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Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and tag us in the posts from your trip.
Don’t forget to join our Strava club, so we can give you kudos for all your amazing bike rides!
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (by 10am at the latest) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided. In case of any issues with luggage transfers, please call Nacho on +34 606 109 765.
Your bike fitting is scheduled for Monday, 24th February with our local partners Papagayo Bike in Hotel Sands Beach Resort (Avenida de las Islas Canarias, 18). Your bikes will be available from 9am. In case of any issues, please call Nacho on +34 606 109 765.
Please note that cyclists themselves are expected to deal with minor problems such as punctures. Please call us if you are not feeling well and can’t ride or if you need to be transferred due to weather conditions.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Please note that tap water on Lanzarote is not drinkable. You can purchase water at your hotel, or at nearby supermarkets.
Friday, 21st February: Costa Teguise
Arrival day
Accommodation: Barcelo Teguise beach (own arrangements)
Hotel services: Swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant, laundry
Welcome to Lanzarote, and the start of an amazing tour!
5:10pm: Arrival into Arrecife Airport.
Your taxi driver will wait for you in Arrivals at Arrecife Airport, and take you to Hotel Barceló Teguise Beach. You can find your transfer voucher here.
The name of the transfer company is Firstminute Travel. Please activate your mobile phone upon arrival in Lazarote in case the driver needs to contact you, or vice versa. In case of any issues with the transfer, please call (+34) 928 822 028 or (+34) 671478565.
Please request your route documentation from the hotel reception upon arrival.
At leisure in Costa Teguise
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Costa Teguise.
Saturday, 22nd February: Costa Teguise
Accommodation: Barcelo Teguise beach (own arrangements)
Hotel services: Swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant, laundry
At leisure in Costa Teguise.
Sunday, 23rd February: Costa Teguise
Arrival day
Accommodation: Barcelo Teguise beach
Hotel services: Swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
At leisure in Costa Teguise.
Dinner tonight is included in the price of your tour. Please advise hotel reception what time you would like to eat.
Monday, 24th February: Haria
Route: 33.4 km/20.8 miles OR 53.7 km/33.4 miles
Elevaton: +505 m/+1654 ft OR +854 m/+2802 ft
Accommodation: Casa Rural Villa Lola y Juan
Hotel services: Swimming pool
Meals included: Breakfast
9am: Bike fitting with our local partners Papagayo Bike. Their offices are located in Hotel Sands Beach Resort (Avenida de las Islas Canarias, 18). In case of any issues, please call Nacho on (+34) 606 109 765 or (+34) 679 955 947.
It’s time to start cycling! You can choose between two options for your route to Haría:
Short route:
Your route takes you over the foothills of the spectacular Montaña de Tinaguache and through the town of Guatiza, where you can visit the impressive Jardín del Cactus (open daily 10am – 4:30pm), César Manrique’s last great work on the island.
Next, you will follow the coastline through the picturesque fishing villages of Arrieta and Punta Mujeres until you reach Jameos del Agua (open daily 10am – 5:15pm), a lava tunnel converted into an auditorium by César Manrique. Nearby, you can visit the Cueva de los Verdes (open 10am – 5pm), a remarkable lava cave once used by local townsfolk as a refuge from Berber pirates, before finishing your ride in the picturesque village of Haría.
Long route:
From Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, the route continues all the way to the north coast of Lanzarote and the small town of Orzola, where you can admire the salt flats, before continuing along the coastal road, with spectacular views over the countless beaches and coves. You’ll also discover the small farming town of Ye, which is set in some of Lanzarote’s most beautiful and unspoilt rural landscapes.
Your route takes you around the extinct volcano of La Corona, before climbing up to the spectacular Mirador del Río (open daily 10am – 4:40pm), a viewpoint designed by César Manrique from where you can enjoy spectacular views over Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago. The Mirador also houses a bar-café where you can charge your batteries before continuing on with your route and enjoying a final descent into Haría.
Please note that Casa Rural Villa Lola & Juan does not have a 24 hour reception. Please contact the hotel an hour before arrival on (+34) 696 101 315 or (+34) 646 985 738), so that hotel staff can be there to let you in at your estimated arrival time.
At leisure in Haría
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations on Haría.
Known as the “valley of a thousand palm trees”, Haría’s valley location gives it a microclimate that has resulted in its being one of the greenest spots on Lanzarote. Haría was also home to César Manrique until his death in 1992, and it’s still possible to visit the architect’s former house: Casa-Museo de César Manrique (open daily 10:30am – 6pm).
