There’s something surreal about cycling across an ancient lava field and then rolling into a valley lined with grapevines. Lanzarote’s interior is full of these contrasts, and this e‑bike adventure lets you experience them all in one day. You don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist to enjoy it – the electric motor takes the sting out of the climbs and leaves you free to focus on the scenery.
A ride through the crater fields
Your journey begins near the base of Montaña Blanca, a dormant volcano whose flanks are strewn with black ash and twisted rock formations. As you set off on quiet farm tracks, the landscape feels almost lunar: jagged cones dot the horizon and the ground under your wheels crunches like cinders. With each gentle ascent the e‑bike’s motor hums reassuringly, flattening out slopes that would otherwise slow you to walking pace. Make sure to stop at the rim of one of the smaller craters – peering into a bowl of solidified lava really drives home the raw power that shaped this island.
After an hour of meandering through the crater fields you’ll notice the landscape changing. Black ash gives way to neat, semicircular stone walls arranged like scales on a dragon’s back. You’ve entered La Geria, Lanzarote’s most famous wine region, where each vine is lovingly protected from the wind by its own crescent‑shaped wall. This cultivation method, developed after the catastrophic eruptions of the 18th century, is unique to Lanzarote.
Pedalling among the vines
Riding through La Geria is a feast for the senses. The contrast between dark volcanic soil and bright green vines is stunning, and the air smells faintly of earth and sun‑warmed grapes. You’ll pass tiny bodegas with whitewashed walls and hand‑painted signs inviting you in for a tasting. Don’t be shy – hop off your bike and sample a glass of Malvasía Volcánica, the crisp, mineral wine that put Lanzarote on the oenological map. Many winemakers here are small family operations; they’ll happily tell you about the hard work that goes into coaxing grapes from such an unforgiving terrain.
If wine isn’t your thing, try a non‑alcoholic mosto (grape must) or nibble on local cheeses and olives. The vineyards are also a great place to stop for a picnic. Because the vines are sunken into hollows, the stone walls provide natural windbreaks and make for sheltered spots where you can enjoy your lunch.
Practical tips for the ride
- Distance and duration: The full loop is around 30 kilometres and takes three to four hours at a leisurely pace, including stops.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The e‑bike’s assistance handles most climbs, but there are some rough patches over lava gravel where you’ll want to slow down.
- What to bring: Sunscreen, a hat or helmet (usually provided with rentals), at least one litre of water and some snacks. Closed‑toe shoes are recommended as lava gravel can be sharp.
- Weather considerations: Lanzarote’s interior can be hot and windy. Mornings tend to be cooler; in summer try to finish your ride by early afternoon.
Why this ride is special
Cycling from the stark emptiness of the crater fields into the cultivated beauty of La Geria illustrates Lanzarote’s resilience. Out of destruction, locals created something productive and beautiful. On an e‑bike, you can cover enough ground to see both extremes without exhausting yourself, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of how people here have adapted to their environment. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the island beyond its beaches, this route is a rewarding way to spend a day.