Lanzarote is an island that you don't discover slowly. It grabs you immediately. The landscape is black and raw, shaped by volcanoes, with roads cutting through an otherworldly landscape in thin lines. Cycling on Lanzarote is for cyclists who like to go on adventures. For many cyclists, Lanzarote No unknown name. The island has been on the radar of professionals and enthusiasts who want to train in stable conditions in the winter for years. The roads are quiet, the asphalt is good, and the climbs are challenging enough to prepare you well for a new season. At the same time, it is a place where it’s not just about performance, but about the beautiful nature.
Explorer Lotte van Trigt led the way for us around the island. She rode along the lava fields, climbed the volcanic slopes and discovered the routes that make Lanzarote one of the most extraordinary cycling destinations in Europe. In this article, she shares her best tips, favorite routes and everything you need to know if you want to cycle on Lanzarote yourself.
The island of Lanzarote
Lanzarote It is a fantastic location for cycling. The main reason? The size and conditions. You learn to cycle well against the wind, and motorists really take the cyclist into account very well. Another half meter of space between the cyclist and the car is actually mandatory. Additionally, getting lost is impossible because the island It is 62 km long and 21 km wide. I was able to enjoy the Spanish sun for two weeks, with mostly good roads and the relaxed residents and holidaymakers on the island. I can truly say: Cycling on Lanzarote is a must!
Most Beautiful Route – Mirador del Rio
The most beautiful and longest route leads to the viewpoint of the island, Mirador del Rio. As a cyclist, you really have to go there. We start our bike ride towards Arrecife along the coast via the roads along the promenade. Here you can’t go full speed, but it’s lovely flat and there is a nice cycle path. Then we drive slightly inland after the capital towards Tahiche and towards the north of the island. Beautifully smooth asphalt, sunshine and palm trees, cacti and aloe vera plants along the way. We drive all the way to Arrieta, with the wind blowing against us and it goes up and down a bit, so it’s also a bit bumpy. Unfortunately, the famous Tabayesco climb is closed: due to an earthquake, part of the road has been washed away. That’s also a must do if you go cycling in Lanzarote. In our case, maybe for next time.
Alternative to Tabayesco
After Arrieta, the Mirador del Rio signs appear and the climb begins of about 10-12 km. Not terribly steep but it goes up nicely. Once above, you can enjoy a beautiful view point. From here we drive to Haria. A nice town and after Haria the most beautiful climb of the island with real hairpin bends. I love hairpin bends. From Mirador del Rio first descend a bit and before reaching Haria first climb for 200 meters with an incline of 24(!) percent, that’s a bit sensitive.
A feast to climb and descend
From Hair to Teguise, the party begins! This is a climb of just over five kilometers with fantastic hairpin bends. Not my personal preference when it comes to descending, but when it comes to climbing, it’s a party! Once you’re up at the weather station, you have a beautiful view over the road you just drove along the coast and can descend leisurely to Teguise. From Teguise, you go straight through into la Asomada. Although it’s a bit ‘rolling’, it feels more like descending than ascending. The road is a beautiful road through the La Geria region of Lanzarote. A wonderful ride of almost 105 kilometers. Perhaps a bit long for the average driver, but for me a perfect distance.
Volcanoes and El Golfo
Another beautiful and unique area of Lanzarote is the natural park Timanfaya And El golfo. For all Bassie and Adriaan viewers: this beautiful nature park is featured in the aforementioned series and is beautiful to cycle through. (for more Bassie and Adriaan fan videos: Click here for a comparison with all locations)
You can make a nice round trip by connecting these two areas. If you do this from Puerto del Carmen, you’ll be about 80 kilometers away. We parked the car in El Golfo and started along the coast. With the wind against us, we headed towards Yaiza, then cycled through the Uga region of La Geria. This is mainly uphill, it’s not steep but it’s certainly not flat.
Timanfaya
At Mancha Blanca we ride along the wind through Timanfaya. This is a nature park where volcanoes are located and everything is lava. Here the floor is literally lava and then you have a beautiful paved road through it. Another big climb and then you have a beautiful view over some dead/sleeping volcanoes and a wonderful descent! This descent is straight, the road is clear so you can go full speed down here. After this enjoyable descent you return to Yaiza and we continue towards El Golfo, the green lake, back to the car. A nice ride to combine the different landscapes that Lanzarote has to offer.
Wind
On Lanzarote you always have to deal with wind. Sometimes it’s so strong that you end up with your buttocks pressed against the saddle or it literally blows you off your bike. Leave your high rims at home, is generally the advice. If you want to get even more wind, you should head to the northwest of the island: at La Santa and la Famara it blows really nice. Beautiful to cycle there, you can spot real sand dunes there and sometimes they even lie on the asphalt, so be careful. That’s how we do it too. We go through the Timanfaya National Park, through the village of Mancha Blanca to Tinajo with a beautiful descent to La Santa, then climb up against the wind at 11 km/h to cycle to Soo. After Soo we head to La Vegueta completely washed in between the sand dunes and back to Mancha blanca and Puerto del Carmen. That’s how cycling on Lanzarote is all about.
Lanzarote is therefore a fantastic island to cycle and train. The wind is a constant factor and can be quite strong. Motorists do take great care of you, though, which certainly makes for a very pleasant experience. There are plenty of beautiful routes to explore!
Cycling routes Lanzarote
Below you will find the files and routes discussed in this article. Take advantage of them!
Where to stay
I stayed in the coastal town of Puerto del Carmen. Puerto del Carmen is a great base for beautiful bike tours. You can either climb up hills or cycle a bit more flat towards the capital. It’s also a perfect location compared to the airport. You’ll be at your hotel or apartment in no time and on your bike!
If you want more information about cycling in Lanzarote, go to the ‘Lanzarote European Sports Destination‘Because the island is hugely popular with athletes, not only from Europe but from all over the world.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.