Lanzarote: Land of Volcanoes

Lanzarote - Land of the Volcanoes is a self-guided tour through the youngest and most volcanically dramatic of the Canary Islands. From the beach resort of Costa Teguise, the route passes César Manrique's landmark architectural works, including El Jardín de Cactus, Los Jameos del Agua and El Mirador del Río, along with the volcanic cave of La Cueva de los Verdes and fishing villages beneath the Monte Corona volcano, before reaching the palm-filled village of Haría.

From Haría, the route descends to the former island capital of Teguise, continuing through San Bartolomé to the wine-producing region of La Geria, where two nights are spent. A free day here allows an optional round ride to the beach of Famara, beneath volcanic cliffs, and back across lava fields and lunar landscape.

The route's centrepiece is the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where eruptions between 1730 and 1736 buried a quarter of the island and created the dramatic volcanic terrain seen today, continuing past the seaside crater of El Golfo to Playa Blanca. A second free day offers the choice of a boat trip to neighbouring Fuerteventura, the unspoilt beaches of Papagayo, or a seafood lunch at El Golfo.

The final stage returns through the vineyards of La Geria and along the coastal promenade from Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife, with its inland harbour of El Charco, finishing where the tour began, on an island where mild temperatures make cycling possible year-round.

Highlights:

• César Manrique's architectural works: El Jardín de Cactus, Los Jameos del Agua, El Mirador del Río
• Volcanic cave of La Cueva de los Verdes
• Wine-producing region of La Geria, with its distinctive vineyard cultivation
• Parque Nacional de Timanfaya's dramatic volcanic and lava landscape
• Seaside volcanic crater of El Golfo
• Beach of Famara, beneath volcanic cliffs

Surface and terrain:
The island is not flat despite being one of the lower-lying Canaries. Day 2 (to Haría) is the most demanding; the rest is generally easy to intermediate. Daily distances 33-52 km, with two free/optional-ride days. Carbon, e-road, gravel, trekking and touring bikes available.

Weather:
Benign year-round climate, neither too hot in summer nor cold in winter, making cycling possible in any month.

Suitable for:
Self-guided cyclists wanting a moderate, flexible tour with two free days built in for extra activities (an island-hopping boat trip, beaches, or wine country) alongside the riding.