With no fixed route or sense of urgency, Belén Castelló’s latest bikepacking getaway connected the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura. Her new video captures two weeks of pedaling with a new friend, complete with many ocean swims, stunning campsites, local delicacies, and living in the present moment. Watch it here…
Words, photos, and film by Belén Castelló
Melanie and I first crossed paths this summer at a bikepacking event, bonding over our shared preference for riding in a relaxed, back-of-the-pack style during group rides. Somewhere along the way, I mentioned my wish to cycle in the Canary Islands later in the year. Her reaction was so full of excitement and genuine interest that I didn’t hesitate to ask if she wanted to join me. When she said yes, I was just as thrilled. Before overthinking could get in the way, we were booking our trip to Lanzarote.
I consider the Canary Islands a jewel in their own right, with each island feeling distinctly different from the next. I first cycled through them back in 2018 and had wanted to return ever since.
From the start, our trip was clearly less about distance and more about disconnecting from our routines back home. After intense weeks of work, we wanted to strip things back: no screens, no schedules, no pressure to be anywhere other than where we were. Bikepacking has a way of bringing life back to its essentials, and at that moment, it was exactly what we needed.
For two weeks, we cycled around Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura without a fixed route, adapting day by day and stopping often to take in our surroundings and enjoy the small pleasures of the road—a cortado, a swim in the ocean, a conversation with a local. Even though I already knew the islands, I was struck once again by the beauty of the volcanic landscapes, and I loved seeing them through Melanie’s eyes. We naturally slipped into long conversations that helped us get to know each other better, and when challenges arrived—as they always do—we laughed through them, turning frustration into humor. Traveling with someone has a way of transforming hard moments into fun, shared memories.
Both of us are used to pushing our limits when bikepacking, but for this journey, we wanted something different. It was less about endurance and more about enjoying the place and each other’s company. Committing to a trip with someone you barely know is a risk, as things can go wrong quickly when you’re tired, exposed to the elements, and running on little sleep. But time and again, I’ve learned that some risks are worth taking. Improvising and trusting my instincts—even when they fail—is how I continue to refine them. And making new friendships, or deepening existing ones, is deeply nourishing.
From this journey, I take home beautiful memories, conversations, and views that will stay with me for a long time. I was reminded, once again, why I fell in love with the Canary Islands years ago: for the diversity of their landscapes and the warmth of their people. We both returned home refueled, carrying the feeling of having shared something special and lived it fully, which remains the greatest gift.
If I may share one piece of advice: say yes to sharing experiences with friends—or strangers. Chances are, it will be richer than anything you expected.
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