Over the last few years, Lanzarote has become a magnet for thrill-seekers from around the world. If you’re considering having a unique sports holiday in Lanzarote, make sure you bookmark this guide because we’re about to take you on a journey through the island’s most heart-pumping activities.
Whether you’re soaring above the landscape, riding the waves, or exploring the depths of the ocean, trust us when we say that each adventure is a chance to connect deeply with the stunning environment that Lanzarote offers. Let’s begin!
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The Appeal of a Sports Holiday in Lanzarote
The island’s climate is a dream come true for lovers of outdoor activities. With year-round sunshine and consistent winds, conditions are often perfect for sports like surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. This means that, regardless of when you visit, you’re likely to find ideal conditions for your sport of choice.
The diversity of open-air activities available in Lanzarote is beyond compare. Whether it’s catching waves at a renowned surf spot, exploring underwater volcanic formations while scuba diving, or cycling through lava fields, the island caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels.
Not only that, they’re all easily accessible by everyone. Many of the island’s top spots are effortlessly reachable, and a number of schools and rental services are available to cater to both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Popular Adventure Sports in Lanzarote
Surfing and Windsurfing
Lanzarote is a paradise for surfers and windsurfers, with its consistent waves and strong winds creating ideal conditions. Here’s a closer look at the best spots and some tips for those just starting out.
Best Surfing and Windsurfing Spots:
- Famara Beach: Renowned for its long, sandy stretch and reliable waves, Famara is perfect for surfers of all levels. Beginners find the smaller waves near the shore perfect for learning, while the bigger swells further out challenge more experienced surfers.
- La Santa: A favorite among experienced surfers, La Santa offers powerful waves and challenging conditions. It’s worth mentioning that there’s a strong local surf community, which maintains a respectful and serious attitude towards the sport. It’s a place where you can learn a lot just by observing and interacting with local surfers.
- Costa Teguise: The area offers different conditions, from flat waters ideal for beginners to more challenging waves for advanced windsurfers. There are several windsurfing schools and rental services nearby, making it easy for newcomers to start. The area is also known for its excellent windsurfing infrastructure.
Tips for Beginners:
- Take some Lessons: If you’ve never ridden a wave before, make sure you don’t skip this step. Understanding the basics of wave formation, wind patterns, and safety before entering the water it’s crucial to have a smooth and safe experience. Instructors can provide invaluable insights into techniques, wave reading, and safety measures that are essential for a good foundation.
- Use the Right Equipment: Beginners should start with larger and wider boards that offer more stability and are easier to balance on. This is also true for windsurfing: wider boards with a larger sail are more stable and easier to maneuver. Keep in mind that, depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be necessary.
- Understand Weather Conditions: Always check the local weather and wave forecasts before heading out. Conditions can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared. If in doubt, make sure you ask instructors and experienced surfers/windsurfers that can provide insights into the best times to go out, as well as any specific hazards like rocks, strong currents, or areas to avoid.
- Practice Etiquette: Understanding who has the right of way on the waves is vital, both in surfing and windsurfing. Also, it’s important to keep a safe distance from others — beginners should practice in less crowded areas to minimize the risk of collisions. And above all, make sure you respect the local surfers and windsurfers.
Where to Find Lessons? Surf and windsurf schools are abundant in Lanzarote, especially around popular spots like Famara and Costa Teguise. These schools offer a range of courses, from introductory lessons to advanced coaching.
Paragliding in Lanzarote
You didn’t think it was possible, did you? Good news, it is! Paragliding is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the stunning landscape of Lanzarote. The island’s unique topography and favorable wind conditions make it an ideal location for this thrilling sport. Let’s explore the top locations for paragliding and delve into essential safety measures and best practices.
Top Locations for Paragliding:
- Famara Cliff: Offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sandy Famara beach, the cliff is a popular spot for paragliding. The height and the updrafts here provide perfect conditions for long, enjoyable flights.
- Playa Quemada: Known for its unique black sand beach, Playa Quemada is another excellent spot for paragliding. The gentle winds and scenic coastal views make it ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots.
