Tenerife

Spain

Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife

Tenerife is a dream destination for serious road cyclists. Sitting in the heart of the Canary Islands, this volcanic island rises steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, offering long, steady climbs and jaw-dropping views at every turn. The landscapes shift dramatically as you ride, from banana plantations along the coast to lunar-like lava fields high up on Mount Teide. It’s a place where the scenery constantly changes, but the challenge stays the same: up.

The weather is another reason road cyclists love planning a cycling holiday to Tenerife. With mild temperatures year-round and little rain, it’s possible to ride in short sleeves even in the middle of winter. That’s why so many riders, especially from colder parts of Europe, come here to train when their roads are frozen. The reliable sunshine and dry conditions make it feel like summer all year long.

El Teide, the island’s massive volcano, is the star attraction. At over 3,700 meters, it’s the highest point in Spain. The climb to the Teide plateau is one of the longest and most consistent ascents in Europe, drawing pro teams like INEOS Grenadiers and Visma | Lease a Bike for high-altitude training camps. You’ll often see team cars and riders in full kit grinding up its slopes as part of their training camp.

This destination is not a beginner’s playground. Tenerife is all about climbing. Most routes involve thousands of meters of elevation gain, and flat roads are almost non-existent. You’ll need good legs and solid gearing, but the effort pays off in quiet roads, smooth tarmac, and some of the most rewarding views you’ll ever get from a bike.

Despite its challenges, Tenerife has a welcoming cycling culture. Riders from all over the world gather here, and the local infrastructure is built to support them. Whether you're chasing fitness, altitude, or just epic days in the saddle, Tenerife delivers an unforgettable ride every time.

Photo Gallery

Mirador de Ayosa - Teide National Park
Mirador Señora
 Llano de Ucanca Vista Point
Mirador de Masca
Rock in Azanos - Taganana
 Windmill Farm - Poris de Abona

Best time to ride

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Tenerife’s weather stays mild most of the year, making it a solid pick any time you want to ride. Because of the island’s volcanic shape and subtropical vibe, conditions shift depending on where you are. The north is cooler and wetter, the south stays warmer and drier, but honestly, you’ll find good riding weather on both sides.

Winter at sea level is surprisingly pleasant. But climb toward Mount Teide and things change fast. It can get cold up high, and sometimes there’s snow or ice near the summit. Spring is ideal with plenty of sun, not too hot, not too cool and the roads drying up.

Summer heats up fast in the lowlands, especially in the south. If you're riding then, it’s smart to start early or head for the higher roads to keep things comfortable. Autumn stays warm, the crowds thin out, and it’s one of the best times to rack up some big days.

Be sure to bring a jacket on your rides. Weather in the mountains can shift fast, with temperatures dropping suddenly. Even in good weather, the descents are long and fast, and the windchill can catch you off guard.

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Where to stay

Base Towns

El Médano

El Médano

It’s a great choice if you’re after a quieter, more laid-back base, especially if you want to stick to coastal roads and steer clear of the busiest tourist spots. You’ll still have solid access to El Teide from here. This small town on the southeast coast is also known as Tenerife’s windsurfing and kiteboarding hub, thanks to the steady easterly trade winds.

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Accommodations (11)

Places in Tenerife that welcome you and your bike.

Apartamentos Ambassador

Puerto de la Cruz

Apartamentos Ambassador

Apartments Ambassador offers one- and two-bedroom units for groups of three to five, right in Puerto de la Cruz. There’s a peaceful courtyard garden to relax in and a pool for a post-ride dip.

Arona Gran Hotel

Los Cristianos

Arona Gran Hotel

Located in the southern part of Los Cristianos, it offers a wellness center, fitness center, swimming pool, secure bicycle storage, a bike station, and a bike wash.

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Cyclists riding together on a scenic road

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How to get there

By Plane

There are two airport on Tenerife, Tenerife South (TFS, Reina Sofía) and Tenerife North (TFN, Los Rodeos). Which one you land at depends on where you're coming from. To get around, renting a car is usually your best bet. But if you're staying near the airport and picking up a rental bike, you might be fine without one.

By Ferry

There are regular ferry connections from the other Canary Islands. Ferries from the western islands arrive in Los Cristianos on the southwest coast. Those coming from the eastern islands dock in Santa Cruz.

Bike Rentals (9)

Bike4you Tenerife

Trek, Giant, Ridley

Bike4you Tenerife

The reviews say it all. People love renting from this shop. The bikes are high quality and well cared for. They also offer guided road rides and stock their own apparel, plus energy gels and bars.

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Shops (7)

Bicicletas Gil

Bicicletas Gil

In the old town of La Laguna, you’ll find Bicicletas Gil, a beautiful bike shop with a solid lineup of road bikes and cycling apparel. They carry the latest from BMC and Cervélo, plus a wide range of kit and accessories from brands like Assos, Q36.5, Lake, POC, Wahoo, Garmin, and more.

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Cafes & bars (15)

Cafetería Anyhara

Cafetería Anyhara

Rolling through Granadilla de Abona, Cafeteria Anyhara is a perfect place to stop for coffee. It’s a popular choice among cyclists on this route.

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Road Cycling Routes (13)

Visit to Villaflor

Visit to Villaflor

53.5 km • 1340 m • Moderate

The ride to Vilaflor is a solid warm-up for a climb up to El Teide. We take the easier way up through Granadilla de Abona, then follow the winding, well-paved road up to Vilaflor. It’s a good spot to take a break before the descent back down to the coast.

Coast to Coast

Coast to Coast

69.1 km • 1970 m • Hard

Climb the winding roads up Parque Rural de Anaga twice to take in the coastal views from both sides of the mountains. If you’re looking to extend the ride, consider heading east toward La Cumbrilla.

West side of the Teide

West side of the Teide

115 km • 2720 m • Epic

For a longer ride starting from the south that doesn’t go all the way to El Teide, this one hits the mark. Head north toward the town of Chío, where the climb through the Corona Forestal Natural Park begins. You’ll ride through a mix of lava fields and forest, climbing to nearly 2200 meters before enjoying the descent back down to the coast.

Loop du France

Loop du France

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Loop du France

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Loop du France

Loop du France

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Reviews

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Experiences from riders who have been here

J
Joep
Dec 04, 2025

Tenerife clearly has a "resort" part to it. But if you are able to stay away from that (small) part of the island, this is a cycling must.

Obviously there is el Teide, with the famous hotel on top. We crossed a whole bunch of yellow Jumbo riders in February. A humbling experience as they go down and up again when you're just happy you've conquered it once. Top often above the clouds and with views of the other islands.

The best piece is the diversity with the south being dry and hot and the north as if you're cycling in the Amazon forest.

(Hidden?) gem is definitely Masca - both in terms of landscape and in terms of steepness.

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