Tenerife is one of the world's best road cycling destinations. It's the largest of the Canary islands and, just off the African coast, offers a reliably warm climate year-around and fantastic climbing on smooth roads.
One of our favourite things about cycling in Tenerife is the dramatic scenery: from the lost world of Masca to vertical sea cliffs and the spectacular Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain. You can see Teide from all over the island, looming upwards; it's one of the main attractions for the pro cycling teams that descend on the island during training camp season.
There aren't many places you can train on 40+km climbs that take you from sea level to 2,300m during European winter.
Cycling Tenerife is about as good as it gets.
During Northern Hemisphere winter, Tenerife cycling training camps are abundant. But the island is also a major "sun and sand" holiday destination, with lots of hotels, water parks and beaches that make it a great choice if you're with family.
Fancy road cycling Tenerife?
Start with our video that gives you the best of Tenerife by bike.
Then read on for our favourite Tenerife road cycling routes and places to stay - it's time to plan a fantastic cycling holiday in Tenerife!
Want something to remind you of your cycling trip to Tenerife?
How about one of our personalised cycling illustrations? You, in your kit on Mount Teide. Here are some examples from Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez and Sa Calobra so you can get an idea of what your Mount Teide print would look like. Check out our shop for more!
cycling Tenerife: routes
As far as cycling routes in Tenerife go, by far the most famous ride is cycling up Mount Teide. The mountain dominates the island and if you're coming to Tenerife to cycle, it's unthinkable you'd leave without tackling it.
tips for an unforgettable Mount Teide cycling experience
There are five major routes up; our post will help you choose which to do - Cycling Mount Teide: which is the best Teide cycling route? Any one of these up and down routes of Teide could easily be a whole ride in itself: even the fittest amateurs will take at least 2.5 hours to climb to the top.
But if you've got all day and want a truly special ride, check out our two Teide loops below. On a good day, we reckon either of these could be contenders for being one of the best road bike rides in the world.
2 unmissable rides for Once you've done Teide...
Yes, you've got to tick off the Teide climb by bike. But there are some other awesome Tenerife bike routes too. To really experience the island, ride the road north to Masca where craggy Andes-style mountains are dotted with rustic Spanish villages before they plunge into the turquoise sea. The scenery is epic - but so are the gradients. This is one tough ride.
From Masca it's not far to the unforgettable Teno lighthouse. The road clings to the cliff and offers draw-dropping Atlantic views before bringing you to the spectacular lighthouse at the end of the peninsula.
We also love our Anaga loop. It's on one of the island's most beautiful roads where you'll find quiet, smooth ribbons of tarmac that wind up into green forests and down narrow lanes to the sea. It's easier than the Masca loop too...
However you do need to bear in mind that Masca and Anaga are in the north of the island. This can make accessing these rides a bit tricky unless you have your own transport or book a tour. Something to think about when you decide where to stay: our guide towhere to stay in Tenerife for cyclists might help! Also check out our map below, which shows the routes overlaid on each other, so you can see their location on the island.
Guide to our favourite Tenerife routes
Each of the four buttons below are links to in-depth guides to our favourite cycling routes on Tenerife. Click through and find out what to expect - you'll find our firsthand account of the ride, GPX files, photos and lots more.
Masca and Teno lighthouse loop
- Distance: 104km
- Elevation: 3,560m
- Difficulty:
- Epic rating:
Anaga rural park loop
- Distance: 92km
- Elevation: 3,100m
- Difficulty:
- Epic rating:
Mount Teide loop via La Orotava
- Distance: 1036km
- Elevation: 3,5450m
- Difficulty:
- Epic rating:
Mount Teide loop via Granadilla and Vilaflor
- Distance: 142km
- Elevation: 3,360m
- Difficulty:
- Epic rating:
Our Tenerife cycling routes map
Below you can see a map showing our four cycling routes overlaid on top of one another. If they don't all appear on your screen, make sure the "show all" button is clicked at the bottom righthand side of the map.
easy cycling on tenerife
If you hate climbing, cycling holidays in Tenerife are not for you!
Most of the roads either go up or down, there's very little in the way of flat Tenerife cycle routes. What there is is not that exciting.