- Los Valles: For those seeking a more inland experience, Los Valles offers a different perspective with stunning views of Lanzarote’s rugged terrain. It’s a bit more challenging due to the terrain, making it suitable for those with some experience.
Safety Measures and Best Practices:
- Training and Certification: It’s crucial to have proper training and, if possible, a certification before attempting to paraglide. There are several schools in Lanzarote offering courses and tandem flights for beginners.
- Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before a flight. Paragliding depends heavily on weather conditions, and it’s essential to avoid strong winds or bad weather.
- Equipment Check: Regularly inspect your paragliding gear for any wear or damage. This includes the wing, harness, helmet, and any other safety gear.
- Follow Instructions: If you’re flying with an instructor or as part of a tandem flight, it’s crucial to follow their instructions carefully. They know the local air currents and conditions best.
- Emergency Procedures: Be aware of emergency procedures. This includes understanding how to use your reserve parachute and knowing the emergency landing spots.
- Respect Flying Zones: Stick to designated flying zones and be aware of any restricted airspace. This is important for your safety and to comply with local regulations.
Cycling in Lanzarote
From volcanic terrains to coastal paths, you’ll find a great variety of trails suitable for cyclists of all levels. Let’s have a look at the diverse itineraries available and some general recommendations.
Best Trails:
- Timanfaya National Park: For a memorable biking experience, the lunar-like landscape of Timanfaya National Park is unparalleled. The routes here offer a mix of challenging lava fields and smoother paths, with stunning volcanic scenery.
- La Graciosa Island: Accessible by ferry, this nearby island offers peaceful trails with breathtaking ocean views. The terrain is a mix of sandy paths and rocky tracks, suitable for intermediate riders.
- Famara Cliffs to La Santa: This trail is perfect for those who love coastal rides. Starting from the dramatic Famara Cliffs, the path winds its way along the coast to the surf town of La Santa, offering spectacular sea views.
- The Wine Region of La Geria: For a more leisurely ride, the wine region of La Geria provides gentler trails through vineyards and unique agricultural landscapes, suitable for riders of all levels.
Bike Rentals and Guided Tours:
- Bike Rentals: Lanzarote has numerous bike rental shops offering a range of mountain bikes to suit different skill levels. Many shops also provide necessary gear like helmets and maps.
- Guided Tours: For those new to the island or mountain biking, guided tours are a great option. These tours are led by experienced local guides who can tailor the route to your skill level and interests. They also provide insights into the island’s geography and culture.
- Multi-Day Tours: For the more adventurous, there are multi-day mountain biking tours that cover extensive parts of the island, offering a comprehensive biking experience.
- Safety and Support: Many rental services and tour operators offer support services like bike maintenance, rescue services in case of breakdowns, and tips on handling different terrains.
Scuba Diving in Lanzarote
Scuba diving in Lanzarote opens a window to an underwater world filled with vibrant marine life and crazy volcanic formations. The island’s clear waters and the amount of dive sites make it a prime destination for divers of all levels. Here’s an insight into the marine life you can expect and the options for diving schools and certification.
Exploring the Rich Marine Life:
- Unique Underwater Volcanic Landscapes: Lanzarote’s volcanic origins have created an underwater terrain of lava tubes, caves, and rock formations. This unusual seascape is a haven for marine life and offers an exceptional diving experience.
- Diverse Marine Species: Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish, including angel sharks, barracudas, and colorful schools of parrotfish. The waters around the island are also home to octopuses, rays, and occasional sea turtles.
- Famous Dive Sites: Some of the must-visit dive sites include the Museo Atlántico, an underwater sculpture museum, the Blue Hole near Puerto del Carmen, and the Cathedral off the coast of Playa Blanca.
Diving Schools and Certification:
- Availability of Diving Schools: Lanzarote boasts numerous diving schools offering courses for beginners to advanced divers. These schools are equipped with experienced instructors, equipment rentals, and offer a range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International) courses.
- Beginner Courses: For those new to scuba diving, beginner courses usually include basic theory lessons, confined water dives for skill practice, and open water dives. These courses culminate in a certification that allows you to dive anywhere in the world.
