Cycling in Lanzarote: the best routes to train like a pro
Lanzarote is one of Europe's three most important destinations for winter road cycling, alongside Mallorca and Tenerife. Flawless tarmac, 300 days of sun a year, a leg-breaking profile and a trade wind that turns every ride into a technical session. These are the routes pros and age-groupers train on to prepare for the Ironman.
6 must-ride routes
Ironman route — the classic loop of the island
180 km 2.551 m+ Very high Start: Puerto del CarmenLa Geria · Timanfaya · Mirador del Río · Haría · Tabayesco
The official Ironman Lanzarote course. Start in Puerto del Carmen, cross La Geria, skirt Timanfaya National Park, climb up to the Mirador del Río and descend via the legendary Haría pass. The acid test of European long-distance cycling.
Mirador del Río via the north coast
120 km 1.450 m+ High Start: Costa Teguise o ArrecifeTahíche · Guatiza · Arrieta · Ye · Mirador del Río
One of the most spectacular routes in European cycling. Progressive climb along the east coast, ascent to Ye and the panoramic view from the Mirador del Río over La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago. Technical descent via Haría.
La Geria and the volcanoes
75 km 850 m+ Medium Start: Puerto del CarmenLa Geria · Yaiza · Uga · Tías
Classic route through the wine-growing heart of Lanzarote. Perfect tarmac, semicircular vines in black picón and views of Timanfaya. Ideal for quality endurance rides without big climbs.
Tabayesco — the island's wall
Repetición · 3,8 km 320 m+ (7,8% medio) High Start: ArrietaRampa final del Ironman · ascenso a Los Valles
Lanzarote's tough climb. A short but relentless ascent that appears at km 140 of the Ironman and breaks many races. Sustained 8-9% gradients. Perfect for strength intervals.
Famara and Caleta de Famara
60 km 550 m+ Medium Start: Costa TeguiseSoo · Caleta de Famara · Risco
Panoramic ride out to the Risco de Famara, with the open ocean and 600 m cliffs. Return via Teguise (the island's former capital). Ideal for a technical ride with sections exposed to the trade wind.
South — Playa Blanca and Los Ajaches
95 km 780 m+ Medium Start: Puerto del CarmenEl Golfo · Yaiza · Femés · Playa Blanca
A southern traverse via El Golfo (the green lagoon), Femés (a 460 m viewpoint over Fuerteventura) and the descent to Playa Blanca. Combines a leg-breaking profile with sea views.
Volcano Route by eBike
Discover Lanzarote's volcanic landscapes by electric bike: La Geria, craters, solidified lava, and unique panoramic views. Guided 3–4 hour tour tailored to your level, maximum 6 people + guide.
A perfect alternative to road cycling for those who want to experience the island at a different pace, stop to take photos, and learn about local history and geology with a guide.
Bike-friendly hotels in Lanzarote
Accommodations set up for cyclists: secure bike storage, early breakfasts, sports menus and a strategic location for the island's classic routes.
Barceló Teguise Beach
Costa Teguise · adults only
Adults-only hotel right on Las Cucharas beach, a natural starting point for the north of the island and the Mirador del Río and Haría routes. Early breakfasts for cyclists and a strategic location for long training rides without traffic.
- Secure bike storage
- Early bike-friendly breakfast
- Excellent starting point for the most popular cycling routes in the north of Lanzarote
Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort & Spa
Playa Blanca · south of the island
Resort in Playa Blanca with extensive green areas, a spa and services that make it an attractive option for cyclists and athletes who want to combine training and recovery in the south of Lanzarote.
- Lockable bike room
- Spa and sports services
- Located in Playa Blanca
Radisson Blu Resort Lanzarote
Costa Teguise · family and sports oriented
Modern seaside resort with cyclist-friendly facilities, secure bike storage and quick access to some of Lanzarote's most popular routes.
- Bike storage
- Cyclist-friendly facilities
- Access to popular routes
Coming to Lanzarote to train?
Book a personal trainer, sports massage and other sports experiences and services with Benty — Lanzarote's leading sports tourism company.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is Lanzarote the best European destination for winter cycling training?
- Average temperatures of 18-22 °C from October to April, 300 days of sun a year, excellent tarmac, low traffic outside town centres, a leg-breaking profile with short but constant climbs, and a trade wind that adds a real technical component. World Tour teams like Movistar and Bahrain Victorious train here every winter.
- When is the best time for a cycling camp in Lanzarote?
- From October to May. Peak season is January-March, when pro teams, age-groupers prepping for the Ironman and European amateurs escaping the winter all come together. June-September is doable but with higher temperatures and stronger trade winds.
- Where can I rent a carbon road bike?
- There are specialised shops in Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Club La Santa with fleets of Canyon, Cervélo, BMC, Specialized and Trek bikes equipped with Di2 / AXS electronic groupsets. Book 2-3 weeks ahead in high season.
- How much elevation gain does the full loop of Lanzarote have?
- The full Ironman route (180 km) totals 2,551 m of climbing. The touristic loop (130 km) is around 1,600 m+. There are no long climbs but the profile is constantly rolling and the wind can multiply the perceived difficulty.
- Which classic climbs are a must-ride?
- Tabayesco (3.8 km · 7.8% avg), Haría (climb to the Mirador del Río), Femés from Las Breñas, and the ascent to Mácher from Puerto del Carmen. None of them is alpine, but combined they make for a day with significant climbing.
- Are there group rides and coaches on the island?
- Yes. Benty connects you with UCI/RFEC-certified coaches, local schools and group rides led by professional or ex-pro cyclists with deep knowledge of the terrain and trade-wind dynamics.