But while most of the roads go up or down, at least the main roads (like those up Teide) are generally at decent gradients (just avoid some of the extremely steep side roads). This makes them accessible even if you're only moderately fit. Cycling in Tenerife is more about endurance than extreme fitness: you don't need to be a Contador or Quintana, you "just" need to be able to keep going for kilometre after kilometre!
If you're looking for a rest day ride that avoids some of the major climbs you should be able to put together an easy-moderate route with a bit of planning. Here are some ideas:
And finally...
Before you leave home, don't forget to check out our tips for cycling on Tenerife!
cycling tenerife: where to stay
This section includes details of hotels and villas we have either stayed in or which we think look great. Full disclosure: if you click on a link and make a booking, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
The hotels listed below allow guests to either store their bikes in their room or keep them in bike storage facilities (though you should check that these policies haven’t changed when you book).
If you're deciding where's best to stay in Tenerife for cyclists, start with our in-depth article on the pros and cons of each resort: Best places to stay in Tenerife (for cyclists).
Once you've decided on your resort, come back here for our top choices of where to stay for cycling in Tenerife. We suggest hotels in
Our choice: Be live, Playa La Arena
We spent five nights at Be Live, Playa La Arena. It's a large hotel with lots of facilities and it's a good option if you're travelling with children and/or looking for an all-inclusive package.



what we lIKed
things to be aware of
conclusion
We enjoyed our stay here. Our 2 and 4 year old kids loved the facilities and we liked the location.
Want to know more about Playa La Arena? Read our post on Tenerife's different resorts.
Looking for something more luxurious but also around the Playa La Arena area? Check out the five star Gran Melia Palacio de Isora. It's just south of Playa La Arena and is an indulgent, slick hotel with superb facilities for families including play area, kids' pool, mini club (3-12 year olds) and live show for children. It was voted Best Resort in Spain by Condé Nast Traveler in 2012 and 2014. The hotel confirmed that they have a cloakroom for bike storage which can only be opened by the Concierge team.
Costa Adeje hotels
Want to know what Costa Adeje is like? Read our post on Tenerife's different resorts.
royal garden villas
If you're looking for a peaceful, five star luxury experience (and you're not with kids), look no further. The Royal Garden Villas Hotel comprises 28 individual luxury villas, each with their own pool.
hotel Riu palace tenerife
Hotel Riu Palace is a four star hotel with excellent service and good food in a quiet, seafront location.
hovima jardin caleta
One of the main attractions of staying at the three star Hovima Jardin Caleta is that it is next door to Tenerife's Top Training facility.
Puerto de la Cruz hotels
hotel tigaiga
Hotel Tigaiga is a family-run hotel where friendly service is a feature. It is located on a hill in the Taoro Park with views of the Orotava Valley and Mount Teide. The hotel is surrounded by subtropical gardens.
Hotel Riu Garoe
Hotel Riu Garoe is a three star hotel where guests are very positive about customer service and many make return visits.
apartments ambassador
Tastefully decorated three star apartments designed for three to five people.
La Laguna hotels
La Laguna Gran Hotel
La Laguna Gran Hotel is a four star hotel housed in an old tobacco factory close to the centre of the historic town.
La Orotava hotels
Parador de las Cañadas del Teide
The Parador is a mountain lodge in a dramatic location, being the only building in the Mount Teide Nature Reserve. This is where the pros come to sleep at altitude before testing themselves on the slopes of Mount Teide. It's a hotel with serious cycling pedigree.
El Médano hotels
Hotel arenas del Mar
An adult only hotel located on the tip of a spectacular bay and orientated towards the sea.
Bike hire Tenerife
Looking for road bike rental in Tenerife? Below you'll find all the road bike hire shops we've been able to uncover on Tenerife. Missed one? Please let us know! We haven't used these ourselves but would love to hear your experiences. Please drop us a line!
You'll soon see that most of the cycle hire in Tenerife is clustered where most of the tourists are: in the southwest. If you're staying somewhere else, don't despair, some of the bike rental shops will deliver bikes across the island. We've made a note of where they offer this.
Most of the rental shops also offer Tenerife cycling tours and excursions, from half days to multi day cycle training camps.
This information is offered as an indicative guide only: we periodically update it but prices, services and bike brands may change. Please let us know if you find anything that is incorrect.
