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Discover the Land of Eternal Spring.
This multi-activity event, featuring both cycling and hiking is the perfect way to discover this island. Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canary Islands, an archipelago just 60 miles off the West African coast and just outside the tropics.
With the cooling breeze for which Lanzarote is noted, the climate is very comfortable all year with temperatures rarely rising above 30 deg C but with daily maximums rarely falling below 20 deg C even in winter (which feels like a good English spring). Evenings are always pleasant and nights rarely sticky and humid as they can be in Spain in the hot months. Lanzarote is the driest of the islands with only 6 inches of rain giving it that semi-arid exotic feel.
Essential Information
Date: 30th March - 6th April 2022
Price: £395 + £195 single supplement + activity charges
Duration: 8 Days 7 Nights
The Route
The island is only 60km in length and 25 km at its widest point. It is mostly peppered with dormant volcanoes and lava fields but nevertheless has an amazing variety of magnificent scenery and a stunning and varied coastline and contrary to general perception has all shades of sand from white through golden brown to black.
Cycling on the many good and mostly quiet roads in Lanzarote is exhilarating with constant wide vistas of volcanic landscapes and seascapes. It is stimulating to be cycling through such open spaces. You are of course exposed to the elements but rain is rare in any month and even outside June to August the sun is strong but perfect for cycling from October through April.
There are so many things to see on the way, both natural and man-made. Development has been strongly influenced and contained by the late artist Cesar Manrique who ensured that the touristic development was congruous to the natural surroundings. Many of the attractions therefore have been designed or influenced by this artist and his influence remains to this day.
The Itinerary
Day One
Settling in to the Vitalclass Hotel
Vitalclass Hotel
We’ll arrive in Lanzarote, and after a short transfer (20 mins), we will reach our destination: the wonderful 4* Vitalclass Hotel in Costa Teguise.
Then, you’ll undergo a bike fitting with Move-Ment’s team at the hotel.
After a short introductory ride, we’ll enjoy a walk up the local volcano from which most of the island can be seen.
Then, over dinner, there’s time for a presentation on Lanzarote and an outline of your ride itinerary and excursions.
Day Two
An Off-Road Adventure across Central Lanzarote
Cycling Distance: 40 Miles
From Teguise we descend off road to La Caleta de Famara with its stunning surfing beach and views of the 2000ft cliffs of Famara. After a lunch by the sea, there’s the wild off-road tracks along the coast - an exciting introduction to single track riding. Soon we reach the road close to La Santa, the world famous sporting and holiday centre used for training by Olympic athletes particularly in the winter months.
Wild Off-Road Track Riding
We commence our tour with a circular cycle tour of the centre of the island including crossing to the wild NW coast. We ride out of Costa Teguise on mountain bikes but soon we are off road climbing towards Teguise, the old capital of the island. But first a quick climb to Guanapay- the ruined castle on the rim of a volcano overlooking the old capital from which there are fabulous views of most of the island. Teguise itself is delightful with its narrow streets, and square with shops , bars and cafes.
Climbing to Teguise
We now switch to our road bikes for the journey back uphill via the remote village of Soo and Tiagua and eventually to Monumento el Campesino – located at the geographic centre of the island - another Manrique creation which celebrates the courage and success of the farmers on Lanzarote. Some clear roads and fast cycling on a final downhill brings us back to Costa Teguise.
Fast Cycling to Costa Teguise
Day Four
The Coast
Cycling Distance: 38 Miles
As we continue through the village of Masdache, the scenery begins to change. As we enter the area of the 1728 eruption with grand views of volcanic cones rising above the lava fields. This is a taster of what we will see the following day. We turn off the main road heading towards the coast taking a lovely winding road towards the sea. We soon reach the delightful new resort of Puerto Calero where we will have lunch with views over the marina and the sea.
A Winding Ride to Puerto Calero
After two very full days this ride will have a more relaxed feel. It’s completely on road bikes although much of the return journey is traffic free. We take a good fast route to San Bartolome. Soon after we stop at the Cesar Manrique Foundacion museum where there will be some time to learn about the influence he had on the island’s recent development
A Fast Ride to San Bartolome
As we continue through the village of Masdache, the scenery begins to change. As we enter the area of the 1728 eruption with grand views of volcanic cones rising above the lava fields. This is a taster of what we will see the following day. We turn off the main road heading towards the coast taking a lovely winding road towards the sea. We soon reach the delightful new resort of Puerto Calero where we will have lunch with views over the marina and the sea.
The Coastal Route Home
Day Three
The North and the Island of Graciosa
Cycling Distance: 36 Miles
We commence on road bikes and have a fast cycle up to Orzola, at the top of the island where we take the 20 minute ferry to the small island of La Graciosa. We will now have our mountain bikes with us for an off- road tour of the island visiting remote beaches including the beautiful Playa de las Conchas.
The Beaches of La Graciosa
In either event our route takes us via Haria, in the valley of 1000 palms and then the great downhill to the coast at Arrieta and finally to the Cactus Garden – another creation of Cesar Manrique near Guatiza. Here we will transfer back to our hotel.
The Valley of 1000 Palms
We shall return to the port Catela del Sebo for a typical Graciosa lunch.
