Getting to Know Lanzarote
The easternmost of the Canary Islands has a personality of its own. After you’ve gotten into the island’s rhythm, you’ll start noticing the white buildings with green door and window frames. They starkly contrast with the lava beds in the center of Lanzarote.
The year-round great weather offers excellent cycling possibilities.
The island is also home to the best surfing experiences of the Canaries for those who are passionate about the sport.
In Lanzarote, you can also find excellent seafood and oddities (like meals cooked over a volcano). It is a peaceful, slow-paced, and welcoming island.
Locations to Ride
Timanfaya National Park
The lava fields along Timanfaya National Park
The 117km stretch (1328m elevation gain) along the lava fields of Lanzarote is not only something uncommon but also strenuous. Why? Well, the wind might try to sabotage your ride (see below).
The Vineyards of La Geria
An interesting opportunity to peek into Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage! You’ll encounter well-paved roads on a leisurely ride with some bursts of effort.
Mirador del Rio and Northern Lanzarote
The north of the island is a little greener and better for hills (and still within easy reach from your south base if you decided to have one there). The hills near Haria are challenging.
Top Guided Cycling Tours Lanzarote
Lanzarote doesn’t host many tours; managing on your own could be a great idea. However, here are some Lanzarote tour providers.
General Tours
Evolution Bikes offers twice-weekly tours of Lanzarote; they are about 80 km and are said to be fun.
Training Camps
Club La Santa will take care of everything, even recovery!
A good idea is also to train before heading out to Lanzarote.
Specialist (solos, self-guided, e-bikes) Cycling Holidays Lanzarote
Bike Sensations also offers e-bike tours of Lanzarote, at various distances and for all levels.
Where to Stay in Lanzarote
The south of the island is a good base – around Playa del Carmen –, as you are close to everything.
Some good bike hotels to select from are Hotel Costa Calero Talaso & Spa and MYND Yaiza.
If you prefer living in the north of the island, Club La Santa is a solid choice for sporting aficionados. There are not only recovery services available after tough cycling days but also diverse activities if you’ve got a multi-sporting holiday on your mind.
You shouldn’t disregard surfing camp bases. Kalufa House is one of the cosiest and best-endowed accommodation spaces around Lanzarote.
Make your choice!
Cycling Essentials for Lanzarote
Right before a trip, I like going through the essentials. Are you just like me? If so, we both know that it’s good to have them in one place for your Lanzarote cycling holidays.
When to Cycle in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is home to great weather year-round. It can get too hot in the summer peak, but it is a perfect spring-autumn-winter getaway.
Bike Hire in Lanzarote
Remember to book your bike in advance, particularly during peak season.
You can do so at Free Motion or Roy’s Bike Shop; both have various shops around the island.
Your bike should be in top condition, given the peaks and troughs of volcanic lava beds.
When selecting your rental, keep in mind the possibility of strong gusts. You can consequently opt for bikes that are stable in crosswinds.
Specific Bike Stores or Chains
Try Tripasion in Puerto del Carmen or Tribike Marina in Arrecife.
What to Pack
First and foremost, pack your pedals, shoes, and helmet.
Bring a quality windbreaker and layers.
How to Pay in Lanzarote
Cards are widely used; however, cash is preferred by locals.
Gratuities
5-10% extra is an acceptable amount in restaurants; you can round the cost for taxi rides.
Tips for Cycling in Lanzarote
The legal part:
Don’t forget to wear helmets (they are mandatory outside urban areas, as well as for cyclists under 16 in all areas) and protective clothing.
Speaking on the phone is illegal; and so is wearing headphones.
Other common sense tips:
Have sunscreen, sunglasses, and adequate hydration with you during your rides.
Always carry a repair kit; know the basics of bike maintenance.
Carry a mobile phone, too; lava beds are tricky terrain to navigate.
Remember that Lanzarote’s wind can be an uneasy companion. Work with it, not against it, by planning your routes accordingly; choose biking in groups for drafting benefits during windy days.
Consider yourself warned: Lanzarote can get very gusty. Don’t get caught riding into a headwind (unless with others where you can rotate or hide!).
The crosswinds can be a bit scary, especially with the lava bedrock on the side of the road. It wouldn’t be a soft landing! Plan your routes and/or seek guidance from local cycling experts to ensure your cycling holiday on Lanzarote is uneventful.
Best Coffee Stops in Lanzarote
Costa Teguise: El Guachinche de Luis [great sitting, friendly place, delicious flan de huevo]
La Santa: El Barquillo [one of the best places in Lanzarote for a good dessert and excellent seafood (maybe you need to grab a bite)]
Puerto del Carmen: Der Coffee [quality coffee and more than that!]
