Although Tenerife known to many as the ideal winter destination for a cycling holiday, you can do well there all year round. The main reason for this is the 'Teide'. The giant of the island, at more than 3,700 metres high a point not to be missed, creates a dichotomy on the island. The mountain creates a microclimate combined with the trade winds. That means you can enjoy cycling in all seasons on this Canary Island. Not for nothing is Tenerife a favourite with pro teams and it was Annemiek van Vleuten's training location for many years. Local Bjørn de Vos of Bikepoint Tenerife has lived on the island for years. After a nice chat, he gave us his 5 tips for a cycling holiday on Tenerife given. Enjoy!
Tip 1: The green north in summer, the south in winter
When cycling in Tenerife, opt for the south in winter. In summer, prefer to choose the north. 'In the north, the landscape is greener and more inviting than the slightly warmer south'. This is a small indication of Tenerife's microclimate. Because of the Teide, it is best to be in the south in winter, where temperatures are generally higher. The north is a bit cooler and is better than the hot south in high summer. Just be aware that it can also get chilly in winter. For a cool route then choose Route 3, which you can also find in our Komoot Collection.
Tip 2: While you are in the north: drive in the Parque Rural de Anaga
According to Bjørn, the Parque Rural de Anaga is the most beautiful place to visit in summer. There is a varied variety of green climbs. You cycle all the time in the forest and in nature. The vegetation is very specific: you will find eucalyptus trees interspersed with beautiful rock formations. What makes it really unique: you have the best views of El Teide here. From the Anaga you can see the giant of Tenerife well into you (and you can actually only see how enormous this mountain is). If you ride the climb to Pico del Inglés, you have 22 kilometres at four per cent ahead of you. This is pure enjoyment on two wheels. Cycling in Tenerife is wonderful then.
Tip 3: Don't miss the Masca
Cycling in Tenerife equals El Teide, but there is much more to explore. According to Bjørn, the zone around Masca is one to definitely visit. 'It is a much greener zone, which at the same time is also very challenging for the average cyclist. You find less forest here, but beautiful, volcanic rock'. Should you yourself doubt whether you are trained enough, Bjørn has an extra tip: 'We also have a solution for the less trained cyclists, namely an e-racer'. And there's nothing wrong with that. Because the climb from Masca to the Mirador del Cherfe is four kilometres long at 11 per cent (!) Das a pain. The perfect hairpin bends do ease the pain, though.
Tip 4: Tenerife is a training island
This might be an open door, but mention it anyway: on Tenerife, not one metre is flat. If you're going to cycle a 60-kilometre round, you'll soon be at 1,000 altimeters. That's a bit different from a lap along the promenade. According to Bjørn: "It is a real training island, pros and amateurs come here to get better, which is really different from other places". So should you have a quiet cycling weekend in mind, 'you'd better rent an e-mtb or e-racer from Bikepoint Tenerife,' jokes the good-humoured Fleming. So there is a solution for everything.
Tip 5: Get the best cortado and lunch here
Coffee and cycling is almost a synonym. You see the hashtag #coffeebeforecycling fairly often and cycling coffee shops can be found almost everywhere. In Spain things are slightly different, but if you have to go somewhere for coffee on Tenerife, there is only one place according to Bjørn: 'Bar Parada in Chio is a real business for bike lovers. The interior breathes cycling'. Whether they are the very best cortados he dare not say, but the quality combined with the interior is definitely worth it. If you want to settle down for a good lunch after a long ride, there is a second tip: UBUNTU in El Médano. This café started by two ladies makes everything including a lot of VEGAN options. So ideal after a long ascent of El Teide.
About Bjørn and Bikepoint Tenerife
Bjørn de Vos has lived in Tenerife for 22 years and knows the island like the back of his hand. A native of Flanders, he settled here once. Initially because of windsurfing, but later he made the switch to cycling. He and three partners now have a thriving business with several branches where high-quality road bikes, (e-)mtb's and e-racers can be rented. They now operate mainly in the south, but there are also plans to expand to the green north of Tenerife. If you opt for a cycling holiday in Tenerife, then Bikepoint Tenerife a nice starting point.
Want even more information about cycling in Tenerife? Then go to our dedicated cycling on Tenerife page. There you will find tips on hotels, bike rental and routes.
