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Lanzarote is one of the driest and sunniest of the Canary Islands and is
only 60 miles from the North African coast just north of the tropics. It is a volcanic island, the last major eruption being only 270 years ago and the most recent just 180 years ago. It is the fourth largest in the Canaries but yet only 50mls by 15 mls but despite its small size there are a great variety of natural features to see. The majority can be visited on a 3 day cycle ride.
Lanzarote has been influenced by the artist Cesar Manrique whose legacy was to ensure that tourism was environmentally friendly and in total harmony with the landscape. The island has therefore avoided the ravages of tourism so much associated with its neighbours such as Tenerife.
On arrival in Lanzarote we will transfer to Costa Blanca , a new resort on the South coast and we will book into an excellent 5* hotel and bike fit ready for the first ride. If time in the afternoon we will have a short trek up a local volcanic cone.
The first day's ride will be circular and tour the South of the island , returning to Playa Blanca for a second night. The second day's ride will traverse the island to Costa Teguise, an established fashionable resort in the North. The last day's ride will again be circular visiting the wild North before being wisked away back to the UK later that evening or the following day.
Cycling will be on quiet roads through the dramatic volcanic scenery with frequent views of the wild coastline. Although the sun is quite strong there is always the famous Lanzarote breeze which will keep you pleasantly cool.
You will have the opportunity to visit such Manrique sites such as the beautiful volcanic caves of Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, the Mirador (viewpoint) perched on top of the islands highest cliff , 2000ft above the sea, and a museum dedicated to the artist.
Natural features abound such as pure white beaches amongst the black volcanic sand, including the perfect and remote beaches of Papagayo. Then there is El Golfo, the wierd green lagoon, the saltpans of Salinas de Janubio and of course the lunar landscape ot the Timanfaya national park to name but a few. |