Teguise: Jonniebakes [the famous family bakery]
Cycling Events in Lanzarote
In April, athletes prepare for the oldest triathlon in Spain – the Volcano Triathlon in Spain, organised by Club La Santa since 1984. The bike course starts and ends at Club La Santa, taking the participants 40 km along Caleta de Caballo, Soo, and Caleta de Famara.
May is the month for Club la Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote. The triathlon involves 180.2 (picturesque) km of bike course along La Geria and Mirador del Rio; it finishes in Puerto del Carmen.
Getting to and Around Lanzarote
Getting to Lanzarote usually happens:
By plane
There are regular direct flights from many Western European cities, as well as Morocco. Wherever you are in the world, if you wish to visit Lanzarote, it will be possible (with at least one stopover if you’re in North or South America, Asia, or Oceania). Research well.
By ferry
You can also arrive by ferry, which has regular connections (apparently, weekly) to mainland Spain (try Naviera Armas).
It is also easy to travel to nearby Fuerteventura, La Graciosa, and Gran Canaria (try Naviera Armas again) by direct ferry. The other Canary Islands are served by indirect ferries from Lanzarote.
By car
Renting a car may prove useful when you wish to explore the island unattached to your bike. Be careful, though, as some car rental companies can be unprofessional.
By bus
Buses run regularly and cover the island well.
Beyond Cycling: Other Attractions
Lanzarote may be too small for a week-long holiday if you are a very active person but are not involved in any sports. J If, on the other hand, you are busy riding, you will have a good time. Here are some ideas when you need to relax or change the scenery—
- Playa de Famara is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote, recommended for beginner and intermediate surfers; you can get classes with Kalufa Surf School.
- Still in the water sports area, for great snorkelling, head to Playa del Jablillo in Costa Teguise.
- For a lovely coastal walk, go from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero; it all starts with stairs, under the watchful eyes of many delightful cats.
- If you happen to be around Playa Blanca, Faro de Punta Pechiguera offers unforgettable views of the ocean and its colours.
- Visit probably the most picturesque settlement on the island: Teguise. It was Lanzarote’s first capital (between the first part of the 15th century and the middle of the 18th century); it is an enchanting place, walkable, and guarded by the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. The walk to the top is pleasant and the views are wonderful. If you’re visiting Teguise on a Sunday, explore the Sunday Market. It’s the largest of the Canary Islands. Stop for a manzana cake and savour the caramelised apples amidst so much history!
Our Recommended Itinerary
If you are happier to see green than ash, head from Playa de Famara to Órzola. Your ride will get greener and greener. Moreover, the view over the Atlantic Ocean will mesmerise you once you complete the steady climb towards Órzola.
Key Takeaways
Summing up, these are the essential elements to remember about a cycling holiday in Lanzarote—
The roads (generally good or bad)
Generally good! The drivers are courteous and the roads are quiet; you are probably going to enjoy your ride.
Food: One thing that’s a must-try
If I were you, I would try Bienmesabe. Imagine yourself halfway between crema catalana and crème brulée, with ground almonds. Now that says ‘Canary Islands’ to me!
Climate: Bring sunscreen or a rain jacket
The only season during which it would be too hot to ride is summer. Even if you’ve chosen one of the remaining three seasons, bring sunscreen and use it! A windbreaker would also come in handy (it usually rains in winter – and not too much).
One ride: If you could only do one ride, this is THE one
Playa Blanca – La Santa – Playa Blanca (109 km) is the ideal ride for the adventurer in you seeking a challenge with a pleasant (and changing!) background.
Well, this is a little embarrassing
A note from editor (Kier) … if you got this far, and are still keen on Lanzarote, by no means is this meant to put you off – “you do you”, but as for me – I didn’t like it so much. Well, it was still nice i just prefer other places to ride. But maybe my wants are different to yours. Either way, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve got some last-minute questions, we are here to reply!
What is the cost of a cycling holiday in Lanzarote?
An 8-day self-guided holiday in Lanzarote costs around EUR 1600 without flights. It includes 7 breakfasts and 7 nights of accommodation.
If you wish to design and organise your cycling holiday, the accommodation would cost around EUR 600 for 7 nights and 2 people, while renting a bike would set you back from EUR 19 to EUR 42/day. You can find a good place for breakfast at EUR 15 for 2 people/day (or you can prepare it yourself).
Which are the top Lanzarote cycling tours?
Bike Sensations offers tours in Lanzarote; so does Lanzarote Cycling (with included coffee and cake :D).
How is the cycling experience in Lanzarote?
Windy. J Of course it is! Lanzarote is the top spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing in the Canaries. While almost every windy day ‘is a good day’ for surfing, it probably isn’t a particularly good one for cycling. However, humans are wonderful and adaptable!
What makes a cycling holiday in Lanzarote special?
The selenar landscape! You can even pinch yourself to see if it is real and you’re riding along the lava fields. Those are cycling holidays to Lanzarote to remember!