Cycling in Tenerife

General

The island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, is a paradise on earth for cyclists. The temperature hovers around 22ºC all year round. The island has gorgeous beaches, beautiful nature and is often mentioned in the same breath as the volcano that is the face of the island: El Teide. Discover the colours, flavours and volcanic essence of this beautiful island. Tenerife is an ideal cycling destination.

Parque Nacional del Teide

So Tenerife is best known for 'El Teide'. And admittedly, Parque Nacional del Teide is magnificent. You have to climb for it, though. And that is why many a pro and amateur settles on or around this volcanic mountain in preparation for the cycling season. You train at altitude, and have the perfect conditions for interval training.

But especially if your main concern is the travel experience, this is an absolute highlight. The higher you get, the more you get the idea of cycling around the planet Mars. A unique experience. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as you are close to the equator and cycle above 2,000 metres!

Starting at the bottom, you climb some 40 kilometres at an average 4-5% gradient to over 2,300 metres altitude.

Different subclimates

Overall, you have three distinct climates. The climate on the south coast, with the most hours of sunshine annually, is dry and desert-like. It is also almost always windy here, as moist air is blown in from the sea.

In the central and northern parts of Tenerife, the climate is Mediterranean. Sometimes it even has a tropical feel. This is because warm humid air lingers between the mountains, so it rains more here. Logically, it is also much greener here than in the southern part of the island. The higher regions are characterised by a temperate Mediterranean climate.

The average temperature is around 18°C in winter, and 23°C in summer. The sea is very pleasant to swim in all year round. Lovely to take a refreshing dip after your bike ride.

Travel info

Cycling destination Tenerife can almost only be reached by plane from the Netherlands due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean. Transavia and also Vueling fly directly to Tenerife Sur airport (the south side of the island).

Locally, it is best to hire a car to explore the island. At the airport, the major car rental companies have an information point. You'll find Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc., among others.

If you are really on training camp, a shuttle to and from the hotel is a good alternative. Do take into account more limited range then.

Gastronomy

Locals have their own variation on the widely known Spanish rice dish paella. This is prepared with chicken, rabbit, mussels and prawns. Tapas, various small appetisers, are also widely eaten on the island.

A popular dessert is flambéed banana. Not illogical, as you will find several gigantic banana plantations on Tenerife.

With food, people like to drink local wine or a locally brewed beer.

It is said that Canary Islanders consume more cheese per person per year than in other parts of Spain, so if you are on the island, try some local varieties. Fresh goat cheese in particular 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 do very well on local menus. In particular, parrotfish, sardines, redfish, wreckfish, coalfish, grouper, scrip, mackerel and squid are frequently caught around the island.

Cycling events

Vuelta el Teide
Every year in spring there is the Vuelta al Teide, the event around Tenerife's number one mountain, El Teide. Completing the entire Vuelta al Teide is a monstrous challenge. The 175 kilometres combined with over 4,400 altimeters make for a serious test. At least you will see all the highlights and important climbs of Tenerife in this route.

Would you rather ride a shorter distance? There is also the option of riding half the Vuelta. The route then literally starts halfway and takes you back over almost 100 kilometres to the coastal town of Puerto de la Cruz, where the start and finish take place.

More information on this wonderful cyclosportive can be found here.

Bike rental

In Tenerife, you have several bike rental organisations. Below are some that we also have experience with:

Bike Point Tenerife
High-quality bikes. They have several locations on the island where you can rent bikes, get them repaired and also buy clothes if needed.

Cycling Friendly
Organisation offering rentals of quality bikes all over Spain. They are also associated with a number of bike hotels in Tenerife.

BikeCenter FreeMotion
Organisation that offers rentals of quality bikes all over the Canary Islands. We have previously hired bikes through this organisation. Highly recommended.

Cycling events

In Tenerife, you have several bike rental organisations. Below are some that we also have experience with:

Bike Point Tenerife
High-quality bikes. They have several locations on the island where you can rent bikes, get them repaired and also buy clothes if needed.

Cycling Friendly
Organisation offering rentals of quality bikes all over Spain. They are also associated with a number of bike hotels in Tenerife.

BikeCenter FreeMotion
Organisation that offers rentals of quality bikes all over the Canary Islands. We have previously hired bikes through this organisation. Highly recommended.

Tourguides

In Tenerife, you also have several organisations, which offer guided tours. Do you only want to have to worry about enjoying yourself? Then take a look at these options.

Tenerife Bike Training
If you are looking for a suitable tour guide, then brothers Alberto and Marcos Delgado of Tenerife Bike Training are the place to be. As charismatic as they are skilled, they guide cycling tourists of different levels during their stay. From single rides to complete tours.

Canarias Nature Guides
Want to be guided into nature? Canarias Nature Guides will help you on your way. By bike, on foot, or in a boat.

FunBike Adventures
Always wanted to take a ride on an e-mtb and explore the north of Tenerife? Then join FunBike Adventures!

Bike Experience Tenerife
Besides bike rental, this company offers individual and group excursions. These are offered for different bike types and different levels.

Suitable accommodations

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

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

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

Hotel Spa Villalba ****
Cycling Friendly ✅
This hotel is located 1,600 metres above sea level in Vilaflor. Ideally suited for a stay by bike. Fully equipped.

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

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

Route Active Hotel ***
Cycling Friendly ✅
Team DSM's choice. Based at Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife. Equipped with every convenience for cyclists, including a laundry service.

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

Hotspots

Besides El Teide, Tenerife as a cycling destination is full of hotspots. Below is a list of hotspots that you might not know about beforehand, but which you should definitely not miss. And these are the best, at least in our opinion.

Mirador de Cherfe from Masca

Only 3.8 kilometres, but with an average gradient of 11.2% and a maximum of 17.6% over 100 metres, this is a beast of a climb. And the views are to make you speechless. Be sure to grab the Parque Rural de Teno beforehand, with stunning views of the cliffs on the west coast.

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

Steep climb or technical descent with stunning depths and views. Descend carefully though, the road is occasionally bumpy.

Travel tips

Bring your own bike, or rent it?
Bring your own bike, or rent from a quality rental company to ensure you are comfortable on your bike. More tips read here.

Also read our report from the Tenerife Bike Festival for inspiration.

Looking for what to do on an ideal rest day? Then check out our article with tips for activities during your rest day

We also have a great article on some must-visit places on Tenerife. Owner Bjorn from Bike Point Tenerife tells you there more about it in this article

Cycling in Tenerife: from lighthouse magic to Vuelta al Teide

Routes

Of course, Tenerife has a number of unmissable routes. The Tourism Office website explains them in detail. We have also posted them on our Komoot page (see below).

Book your stay

Of course, Tenerife has a number of unmissable routes. The Tourism Office website explains them in detail. We have also posted them on our Komoot page (see below).

Booking.com