Bike hire Costa Adeje | |
Cycling in TenerifeAv. Ernesto Sarti, 3, 38660 Costa Adeje | |
Wilier bikes. The Montegrappa aluminium bikes have Shimano Tiaga compact cranks and 12/28 cassettes. The Wilier GTR carbon bikes have Ultegra compact cranks with 11/28 cassettes. Will deliver. | Wilier Montegrappa (prices for the carbon GTR are in brackets) 1 day: 20 Euros (29) 2-5 days: 17 Euros/day (25) 7 days: 115 Euros (170) 8+ days: 15 Euros/day (22) |
Free Motion T3Avenida de los Acantilados, s/n | |
BH, Cannondale, Specialized and Pinarello bikes with compact cranks and 11-28 or 11-32 cassettes. Mostly Ultegra. Disc brakes available. | Prices vary depending on model: 1 day: 24-45 Euros 2-5 days: 20-42 Euros/day 6-12 days: 18-39 Euros/day |
Bike hire Las Americas | |
Bike Experience TenerifeTenerife Excursions Travel S.L, Avd. V Centenario, 2 Local 5, Playa de Las Americas | |
Felt and Specialized bikes have aluminium frames, Look and Stevens have carbon frames. Ultegra or 105. Compact cranks, 11-28 or 11-32 cassettes. Stevens bike has disc brakes. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 16-25 euros per day. |
Bike Point TenerifeAv. Quinto Centenario s/n, Edificio las Terrazas 38660 Las Américas | |
Wide range of BMC, Ridley and Focus bikes. Mostly carbon bikes. Disc brakes available. Included: pump, spare inner tube, levers and a multi-tool set. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 14-44 euros per day. |
Diga SportsHotel Park Club Europe, Avenida Rafael Puig 23, Playa Las Americas | |
Scott bikes. | 1 day: 20 Euros 2 days: 20 Euros/day 3 days: 14 Euros/day 4-6 days: 18 Euros/day 7 days: 11 Euros/day |
Bike hire Los Cristianos | |
Free MotionCalle Finlandia 10 | |
BH, Cannondale, Specialized and Pinarello bikes with compact cranks and 11-28 or 11-32 cassettes. Mostly Ultegra. Disc brakes available. | Prices vary depending on model: 1 day: 24-45 Euros 2-5 days: 20-42 Euros/day 6-12 days: 18-39 Euros/day |
Bike hire El Medano | |
Bike Point TenerifeCalle Villa de la Orotava 10 38612 El Médano | |
Wide range of BMC, Ridley and Focus bikes. Mostly carbon bikes. Disc brakes available. Included: pump, spare inner tube, levers and a multi-tool set. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 14-44 euros per day. |
Bike hire Puerto de la Cruz | |
Bike SpiritInh. Boris Alvarez Calle Mequínéz 51 38400 Puerto de La Cruz | |
Merida Scultura 400 aluminium bikes and Merida Scultura 4000 carbon bikes each with full ultegra and a 11/32 cassette. Included: pedals, replacement tubing, tire iron, tools and lock. Optional: Lightset: 1 Euro per day + 20Euro deposit Stages powermeter: 2 Euros per day + 20 Euro deposit. | Merida Scultura 400 Aluminium (prices for the 4000 Carbon are in brackets) 1 day: 27 Euros (29) 2-5 days: 24 Euros/day (26) 6-12 days: 21 Euros/day (23)
|
Bike hire La Laguna | |
Bike4walk | |
Trek Emonda bikes with compact chainsets and Shimano 105/Tiagra.
| Prices vary depending on model: 1 day: 25 Euros 2-4 days: 25 Euros/day 5-7 days: 19 Euros/day |
Kiraya BikeAvenue Milan, 71 38260 San Cristóbal de La Laguna | |
Limited number of Ridley, Orbea, Scott, BH and Kuota bikes. Will deliver. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 20-27 euros per day. |
Other bike rental companies | |
Bike 4 You Tenerife | |
Kuota carbon bikes with Shimpano 105 or Ultegra. Included: mini tool kit, inner tube, mini pump, two bottle cages. Will deliver anywhere in the Tenerife south area. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 24 Euros per day. |
Canarias Experience | |
Pinarello, Wilier and BMC bikes available. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 16 Euros per day. |
Club Activo CyclingCarretera General del Sur, 158 | |
Ridley and BMC carbon bikes. | Prices vary depending on model and number of days. From 19 Euros per day. |
Tenerife Bike Training | |
More of a tour company specialist than a bike hire specialist. BMC and Focus carbon bikes available. | Prices are given for 6 day blocks only and range from 160 - 220 Euros. |
Undecided on whether to hire a bike or bring your own? Read this now.
