Discover the best routes for Cycling in Lanzarote

Before stretching into your lycra and reaching for your helmet, it is worth doing some research into the best times to visit Lanzarote. Due to the island’s strategic position off the coast of Africa, the summer months can feel as hot as the lava that flows from its 300 volcanic peaks. To enjoy cycling in Lanzarote to the fullest, it is best to travel during the spring when the weather is cooler and there are fewer visitors. There are also many annual sporting events for avid enthusiasts to partake in such as the world-famous IRONMAN Lanzarote race. While a competitive race may not be everyone's cup of tea, you can still enjoy the island on two wheels with a bike from a bike rental in Lanzarote fully equipped to take you down the windy mountain roads. 

The international interest in cycling in Lanzarote has caused local businesses to take action and it is now easier than ever to enjoy Lanzarote cycling tours. To be within easy reach of the best cycling destinations head straight to the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort, and some even offer their own exclusive cycling centre and wellness facilities to ensure that the best treatments and training are available on call. Lanzarote’s varied scenery provides the perfect motivation to keep pedalling. From the dusty coastal towns of the south to the pitch black lava fields inland, Lanzarote is an island of contrasts just waiting to be discovered. And, should you feel peckish on your travels, the island’s wineries often serve food with tastings of their local wine allowing you to refuel and enjoy local culture all at once. 

There is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean at one of Lanzarote’s best beaches after a long and sweaty cycle. Combine some fun in the sun with an active adventure on these bike routes in Lanzarote.

While Puerto del Carmen may be famous for its carnival, inspired by the grand Tenerife Carnival, its white sand beaches and easy access make it one of the most popular places for a bike ride. Located just a stone’s throw from Playa Chica Beach, this sleepy town is an idyllic place to begin your two-wheeled adventure.

If you plan your trip for a Friday, be sure to check out the local market that is held in the El Varadero square every Friday morning and stock up on souvenirs. Start your route at Playa Chica Beach and follow the track, known as the Avenida de las Playas, that takes you along the seafront. Cycle until you reach Playa Lima and cool off by splashing in the sea. This route is flat and suitable for all abilities. 

The south of Lanzarote is famed for its fine sand and beautiful beaches. Playa Blanca stands out for its golden sand and topaz waters. Here you can find a wide range of luxury restaurants and beach front resorts like the newly refurbished Barceló Playa Blanca. Yet those looking for an adventure when cycling in Lanzarote, should look for the LZ-2 road which starts at the Pechiguera lighthouse. This windy route crosses the Janubio salt flats, the only operational salt flats on the island. Be sure to stop and appreciate the instagrammable views which are even better at sunset. Continue your route until you reach the charming town of Yaiza. With a total length of 14 kilometres and no steep gradients, this trail can be completed in 40 minutes and is suitable for cyclists of all levels.  

Keen to push yourself to the limit in search for the ultimate adrenaline rush when cycling in Lanzarote? These routes that traverse volcanic outcrops and untouched surroundings offer a fun but challenging way to enjoy your holidays. 

No trip to Lanzarote is complete without admiring one of César Manrique’s magnificent buildings. This famous Spanish artist was a local to Lanzarote and has left behind a legacy of work from environmentally friendly buildings to surrealist sculptures. 

Farmer House Museum, designed by Manrique, is the start of an exciting route that takes you through the hamlet of La Florida, the volcanic zone of Tinguatón and brings you to the Mancha Blanca Interpretation Centre. Here you will discover the arid landscapes of Lanzarote and have the chance to see the exhibition about the nature of Timanfaya National Park. This is one of the more gentle Lanzarote cycling routes with a distance of about 9 miles which at a steady pace will last around 40 minutes.

The town of Hería is one of the greenest on the island, lending itself to the name the town of ‘a thousand and one palm trees’. It is also one of the island’s most prominent winemaking districts and cyclists can travel to the Barranco de Haría to enjoy a wine tasting before heading uphill to the iconic Las Nieves Hermitage on the LZ-10 road. This is a 6-mile route but don’t let the short distance fool you into thinking it is easy, the gradient of over 1140 feet is not to be underestimated. If you want to mix cycling in Lanzarote with some cultural plans, visit Haría on a Saturday to explore the traditional market in the historic centre (open from 10 am to 2 pm). Here, you can find organic agricultural products, including aloe vera, along with typical handicrafts and the renowned mojos – perfect souvenirs to take home. As dusk falls, the village is beautifully illuminated, showcasing the legend of the "witch of Haría" through an optical effect that creates the image of a witch on her broom from a distance.

The national park of Timanfaya offers picturesque views and excellent hiking trails to enjoy. A day out in itself, it is the perfect way to connect with the three pillars of Lanzarote tourism: Culture, Nature and Sports. While cycling in Lanzarote is generally prohibited on the national park hiking trails, the lava lined main roads framed by intimidating mountains can be used to enjoy 360º views of the lunar landscape. Begin the Lanzarote road cycling route in Yaiza and enjoy a gentle 6km climb towards the Mountains of Fire, a key point of interest in the national park. Thanks to the central location of the national park, it is the ideal place to enjoy cycling in Lanzarote regardless of where you may be staying. 

Fancy a day trip to the eighth Canary Island? Pack your bags and your bike and hop on a ferry to La Graciosa. With three routes to choose from, the island is an ideal spot to explore when needing a break from cycling in Lanzarote. The predominantly flat terrain, well-marked dirt tracks and the natural untouched surroundings makes this an ideal place for all the family, provided everyone is accustomed to cycling. For a relaxing excursion, opt for the southern route which is the shortest route measuring 5 kilometres in total. What’s more, this route is ideal if you want to combine it with a beach break at La Francesa Beach.