Adventure motorcycle trip in the Canary Islands - holiday in Spain

Almost every major city in Europe has a plane taking off every weekend with the destination Lanzarote. After about four hours of flight time, you land at César Manrique Airport (ACE). After checkout, you simply grab a taxi and let them take you to your accommodation. If you arrive before 12 PM, you can pick up the motorcycle today. In the north of Lanzarote lies a day destination recommended by the boss, Guatiza. Guatiza is a village that is "famous" for its cactus garden. The artistic cactus garden was one of the last major works of the conservationist César Manrique and is, alongside Costa Teguise, one of the best starting points to 90% of the sights of Lanzarote.

After a cozy hangover breakfast with a view of the ocean, you start your motorcycle and cruise over solid lava rock and through quirky lava formations. In front of you: the smooth asphalt, framed by the 180° panoramic view of Femés, an idyllic mountain village. Today you have the option to visit tourist highlights such as the Papagayo beaches, the Janubio salt pans, the green golf lagoon, the Fire Mountain, or the Gería vineyards, simply to tick off the bucket list. Alternatively, you can go to Famara beach to surf, just enjoy the day by the sea, or board a submarine and enjoy the underwater world. An hour before sunset, you cross a sea of lava on your way to Timanfaya. At the best photo time, it creates the impression of a motorcycle tour on the moon.

Today you have a long driving day along the Atlantic coast to the ferry port Playa Blanca ahead of you. Upon your arrival at the port, your ferry ticket is ready for you. Half an hour later, you are already on the ferry of Maritimas Romero from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. With a delicious Cortado Largo, a glance back at Lanzarote is recommended, which was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993 as the first island in the world. The ferry, with your motorcycle in its hold, crosses the approximately 12-kilometer-wide strait of La Bokaya to the second-largest island of the archipelago, Fuerteventura. From Puerto de Corralejo, it’s then: "Fire at will," over the sensationally well-built asphalt roads you pass the small "deserts" of Fuerteventura and cross the volcanic passes, which were declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009 and a UNESCO light protection area in 2015. Pure nature - one might think, but where there is politics, there is corruption, and a multitude of hotel ruins, which were illegally built, stand along the coast like a "memorial" for those who were stopped by the Spanish state. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting these ruins for photographers and "shooting" the odd quirky picture. As we are using Fuerteventura as a "transit island" during the motorcycle tour over the Canary Islands, there is no long bucket list here. The goal is: One island, at least one highlight! Here on Fuerteventura, this highlight is the Villa Winter, hidden in the south and quite unknown, named after its former owner with a shady past. The villa was built in 1936 and exhibits typical elements of the Schwarzwald architecture of that time, which is unique in the Canary Islands. It is said that the former owner Gustav Winter wanted to establish a secret submarine harbor in Fuerteventura and facilitate the temporary accommodation of Nazi dignitaries and their transport to South America after the end of the Second World War. There is still time for a jump into the sea, and the sensational beach here reminds one of Costa Rica. Pants down and into the current - that's what most people do here :-) After the swim, it's back on the bike, and over elongated gravel roads, you ride for what feels like an eternity until you reach the asphalt and return to civilization. Upon arrival at the port, there is usually enough time for a dozen cold Cerveza to wash down the dust of the last kilometers. As soon as the ferry departs, you have three hours to enjoy the evening sun before you arrive in Gran Canaria. You still have (what feels like) a million curves ahead of you before you reach your accommodation after sunset.

This morning begins with a sensational view over Gran Canaria. At the refuge, we recommend that you first take a dip in the pool and only then indulge in the lavish breakfast. Away from the tourist paths, you traverse the villages of Gran Canaria on small mountain roads that seem to reach the sky. You are here in a biosphere reserve: if you feel like a hike, we recommend walking here! You are on foot for about an hour until you reach the nearly 90-meter-high stone monolith – one of Gran Canaria's most important landmarks. The Roque Nublo offers a uniquely wide panoramic view. Only a few mountains on the island provide such an impressive perspective. On clear days, you can see the neighboring volcano, the famous Teide. Gas is to the right! We go downhill until we arrive at Jose's bar in Puerto de Mogan. A wine and a paella are practically fuel for the biker here. The small harbor town is really nice,... seen in the rearview mirror! In front of you, the golden dunes of Maspalomas appear. You have now reached San Bartolomé de Tirajana, basically the Sahara of Gran Canaria, which sinks into the ocean right behind the lighthouse from 1890. Time for the ascent to the highest point and your refuge, where you will spend the night.

