Lanzarote
Lanzarote feels like nowhere else on earth. The island’s volcanic landscape looks otherworldly, with black lava fields stretching for miles, rugged cliffs plunging into the deep blue ocean, and quiet ribbons of tarmac that disappear into the horizon. It is a place where you can ride through entire worlds in a single day, from the glowing slopes of Timanfaya National Park to the whitewashed villages and palm groves around Haría.
For road cyclists, Lanzarote offers the perfect balance between beauty and challenge. Long, smooth coastal roads let you roll for hours with the Atlantic breeze at your side, while inland routes twist through short, punchy climbs that test your legs and reward you with wide, unforgettable views. The mix of steady endurance roads and steep volcanic ramps makes every ride feel fresh and varied.
The weather is kind to cyclists all year. Winters are mild and sunny, and summer, though warm, stays bearable thanks to the ocean wind. Rain is rare, and bright blue skies are the rule, not the exception. Most riders can train or explore comfortably at any time of year, with only the wind adding an extra element of challenge on exposed sections.
Accommodation fits every kind of cyclist. Lanzarote has excellent sports resorts such as Club La Santa, but also a wide choice of charming apartments and quiet villas where you can recover in peace. Many are close to the best cycling routes, offering easy access to the island’s famous climbs, coastal loops, and the unique vineyard landscape of La Geria, where vines grow in black volcanic soil protected by small stone walls.
Part of the charm of riding here is how relaxed it feels. Small villages invite you to stop at traditional bars, taste local food, and take in the rhythm of island life before heading back onto the open road. The combination of smooth tarmac, dramatic scenery, and warm hospitality makes Lanzarote one of Europe’s most enjoyable and surprising cycling destinations.
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Best time to ride
Lanzarote is a great place to ride all year, though the most comfortable months are February to April and November to December, when the weather is mild and the winds are softer. These months bring warm sunshine, quiet roads, and ideal conditions for long rides across the island.
The summer months, especially July and August, tends to be warmer and breezier, which adds a bit more challenge but can still be enjoyable with early starts and plenty of hydration.
The late season, from September to October, cools down gradually, making it another good window for cycling. With its steady climate and clear skies, Lanzarote always offers an inviting escape for riders looking for reliable sunshine and open roads.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca sits at the southern tip of Lanzarote, where the air feels warmer and the sea is always close. It’s ideal for those who prefer gentler rides or sunny recovery days after harder efforts. The southern and western routes offer quiet stretches of tarmac, dramatic views of the coast, and easy access to the volcanic area around El Golfo. The town has a calm, holiday feel with good restaurants and plenty of options for a comfortable stay.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Lanzarote that welcome you and your bike.
Atlantis Las Lomas
Atlantis Las Lomas is a relaxed apartment complex located in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, close to the main avenue, shops, and the beach. The apartments are spacious and well-equipped, making them ideal for cyclists who like to keep their own rhythm and recover comfortably after long rides. There are several pools, a casual restaurant, and bike rental shops nearby, so everything you need is within walking distance. Its friendly atmosphere and central location make it a convenient and affordable base for exploring Lanzarote by bike.
Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort
Sandos Papagayo sits on the southern tip of Lanzarote, overlooking the ocean and just a short ride from the famous Papagayo beaches. This all-inclusive hotel offers spacious rooms, several pools, and a variety of restaurants, making it a comfortable base for cyclists who want everything within easy reach. The location is ideal for exploring the quiet coastal roads and volcanic landscapes of the island’s south and west. With great views, relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of space to unwind after a long day in the saddle, Sandos Papagayo is a welcoming choice for riders looking to balance adventure with comfort.
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How to get there
- By ferry: If you prefer to travel by sea, ferries connect Lanzarote with the other Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The main port is Arrecife, served by routes from Cadiz (about 30 hours) and from Gran Canaria or Tenerife (6 to 10 hours depending on the service). Ferries also run several times a day from Fuerteventura, just 25 minutes away, making it easy to combine both islands in one cycling trip.
- By plane: Lanzarote is easy to reach by air, with most flights landing at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE) near Arrecife. There are regular direct flights from many European cities. From mainland Spain, you can fly from Madrid or Barcelona in about two and a half hours. The airport is small and efficient, and you can reach most coastal towns with public transport, care or taxi
Bike Rentals (10)
Bike Sensations
Bike brands: Sensa
Bike Sensations in Puerto del Carmen offers a premium road bike rental experience. Their fleet has no bikes older then 2 years, and the team delivers to hotels across Lanzarote if needed. The crew is professional and friendly, helps you set up your bike properly, and knows the island’s roads inside out.
