Lanzarote is a well-known cycling destination, famous for its rugged, dramatic landscapes. It’s an island of volcanic peaks interspersed with crisp, white towns, surrounded by striking blue sea, sandy beaches and palm trees.
As one of the Spanish Canary Islands, the climate is warm throughout the year, and it’s a haven for northern hemisphere cyclists that want to keep training through winter.
Lanzarote is a particularly popular base for triathletes, due to Ironman Lanzarote. Local businesses have responded to the influx of cyclists: bike rental in Lanzarote is easy to source, and there is plenty of bike-friendly accommodation too. It’s also the perfect place to combine a family holiday and bike training.
Planning some cycling in Lanzarote?
You’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll find lots of information to help you plan an unforgettable Lanzarote cycling holiday: detailed information on the best Lanzarote cycle routes plus where to stay, when to visit and what you need to know about bike hire in Lanzarote.
Read on and plan your next cycling adventure.
Thanks to Epic Road Rides reader, Kit Mitchell, for a number of the photos seen in this guide.
Lanzarote cycling routes
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re planning to cycle Lanzarote, you need to be aware of the ever-present wind and also that a few of the roads are in less than perfect condition.
But you may be willing to overlook these things in favour the warm temperatures and stunning scenery. Plus training in a headwind should make you as strong as an ox, right?!
Cycling in Lanzarote also benefits from quiet roads, courteous drivers and hilly terrain. It’s not mountainous (the highest peak is Peñas del Chache which is a mere 670m above sea level), but don’t expect it to be flat either. In fact we found it deceptively hilly - especially if you stay near the coast since then you'll probably be heading inland almost straight away.
Here are two Lanzarote cycle routes that give a good flavour of what road cycling Lanzarote is all about. They both take in chunks of the Ironman Lanzarote bike course, which is a good route to follow if you decide you want to ride the whole island. As you'll see from the maps, Lanzarote is a relatively small island and you might struggle finding different cycling routes on Lanzarote each day.
Tour of Timanfaya and the volcanoes
117km, 1,328m elevation gain
This is a stunning cycle route starting in Playa Blanca. It takes you through some of Lanzarote’s most dramatic scenery. At 114 km with 1,400 m of climbing (and undoubtedly some wind along the way), it’s a pretty tough workout. We’ve also detailed some good shortcuts below!
Note: In 2019, the Femés climb closed to cyclists. This means that we've had to alter the ride we rode from around the 100 km point onwards.
Highlights
A classic Lanzarote road, around the volcanic lava fields of Timanfaya National Park (photo credit: Michael Thaler/Shutterstock.com)
Salinas de Janubio salt flats (photo credit: Svetlana Klaise/Shutterstock.com)
Road through the Timanfaya national park (photo credit: Shandarov Arkadii/Shutterstock.com)
Tips
Church and palm trees in Femes, Lanzarote (photo credit: IndustryAndTravel/Shutterstock.com)
An unlikely sight; vineyards near La Geria (photo credit: Jan Miko/Shutterstock.com)
The pretty village of Yaiza (photo credit alexilena/Shutterstock.com)
Short-cuts
Mirador del Rio and Northern Lanzarote loop
116.3km, 1,750m elevation gain
This cycle route starts and finishes in Costa Teguise. It begins gently on 20 km or so of flat-ish bike path that hugs the eastern coastline. But don’t be fooled, this is a tough ride with 2,000 m of climbing. Mountains, viewpoints and spectacular panoramas await in the north.
Highlights
Cyclists on the road parallel with the LZ-1
Der Coffee/Restaurant in Pureto del Carmen - a great place to visit
Descending the LZ-10 nearing Teguise
Tips
View of Isla Graciosa from Mirador del Rio (photo credit: chbaum/Shutterstock.com)
Whitewashed village of Arrieta, north Lanzarote (photo credit: barmalini/Shutterstock.com)
Catcus plantation near Guatiza, Lanzarote (photo credit Caron Badkin/Shutterstock.com)
Easy cycling on Lanzarote
It’s worth knowing that there are some easy cycling routes in Lanzarote. A good starting point is the seafront promenade between Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife and Costa Teguise that is suitable for gentle rides with kids away from any traffic (see the first 20km of the Mirador del Rio and Northern Lanzarote loop ride).
