Lanzarote does not immediately announce itself as a cycling destination. No one steps off the plane at Arrecife airport, squints at the black lava fields in the distance and thinks: perfect riding terrain. But that first impression is wrong, and experienced cyclists who have explored the island tend to talk about it with a particular kind of enthusiasm — the kind reserved for places that genuinely surprise you.
The island is compact, roads outside the resort areas are quiet, gradients are manageable over most of the terrain, and the scenery shifts dramatically every few kilometres. You can ride through a vineyard landscape that looks like the surface of the moon, climb to a clifftop with views across the Atlantic to Africa, and descend into a whitewashed valley full of palm trees, all in the same morning. For those who want to see more of Lanzarote than a sunlounger allows, cycling is one of the best ways to do it.
Cycling Lanzarote
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Table of Contents
Why Lanzarote Works So Well for Cyclists
Several practical factors combine to make Lanzarote genuinely cycle-friendly. The island is roughly 60 kilometres long and 25 kilometres wide, which means you are never far from a road worth riding. Traffic on inland routes is light, especially outside summer. The roads themselves are generally well-maintained, with smooth tarmac on the main LZ routes and quieter back roads connecting the villages.
The climate is the other major advantage. With temperatures sitting between 17°C and 27°C for most of the year, overheating on a long climb is rarely the problem it would be in summer on the Spanish mainland. Wind is a different matter: the trade winds that blow across the island from the north-east can make riding in certain directions genuinely hard work, so planning your routes with the wind in mind pays dividends. Ride into it on the outward leg and enjoy the return.
Cycling Lanzarote
Types of Cycling Available
Road Cycling
Lanzarote has a well-established road cycling scene, partly thanks to its use as a training base for professional teams during the European winter months. The roads are smooth, drivers are generally considerate, and the gradients, while present, rarely hit the extreme percentages you find on more mountainous islands. The northern loop taking in Haría, Órzola and the Famara escarpment is the most technically varied road ride on the island.
Mountain Biking
Off-road options exist but are more limited. The volcanic terrain is extraordinary to look at and fascinating to ride through, but lava rock is sharp and unforgiving on tyres. Trails around the Timanfaya fringes and the inland plateau reward mountain bikers who bring robust tyres and accept that punctures are part of the experience. Always check which areas are accessible, as Timanfaya National Park itself restricts access to protect the landscape.
E-Bike Touring
E-bike hire has expanded significantly across Lanzarote in recent years, and it has changed the accessible range of the island for many visitors. The La Geria wine region, the coastal road south of Puerto del Carmen, and the northern villages are all excellent e-bike territory. The assistance takes the sting out of headwinds and modest climbs, making longer distances genuinely enjoyable for riders of all fitness levels.
Guided Cycling Tours
Guided cycling tours are available from most of the main resorts and range from gentle half-day rides through vineyards to full-day volcanic loop routes. A guide adds context that is hard to get independently, particularly in the wine country and the volcanic interior, where understanding the landscape makes the experience considerably richer.
Cycling Lanzarote
Best Cycling Routes on Lanzarote
La Geria: The Volcanic Vineyard Loop
This is the route that most visiting cyclists mention first. The LZ-30 road cuts through La Geria, Lanzarote’s extraordinary wine-growing region, where individual vines sit in hollows dug into black volcanic ash, each sheltered by a low curved stone wall. The landscape is unlike any vineyard you will find in Europe, and riding through it slowly, at bicycle pace rather than car speed, lets you appreciate the detail.
The loop from Uga through La Geria to Masdache and back covers around 25 kilometres with relatively gentle gradients. Several bodegas sit along the route and offer tastings; if you are cycling independently, it is worth picking one or two stops rather than trying to visit them all. The Malvasía white wine produced here is crisp and mineral, and a small glass mid-ride is, by most cyclists’ reckoning, entirely reasonable. You can find downloadable GPS routes for this area and other island circuits on Wikiloc, where local cyclists have logged and shared dozens of options across the island.
The Northern Loop: Haría, Órzola and the Famara Escarpment
The north of Lanzarote is the most topographically varied part of the island, and it rewards cyclists who are willing to work for their views. A circular route from Costa Teguise or Arrecife heading north through Guatiza, Arrieta and Órzola before cutting inland through Haría and descending south through the Famara plateau covers around 60 to 70 kilometres. It is a full day’s riding with meaningful climbing, but the views from the road above Haría down into the Valley of a Thousand Palms, and the long descent toward the Famara cliffs, are among the finest on the island.
The Southern Coast: Playa Blanca and the Papagayo Road
For a more relaxed ride, the coastal road from Playa Blanca east toward the Papagayo area offers flat to gently undulating terrain with sea views. The tarmac ends before the Papagayo beaches themselves, which are accessed via a dirt track, so this route suits road bikes as far as the end of the paved section and mountain bikes or hybrids for the full extension. Early morning, before the car traffic builds up, this stretch has a particular quiet beauty.
The Volcanic Interior: Around Timanfaya
Riding the roads that circle Timanfaya National Park rather than entering it puts you in one of the most surreal landscapes on earth. The LZ-67 and connecting roads pass through lava fields, past crater rims and through the scant vegetation that clings to the volcanic soil at the park’s margins. The road surface is good, traffic is relatively light outside peak hours, and the scenery is relentlessly dramatic. This makes an excellent shorter loop of 30 to 40 kilometres that can be combined with a morning visit to the park itself.
Cycling Lanzarote
Terrain and Difficulty: What to Expect
Lanzarote is not flat, but it is not aggressively mountainous either. Most routes involve rolling terrain with moderate climbs rather than prolonged steep ascents. The exception is the northern escarpment, where the road up toward Mirador del Río includes some genuinely demanding gradient sections.
