can store your bags in and sun loungers, but I think you have to pay €3 for a bed for the day but it's great to use as a base to come back to.

The other thing I’d highly recommend and because you have a 12 and 6 year old, you can do with or without them. Ours like to sleep on a bit in the morning, so my husband and I rented bikes for 3 days and each morning about 7 or 8am we got up, dressed and went out for a lovely bike ride on the promenade from centre of Puerto del Carmen all the way up to the airport - it’s stunning and brilliant. On the way back we stopped for coffee anywhere opposite the beach. It was just a nice way to be on your own in a fab setting and starts the day off perfectly - I highly recommend doing this if you can.

- What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise? Similar to kids - just a few outfits for day 2/3 - shorts or light dress (you can definitely find what you need in Penny’s); 2 or 3 coverups for over your swimsuit, 2/3 swimsuits and 3 dresses for the evening will be loads. As it can be a little windy (which is great), a light cardigan wouldn’t go astray either. For your hubby, whatever during the day, swim togs (if their shorts) would be great for day trips with a t-shirt and for evening, 2 or 3 casual pairs of shorts with shirts would be great too.

- Any other tips would be great. - Check tripadvisor for more information and restaurant listings. Eating out will be a great past time each evening and something we looked forward to almost as much as the sun and pool/beach! You will find loads of good info on TripAdvisor. If I think of anything else, I’ll post again. You are going to have a brilliant, relaxed and fun holiday. Enjoy planning the holiday!

Wow thank you so much ☺

Alfie Tupper

There is another sun cream similar to P20 called Parasol. It is also a clear liquid that is super easy to apply and once a day is usually enough. We used it every year while our kids were small and never had problems. It is expensive as well but worth it.

Be careful with your baggage allowance. You probably won't have any trouble going out as Irish airports are a little more flexible but the two times I've come back from Lanzarote the airline staff in Arrecife have been very strict on baggage weights.

Also in PDC if you are walking in the evening walk on the beach side of the road or you will be tormented by people outside restaurants and bars trying to get you inside.

enjoy your holiday

Sundew

Lucky duck going to Lanzarote this week!
You might also enjoy the catus garðen.They are well worth a visit.
It's lovely down around the old harbour early in the morning..you can watch the fishermen landing their catch.
We love popping in to this place " El Ancla" for tapas during the day and pizza in the evening! It's overlooking the harbour!
Their website doesn't seem to be working that well at the mo.
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g662290-d1000070-Reviews-El_Ancla-Puerto_Del_Carmen_Lanzarote_Canary_Islands.html
http://www.elancla-lanzarote.com

slig17

Hi i got the rash vest but just after noticing it doestnt say uv protected on the older girls one?? what do you think??

The Stand Side

slig17 wrote: »

Hi,

Heading in july. with 2 kids 12 and 6. A few questions please
Uv vest tops for pool and beach or just swimsuit?
How much clothes should i bring for kids?
Things to do there other than beach and pool?
What should i bring for myself and hubby clothes and show wise?
Sorry its first time away.....clueless eeeek but super excited.
Any other tips would be great.
TIA

On the kids have used the aldi Once a day factor 20 then topped up with higher factor regularly during the day. Our kids around same age and used three 200ml Once a day plus a factor 30. No problems. The key is to be aware of length of time in sun. When in pool shoulders and head get more sun and need kids to get out dry off for while and top up on factor. Its the days you are out and about, walking on the beach, at markets or harbour that you need to remember to top up. Where kids have spent hours in sun we use a tee shirt or have used UV tops when they were younger.

Loads of things to do from all the various trips mentioned already, much depends on your budget for excursions. We didnt hire car but found plenty to do, rambles along the strip, decide on somewhere to eat, investigate a few interesting family friendly pubs ( always with wifi) , with loads of kids and families around right up to midnight.
Clothes is very much a personal thing and depends on how much you want to have choice or not. Plenty shops for emergency even lovely shoe shops. Overall evening wear, its casual as you like in general but that is apart from some of the higher star hotels.
Its a brilliant relaxing safe holiday destination where you can decide how far your budget can extend. Heading back again this year. Best of luck.

jennyhayes123

Just back today from 9 night's there. So cold now. Had a great time. Where are you staying

charlie14

Jameos del Aqua is where you will find those white blind crabs.

Just google the name

Market is on Sundays in Tequise. A bit tourisy imo. but a nice little village to ramble around.Reception will sort the bus for you if tou`re not driving.

Food is good value, but the "Irish " bar prices aren`t much different from home.
Supermarkets are good value.

More expensive than others but the food is a notch above in the French restaurant beside Craic and Ceol pub near the biosphere shopping center, and just up the road from the biosphere Quintins is really excellent.
Both can be busy when you are going, so you may need to book.

slig17

jennyhayes123 wrote: »

Just back today from 9 night's there. So cold now. Had a great time. Where are you staying

Stayin in Puerto del Carmen

Shint0

If you get a chance bring the kids up to Matagorda right where the flights are coming in. If you stretch your arms up you can almost touch them overhead as they land....well almost.