There is a promenade in Playa Blanca too, but there isn’t a bike lane.
If you want something a bit more adventurous, but not an all-day epic, you could cut short either the Tour of Timanfaya or the Mirador del Rio loop above by cutting across to the return leg when you are ready.
Accommodation
This section includes details of hotels and villas we have either stayed in or which we think look great. Full disclosure: if you click on a link and make a booking, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
The three major resorts on Lanzarote are Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen in the east and Playa Blanca in the south.
What’s the best place to stay in Lanzarote for cycling?
We stayed in Playa Blanca. It’s a nice town with a beautiful seafront and some excellent restaurants. It’s also convenient for the stunning Timanfaya National Park and, due to mountains that block the trade winds from the northeast, it is typically drier and hotter than further north.
Where you stay will depend on what you want from your Lanzarote cycling holidays:
- - Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen for pure bike holidays;
- - Playa Blanca for upmarket, family-focused holidays; or
- - Club La Santa if you’re a triathlete or are going all-in on the sports aspect of your holidays.
Playa Blanca at night (photo credit: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar/Shutterstock.com)
Costa Teguise (photo credit: nunek_54/Shutterstock.com)
Side street in Puerto del Carmen
Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen
The reason we think Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen are the best resorts for cyclists is their location: roughly half way down the island’s east coast. This means you have good access to both the mountains of the north and the Timanfaya National Park in the west.
If you’re choosing between Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen, we would go for Costa Teguise. Puerto del Carmen is bigger and busier than Costa Teguise (and also Playa Blanca). It might be a good choice if you’re looking for shopping and nightlife. Costa Teguise has been going more upmarket in recent years and tends to appeal to an older generation.
Both have bike hire shops and good restaurants and bars.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is right in the south of the island, so you have to go further to access cycle routes in Lanzarote that help you explore the north - or accept more limited route options. It does, however, have the reputation for being the most upmarket and family-orientated of the three resorts. It’s also meant to be a bit warmer.
It has a good selection of bike hire shops, restaurants and bars.
Club La Santa: Lanzarote’s cycling/triathlon hotel
Club La Santa is Lanzarote’s centre of sport. It’s the place to come if you’re a cyclist or triathlete and want guides and facilities when you’re not riding.
You don’t come here for luxury, though the new suites look pretty sleek. You come for the activities. There are over 40 included in the price of your stay, and they are aimed at different levels, not just the super fit.
There’s a strong focus on families too, with a kids playground, kids club and activities just for them.
Our choice
We stayed in a fantastic four-bedroom, three-bathroom pool villa in Playa Blanca.
What we loveD
Things to know
The villa is on a development that’s 15-20 minute walk to the beach. The villas are built quite close to one another, but this villa is only overlooked from the upper terrace of the adjacent property.
Bike hire Lanzarote
Cycle hire in Lanzarote is easy - you can rent road bikes from all of Lanzarote’s main resorts, and there are also companies that will deliver to you.
When we visited Lanzarote, we chose bike hire in Playa Blanca from Roy’s bike shop. The bike was in good condition and collection was hassle-free.
We’ve listed below all the road bike hire shops we’re aware of in Lanzarote, to try and assist you. As you’ll appreciate, we have only had personal experience of Roy’s bike shop. It’s also worth noting that bike shops on Lanzarote tend to rent a range of bikes, rather than just road bikes only.
