Hello! Bet you are looking forward to your hol - we love Lanzarote as we are big road cyclists. We have been twice with our little one over the last 18 months - once when he was 4 months and once when he was 15 months. We flew easyjet but they are broadly the same as ryanair (and we have flown elsewhere with ryanair, e.g to the Pyrenees). So, in response to your questions:
- yes you can take a buggy free of charge. You take it all the way to the plane and then they fold it and put it on board. We have a second hand bashed about babyjogger city mini we use for traveling as it folds so easily and is very small when folded. Definitely better than a 2 part buggy system (e.g. chameleon or cherry or something like that).
2.we always rent a car as it is not expensive (you can get a small car for a week for around £100, and you can rent a car seat). If you are not renting, I have heard the buses in Lanza are good. However if you are taking taxis/buses you should defo have a car seat for safety. However bear in mind you may not be able to strap the seat in on a bus. I took a 2 hour bus trip in Ireland once, with my maxi-cosi, and had to buy a seat-belt extender for £10 before I went so I knew it would strap in. Note you can't take your car seat on board ryanair flights, even if you have booked an extra seat for your infant. You also can't check it in for free - I think the charge is approx £20 each way (the charge is for "infant equipment" - we paid it to take our baby hiking backpack to France last summer). So, I would say that (assuming you can drive), the cost of taking your car seat and paying for buses/taxis would probably add up to the cost of renting a small car for a week. You won't use loads of petrol, it is a small island. Plus you'll be able to explore all that Lanza has to offer - the vineyards inland, with their delicious wine tasting and tapas (yes, Lanzarote wine is GOOD!), the amazing stunning scenery at the north of the island, the beautiful big sandy beach at Farmara (and maybe do some surfing!), delicious early dinner on the sea front at El Golfo while the sun sets, the volcanic national park...ahhhhh I am jealous!
- Not sure about buggies on buses, but I would assume yes. I wouldn't be tempted to travel on a bus or any form of public transport/taxi without a car seat though. The worst doesn't even bear thinking about.
You will have a great trip - the Canaries are so perfect for winter sun with a little one, because you don't have to contend with jetlag! We would really recommend trying some little restaurants here and there - the canarians are so child friendly, it is great - we used to go out for dinner early, like 5.30/6pm, so our little man could eat with us, and then after he had gone to bed we would sit out on our terrace with a bottle of wine for the evening...perfect.
Enjoy your holiday! Where are you staying? PM me if you want any more tips!