On the tour schedule is Teror with an R! and the visit to the Virgin of Pine. The Virgin of Pine (Virgen del Pino) is not your type, but the patron saint of the island and the entire Diocese of Canarias! So control yourself when you are in the Basilica of the Virgin. The basilica is located on Plaza del Pino and dates back to 1767, I write this to make you aware of how old we already are ;-). On the way to the ferry, a stop in the old streets of the 500-year-old village of Vegueta at Plaza Santa Ana, where the town hall is located, is highly recommended. Here, the Cortado con Baileys doble or also known as Carajillo con Baileys is especially worth it! Those interested in the traveler Christ Columbus can trace some aspects of Christopher Columbus's journey to America and his stay in the city at the Columbus House Casa de Colón. The Museo Canario also has remains of the original settlers to offer, and, and, and. A noteworthy contrast to the spirit of the historic district is the Atlantic Center for Modern Art (CAAM) in Vegueta. It is considered one of the most avant-garde and interesting museums in the national artist panorama. BUT, that's enough of art, spirit, and coffee!

You take the ferry to Tenerife and adventure awaits you on the road, adventure in traffic! You're deep in the rush hour traffic of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Gas and lift the front wheel.... up the 3,718-meter-high volcano Teide! On the edge of Teide National Park, you will spend the night in the center of Tenerife. A "stone's throw" away is the Pico del Teide. This peak is not just any "peak" - the Pico de Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and is one of the most popular attractions in Tenerife.

Today is not a day for couch potatoes! You throw yourself off the Teide into the depths on the black tarmac all the way to the coast. One curve chases the next and when you think it can't get any worse... THEN... the ferry comes and you have another hour to enjoy the calm before the "curvy storm." San Sebastian is the start and finish of the "120 kilometers of curve hell" La Gomera. Motorcycle travelers will later say: "Way too short! You actually need..." - gladly, come back, is thus answered ;-) back into the lean! Agulo is one of the most beautiful and smallest places in the Canary Islands for me, throttle down and a glass of wine in. You don’t drive for hours to the next highlight, not even a minute to the next curve or viewpoint, like the Mirador de Abrante near Agulo. If you long for "package tourists," you’ll find them here! Little complainers and ALDIothers gather here fresh from the "frozen BUS box"! Photographically stunning are not so much "the blue rim brigade" (dyed purple moms), but the view you saw of them in Lanzarote at the Mirador! What you don’t see from here are the around 20 different species of dolphins. That’s why it’s time to drop your pants and jump into the sea with the three to four-meter-long spinner dolphins! If you get up early or very early, you have the chance to jump into the "fishing boat" to hunt for pilot whales. Well-equipped with a telephoto lens, you might also have the chance to "shoot" sperm, Bryde’s, fin, minke, or sei whales. This experience can only be topped by the large pod of pilot whales living between Tenerife and La Gomera... You have way too little time and wonder why you even booked this crazy package? Don’t ask and step on it because time is running and the sun sets in the last curves of Tenerife before you crash into bed, dazzled by the day.

