Lanzarote is a perfect place for lovers of two-wheeled sports, as the good condition of its roads allows cyclists to undertake all kinds of routes, both for beginners and for the most experienced.
The only factors to consider when cycling are the elevation of the area, as well as the width of the shoulder on the roads, which on some routes tends to be narrower, making it difficult to ride in groups, for example.
In any case, below you have five routes for you to discover the island from your bicycle.
Routes for beginners
The most novice cyclists tend to focus on flatter routes, which do not have a high elevation that could make the journey difficult, as well as roads in good condition, meaning, without many potholes.
Fortunately, Lanzarote has many roads with these characteristics, ideal for those who are starting out in the world of cycling, or for those who just want to go for a ride.
1. Monumento al Campesino - La Geria
Probably, the easiest road route is the one that starts at the Monumento al Campesino, in San Bartolomé and then continues towards the La Geria area. The route is about 12 kilometers and lasts half an hour. You can go to the last winery and return to the starting point.
It is a very flat road, which is also in very good condition due to its relatively new asphalt. However, it is important to note that it is a road with very little shoulder, which makes it difficult to ride in pelotons and it is vitally important to be very careful to avoid accidents with vehicles.
2. Monumento al Campesino - La Santa
A slightly more demanding route, but still easy for beginners, is the circular route that goes from the Monumento al Campesino to La Santa, round trip.
It is a 35-kilometer journey, completed in about two hours on average and has just under 300 meters of elevation gain, although it consists of gentle and progressive climbs and descents, so the route is not very difficult.
The route begins at the Monumento al Campesino, in San Bartolomé, heading towards the municipality of Tinajo. First you will pass through the town of Tao, then Tiagua, until you reach the crossroads of La Vegueta and Tinajo, a place where you need to be more cautious with vehicles, as there is no shoulder.
Up to this point, the route was downhill, but the return from Caleta de Caballo begins the climb up to the Monumento del Campesino of up to 300 meters, with the wind at your back. The first stop is the town of Soo, followed by Muñique, until you reach the Tiagua crossroads you passed before. Then it's a matter of following the signs until ending up at the starting point.
More professional routes
For those more experienced road cyclists, there are also numerous routes in Lanzarote that can be quite a challenge.
Specifically, the island can offer an accumulated elevation gain of more than 2,500 meters in just 180 kilometers thanks to its climbs, as is the case in the Ironman, one of the toughest events, held in Lanzarote.
1. Órzola - Mirador del Río
One of the most demanding routes due to its great elevation gain in so few kilometers is the route from Órzola to the Mirador del Río in Haría. It takes about an hour to cover the 8.6 kilometers, where you will have to face an elevation gain of up to 470 meters, the maximum you can reach by road.
The route begins in the fishing village of Órzola, on the LZ-203, and from there you will have to follow the signposted road to the Mirador all the way uphill. Once you reach Las Hoyas, you will have to turn right to continue ascending to the town of Ye on a winding road, which will then straighten out to reach the Mirador del Río, from where you will have breathtaking views.
2. Arrecife - Mirador del Río
A very complicated route due to its great elevation gain is the one that goes from Arrecife to the Mirador del Río. It is a journey of about 35 kilometers that takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes on average with 610 meters of positive elevation gain and 153 meters of negative elevation gain.
You leave the capital, which is at sea level, and you climb very progressively through Tahíche until you reach Arrieta via the LZ-1. From this point, the most complicated section begins, as the ascent becomes steeper and steeper until you reach the Mirador del Río, at 470 meters above sea level, the maximum you can reach by road.
It is important to mention that from Tahíche to Arrieta there is a very practical secondary cycle path, as it reduces the risk of accidents by offering an alternative to the conventional road, which is two-way.
3. Montañas del Fuego
If what you prefer is to do a rather demanding road route between volcanoes, the perfect route is the circular route that goes from the Monumento del Campesino to the Timanfaya National Park.
The 43-kilometer route takes about 2 and a half hours, with 387 meters of positive elevation gain and 387 meters of negative elevation gain, with several climbs and descents, so it is not for beginners.
The cycling route begins at the Monumento del Campesino, as in the previous routes, but this time you will have to head south, towards the municipality of Yaiza, along the La Geria road.
The first stop will be in the town of Uga, from where you will start climbing to the volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park. Then you will continue downhill to Tinajo, to then continue through Tiagua, Tao, and Mozaga to the starting point.
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