For mixed-ability groups or those who have not ridden much recently, e-bikes remove the anxiety about hills and allow everyone to keep a similar pace. For stronger riders, the island offers enough elevation and distance to build serious training days, particularly in the quiet winter months when professional cycling teams use Lanzarote as a warm-weather base.
Road surfaces vary. The main LZ roads are generally excellent. Smaller back roads can be rougher, and any dirt track — including the access route to Papagayo — requires tyres wider than standard road-bike rubber.
Cycling Lanzarote
Hiring a Bike on Lanzarote
Bike hire is available across all three main resorts. Puerto del Carmen has the widest selection of hire outlets, with road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes all available from a handful of operators along and near the main strip. Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise have good hire options too, and most rental shops offer helmets, locks and basic tool kits as standard.
Booking in advance during peak season (July, August and the Christmas period) is advisable. Quality varies between operators, so it is worth checking recent reviews before committing. Most shops offer half-day, full-day and weekly hire rates; weekly rates represent good value if you plan to ride on several days.
If you are planning the trip around cycling, bringing your own bike on the flight is an option most airlines accommodate with a specialist bike bag, though budget carriers charge for this. For high-end road bikes, many hire shops on Lanzarote now stock carbon-frame options with quality groupsets, so it is worth checking what is available before paying airline bike fees.
Cycling Lanzarote
When to Ride and What to Bring
The best months for cycling Lanzarote are October through to May. The summer months are manageable in the mornings, but midday heat between June and September makes long rides uncomfortable. Spring and autumn offer the best combination of warmth, light and crowd-free roads.
Start rides early. Even in winter, the light and temperature from seven until eleven in the morning are ideal, and you will have the quieter roads largely to yourself. By midday, car and coach traffic to the major sights increases noticeably.
What to bring:
- Plenty of water (more than you think you need — there are few water stops outside villages)
- Sun protection: factor 50, lip balm and arm covers
- A windproof layer for descents and exposed coastal sections
- Snacks and cash for village cafés and bodegas
- A basic puncture repair kit, especially for off-road riding
Cycling Lanzarote
Cycling With Family
Family cycling on Lanzarote works best in the flatter resort areas and along traffic-free coastal paths. The promenade at Costa Teguise and the seafront path at Puerto del Carmen are both enjoyable for younger children on bikes or in child seats. E-bikes with child seat attachments are available from several hire operators and allow adults to cover more ground without worrying about tiring children.
For families with older children who want more of an adventure, the La Geria loop is manageable on e-bikes and offers a genuine sense of exploration without demanding serious fitness.
Cycling Lanzarote
Combining Cycling With Broader Island Exploration
Cycling works beautifully as part of a mixed itinerary on Lanzarote. Spend two or three mornings on the bike, and fill the remaining days with the island’s volcanic sights, beaches and cultural attractions. If you are still putting together your wider plans, the complete guide to planning your trip to Lanzarote covers everything from resort choice and timing to getting around and eating well.
For inspiration on what else to fit in alongside your cycling days, the guide to exploring the island’s top experiences covers the full range of activities, sights and adventures that make Lanzarote one of the Canary Islands’ most rewarding destinations.
Cycling Lanzarote
FAQ: Cycling Lanzarote
Is Lanzarote good for cycling beginners?
Yes, absolutely. While some routes in the north involve meaningful climbing, the majority of the island’s roads are manageable for riders of moderate fitness. E-bike hire makes even the hillier routes accessible, and the flat coastal paths around the main resorts are suitable for complete beginners or those returning to cycling after a break.
Can I hire a road bike in Lanzarote?
Yes. Road bike hire is available in all three main resorts — Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. Puerto del Carmen has the widest selection and some operators now stock carbon-frame road bikes with quality groupsets. Book in advance during peak season to guarantee availability.
Is it safe to cycle on Lanzarote’s roads?
Generally yes. Traffic on inland and northern routes is light, and drivers on the island are accustomed to sharing roads with cyclists. The main hazards are the occasional coach on narrow roads near tourist sights and the trade winds on exposed sections. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, and high-visibility clothing adds an extra layer of safety on the roads.
What is the best time of year to cycle in Lanzarote?
October through to May offers the most comfortable cycling conditions. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) combine warm temperatures, good light and quieter roads. Summer mornings are manageable, but midday heat in July and August makes extended riding uncomfortable. Winter months attract professional cycling teams, which is a good indicator of how suitable the conditions are during that period.
How hilly is Lanzarote for cycling?
The terrain is varied rather than relentlessly hilly. The central and southern parts of the island are gently rolling, and the La Geria wine region involves only modest gradients. The north is the most challenging area, with the road up to Mirador del Río including some steeper sections. Overall, Lanzarote is considerably less demanding than mountainous cycling destinations like Mallorca or Tenerife, which makes it popular with a wide range of rider abilities.
Are there cycling events held on Lanzarote?
Yes. Lanzarote is home to one of the world’s most iconic triathlon events, IRONMAN Lanzarote, which takes place annually and includes a 180-kilometre bike course that showcases the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape. The event draws competitors and spectators from across Europe and beyond. There are also smaller sportive and cycling tour events throughout the year, particularly in the cooler months.
Can I bring my own bike to Lanzarote?
Yes. Most airlines allow bicycles to be checked as hold luggage when properly packed in a bike bag or hard case. Budget airlines typically charge a fee for this. Given the improving quality of bike hire available on the island, it is worth comparing hire costs against airline fees before deciding — for a week-long trip, a quality hire bike may work out comparable in cost and save the hassle of travel with your own equipment.
