Cycling Gear Guide for Travellers Heading to Lanzarote

Travelling to Lanzarote with a bike — or planning to rent one on the island — requires some preparation. The volcanic climate, the wind, the road conditions and the type of riding you want to do determine what you need to bring, what's better to rent locally and what you can leave at home without regrets.

This guide covers the essential gear for cycling in Lanzarote, whether you're coming with your own bike, planning to rent, or looking for a combination that lets you enjoy the island without overloading your suitcase.

And if you prefer to travel light, at Papagayo Bike you'll find bikes for every type of ride, plus the accessories that make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

What to bring if you're travelling with your own bike

If you've decided to bring your own bike to Lanzarote, you already know that bike travel involves organisation. Here's what you shouldn't forget.

Bike case or bag

A quality bike case or bag is essential. Hard cases offer the best protection but are heavier and more expensive. Soft bags with internal padding are lighter and easier to store at your accommodation.

Make sure your case or bag is approved by your airline and that you meet size and weight requirements. Most airlines consider bikes as special sporting equipment and charge accordingly.

Tools and spares

You don't need a full workshop, but certain items are indispensable:

• Multi-tool with Allen keys, chain tool and screwdriver
• Spare inner tubes (at least two, in the correct size for your wheels)
• Tyre levers
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator with cartridges
• Patch kit
• Spare chain links (quick links)
• Derailler hanger specific to your frame (these are almost impossible to find locally)
• Cable ties and tape (they solve more problems than you'd think)

Clothing for Lanzarote conditions

Lanzarote's climate requires specific choices. Even though it's warm most of the year, wind and sun are constant factors.

• Light bib shorts with good chamois. Long rides on volcanic roads demand quality padding.
• Light-coloured jerseys in breathable fabrics. White or light colours reflect radiation better.
• UV-protection sunglasses — essential on the island, not optional.
• Light arm sleeves for sun protection on long exposures.
• A light wind vest — wind is constant in Lanzarote, especially on descents and coastal sections.
• Sports sun cream SPF 50 — the volcanic landscape reflects radiation intensely.
• Cap or bandana under the helmet for additional sun protection.

In winter, add a long-sleeve jersey, lightweight rain jacket and arm warmers. Mornings can be cool, especially on north-facing descents.

Pedals and shoes

If you're particular about your pedals, bring them. Most rental bikes come with flat pedals or basic clipless. If you bring your own pedals, also bring the pedal wrench and make sure your cleats are in good condition.

What to bring if you're renting a bike

If you're renting a bike in Lanzarote, you can travel much lighter. But there are still items worth bringing from home.

Essential personal items

• Your own shoes and cleats — if you ride clipless, bring your shoes. You can ask the rental shop to install compatible pedals.
• Your own saddle — if you have a saddle you're used to, bringing it can make a huge difference on multi-day rides. Most shops can swap saddles easily.
• Your helmet — a helmet that fits you properly and that you're comfortable with.
• Your cycling clothing — as described in the clothing section above.
• Heart rate monitor or cycling computer — if you train with data, bring your devices.
• Personal water bottles — or check if the rental includes them.

What you don't need to bring

• Bike tools — a good rental shop provides a basic toolkit and support.
• Bike lock — ask the rental shop. Most provide one.
• Pump — rental shops should provide one or have one available.

At Papagayo Bike, every rental includes a properly maintained bike, but you can always ask about pedal swaps, saddle swaps and other adjustments to make the bike feel more like yours.

Choosing the right type of bike

The type of bike determines the experience. Before choosing, think about what kind of riding you want to do in Lanzarote.

Road bike

The road bike is the most popular choice for experienced cyclists coming to Lanzarote. The island's roads are in good condition, distances are manageable and the landscape rewards long road rides.

Ideal for: long routes, training, triathlon preparation, exploring the island at pace.

E-bike

The e-bike is the option that opens Lanzarote to more people. It compensates for the wind, the climbs and the heat, allowing you to cover more distance with less effort and enjoy the scenery.

