Tenerife

Part of Spain

The island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, is a paradise for cyclists. The temperature ranges around 22ºC throughout the year. The island has beautiful beaches and beautiful nature and is often compared to the volcano that forms the face of the island: El Teide. Discover the colors, flavors, and volcanic essence of this beautiful island. Tenerife is an ideal cycling destination.

Due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife is virtually only accessible by plane from the Netherlands. Transavia and Vueling also fly directly to Tenerife Sur Airport (the southern side of the island). For best results, you should rent a car to explore the island. The major car rental companies have an information desk at the airport. You can find there, among others, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc.

If you are really on a training camp, then a shuttle from and to the hotel is a good alternative. However, keep in mind that the range is limited.

The local population has its own variation on the well-known Spanish rice dish paella. It is prepared with chicken, rabbit, mussels and prawns. Tapas, various small appetizers, are also widely eaten on the island. A popular dessert is flambéed banana. Not surprisingly, as you’ll find several giant banana plantations on Tenerife. When eating, people like to drink local wine or a locally brewed beer. It is said that the inhabitants of the Canary Islands consume more cheese per person per year than in other parts of Spain, so if you’re on the island, try a few local varieties. Especially fresh goat cheese does very well, and is also produced locally. Tenerife is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, so it should come as no surprise that fish and seafood also feature heavily on the local menus. Especially parrot fish, sardines, red snappers, wreck fish, triggerfish, toothfish, squidfish, mackerel and squid are frequently caught around the island.

Vuelta al TeideEvery year in spring there is the Vuelta al Teide, the event surrounding Tenerife’s highest mountain, El Teide. Completing the entire Vuelta al Teide is a monstrous challenge. The 175 kilometers combined with more than 4,400 meters of elevation gain provide a serious test. You’ll see all of Tenerife’s highlights and important climbs in this route. If you’d rather ride a shorter distance, there’s also the option to do the half Vuelta. The route starts literally halfway and takes you back to the coastal town of Puerto de la Cruz, where the start and finish take place.

More information about this wonderful cyclosportive can be found here.

In Tenerife you have several bike rental organizations. Here are some of them that we have experience with:

Bike Point Tenerife: High-quality bicycles. They have several locations on the island where you can rent bikes, have them repaired, and also purchase clothing if necessary.

Cycling Friendly Organization that offers rental of quality bicycles throughout Spain. They are also affiliated with a number of bike hotels in Tenerife.

BikeCenter FreeMotionOrganization that offers rental of quality bicycles everywhere in the Canary Islands. We have rented bicycles through this organization before. Highly recommended.

In Tenerife you also have several organizations that offer guided tours. If you just want to enjoy the experience without having to worry about anything else, take a look at these options.

Tenerife Bike TrainingIf you are looking for a suitable tour guide, you have come to the right place with the brothers Alberto and Marcos Delgado of Tenerife Bike Training. They are both charismatic and skilled in guiding cycling tourists of all levels during their stay. From single rides to complete tours.

Canarias Nature GuidesDo you want to explore nature with a guide? Canarias Nature Guides can help you get started. By bike, on foot, or in a boat.

FunBike AdventuresHave you always wanted to take a trip on an e-MTB and explore the north of Tenerife? Then you can visit FunBike Adventures!

Bike Experience TenerifeIn addition to bike rental, this company offers individual and group tours. These are offered for different types of bikes and at different levels of ability.

Based on research, we have compiled a list of accommodations that are attractive to cyclists. Here are some suggestions:

Arona Gran Hotel & Spa **** Cycling Friendly ✅Located in the southern part of Los Cristianos. Includes wellness, fitness, swimming pool and bike storage area.

Hotel Riu Garoe ****Cycling Friendly ✅Good base located in Puerto de la Cruz, the central north of Tenerife. Nice hotel with a wellness area, fitness, swimming pool and bike storage area.

Hotel Spa Villalba ****Cycling Friendly ✅This hotel is located at 1,600 meters above sea level in Vilaflor. Ideal for a stay by bike. Fully equipped with all comforts.

Bercelo Tenerife *****Cycling Friendly ✅Located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Extensive facilities, including a repair room, a bike washroom, a bike storage area, and bike rental.

Hacienda del Conde Tenerife *****Cycling Friendly ✅Perfect base of operations from Buenavista del Norte. Equipped with bike rental, bike storage, repair area and laundry service.

Route Active Hotel ***Cycling Friendly ✅The choice of Team DSM. Located in Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife. Equipped with all the amenities for cyclists, including a laundry service.

Dream Jardin Tropical ***Cycling Friendly ✅Cycling friendly location.

Hotspots

Besides El Teide, Tenerife is full of hotspots as a cycling destination. Below is an overview of hotspots that you may not know about in advance, but which you absolutely must not miss. And that’s the best ones, in our opinion at least.

Only 3.8 kilometers, but with an average gradient of 11.2% and a maximum of 17.6% over 100 meters, this is a beast of a climb. And the views are breathtaking. Be sure to bring the Parque Rural de Teno with you in advance, with stunning views of the rocks on the west coast.

The TF-421 between San Juan del Reparo and the coastal town of Garachico

Steep climb or technical descent with stunning depths and views. Be careful when descending; the road is sometimes bumpy.

Travel tips

Bring your own bike, or rent one from a quality provider so you can be sure you’re comfortable on your bike. You can read more tips on this here.

Read our report on the Tenerife Bike Festival for inspiration.

Are you looking for something to do on an ideal day off? Check out our article with tips for activities during your day off.

We also have a nice article about some places you should visit in Tenerife. Owner Bjorn from Bike Point Tenerife tells you more about it in this article

Our mountain bike routes in Tenerife

Fifteen mountain bike routes across Tenerife, from our stories about the island: from a short round for the first day to the Vuelta al Teide and The Monster of almost 190 kilometers. The south is the driest in winter, the green north is at its best in spring and summer.

When are you leaving?

How do you get there?

• Flying: Fly to Tenerife South (TFS). Bring your own bike; then book a place for your bike box in time.