Lanzarote & Fuerteventura: Two Canary Islands to Discover by Bike
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
When winter settles across Europe, the Canary Islands quickly become one of the best destinations to keep riding in the sun. Located off the coast of Africa, they offer mild weather year-round, excellent road conditions, and spectacular landscapes that turn every ride into a true experience.
Within the archipelago, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura form a particularly captivating duo: two neighboring islands, easily connected by ferry, yet with completely different atmospheres.
Lanzarote—The Volcanic Island
Lanzarote immediately captivates with landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. The roads cross lava fields, pass whitewashed villages, and offer constant views of the ocean.
The island is well known among cyclists for:
the excellent quality of its asphalt
low traffic levels
scenic panoramic roads
long, steady climbs
The terrain allows riders to find their rhythm, build endurance, and enjoy impressive viewpoints, particularly in the regions of Timanfaya, La Geria, and around Mirador del Río. Riding here often feels like cycling through a lunar landscape, where every turn reveals a new contrast between volcanic rock, ocean, and light.
Fuerteventura—Wide Open Spaces
Just a short ferry ride away, Fuerteventura offers a completely different setting. The landscape becomes more open and desert-like, with long rolling roads and endless horizons.
The island is ideal for:
accumulating mileage
maintaining a steady pace
enjoying long panoramic stretches
riding with a true sense of freedom
Wind is part of the experience and adds a sporting challenge appreciated by many cyclists, especially during winter training periods.
After the Ride: The Canary Islands Lifestyle
Both islands provide a laid-back and genuine atmosphere away from the roads. An instant sense of escape is produced by whitewashed villages, tiny fishing ports, and unadulterated natural scenery.
From a culinary standpoint, a few regional specialties go well with exhausting bike rides:
Mojo sauce on papas arrugadas is a quintessential island symbol. Fresh fish, straightforward, tasty island cuisine, and local goat cheeses—which are especially well-known in Fuerteventura
An Ideal Winter Cycling Destination
With average temperatures around 20–22°C and very little rainfall, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura make it possible to extend the cycling season while much of Europe remains in colder conditions. These stable weather patterns attract many cyclists and teams each year for winter training.
Practical Travel Information
Reaching the Canary Islands is relatively straightforward, although flight routes are not always direct depending on your departure city. It is generally recommended to plan a departure from a major Spanish hub such as Barcelona or Madrid, which offer more frequent connections and make traveling with a bike easier.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are then easily connected by ferry, allowing travelers to combine both islands within the same trip.
Between volcanoes, wind, and ocean, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer a unique playground for riding in the sun and experiencing a truly memorable cycling destination.
Want to discover the Canary Islands by bike?
If you would like to learn more about the best routes, ideal travel periods, or how to plan a cycling trip in the Canary Islands, our team can guide you according to your level and goals.
