A barranco is a dry ravine cut by occasional floods, and the north of Fuerteventura is full of them. This guided e-bike tour from Corralejo follows tracks through the barranco country and across the volcanic plains behind the coast, a landscape of black cones, pale stone walls, scrub and big open sky. The tour lasts three to four hours, which is long enough to see a good deal of the north without exhausting you. Electric assistance is the secret: on an island where the wind often blows hard and the ground rises and falls constantly, a motor turns what could be a tiring ride into an easy and enjoyable one. A guide leads the group, chooses the route, stops for views and explains the landscape. It is quieter than a buggy trip and more intimate than a coach tour, and it suits anyone who is reasonably comfortable on a bicycle. If you want the experience in a more relaxed form, it is also one of the best ways to see the real, unbuilt interior of the island.
What the ride is like
Expect a mix of dirt tracks, stony paths and some quiet roads. E-bikes handle the loose surfaces well, and the motor assistance means that a headwind or a climb is manageable rather than miserable. The ride is paced for a mixed group, with stops for photographs and a rest, so you do not need to be an athlete, although you should be comfortable keeping balance on uneven ground. Check the booking details for the minimum age and for what equipment, such as helmets, is supplied.
The scenery
The north is a place of wide views. The volcanic cones are scattered across the plain, and on clear days the outline of Lanzarote sits across the water. Because the route goes through barrancos, you also see the island’s geology up close, the layered lava and the pale soil that holds the sparse plants.
The wind is the main weather factor, and it often blows from the north-east, so a guide who knows the island will choose the route to suit the day. Bring sunglasses, a hat that fits under a helmet, sunscreen and water, and wear sturdy shoes.
Making the most of it
Choose a morning start for the coolest temperatures and the best light. The tour pairs well with an afternoon at the Corralejo dunes or a beach stop in the town, and it makes a good alternative to the buggy safari for people who prefer a quieter, human-scale way of seeing the landscape.
If you enjoy cycling, ask the operator about longer routes, such as the coast-to-coast rides across the north, or about bike rental for a day of your own exploring. Cyclists share the roads with traffic in Corralejo, so wear bright clothing and follow your guide’s instructions.
What to expect
The experience
A guided electric bike ride through barrancos and volcanic plains behind the north coast, with stops for views.
Best time
A morning start, when it is cooler and the light is clear.
How long
Three to four hours including stops.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes and sunglasses, bring water and sunscreen, and check the minimum age and equipment in the booking details.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want to see the empty interior of the north under their own power, with a motor for the hills.
- Families
- Suits teenagers who can ride confidently on uneven tracks; check the booking details for age limits.
- Couples
- A quiet, scenic ride with plenty of photograph stops and none of the noise of a buggy.
- Pair with
- A late lunch in Corralejo and an afternoon on the dunes.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel to the meeting point.
Good questions
How long is the e-bike tour?+
It lasts three to four hours, including stops for views and rests. The pace is set for a mixed group.
Do I need to be fit?+
No, the motor assistance handles the hills and the wind, but you should be comfortable keeping your balance on uneven tracks.
What is a barranco?+
A barranco is a dry ravine cut into the land by occasional heavy rain. The north of the island has many, and the tour follows tracks through them.
What should I bring?+
Sunglasses, sunscreen, water, a hat that fits under a helmet and sturdy shoes. Check the booking details for what equipment is supplied.
Does the wind affect the ride?+
The wind is often strong, but the electric assistance makes headwinds manageable and the guide chooses the route to suit the day.
