Imagine ‘saddling up’ and, without having to negotiate any busy roads, immediately being able to cycle into the heart of Lanzarote’s unique countryside or along a coastal path where the hot sun warms your face whilst a gentle sea breeze keeps the temperature exquisite.

That’s exactly what cyclists visiting Sands Beach Resort are able to experience.

The resort of Costa Teguise pretty much ends at the Sands Beach Resort and that means that if you head north you’re instantly greeted by a ruddy volcanic landscape dissected by tranquil country roads…well wide, flat dirt tracks to be more accurate.

These trails are perfect for both serious cyclists who’d like a bit of an off-road challenge and visitors who’d prefer to savour the rugged beauty of Lanzarote’s incredible landscape at a more leisurely pace. From Sands Beach’s seafront, beyond the entrance at the lagoon, a choice of enticing tracks snake off in all directions. Some hug the coast passing small villages whose pretty, whitewashed buildings stand out blindingly against the earthy terrain; others turn inland towards intriguing volcanic cones.

If you don’t feel adventurous to simply set off on a magical mystery tour along one of them the team at Papagaya Bike, conveniently located in the hotel, are on hand to give advice about popular routes, types of terrain, difficulty levels and the best bike to hire for the job.

For an alternative exploration of this part of Lanzarote’s coast, head in the other direction along the lovely coastal path that meanders past golden beaches towards the centre of Costa Teguise and beyond…in fact all the way to Puerto del Carmen if you were feeling particularly energetic.

One of the great things about cycling on Lanzarote is that you don’t have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy it. For athletes in training it can be challenging but, on the other hand, it can also be a thoroughly relaxing way of keeping active on holiday…and a great way to notch up a bit of sightseeing at the same time.

I ended 2010 by implementing one of my 2011 New Year resolutions – getting out and exploring my surroundings on foot. It’s a resolution I’m looking forward to keeping on a regular basis.

The Canary Islands are fantastic walking country and pulling on the hiking shoes doesn’t just keep you fit, it also takes you to parts of the islands that other modes of transport simply cannot reach.

The spectacular volcanic landscape of Lanzarote offers a surreal world to hikers and holiday walkers and thanks to a project by the Cabildo (Island Government), exploring its paths and trails has never been easier.

Last summer the Lanzarote Cabildo published their intention to renovate 10 walks that take in the very best of what the island has to offer – the Red de diez Senderos Turísticos y Recreativos guide promised an exciting new world for hikers.
With the finishing touches being applied to signs, the ten routes now cover a total of 147 kilometres and each one has been cleared, repaired and signposted with details such as length of route, type of terrain and level of difficulty as well as the flora and fauna and points of interest to be found along the way.

Now thanks to the Red de diez Senderos Turísticos y Recreativos you can hike up to 50 kilometres in a single day and discover the delights of routes that span the length and breadth of the island taking in stunning coastlines, mountain highs and palm grove valleys.

But you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy walking on Lanzarote. For those who prefer to think of themselves as holiday strollers, the island’s footpaths offer leisurely walking and stunning viewpoints. There are lovely coastal walks in all the main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Playa Blanca and not least, Costa Teguise where you can pick up a map from the Tourist Office and follow the well signposted green, red or blue routes that cover 4.6km, 6.5km or 10km depending on how far you want to walk.

If you’re staying at Sands Beach Resort you only have to step out of the hotel to find yourself on the red route which will take you on a 10km circular walk and deposit you back at the hotel for some well deserved pampering.

Whichever way you look at it, 2011 is going to be a good year to put your best foot forward on Lanzarote’s walking trails.