Eating and drinking in Haría
Bike shops
Costa Teguise: Papagayo Bike. (+34) 636 130 386. Open Mon – Fri 8am – 4pm, Sat 8am – 2pm, Sun 9am – 1pm
Arrieta: Arrietabike. (+34) 605 255 159. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 12:30am/3:30pm–5:30pm, Sat 9am – 1pm
Tuesday, 25th February: Teguise
Route: 19.4 km/12.1 miles OR 53.3km/33.1 miles
Elevation: +431m/+1414 ft OR +858m/2814 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio ICO
Hotel services: Restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you can choose between a shorter route, allowing more time to explore Teguise, the charming former capital of Lanzarote, or take a longer route through Tahíche and Montaña Blanca.
Short route:
This ride heads south-west from Haría. A 5km climb leads to the Mirador Barranco del Chafarís, a magnificent viewpoint over the eastern coastline of the island and the village of Haría, surrounded by palm trees with a backdrop of volcanoes, including Monte Corona. A little further on, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves offers spectacular views over the south of the island, the volcanoes of Timanfaya, and in the distance the island of Fuerteventura. A long descent leads to the pretty village of Teguise. A long descent leads to the pretty village of Teguise.
Long route:
From Teguise, this route takes you through Nazaret, where you can visit the LagOmar Museum, a spectacular house that once belonged to actor Omar Sharif, built around a lava quarry and using wood salvaged from shipwrecks found off the coast of Lanzarote, which houses one of the island’s most unique restaurants (open
Tue – Sun, 12pm – 11:30pm).
Your next recommended stop is the Fundación César Manrique (open daily 10am – 6pm). This unique building was designed by Lanzarote’s most famous architect, and was his home for two decades. The house was built around a lava coulee, and the lower floor is comprised of five natural volcanic bubbles, connected by tunnels excavated into the lava.
The route continues through the town of San Bartolomé, home to Museo Etnografico Tanit (open Mon – Sat, 10am – 2pm), a former 18th century mansion which provides a fascinating insight into everyday life in historical Lanzarote.
Next, you’ll head into visit the traditional white town of Montaña Blanca, named after the volcano that overlooks the village, and into Masdache, where we recommend a visit to Bodega El Grifo (open Mon – Fri 10:30am – 6:30pm), an innovative winery set in a lava field and which boasts its own museum.
On the way back to Teguise, we recommend a visit the Casa Museo del Campesino (open daily, 10am – 6pm, restaurant open 12pm – 4pm), Manrique’s tribute to the hard-working farmers of Lanzarote, and guarded by the architect’s Monument to Fertility, a curious sculpture created from boat water tanks.
At leisure in Teguise
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Teguise.
Capital of Lanzarote until 1847, walking through Teguise is like travelling back to colonial times.
Eating and drinking in Teguise
Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant; however, if you would like to explore Teguise further we can suggest the following options:
Bike shops
San Bartolomé: Más Deportes Lanzarote. (+34) 928 522 845. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm, Sat 9am – 1pm
Wednesday, 26th February: Teguise
Route: 49.8 km/31 miles
Elevation: +569 m/+1868 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palacio ICO
Hotel services: Restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you can choose to relax in the charming town of Teguise, or enjoy a loop ride through Lanzarote’s volcanic interior to the coast.
The cycle route takes you through volcanic badlands to the small hermitage of the Virgen de los Dolores (also known as Our Lady of the Volcanoes). This Virgin is said to have played a miraculous role in the eruptions of 1730-36 and 1824.
Just beyond the hermitage, you’ll pass by the volcanic crater of Guiguan, now used to cultivate crops and boasting its very own bodega (open Mon – Fri 12:30pm – 2pm/4pm – 6pm, Sat 12:30pm – 2pm).
Next, you’ll enjoy a long descent into the surfer paradise of La Santa and into the desert-like landscape of El Jable, with views of a volcanic chain to your left, all the way to the beautiful beach of Famara, where we suggest a stop for lunch with a view. We recommend Restaurante Sol (open daily from 12pm) for the freshest of fresh seafood, enjoyed right on the beach!
From Famara, it’s a steady and easy climb back to Teguise.