After lunch there are one of 2 options – if seas are calm then small boats will transport us without bikes back to the Mainland to another remote beach Playa del Risco below the 2000ft cliffs. We will then don our walking shoes and climb the cliff on a well established path to the top where we will link up again with our road bikes.
Alternatively if the sea/weather is not so calm then we will take the ferry back to Orzola from where we shall ride our road bikes uphill
A Remote Beach?
The last full day’s on road ride commences and finishes at Yaiza. So we have a 30 minute transfer to the start. The day is a blend of cycling and some hiking through the best of the volcanic scenery on the island contrasting with climbs through some of the oldest mountains on the island. So this is a really challenging final day including a great variety of landscapes.
From the perfectly pretty village of Yaiza, we commence our ride across the massive lava field of Timanfaya.The last eruption on Lanzarote was in 1824 in this region. One hundred years earlier from 1730-6 more than 100 new craters came to the surface in Timanfaya extending lava-fields over 200 sq.km forming the badlands ‘malpais’ of the Fire Mountains , today the National Park of Timanfaya.
The Park has a spectacular lunar aspect with different tones of ochre and grey and most of all its frightening silence.
A Ride across Timanfaya
Returning to the visitors centre for our bikes we ride the short distance to Mancha Blanca for a quick cuppa and then a marvellous stretch through the Parque natural de los volcanoes – passing an array of beautiful multi coloured volcanic cones. Our late lunch stop is in the winelands – yes Lanzatore has a vast area of vines in an area called La Geria. We stop at the bogeda (winery) of Rubicon for lunch. Moving on again maily downhill we reach the days start point at Uga – our first circle completed. Now we have one of the big climbs of the tour –up to Las Femes -offering views over the south of the island to Playa Blanca – if you return to the island for a restful holiday stay there –where there are good walks and fabulous beaches.
Lunch at a Local Winery
Day Five
Multi-Activity Day in Lanzarote’s Region of Natural Fireworks
Cycling Distance: 42 Miles
After the climb, and possible views of a camel train and views of what is called The Fire Mountain we descend to the national park information centre where we stop briefly for a tour of the volcanic exhibits and a simulation of a volcanic eruption. From the visitors centre we have a short transfer into the national park to be guided by an experienced volcanologist climbing up to the rim of Caldera Blanca – one of the largest volcanoes on the island with a crater one mile across. The views and scene are unusual and stunning to say the least.
Climbing the Rim of a Volcano
After a welcome coffee stop its downhill past Las Brenes back to the coast at Salinas de Janubio , salt flats which make an unusual and colourful sight from a stunning viewpoint high above the sea. Then a stunningly beautiful road with a perfect surface follows the sea through the new lava – a weird but beautiful landscape where there are huge lava coves which the sea crashes into with great force. We soon reach El Golfo, an emerald green lake, separated by a small spit of sand from the sea on the edge of the Timanfaya lava fields. It is set beneath a high heavily eroded cliff. There will be time for a short and for some, precarious walk to see this sight. After a final coffee stop we ride to Yaiza , the end of the Ride.
An Emerald Green Lake
Day Six
A Morning Ride to Tabeyasco
Cycling Distance: 58 Miles
Our final day is represented by a mini sportive- a tight circular ride which takes us back to Arrieta past the Cactus garden to the foot of the Tabeyesco climb. After a brief stop for photos we commence the 12km climb of 600m (2000ft). This should be achieved in 60 to 75 minutes. Views from the top are extensive from which you will recognise many of the places you have visited in the past 5 days.
A Mini Sportive
A great descent brings us back to the old city of Teguise where we have a very welcome café stop. It’s then a fast ride mainly down back to the hotel for lunch before being swept away to the airport and home.
Return to the Hotel
Questions
Who is this ride suited to?
The Ride is likely to appeal to both the leisure and more advanced cyclists. On a mix of road and off-road, ideal for all those with a fair cycling knowledge. Suitable for couples and singles. Open for all ages.
What's the terrain like?
Good quality quiet roads with vast open views of coast, volcanoes, lava fields and desert interspersed with surprisingly lush valleys. Also some off road cycling on manageable 4WD type tracks. Several moderate hills each day but not too steep or sustained. Near perfect cycling conditions.
What's included in the price?
All accommodation, meals (including restaurant and picnic lunches) , vehicle support, bike hire (good quality road and mountain), maintenance and first aid.
What's not included?
Flights to and from Lanzarote, Insurance, Drinks, except water and juices whilst cycling, tips.
Is there a support team?
Yes. This tour is fully escorted with Tour manager, Lead cyclist, cycle maintenance and first aid, provision of picnic lunches.
What's the weather like?
Mediterranean in type. Temperatures during October to April are usually 20 to 25 deg C, sunny and dry. However, Lanzarote is noted for its breezes which keep you cool whilst cycling but occasionally is a headwind in exposed areas. You'll need warm clothing for evenings, and waterproofs are still recommended. Bring strong walking shoes for a possible hike.
What about flights?
Riders are to arrange their own 4 hour direct flights from UK to Arrecife in Lanzarote.
Is there a luggage restriction?
Please refer to your airline for any restrictions.