Stay fit in the sunshine on these activity holidays in Lanzarote

Recently named Spain’s Best Sports Hotel by the World Travel Awards, Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort is a standout choice for fitness-focused holidays. Located in a privileged spot of Costa Teguise, this idyllic resort is the first in Spain to offer the Les Mills 360° training programme, giving guests access to over 450 workouts on demand. Classes like BODYPUMP™, RPM™, BODYCOMBAT™ and THE TRIP™ are led by certified Les Mills instructors offering tried and tested workouts for all abilities. Meanwhile, Sport Rooms are equipped for private training sessions via the hotel app. Guests can also enjoy access to the Olympic-sized 50 metre heated pool, a professional cycling centre, a high-performance gym and direct, open beach access ideal for open-water swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s the perfect balance of convenience, variety and motivation for those who don’t want to pause their routine just because they’re on holiday.

Not all fitness holidays in Lanzarote involve hours in the gym. Golf fans will want to take note of the Barceló Teguise Beach, just a short distance from the island’s top golf courses and water sports hubs. This hotel is ideal for couples or solo travellers looking to stay active by day and unwind in style by night. What’s more, this adults-only retreat also features a luxury U-Spa where you can rest weary muscles, perfect for post-workout recovery. Travelling with kids? Barceló Playa Blanca offers a brilliant range of activities for all ages, including football, basketball, volleyball, padel and a state-of-the-art gym. It’s a great base for families who like to keep moving, with everything you need to stay entertained and energised. Now that you have your Lanzarote sports resort sorted, it is time to plan your activities.

Looking to make a splash in the island waters and test out the watersports in Lanzarote? Being an island surrounded by the Atlantic and graced with trade winds, you won’t be short of places to enjoy the thrill of the water. The island’s south coast, particularly around Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, is ideal for calmer activities such as snorkelling, swimming, and paddleboarding, while the northern beaches, especially Famara, are world-renowned for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to stronger winds and bigger swells. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Lanzarote’s coastal playground has something for everyone above and below the waves.

Lanzarote’s stunning, out-of-this-world, volcanic landscape offers some of the most striking and surreal terrain for hiking and trail running anywhere in Europe. And the beauty is that you don’t have to be an experienced sportsman to test your endurance. Casual hikers and fun runners are also able to take in the views with routes to suit all levels. 

Not sure where to start? Head to the Caldera Blanca route, where a marked trail leads you along the rim of an ancient volcanic crater. La Geria, known for its Mars-like landscapes and wineries, also offers many moderate-level routes to explore. Of course, the Timanfaya National Park is another must for those seeking a more immersive natural experience. Still, it is worth remembering that to visit the national park, a guide must accompany you. Thanks to the island’s mild climate, these trails are accessible year-round, making it easy to explore Lanzarote on foot, at your own pace.

For those who prefer vertical challenges when visiting Lanzarote, the island offers a small but growing rock climbing scene, with rugged cliffs and volcanic crags that provide a mix of bouldering and sport climbing opportunities. Follow the locals and head to Risco de Famara on the island’s north coast, which is one of the most scenic spots, offering breathtaking views over the ocean as you climb. Areas such as Peña del Silbo also provide a variety of routes with different grades, ideal for climbers looking to hone their technique in a dramatic natural setting. Climbing during your activity holidays in Lanzarote offers a different way to explore the island. While it may not have the climbing density of mainland Spain, the island’s unique geology and sea-to-sky landscapes make it an unforgettable destination for those keen to add some altitude to their adventure holidays in Lanzarote.

Fancy yourself as a Formula One racing driver for a day? Experience the thrill of driving go-karts at the Gran Karting Club Lanzarote, where you can whizz around the race tracks and compete for the fastest lap. There is a special Kids Track designed for 5-10-year-olds where they can drive at their own pace, as well as the main course, which is for those 10 years and over. 

If you’re 16 and over and have a real need for speed, the Grand Prix Circuit is the perfect spot for an adrenaline rush. Groups of seven or more can take on this circuit at a time, making it the ideal go-karting destination if you’re looking for some family fun, or even a stag party adventure. The venue holds plenty of quality karts depending on your age and driving abilities, so hop in and enjoy one of Lanzarote’s top outdoor karting circuits. 

Few countries in the world can provide such good conditions for a round of golf, but with temperatures in Lanzarote ranging between 19°C and 25°C throughout the year, the island is the perfect destination to practice that swing and hit some balls. On the east of Lanzarote and sitting just two kilometres away from the fantastic Barceló Teguise Beach hotel, Costa Teguise Golf Club is every golfer’s paradise with unbeatable surroundings. Located in the foothills of an ancient volcano with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean, this gem is considered one of the best golf courses in the Canary Islands. The course is demanding for professionals, with its 3,000 palm trees, cacti and volcanic lava amidst the landscape; however, it is also ideal for beginners looking to learn and hone their golfing skills while enjoying sports in Lanzarote.

When it comes to Lanzarote sports to try on holiday, cycling comes high on the list. With smooth roads, challenging climbs and dramatic landscapes, Lanzarote is a training ground for amateur and professional cyclists alike. The island’s low traffic and well-maintained roads also add to the appeal. For hilltop circuits complete with hairpin bends, the Timanfaya National Park is the place to be. Or for a more leisurely ride, head to the coast where you can enjoy a gentle ride accompanied by seaside views. Here, life on two wheels is all about exploration. Don’t forget: serious cyclists can base themselves at Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort, home to a professional cycling centre complete with secure bike storage, repair areas, and tailored route advice. 

Athletes from all over the world can flock to the island and indulge in Lanzarote’s incredible event, the IRONMAN Triathlon, which takes place annually. The race kicks off with a 3.8-kilometre swim taking place in the Atlantic Ocean, just outside Puerto del Carmen. This is followed by a 180.2-kilometre bike course that challenges athletes with the strong island winds, offering stunning scenic views of fire mountains and vineyards. The final part is a 42-kilometre run where athletes run alongside the thousands of cheering spectators, friends and family on the sidelines. The event also offers 40 qualifying slots for the IRONMAN World Championship, so it is guaranteed to put your endurance to the test during your activity holidays in Lanzarote.