- Advanced and Specialty Courses: For certified divers looking to advance their skills, schools in Lanzarote offer advanced open water courses, rescue diver courses, and various specialty courses like deep diving, night diving, and underwater navigation.
- Safety and Best Practices: Safety is a paramount focus in all courses, with emphasis on dive planning, equipment checks, and underwater communication. Diving schools also focus on environmental conservation, teaching divers to respect and protect the marine ecosystem.
Seasonal Considerations
When planning for a sports holiday in Lanzarote, it’s important to consider the seasonal variations and how they can impact different activities. Lanzarote enjoys a mild, subtropical climate, which makes it a year-round destination, but certain sports are best enjoyed at specific times of the year.
Surfing and Windsurfing
Best Time: The prime time for surfing and windsurfing in Lanzarote is during the winter months, from October to April. During this period, the North Atlantic swells are at their strongest, providing excellent waves for surfing.
Weather Patterns: The winter also brings more consistent winds, ideal for windsurfing. Despite being the cooler season, temperatures in Lanzarote remain pleasant, rarely dropping below 17°C (63°F).
Paragliding
Best Time: Paragliding is most favorable in the summer months, from May to September. This period offers more stable weather conditions and thermal activity, which are perfect for paragliding.
Weather Patterns: The summer in Lanzarote is characterized by clearer skies and less wind variability, providing safer and more enjoyable conditions for paragliding.
Cycling
Best Time: Biking can be enjoyed year-round in Lanzarote, but the best conditions are typically found in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Weather Patterns: These seasons offer milder temperatures and less tourist traffic on the trails, making for a more comfortable and peaceful biking experience.
Scuba Diving
Best Time: Scuba diving is another activity that can be enjoyed all year in Lanzarote. However, for warmer water temperatures, the best time is from June to October.
Weather Patterns: The sea temperatures during these months range from 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F), making for a more comfortable dive without the need for thicker wetsuits.
Keep in mind that visiting during off-peak times can mean fewer crowds and potentially lower costs, but always check that the services and tours you’re interested in are operational.
Competitions and Sports Events in Lanzarote
Not only this island offers a variety of adventure sports, but also hosts several exciting events and competitions throughout the year. These events range from international surfing contests to local races, attracting participants and spectators from around the world.
Ironman Lanzarote:
One of the most challenging triathlons globally, Ironman Lanzarote is a test of endurance, featuring swimming, biking, and running.
Participation: Open to qualified athletes. Registration details are available on the Ironman official website.
Spectating: The event can be watched from various vantage points across the island, especially near the start and finish lines.
El Quemao Class (Surfing Championship):
This event attracts surfers from around the globe and is held at La Santa, one of the island’s top surfing spots.
Participation: Surfers usually need to qualify or be invited. Check the event’s official site for entry details.
Spectating: Beaches like La Santa and Famara become hubs of activity, offering a great atmosphere for spectators.
Famara Total Mountain Bike Race:
A mountain biking race that takes riders through some of Lanzarote’s most scenic trails, including the stunning Famara beach.
Participation: Open to various skill levels, with registration typically available online.
Spectating: The race route offers several spots where spectators can watch and cheer on the bikers.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Competitions:
Regular events are held for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, especially in areas like Costa Teguise.
Participation: Open to various levels, from amateurs to professionals, with registration details available on respective event websites.
Spectating: These events are vibrant and colorful, perfect for beachgoers to watch.
These events are not just about the competition, they’re a celebration of the sports community and they offer a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn from seasoned athletes, and experience the vibrant energy of Lanzarote’s sports scene. Whether you’re participating or just soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator, these events can add an exciting dimension to your sports holiday!
Conclusion
Lanzarote stands out as a premier destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering an unmatched combination of natural beauty and thrilling activities. Let this island be your gateway to adventure, where each day brings a new challenge and the chance to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you seek the rush of adrenaline or the serenity of nature, Lanzarote is a destination that will fulfill your desires and leave you longing for more. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, don’t forget to check out our selection of cozy, comfortable, and conveniently located apartments that will serve as your ideal retreat after a full day of activities.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your gear and prepare to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