Ideal for: tourists who want to explore, couples with different levels, those recovering from injury, rides in hot conditions.

Mountain bike (MTB)

Lanzarote has authorised paths and tracks that offer an interesting MTB experience. It's not a destination with extensive singletrack, but the volcanic terrain and rural tracks provide a different perspective of the island.

Ideal for: riders who want to explore beyond the tarmac, adventure seekers, those who enjoy mixed terrain.

Gravel bike

The gravel bike combines road capability with off-road tolerance. In Lanzarote, it allows you to link tarmac sections with tracks and rural paths, offering a versatile experience.

Ideal for: cyclists who want to explore a mix of surfaces without committing to full road or full MTB.

Touring or city bike

For coastal rides, flat routes and gentle exploration, a touring or city bike is perfectly adequate. It's not about performance — it's about enjoying the island without pressure.

Ideal for: casual rides, family outings, short coastal routes, holiday cycling without demands.

Accessories that make the difference

Some accessories aren't strictly necessary but significantly improve the experience.

• Frame bag or saddle bag — for carrying tools, food and personal items on long rides.
• Phone mount — for navigation if you don't have a cycling computer.
• Light set — front and rear lights are legally required on Spanish roads, even during the day in low visibility conditions.
• Bell — mandatory in Spain and useful on shared paths.
• Cycling computer — useful for navigation and tracking your routes.
• Electrolyte tablets or powder — essential in Lanzarote's conditions. Water alone isn't enough for rides over an hour.
• Chamois cream — long days in the saddle with heat and sweat make this more necessary than you'd think.

Packing checklist for Lanzarote

If you're renting a bike and travelling with hand luggage only, this is what you need:

• Cycling shoes with cleats
• 2-3 bib shorts
• 3-4 jerseys (light colours)
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Helmet
• Light wind vest or gilet
• Sports sun cream SPF 50
• Heart rate monitor / cycling computer (optional)
• Electrolytes
• Chamois cream
• Arm warmers (winter months only)
• Light rain jacket (winter months only)

If you're travelling with your own bike, add:

• Bike case or bag
• Multi-tool
• Spare inner tubes (2)
• Tyre levers
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator
• Patch kit
• Spare quick links
• Derailleur hanger
• Your preferred pedals
• Cable ties and tape

What about the wind?

Wind in Lanzarote isn't an accessory — it's a condition. The trade winds blow predominantly from the north-east and can significantly affect your ride, especially on open roads and coastal sections.

From a gear perspective, wind means you need:

• A wind vest or gilet that you can put on and take off easily
• Clothing that doesn't flap excessively — close-fitting garments are more aerodynamic and more comfortable
• More hydration than you'd think — wind increases evaporation and dehydration even when it doesn't feel hot
• A route plan that takes the wind direction into account

Renting with Papagayo Bike: what's included

If you decide to rent, choosing a local shop with experience and a good fleet makes everything easier. At Papagayo Bike, the rental includes:

• A fully checked and adjusted bike
• Helmet
• Repair kit (basic)
• Lock
• Local route recommendations
• Support in case of issues

You can check the bicycle rental options in Lanzarote and choose the bike that best matches your plan. If you're unsure, ask — it's always better to get advice based on the type of riding you want to do, the conditions of the day and your level.

Related articles

• Cycling and heat in Lanzarote
• Best cycling routes in Lanzarote
• Nutrition and hydration for cyclists

Travel light, ride well

The goal of this guide isn't to make you pack more. It's to make sure you bring what's essential and leave behind what isn't. Lanzarote rewards cyclists who come prepared, but it doesn't require you to bring your entire garage.

If you rent, bring your personal essentials and let the local team handle the bike. If you bring your own bike, make sure you have the basics to solve common issues on the road.

Either way, the important thing is to enjoy the island. And that starts with having the right gear for the conditions you'll find.