Since the mid-90’s, go-karting in Lanzarote has been made possible by two, almost simultaneous, private initiatives in San Bartolomé and Puerto del Carmen. According to its definition in Wikipedia, a go- kart is a single-seater land vehicle without a roof, cockpit or suspension, and with or without bodywork. It is equipped with four non-aligned wheels that maintain contact with the ground. The two front tires control the direction, while the two back tires transmit the motor power to the single-cylinder unit. The karts work by using two pedals: the brake and the accelerator.

The two go-karting centers on the island offer different types of vehicles. They use karts that have a maximum speed of 22 miles an hour [35 km/h], which are most suitable for the younger and novice drivers, as well as vehicles that can go as fast as between 37 and 50 miles an hour [60-80km/h]. A negative aspect of this sport, is how much it costs. Six minutes of racing can cost between € 8 and € 12 depending on the kart you choose. However, there are some offers that can make renting of one of these vehicles more accessible.

Despite the fact that the karts do not exceed a speed of 50 miles per hour [80 km/h], their design, which enables them to stick closely to the tarmac, makes one feel that they are traveling faster than in a normal car. The race tracks, with their numerous curves, provide the opportunity for highly recreational exercise, but also require a high level of concentration. As you progress, you get better at both tracing the route of the curves and judging the speed at which to take them. The strangest aspect that you will come across while driving, even though it is only for six minutes, is the tension in your arms that comes from driving with a small steering wheel. It might be a good idea to do some short stretching exercises before and after you drive around the circuits. Go-karting is generally a safe sport if you pay attention to the few instructions given by the authorized staff at the Lanzarote recreational centers.

Where to Go Karting in Lanzarote

Gran Karting Club Lanzarote: A 7,697 feet long track [2,346 meters] with a width of 33 feet [10 meters]. A flat circuit (see the top right photo). LOCATION: Carretera de las Playas (LZ-2, Km.7), Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. OPEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: Web, +34 928 524 956. PRICES: For a children’s kart (5 to 10 years old), € 7 for every 8 minutes; junior kart (10 to 16 years old), € 10 every 8 minutes; adult kart (over 16 years old), € 15 every 8 minutes. SPECIAL PROMOTION: By reserving a week in advance for groups of a minimum of 10 people, the cost is € 40 per person. This price includes 2 warm-up rounds, 2 qualifying rounds and 2 competitive rounds of 8 and 10 rounds respectively. Upon finishing the competition, a group photo will be taken and a champion’s medal will be awarded.

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San Bartolomé Karting: Track with uphill and downhill slopes and flat stretches. LOCATION: Carretera Arrecife-Tinajo, 5. OPEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (approximately) every day. INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: +34 928 520 022. PRICES: € 8 for every 6 minutes in a 22 miles an hour kart [35 km/h], and € 12 for every 6 minutes in a 37 miles an hour kart [60 km/h]. SPECIAL PROMOTION: 18 minutes for € 20.

MAP OF LOCATION