Cycling holidays

For the less enthusiastic, bicycles are freely available for hire and cycling around the larger resorts is made easier by cycle paths or wide sea front promenades. The asphalted roads, especially the newer ones, are mostly in good condition and there are mile upon mile of tracks that are a joy for those that like to get off-road.

Cycling is a popular pastime on Fuerteventura. From moderate to challenging, the roads and routes are there.

The main roads are mostly straight, flat and empty of traffic and motorists tend to respect cyclists as well as pedestrians – step on to a zebra crossing and watch the cars slam on their brakes! Now that is something you don’t find in mainland Spain.

Caleta de Fuste is an ideal cycling base. From here you can explore the north, the south and the far side of the island.

For a challenging, spectacular mountainous cycling route, try the Pajara-Betancuria road. Truly stunning scenery and if you take a few pistachio nuts with you, the almost tame chipmunks way up in the mountains will gently take them from your hand.

Other interesting cycling routes include Caleta-Pozo Negro; Caleta-Corralejo-El Cotillo-Lajares-Villaverde-La Olivia-Caleta; Caleta-Pajara-La Pared/Cofete (spectacular views at the summit); Caleta-Sotavento-Moro Jable.

Cycling enthusiast Andrew Nicholls certainly enjoyed his holiday. Andrew, who stayed in our Las Arenas apartment, plans to cycle  Mount Chomborazo in Ecuador on his 60th birthday! This is his entry in the guest book:

I've survived the week, thanks - 460 miles of pedalling in a blast furnace. I loved it; and the scenery certainly grows on you.

Well I’ve been just about everywhere you can get a road bike to – 460 miles in six days pedalling. Luckily the road to Punta de Jandia isn’t surfaced beyond Moro Jable or that would have been a very long day!

Betancuria from Pajara is a must and the Mirador to the north east is worth the 1km walk (I cycled past the barrier) – it’s the biggest, best on-road point on the island.

The interior is fabulous. Every shade of pink beige and   - it really grows on you!

Great apartment especially the two balconies. Why does no-one else use the pool? I had it all to myself every morning and evening.

I'll stick your email and apartment details on the Cycling Plus newsgroup, if you don't mind, along with a report of what a great base it is for a week's quality biking. People are always looking for something they can book online