Lanzarote
The Ultimate Triathlon Forging Ground
Discover The Fiery Island of Triathlon
Ready to test your mettle against the elements? Discover why Lanzarote, the volcanic island of wind and fire, is the world's most revered training ground and racing destination for triathletes.
Let’s talk about earning your stripes. If you're a triathlete ready for a challenge, welcome to Lanzarote. Its volcanic landscape, relentless sun, and constant wind create an unparalleled training environment. Lanzarote is a year-round triathlon hub. The stunning scenery and smooth roads cater to athletes. From Club La Santa to Puerto del Carmen’s promenade, the culture of swim, bike, run thrives.
Lanzarote is blessed with a 'never-ending spring' climate, but with a notorious twist – the wind.
Year-Round Temperatures: Expect comfortable air temperatures of 18−28∘C throughout the year. It's warm enough for shorts and jerseys on most days, but the real story is the sun and wind.
The Sun: The Canarian sun is strong. High-factor sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.
The Wind: This is the defining feature of Lanzarote. The "Alisios" trade winds are a near-constant companion on the bike. They can come from any direction and will test your bike handling skills and mental fortitude. Learning to ride in the wind is the core of the Lanzarote experience – embrace it as your training partner!
Local Climate
Exciting Holiday Offers in Lanzarote
Discover why the Island offering incredible training conditions, holiday attractions and year round sun should be next on your hit list. Pack up the bike and don't forget your beach towel, it's time to explore.
Best Visiting Period
You can train in Lanzarote 365 days a year, but the sweet spots are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). During these periods, the temperatures are perfect, the tourist crowds are slightly thinner, and you'll find a real buzz of fellow triathletes on training camps. May, in particular, is electric as the island builds towards the the iconic triathlon.
The Nitty Gritty: Visa & Entry for UK Travellers
As a UK traveller visiting Lanzarote (part of Spain), you're in a good position. For tourist stays, including training holidays, of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, a visa is not currently required.
However, do ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and was issued within the last 10 years. From mid-2025, it is expected that UK nationals will need to apply online for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorisation before their trip. This is a straightforward online process, but a crucial new step to be aware of. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Spain before you travel.
Your Triathlon Training Blueprint
Lanzarote is a purpose-built triathlon playground. Here's how to tackle your sessions.
Atlantic Clarity
01 - SWIM
The open water swimming here is fantastic, with great visibility and comfortable sea temperatures (19−22∘C).
Where to go: Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen is the home of an iconic swim course. The long, sheltered beach is marked with buoys, making it perfect for practicing sighting and distance work. Playa Flamingo or Playa Dorada in Playa Blanca are other excellent options, set in calm, protected coves.
The Session: Practice your race starts with a beach run-in. A great confidence-building session is to swim laps of the triathlon course buoys at a steady pace, getting used to the saltwater and sighting landmarks on the shore.
02 - BIKE
The Wind & The Volcanoes
The bike is the heart of the Lanzarote experience. The roads are generally excellent, but you must be prepared for climbing and, of course, the wind.
The Iconic Climb - Tabayesco:
This is the island's classic climb. A beautiful, steady 10km ascent from the north-east coast up to the village of Haria. It's a must-do for any serious cyclist visiting the island, offering stunning views and a great rhythm. The descent back down is a brilliant reward.
The IRONMAN Loop - A Taste of the Beast: You don't have to do the full 180km to get the flavour. A fantastic, challenging loop is to ride from Puerto del Carmen up through Tías and the La Geria wine region, tackle the tough climb through Timanfaya National Park, and then face the wind on the exposed roads back towards Yaiza. This gives you a real sense of the race's demands. (~70-90km)
The Viewpoint Challenge - Mirador del Río: The ride to the island's northernmost point is spectacular. From Haria, you tackle a beautiful series of switchbacks up to the Mirador. The crosswinds at the top can be fierce, but the views are absolutely worth it.
03 - RUN
Sun-Kissed Promenades
Where to go: The Avenida de Las Playas in Puerto del Carmen is the main artery. This flat, seaside promenade stretches for miles. It's perfect for everything from easy recovery jogs to race-pace brick sessions.
The Session: A classic Lanzarote brick session is a 90-minute ride finishing in Puerto del Carmen, followed immediately by a 30-45 minute run along the promenade at your target race pace. This gets your body used to running hard off the bike in the heat.
Timanfaya National Park
You ride through the edge of it, now go and see the heart of it. The "Fire Mountains" are a jaw-dropping landscape of dormant volcanoes and vast lava fields. You can't walk freely, but the coach tour through the park is spectacular and gives you a real sense of the island's power.
Mirador del Río
At the northern tip of the island, this viewpoint, beautifully designed by local artist César Manrique, offers an absolutely breathtaking panoramic view over the strait to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa. It's the stunning reward at the end of a classic bike climb.
Jameos del Agua
Another Manrique masterpiece. Descend into a collapsed lava tube to discover a unique complex featuring a natural salt lake (home to tiny blind albino crabs), a stunning swimming pool, and a concert hall. It’s a magical and restorative place.
This Weeks Top Picks
First-Timer? Top Tips for Lanzarote Rookies
Unless you're a pro at packing your own, rent a bike. Places like Bike Sensations or Papagayo Bike have high-end carbon bikes perfect for the terrain. Crucially, ask for a compact (50/34) chainset and at least a 28-tooth cassette for the climbs.
Rent a Good Bike
Respect the Wind
Don't fight it. Stay low on the bike, be prepared for sudden gusts, and don't be a hero. It's better to ease off and stay safe than to push too hard in a crosswind. A deep-section front wheel can be a real handful here.
Lather Up
The sun here is no joke. Use factor 50 sunscreen and reapply it, especially on your neck and the backs of your legs for when you're tucked in the aero bars.
Embrace the Lava
The landscape is stunning but unforgiving. The black volcanic rock ("picón") on the sides of the roads is sharp. Punctures are a risk, so always carry a good repair kit.
Your Triathlon Basecamp: Where to Stay
There are three main hubs for triathletes in Lanzarote:
Club La Santa: This is the world-famous, purpose-built sports resort on the north-west coast. It has everything: 50m pools, a running track, a saltwater lagoon for swimming, a state-of-the-art gym, and bike hire. It's a completely immersive training environment, perfect for a focused camp. Fill out an enquiry contact form today to book.
Puerto del Carmen: If you want to be in the heart of the triathlon action, this is the place. You have a very well known swim course on your doorstep, the run promenade is buzzing with athletes, and it's a great starting point for many classic bike routes. There's a huge range of apartments and hotels.
Playa Blanca: A slightly quieter, more resort-focused town in the south, but still an excellent base. It offers great swimming in sheltered bays and easy access to the southern part of the bike course, including the Timanfaya climbs.
The Island Forges You
Lanzarote is more than a destination; it's a statement of intent. It’s where you come to find out what you’re really made of. The island will test you, the wind will challenge your spirit, and the climbs will burn your legs. But you will finish your trip with a newfound strength and a deep respect for the sport.
Every session is etched against a backdrop of surreal beauty, and every recovery coffee is earned ten times over. Pack your kit, steel your mind, and get ready to train in the footsteps of giants. You're heading to the forging ground of triathlon.