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Shops (1)
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Cafes & bars (14)
Bar Cafetería Los Roferos
Bar Los Roferos in Máguez delivers hearty Canarian fare, including grilled meats, fresh octopus and papas arrugadas. It’s a cosy, family-run spot with fair prices and a relaxed terrace setting. Free street parking is available nearby to make it easy to stop in.
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Popular Climbs (9)
Famara
8.68km | 200m | 2.3%
Starting close to the seaside village of Famara and continuing along the LZ-402, this climb stretches for nearly 9 kilometers with a gentle average gradient around 2 percent. Though it’s more of a long drag than a steep climb, be prepared for windy conditions that can make the effort feel tougher than the numbers suggest. You roll along with the dramatic Risco de Famara cliffs rising to your left and the expansive Atlantic Ocean to your right.
La Asomada
2.64km | 176m | 6.7%
The La Asomada climb begins right by the roundabout near Mácher, following the LZ-502 northward through the village that shares the climb’s name. You’ll face a demanding 2.6 kilometers averaging 7 percent gradient, with a sharp middle section that will challenge your strength before easing slightly as you near the summit. Riding through a mixture of cultivated fields and traditional Canarian stone houses, you get a slice of local life alongside your workout.
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Cycling Routes (12)
Timanfaya from Costa Teguise
78.2km | 828m
Climb from Costa Teguise to Montaña Tiguanache on smooth, steady roads with vineyards and volcanic fields all around. Drop into Tahiche for an early coffee, then ride quiet lanes through Nazaret toward Mozaga, where a small volcano and white houses mark a good photo stop.
Roll on through Tao and Tinajo as the landscape opens wide. From there, enter Timanfaya and ride through black lava fields and crater-lined roads with barely any traffic. After descending into Yaiza, grab a break in the shaded village square before passing through Uga and into the vineyards of La Geria.
In San Bartolomé, a bakery near the church offers a final pastry stop before the ride rolls home across open plains.
Teguise and Arrecife from Costa Teguise
42.5km | 468m
Leave Costa Teguise on a gentle climb toward Teseguite, where smooth roads pass through open volcanic plains and stone terraces. Descend into Teguise and stop in the plaza for coffee and a bocadillo. From there, ride through Mozaga and into San Bartolomé, where local cafés line the route. Climb to Montaña de Zonzamas for wide views over Arrecife and the coast, then drop into the capital for a quick stop along the seafront before heading back to Costa Teguise.
Costa Teguise and Arrecife from La Santa
66.4km | 784m
Climb out of La Santa through Soo’s gentle hills, then pass the quiet lanes of Muñique and Tiagua on the way to Tao. Ride through Mozaga and San Bartolomé, where white houses sit among wide volcanic views. From there, head toward Costa Teguise for a well-earned coffee stop near the coast. Continue south into Arrecife, then turn inland through Guime and Montaña Blanca, where quiet roads trace the island’s rural interior. Enter the volcanic park for open views over lava fields and craters, then climb to Tinajo and descend gently back to La Santa.
Lanzarote Full Loop from La Santa
143.9km | 1917m
Start in La Santa and ride north through Soo to the cliffs of Famara, where the Atlantic meets rock and sand. Climb through Teguise and into the palm valleys of Haría, with chances to pause in Teguise, Máguez, or Haría before tackling the scenic ascent to Mirador del Río. After a short descent, pass through Yé and Órzola, then head southeast through Guatiza and inland toward the coast near Costa Teguise. From Arrecife climb through Montaña Blanca into the stone-walled vineyards of La Geria. From Yaiza, roll across the lava plains of Timanfaya, then take on the final climb near Tinajo before descending back to La Santa. With over 2,000 meters of elevation and smooth roads throughout, this full island loop delivers Lanzarote’s most dramatic landscapes in one ride.
Loop du France
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Reviews
Write a review Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Mathijs
Spend a couple of days riding here in Januari. Great place to escape the cold from mainland Europe and to have a change of scenery. The landscape is truly unique, the views on the road are spectacular. Road safety was pretty good, never felt unsafe.
I’d definitely recommend the Northern Loop from Costa Teguise. The tarmac is super smooth the whole way and the views are epic. The drop into Haria is a real highlight with those hairpin bends that make you feel a bit like a budget pro. There’s a handy supermarket at the north east corner of the loop too, so you can refuel before the more leisurely coastal road return.