Best Cycling Routes
Our favourite routes head through the lava fields and the volcanoes. We have detailed 3 routes below and provided the GPX files of all of these routes. The first route take in the National Park and the second route takes in the stunning vistas of the wild north east coast. The third can be ridden on both the first two rides as it's a climb out of a valley across the north of the island. If you want more information, check out our blog on the best cycling routes in Lanzarote
Timanfaya National Park
Our favourite route starts in Puerto del Carmen and loops right across the island, taking in some of Lanzarote’s most dramatic scenery. You will head out from Puerto del Carmen and right into the foothills of the Timanfaya National Park. As you head into the park, you will pass by La Geria. The area is famous for its wines but also its unique method of growing the vines, protected by stone semi circles to take the brunt of Lanzarote's winds.
Vineyards in La Geria
You'll soon be deep in the Timanfaya National Park and you'll begin climbing immediately. This is undoubtedly the highlight of the ride as you'll ride through the lava fields before you leave the national park at Mancha Blanca. Unlike neighbouring Canarian islands, you will only ascend to just under 400 feet before you come back to sea level on the north west coast. Expect to be buffeted by the winds here, especially by La Caleta which offers a great beach, and fantastic surf (hence the winds!).
You'll spend time at sea level before your second of 3 climbs today, which takes you up to Teguise and then on to San Bartolome. From here, you'll enjoy a huge descent back to Puerto del Carmen. If you want to tag on some extra riding, visit Yaiza at the end of your ride. Yaiza is an authentic village with typical white houses and brightly coloured window shutters.
The Timanfaya National Park
The Timanfaya GPX File
Mirador Del Rio
Mirador del Rio Viewpoint
The Mirador del Rio GPX File
Tabayesco Valley
If you're heading out of Puerto del Carmen there's an essential cycling route in Lanzarote that you have to ride. Head up the small gravel road next to the LZ1. It's not ideal and requires fully inflated tyres but it's far more cycling friendly than the LZ1. If you have to use the LZ1, make sure you only use it far the part that's necessary to access the Tabayesco climb.
The climb begins as you take a left off the LZ-1 onto the LZ-207 and you'll immediately hit a 5% average gradient. As you climb, you'll see the middle of the island and enjoy switchbacks to the summit.
The Tabayesco Valley GPX File
Where to Stay in Lanzarote
Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca
All our holidays are based in Puerto del Carmen in the east, or in Playa Blanca in the south.
Playa Blanca offers a beautiful seafront and great restaurants and bars and tends to be more upmarket. Riding the Timanfaya National Park is easy from both Play Blanca and Puerto del Carmen but Playa Blanca also has the added attraction of the saltflats in the south which are quite cool to ride through.
Lanzarote Southern Salt Flats
Playa Blanca tends to be hotter than Puerto del Carmen but Puerto del Carmen is arguably better positioned, especially for the norther loop up to the Mirador del Rio.
When to Cycle in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a great option for some late autumn or winter sun. In the early months of the year, temperature can drop into the mid teens but also be as high as the early 20s. It has a warm and mild climate for much of the year and so you can ride pretty much anytime. Even in the summer, temperatures don't often reach the mid 30s unlike mainland Europe. Rainfall is also very rare and so you'll almost certainly ride without the threat of wet roads, even deep into the winter months.
As most people who have been to Lanzarote know, it's windy. The winds are ever present and particularly strong at the start of the year. Our favourite time to ride in Lanzarote is early Spring from about March to May, and from early autumn, from about September to October. The summer is fine to ride although it's very busy with tourists.
Road Leading out of Timanfaya National Park
Bike Hire in Lanzarote
In Gran Canaria and Tenerife, we would always recommend bikes with disc brakes. the descents are fast and straight, so its nice to know you have that stopping power on your bike. In Lanzarote, that tends not to be such an issue as the descents are not so ferocious, mainly because you're never descending from above 600m. However, we offer disc brake options on most of our bikes and we can arrange bike hire for you in both Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. We can also arrange DI2 electronic gearing if you need, as well as many other upgrades.
Tips For Cycling in Lanzarote
We've highlighted the differences between other Canary Islands and Lanzarote but make no mistake, you'll still be climbing. Make sure you're well prepared and ready for the challenge. Get a suitable bike. That means light frame, decent groupset but avoid deep rims as the wind will make your ride very unpleasant and if you're not used to them, dangerous.