Today, you take the ferry to La Palma, but first you can consider whether to take the Teide cable car to the mountain station located at an altitude of 3,555 meters. The view is amazing, the overwhelming landscape has been the backdrop for several science fiction films like "Planet of the Apes" and "Star Wars," etc. Speaking of Star Wars: Here comes the commercial break: If you are a Star Wars fan, then join OVERCROSS to the film sets of Mos Eisley! Upon arriving in La Palma, you make a quick stop at the hotel and then head south, circling the Cumbre Vieja volcano from the east to the solidified lava flow. We recommend a stop at the San Antonio volcano, which is estimated to be around 3,000 years old. A small visitor center with corresponding exhibition rooms gives you the necessary background information on the geological details of La Palma. This stop is meaningful to learn about the volcanic activity on La Palma and to understand how the Canary Islands were formed. At the bizarre and still sharp-edged slag fields behind Teneguía, you will be informed by the authorities how far and where you are allowed to approach the lava field. After this experience, we recommend following the lava flow towards the valley up to El Remo, where you should make a stopover at Kiosco La Charca. A view of the sea and a chat with Diego give you impressions from the paradise of hell. Depending on time and desire, you should make a detour on the way back to the Mirador Astronómico del Llano del Jable. A very nice motorcycle route with great views over the volcanic island! A jump into the pool and a paella end the adventurous motorcycle travel day on hot asphalt.

On September 19, 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma erupted. The massive volcanic eruption is both a highlight and an obstacle on our motorcycle trip on La Palma. 10% of the island is affected by the volcanic eruption, as parts of the volcanic cone collapsed during the eruption. This caused enormous amounts of lava to flow west of the volcano into the ocean without stopping. Over 2,500 buildings were completely destroyed, and more than 946.5 hectares were covered by a meter-thick layer of lava. Curve day! In the morning, you will start the last tour through Las Palmas; the northern tour of the island is "only" 130 kilometers long, but you will leisurely need the day until late evening for the tour. North of the lava flows, you will ride across the island along the Paya de Verde to Santo Domingo, where we recommend a stop. From here, it's a "stone's throw" to Barlovento in the northeast of Las Palmas. Not far from Barlovento are the "Piscinas de Fajana." These swimming pools are naturally formed natural swimming pools that have been divided with walls so that you can bathe and swim without being "carried away" by the current. From the pool, you have a fantastic view of the cliffs. After a swim in the sea, there’s a short shower, and then it’s back on the motorcycle. Alternatively, you can also visit the "pool" "Charco Azul," which was rebuilt after a landslide in 2009. The advantage here is that you can reach the pool much faster and combine it with a visit to the quaint little town of San Andrés y Sauces. The downside: many package tourists! Before nightfall, you will reach Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz has the highest population density on the island next to Los Llanos. Life is bustling here in the harbor area. In the elegant building of the "Marina La Palma," you can dine "elegantly."

Today you are taking the ferry to the neighboring island of Tenerife again. Depending on how you feel, you can take a tour on La Palma beforehand, but maybe you just don’t want to sit on the bike for once.

The last day on Tenerife dawns and today your only task is to catch two ferries. The first from Tenerife to Gran Canaria and the second you must not miss, this one departs at 23:50 from Gran Canaria back to Lanzarote. Always be at the port one hour before the ferry's departure.

Kurz nach Sonnenaufgang legt die Fähre an und du fährst direkt zur Motorrad Werkstatt um dein Mietmotorrad wieder abzugeben. Auf Grund der Flexibilität unserer Teilnehmer haben wir den letzten Tag so geplant, dass du einen Mietwagen erhältst und/oder je nach Abflugzeit direkt zum Airport fahren kannst. Für den Fall, dass dein Flug erst morgen geht, kannst du den Tag nutzen um "unseren" Hausvulkan in Guatiza zu besteigen. Nach dem Gesehenen und Erfahrenen ist das ein Blick in die Tiefe, der sich lohnt. Hang over und relax - ein Tag zum Entspannen und Genießen. Solltest du Lust auf ein gutes Stück Fleisch haben, so empfehlen wir dir das Bogadto in Costa Teguize, welches einen Steinwurf vom OVERCROSS Büro entfernt ist.

You have the option to book the 13th day as an upgrade. Depending on your return flight preference, you have the day at your disposal. The advantage of the rental car is that you can return the car directly at the airport just two hours before your flight and board the plane. So if you would like to book this and/or possibly the next day (Price: € 190,- incl. vehicle / overnight stay / breakfast), please let us know.