Bike shops
La Santa: Pro Bici La Santa. (+34) 646 625 130. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm
Thursday, 27th February: Playa Blanca
Route: 57.2 km/35.5 miles OR 67.6 km/42 miles
Elevation: +443 m/+1453 ft OR +576m/+1890 ft
Accommodation: MYND Yaiza
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you can choose between two options for your ride to Playa Blanca:
Short route:
Today’s route takes you out of San Bartolomé and towards the island’s main attraction, the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. This is where Lanzarote’s volcanic nature is at its most spectacular. The eruptions of 1730 – 1736 buried around a quarter of the whole island, including several villages, and gave rise to the impressive lava and volcano landscape that we see today.
In the heart of the park, you will find the Centro de Visitantes e Interpretación de Timanfaya (open 9am – 4pm), which houses an interactive exhibition about the eruptions. Nearby, you’ll find the fascinating Islote del Hilario (open 9am – 4pm), one of the few “islands” of original vegetation that escaped the lava flows of the eruptions in the 18th century, and which houses the park’s visitor centre, and El Diablo restaurant (open daily until 4:15pm), whose kitchen is powered by volcanic heat.
Visiting Parque Nacional de Timanfaya
Please note that since Timanfaya is a protected national park, it is not permitted to visit on foot or by bike. If you would like to visit the park (highly recommended), you should leave your bike at the visitor centre on Islote del Hilario, and purchase a ticket for the Ruta de Vulcanes bus ride, which takes you through the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya.
From Timanfaya, we’ll head down to the south of the island, and the seaside village of Playa Blanca.
Long route:
As you leave Timanfaya, you’ll head west to visit the unique seaside volcanic crater of El Golfo, where you’ll find a bright green natural pool surrounded by black sand known as El Charco de los Clicos. This is the perfect place to stop for a seafood lunch! We recommend Casa Rafa Restaurante De Mar (open Tues – Sat, 12pm – 4:30pm).
Continue along the coastline, marvelling at the contrasts created when volcanic lava reached the sea: the black lava, the blue sea with white waves, and the red volcanoes. Pass by the colourful Janubio salt flats and the bright green Laguna de Janubio before finishing your ride in Playa Blanca.
At leisure in Playa Blanca
Spend the afternoon at the beach, or strolling along the seafront boulevard.
Bike shops
Playa Blanca: Papagayo Bikes. (+34) 606 109 765. Open daily 9am – 5pm
Friday 28th February: Playa Blanca
Route: El Golfo 40 km/24.8 miles OR Fuerteventura loop 60 km/37.2 miles
Elevation: +524 m/+1720 ft OR Fuerteventura loop +667 m/2188ft
Accommodation: MYND Yaiza
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you can cycle to the unspoilt beaches of Papagayo, considered to be the best in Lanzarote; enjoy a relaxed coastal cycling loop with a stop for a seafood lunch at El Golfo, or take your bikes on the ferry across to Corralejo in Fuerteventura and discover another island.
El Golfo Loop:
On this route, you’ll follow the coast through Playa Blanca, and then up along the inland road to the tiny hamlet of La Hoya, originally built for the salt flat workers and boasting great views over the Janubio salt flats, as well as an interesting gastronomy that is a result of the proximity to the sea and the natural salt. After cycling all the way around the salt flats, you’ll follow the coastline up to the seaside volcanic crater of El Golfo, the perfect place to enjoy a seafood lunch!
Fuerteventura Loop:
Useful information: There are three ferry companies that cover the Playa Blanca – Fuerteventura crossing: Líneas Romero, Naviera Armas or Fred Olsen. Our recommendation is Líneas Romero for value and ease of booking. Please consult each company’s website for up-to-date schedules and avilability. You can purchase tickets online, or from the harbour in Playa Blanca. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes each way, and a round-trip ticket with Líneas Romero costs 38€ (bikes free). Please note that you will need to take your passport along with you.
Once you arrive into Corralejo port on Fuerteventura, your route takes you along the coast through the Parque Natural de Corralejo, a sea of sand dunes and a perfect example of the arid beauty of Fuerteventura, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll go past the pretty village of Parque Holandés, and through the historic town of Caldareta, before climbing up to Vallebrón for spectacular views over the island from a mirador. On your way back, you’ll go past Monte Tindaya, once sacred to the indigenous inhabitants of the island, through the town of La Oliva and through the Natural Park of Malpaís de la Arena, a spectacular volcanic landscape, before finishing back at Corralejo port.
