It’s been a red-letter summer for British cycling, capped off by Simon Yates’s imperious victory in the Vuelta a Espana – joining Chris Froome’s Giro d’Italia win and Geraint Thomas’s Tour de France triumph to make it a clean sweep of British Grand Tour winners.
Inspired by Yates’s win in Madrid on Sunday, we’d like to run through what you need to know to go cycling in Lanzarote – whether you’re riding your own Canarian grand tour or simply looking for a unique way to see the island, we’ve got you covered.
Why Lanzarote?
The pleasant late-season Lanzarote weather makes this time of year ideal for a cycling holiday on the island. Temperatures tend to stay around the 25 degree mark, which is just about perfect for a day in the saddle.
As the season starts to wind down, the roads will be quieter, specifically those towards the volcanic interior of the island – always a bonus if you’re an urban road cyclist seeking an escape from traffic.
If you opt for a cycling holiday in Lanzarote, then you’re keeping good company. Lanzarote and the Canary Islands are a popular spot for Pro Tour pre-season training schedules, due to the quiet off-season roads and challenging climbs around Timanfaya and beyond.
Getting your bike to Lanzarote
While bike hire options are extensive on the island, if you want to ride your own trusty cycle on your Lanzarote excursions, then you’re well catered for.
All major airlines that fly to Lanzarote from Britain accommodate bikes in the luggage hold – although some include a surcharge for this extra service. British Airways provide this for free as long as the weight of your bike is within your personal baggage allowance, while Ryanair charges a £75 fee on top of your ticket for their service.
It’s always worth checking this policy before you fly, to avoid unexpected costs dampening your holiday buzz.
Lanzarote cycling routes
The beauty of cycling on a small island like Lanzarote is that you can make a loop out of just about any stretch of road – and it’s very hard to get lost. Our advice is to plot a route you and your group feel comfortable with. Opt for coastal roads if you fancy a flatter ride, or take in some of the climbs such as the stretch up to El Golfo from Playa Blanca, which offers stunning views of Fuerteventura.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself, then why not see if you can ride the 180km Lanzarote Ironman route? It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but experiencing what the competitors go through may well inspire you to return for the full event one day…
Beyond the road bike
Road cycling isn’t the only game in town when it comes to two-wheeled fun in Lanzarote. Hiring a fat bike to traverse the sand dunes at Papagayo is a fun activity for all the family that doesn’t rely on Lycra gear or carbon fibre, just a hefty pair of tyres that tackle rocky trails and sandy stretches with ease.
Of course, after a long day cycling, you’ll need a luxurious place to rest those weary legs. Our range of villas in Lanzarote offer a perfect place to do just that, as there’s nothing better than a lazy dip in the pool after clocking up the kilometres in the morning sunshine.
Have a browse of our full range of villas today and start planning your cycling trip with us.
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