This information is offered as an indicative guide only: we periodically update it, but prices, services and bike brands may change. Please let us know if you find anything that is incorrect
Bike hire shops, Lanzarote
Road bike hire Costa Teguise | |
Bike Sensations Lanzarote Avenida Islas Canarias 10, Aptos. Marisol, +34 680 424 665 NB also have a shop in Puerto del Carmen | Offer free delivery in Puerto del Carmen and, for rentals over 100 euro, further afield. |
Evolution Bikes Lanzarote Paseo Maritimo 2, La Galea, +34 672 330 251 | Offer Trek road bikes. Prices include roadside assistance if required. |
Papagayo Bike Lanzarote Sands Beach Hotel, C/ Avenida Islas Canarias, 18, +34 928 591 418 NB also have a shop in Playa Blanca. | They have been operating in Lanzarote since 1998. We’ve seen positive reviews of their services. They can also offer tours, mechanical assistance and transfers. |
Planet Bikes Lanzarote Paseo Maritimo, Local 5, + 34 644 581 474 | Road bike rentals include pump, spare tube, cable lock, water bottles. Helmet on request. Some pedals can be supplied. - Deposit payable. - Can deliver on request. - Run cycling tours and camps. |
The Bike Station (by Tri bike Lanzarote) Avda. Islas Canarias, 14 (Hotel Los Zocos), 0034 928 825 014 | BMC, Cervelo and Cannondale bikes for rent. |
Tommy’s Bikes Lanzarote CC Las Maretas 20B, on the right side of the post office in Av. Islas Canarias 12 | Trek, Specialized, Cervelo, Giant, Focus, Cinelli and BMC bikes for hire. |
Road bike hire La Santa (bike hire close to Club La Santa) | |
Pro Bici La Santa (aka Pro Bike Lanzarote) Calle Encarnación 14, La Santa, Tinajo, +34 928 84 01 03 | Stock carbon fibre road bikes fitted with mid-range Shimano components and wheels, specialising in Scott and BMC. Offer bike hire delivery all over Lanzarote. |
Road bike hire Playa Blanca | |
Emotion Fat Bikes Calle de las Buganvillas 6, Local nº 9, Las Coloradas Shopping Center, +34 667 936 194 | Rent road bikes, though fat bikes are their speciality. |
Papagayo Bike Lanzarote Calle la Tegala, 13, +34 928 349 861 NB also have a shop in Costa Teguise. | Have been providing cycle hire in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote since 1998. They can also offer tours, mechanical assistance and transfers. |
Planet Bikes Lanzarote Calle Lanzarote 18, CC El Faro, Local 2, 35580 Playa Blanca, +34608236926 NB also have a shop in Costa Teguise. | Road bike rentals include pump, spare tube, cable lock, water bottles. Helmet on request. Some pedals can be supplied. - Deposit payable. - Can deliver on request. - Run cycling tours and camps. |
Roy’s Bike Shop Lanzarote Centro Commercial Punta Limones, 5A, Calle Muelle de Playa Blanca, +34 652 20 05 70 | Located in the main harbour area of Playa Blanca, where the large boats go to and from Fuerteventura. Offer Dolan full carbon bikes. Established in 2006. |
Road bike hire Puerto del Carmen | |
Bike Sensations Lanzarote Avenida de las Playas, 49, +34 680 424 665 NB Also have a shop in Costa Teguise. | Offer free delivery in Puerto del Carmen and, for rentals over 100 euros, further afield. |
Free Motion Avenida de las Playas, 71, +34 928 512 247 | Their website states: “Free Motion isn’t just the no.1 bike rental on the Canaries, but one of the top rental stations in Europe. Road cyclists can pick the latest models from Cannondale, Specialized, Pinarello & BH” |
Lanzarote Cycling At two outlets: C. Timanfaya 8, Local 4 or Avenida de la Playas, C.C. Marítimo 25, +34 928 84 11 73 | Trek bike rental and much more: tours, transfers and many other services. |
Proaction bikes Based out of two hotels in Puerto del Carmen: Hotel Sol Melia, Calle Grama, 2 and Hotel Beatriz Play Spa, Calle Mato, 82 | BH full carbon bikes with Shimano Ultegra components. |
Renner Bikes Lanzarote Avenida de las Playas 47, Centro Comercial Maritimo 24, +34 928 510 612 | Founded in 1995, they offer Trek bikes and their website states they renew their bikes every year. |
Revolution bikes Lanzarote Calle Juan Carlos I, 24, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, +34 635879198 | They rent Specialized and Planet X road bikes. We have seen a number of positive recommendations from people that have hired bikes from Revolution. |
Tips:
- Book your bike in advance, particularly in peak season.