Saturday 1st March: Arrecife
Route: 49.6 km/30.8 miles
Elevation: +724 m/2374 ft
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Arrecife
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
From Playa Blanca, you’ll head across the dramatic hills of Femés before heading to the wine country of La Geria, where successive volcanic eruptions have created a fertile plain, perfect for growing grapevines. The lava vineyard cultivation in La Geria has created a fascinating landscape that is unique in the world, as well as producing some excellent wines. If you’d like to sample some of the local vintage, we recommend a stop at Bodega la Geria (open daily 10:30am – 7pm), Bodega Rubicón (open daily 10am – 7pm) or El Chupadero wine and tapas bar (open Wed – Sat, 1pm – 10pm), which offers fabulous views over the volcanic vineyards.
From here, you’ll descend to the coast, and enjoy a pleasant seafront ride from Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife.
Upon arrival, please leave your bikes with reception for collection.
At leisure in Arrecife
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Arrecife.
Eating and drinking in Arrecife
For dinner, we highly recommend the top floor restaurant at your hotel, which offers fantastic views and is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Sunday 2nd March: Arrecife
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Arrecife (own arrangements)
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
At leisure in Arrecife.
Monday 3rd March: Arrecife
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Arrecife (own arrangements)
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, laundry
At leisure in Arrecife.
Tuesday 4th March: Departure
9:45am: Your taxi driver will pick you up from outside Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa and take you to Arrecife Airport.
The name of the transfer company is First Minute Transfers. You can find your booking voucher here. In case of any issues with the transfer, please call (+34) 928 822 028.
Bike Spain Tours will provide you with a helmet (if requested), a water bottle, a tshirt, phone case and a handlebar bag. On our guided tours, you will also receive a complimentary bike jersey.
You are probably familiar with some common safety guidelines. Below are those that we follow at Bike
Spain, and we ask that you follow them while traveling with us:
To check the weather before you leave on your trip, please take a look at current weather conditions at www.weatheronline.co.uk. For historical temperature and precipitation statistics visit www.weatherbase.com or take a look at the Spanish Meteorological website with detailed information per region (http://www.aemet.es/en/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos)
The history of Spain is a compendium of influences from the different cultures that have lived in the country. The first settlers on the Peninsula were the Celts and the Iberians. The Roman presence in Hispania lasted for seven centuries, during which time the basic borders of the Peninsula in relation to other European towns were set up. Many institutions were inherited from Rome such as the concept of family, Latin as a language, religion and law. At the start of the 5th century new settlers from the North arrived and settled on the Peninsula: the Visigoths in the interior and the Swabians on the West. The decomposition of the Visigoth state apparatus would lead to the successive infiltration of Arab and Berber troops from the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the beginning of the 8th century. In the middle of the 8th century the Muslims had completed occupation and Cordoba became the center of the flourishing Andalusian state. The Arab presence in Spain would last for almost seven centuries and leave an indelible mark on the Spanish cultural heritage.
Following a long period of peaceful coexistence, the small Christian strongholds in the North of the Peninsula took on a leading role in the Reconquest, which ended with the capture of Granada in 1492 under the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, traditionally considered the founders of peninsular unity and the imperial management of the Spanish revival. The 16th century represents the zenith of Spanish hegemony in the world, a process that would last until the middle of the 17th century. Following the death of Charles II, the last of the Austrians, who died without having had children, Phillip V inaugurated the dynasty of the Bourbons of Spain.
The crisis of the Old Order opened the doorway to the Napoleonic invasion. The War of Independence was a war against the French invasion, but also a revolutionary war due to the decisive involvement of the people and the clear formation of a national consciousness that would later shape the 1812 Constitution. The Courts of Cadiz thereby enacted one of the first Constitutions of the world which ratified that sovereignty would reside in the nation. The conflict between liberalists and absolutists, or in other words, between two different ways of perceiving the establishment of the state, would be one of the longest Spanish conflicts throughout the 19th century.
The ballot box is introduced into Spain and with it the first democratic experience of the 20th century: the second Republic, a brief attempt to introduce the reformations the country needed, frustrated by General Franco’s military rising and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. The military victory of General Franco gave way to a long dictatorial period that would last until 1975. Following his death, the Spanish peacefully made the transition from dictatorship to democracy in a process known as ‘the Spanish model’. Don Juan Carlos I, as King of the Spanish people, became the chief of a social and democratic state of law, which molded the Constitution of 1978.
More information…? Should you be interested in a specific theme, please check here, you will find many info about culture, environmental issues, nature, society, geography and politics.
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To read more about Spain’s cuisine
