Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote, Spain ~ Canary Islands

We travelled to the volcanic, Canary Island of Lanzarote, (just off the coast of Morocco, Africa) for fall break. Spencer had decided on this destination point and I'm not going to lie...I was a little leery because I hadn't heard  much about it. We travelled with my amazing mom and our good friends, the Barron family from Boston - Jon, Heidi, Hannah and Nico. We had a FABULOUS time and it ended up being one of our most unique and enjoyable trips.The kids got along perfectly and we spent the week laughing and relaxing.

When we arrived in Feurteventura (yes, Spencer accidentally flew us to the wrong island. HaHa The home he had arranged for us to stay on was on Lanzarote!) But we took an easy 30 min ferry ride to its neighboring island, Lanzarote. As the boat approached the island, I was surprised at what kind of terrain we were looking at. There was a red crater, volcanic rock EVERYWHERE and a little coastal town. As we got out, and started to drive, it felt like we were driving on the moon. The entire island is volcanic rock except for the imported palm trees, imported sand and huts and houses in sporadic villages. The homes were light in color, geometrical in shape, quite utilitarian looking, and actually colorfully impactful with most of the homes being white in color, contrasted with the black black rock surrounding it. It was very impressive.

As we drove through the village of Yaisa (where we were supposed to stay) everyone was very quiet. Many the homes were looking quite run-down, with graffiti on the sides. We were all so nervous about where we were going to be staying for the next week...as we drove up to a home on the edge of the village, you could almost hear everyone holding their breath. The home in front of us was big, clean and quite impressive....As Spencer and I got out of the car, we looked around for the address (which was a bit hidden), I turned around and said, "THIS IS IT!" Everyone cheered! It was hilarious! The house was a home-run hit find by Spence and ended up being a highlight of our trip. Way to go Spence! 

Pictures of the village..

The fun pool where we played.

Boggle and Take-Two were huge hits with the ladies!

We went to beach on the first day. The weather was hot and wonderful and we soaked it up like sponges!

Ike, Anne, Hannah, Nico, Ty and Josh

Spike Ball set up!

Playa Blanca Beach

Lots of spike ball was played!

Anne and Hannah's Photo Shoot

They were so cute and had the best time together.

WaveRider!

We found an Italian couple who owned and operated a wave-rider boat which we went on. 

What a riot!! As you can see, it fit us all perfectly.

We got to get off and snorkel for a little while. So cool!

Mom was SO fun on the trip and just seem to enjoy everything...as long as she had her ICED Diet Coke! HaHa!

All the kids just loved it.

The kids were in perfect form...I'm learning...maybe more beaches and fewer cathedrals....???

Josh was IN LOVE with the orange Fanta soda

Back at the ranch...

Soaking up a few more welcomed rays :)

Out for a morning run...the views were surreal. Really stunning.

Views of the village on our run. 

Timanfaya National Park

We took a tour through their national park. It was incredible to see the craters, 

and learn how this island was made and settled. 

We were looking at the backdrop for the latest Star Wars movie...

We were able to watch geysers go off..

Cooking chicken using geothermic energy!

Camel Rides

We spotted all these camels WAITING to be ridden by tourists...we had to oblige 

WHHAAAATTT? 

What a fun experience for the kids.

It's hard to capture someplace like this. It really is its own kind of beautiful. Seriously.

 It was very impressive to see and experience such a unique place. 

FIESTA! Olē!

So the home we were staying at is managed by a man who offered to cook for us one night. IT WAS SO GREAT! He and his wife had it all set up and the food was delicious. I've never had someone come into our home and cook. It was fabulous!

Another perk to this trip was getting some serious sun time...

....and family time...

Muy bonita!

Playa Flamingo Beach

We discovered another beach on the island and spent the day at its beautiful shores.

We had such a fun day here playing in the sand, water and taking little walks around the coastline.

Kayaking Coastal Tour

They gave us an underwater camera to use. We didn't use it very well. This was the only one that turned out.

What an absolute blast of a trip and exactly what the kids were hoping for. I highly recommend this rather "off-the-main-stream" island of beautiful Lanzarote for a great get-away vacation.

Thank you too, Barron family and mom, for making this trip so fun and memorable!