- Remember to bring your pedals, shoes and helmet. This packing list may help!
- Check which way around your brakes are set before you ride away. Front brakes may be on the right hand (as is usual in the UK) or on the left (as is usual elsewhere in Europe). Also, take a look at our list of things to check before hiring a bike.
Undecided on whether to hire a bike or bring your own? Read this.
Teguise region, taken from the LZ-34, near the top of the rise from The Fundacion Cesar Manrique
San Bartholme, a small town about 8 miles from Puerto del Carmen
Roundabout at Montaña Blanca - you'll see the art of Lanzarote's most famous artist, Cesar Manrique, all over the island
When to go
Lanzarote is a good bet at any time of year. January and February are the coldest months, and even then 14 degrees is the average low and the average high is 21 degrees.
There’s generally a warm, mild climate throughout the year.
Even in the winter months, rainfall is rare. December, which is generally the wettest month of the year in Lanzarote, experiences an average of only 29mm rainfall over four days.
That said...
- The weather can still get oppressively hot in summer, with temperatures regularly peaking at over 30 degrees.
- It is often very windy. Locals suggest winds tend to be particularly strong between January and April.
- Winter evenings can be surprisingly cool, due to the winds.
- The Canary Islands are occasionally hit by dust storms, caused by very fine sand blown across from the Sahara. They aren’t pleasant to ride in: they’re said to be like riding through a hot, dry fog.
We think the best month of the year to visit is probably October. Air and sea temperatures are still high while there are less other visitors than during the summer.
Tips for cycling in Lanzarote
While Lanzarote isn’t as mountainous as some of the other Canary Islands, it’s still a volcanic island, and you’re likely to be doing a significant amount of climbing during your stay. We’d suggest at least a semi-compact 52-36 chainset, and you may prefer a compact 50-34 chainset with an 11-28 (or even 11-32) cassette.
Lanzarote is notoriously windy. Think about whether deep section rims are really a good idea, and watch out for sudden gusts.
Lanzarote locals tend to use Wind Guru for Lanzarote weather forecasts. It gives wind and temperature information in 14 different places across the island and is more detailed than many larger weather channels.
Remember that temperatures will be considerably warmer than what you're used to if you're arriving from the UK. Fill those bottles and remember the rehydration tablets!
Bring spare tubes: punctures are a common occurrence on Lanzarote’s roads. This is due partly to the road surfaces and also that some of the volcanic dust/debris gets blown onto the roads. Take a look at our packing list for the other essentials you need to remember.
We found the price of coffee and cake pretty reasonable. Unless you deliberately go looking for somewhere upmarket, you can get an obscene amount of coffee and sugary treats without breaking the bank. There are also pastelerias where you can get them in lots of the towns, even the smaller ones. That said, don't expect the coffee to be out of this world - it's fine, just not third-wave coffee you might expect if your previous cycling holiday was in Girona!
Bear in mind that Lanzarote is about a 4.5 hour flight from the UK.
Before you go, take a look at our tips for cycling in Tenerife. Many of them apply to Lanzarote too.
And also…
This section includes details of products we have either used and liked or which we think look great. Full disclosure: if you click on a link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
We used the Marco Polo Lanzarote guidebook for our trip. It’s pocket-sized but contains a decent amount of information on all the places you may want to visit, as well as some good “best of” pages to inspire you and brief sections on things like the history and architecture, food, drink, festivals and things to do with kids. The section on cycling is very brief though the map at the rear is quite helpful for route planning (but you wouldn’t want to use it as a cycling map in your jersey pocket as it’s not laminated).
When you're not cycling, this helpful article on 11 of Lanzarote's best excursions and tours could come in handy.
Don’t head to the touristy restaurants in the main hotspots. If you do some research, you can find amazing, authentic food that is reasonably priced.
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Banner photo credit: Tomasz Chonchera/Shutterstock.com
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