When to go
Average temperatures in Tenerife remain a solid 17-24 throughout the year, making it a good choice for anyone looking to cycle Tenerife in the sun. Rainfall is also low - you're most likely to get rain in December and even then it's only on average for 6 days of the month.
Throughout the year it's worth remembering that the north side of the island is often cooler and wetter than the south. There's a reason the scenery in the north is greener than the arid rocky south! Also know that the upper part of the island is often shrouded in a thin layer of clouds that forms around Mount Teide at 1,000-1,500htm.
As for the difficult question of exactly how much cooler and wetter the north is than the south, we asked local cyclist Carolyn Gaskell to comment. She lives in the north-east of the island and had this to say:
"Yes, it’s definitely wetter and colder in the north compared to the south. But it’s also much more beautiful! The north side (Los Silos - Puerto De la Cruz get the sunsets and is in the shade of the Teide and therefore cool in the mornings - generally). It’s much busier traffic wise that side, because the motorway stops at Puerto, so all the cars are on the main road. The side roads through the villages are nice, but steep! The Anaga mountains, is my favourite area, they are very often covered in a light mist cloud, and it also rains properly up there too. February-March are usually the worst months for rain. August is commonly the worst month for winds, November to January, usually have the calmest weather, but it’s not an exact science... and the last few years have been quite unpredictable!"
January | Temperatures on Tenerife remain good for cycling throughout the Northern Hemisphere winter. At sea level, short sleeve jerseys and bib shorts should be fine. However, you may get some rain and in the mountains temperatures can be much colder than at sea level. Frost and ice above 2,000m is possible. Dress accordingly. | ||
February | |||
March | |||
April | Temperatures increase a little and the risk of rain reduces. On most days, the temperature at midday is similar in the mountains as at sea level, assuming it's not too cloudy in the mountains. It's still wortth packing a windproof jacket and arm warmers. | ||
May | |||
June | You can expect warm days and a low risk of rain during this period. Sometimes it can be warmer in the mountains than at sea level. It's still worth bringing a windproof jacket if you're planning on mountain descents: they are long and the windchill can be surprising. | ||
July | |||
August | |||
September | September remains very warm with barely any risk of rain but as October rolls in, that risk increases. As in April and May, temperatures are often similar in the mountains as at sea level but pack a jacket and arm warmers in case. | ||
October | |||
November | See comments for January to March. Rainfall in November and December is a bit higher than January to March, with averages at 47 and 56 mm and 5 and 6 days respectively. | ||
December |
Tips and articles
This section includes details of products we have either used and liked or which we think look great. Full disclosure: it includes links to our shop and also affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
Gifts
If you'd like something to remind you of your trip to Tenerife, take a look at our personalised cycling illustrations: you, in your kit, on Mount Teide. You'll find examples of our Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Stelvio and Sa Calobra illustrations and more details in our shop.
There's also the beautiful Mountains: Epic Cycling Climbs book by Michael Blann, which includes stunning images of Teide.
Books
We used and liked the following two guidebooks during our Tenerife trip:
Maps
If you like physical maps for route planning, it's worth buying the Globe series map of Tenerife. At 1:75,000 it shows all the roads relevant to cyclists. It is annotated with symbols for things like gas stations and tourist destinations which you may either like or not.
Good to know
Tenerife has two airports, one in the south in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona (this is the larger of the two) and the other in the north in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Decide where you want to base yourself before booking your flights! You can see the location of the two airports in this article by Sky Scanner.
Before you set out on your bike, don't miss our article, top tips for cycling Tenerife. It's full of practical ideas to help make your cycling in Tenerife as good an experience as possible.
What's next?
Did you enjoy our guide to Tenerife? Let us know in the comments below!
Wondering about the other Canary Islands? We have a guide to Lanzarote cycling and our guide to cycling in Gran Canaria is currently being written.
Other destinations in Spain? Our article on the best places for cycling in Spain is a must-read.
Alternatively, if Spain isn't for you, check out our destinations page. There you can search by the month you want to travel or cycling destination you want to visit.
Or check out our other articles on Tenerife, below.
Banner photo credit: Henner Damke/Shutterstock.com
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