Cycling in Tenerife
Volcanic altitude and year-round sunshine for serious climbing
Best time to ride
Best months
November to April (escape winter), May to June (mild summit)
Temperature
18-28 C at the coast, 5-15 C above 2000 m
Rainfall
Very dry, especially on the south coast; north side and summit can be cloudy. Almost no rain from May to September
The riding
Tenerife is where cyclists go to climb. The island is dominated by Mount Teide, a 3718 m volcano with a paved road reaching 2100 m. That single fact shapes everything: from almost any point on the coast, you can ride uphill for 2-3 hours on a continuously ascending road. The gradients are steady (4-7%), the surfaces are superb, and the landscape shifts from subtropical coastal scrub through pine forest to lunar volcanic terrain above the treeline.
The island is increasingly popular with WorldTour teams for altitude camps. The Teide ascent from the south (Vilaflor) or southwest (Chio) provides sustained climbing at altitude that is hard to replicate anywhere in mainland Europe without going to the high Alps. At 2100 m you are training at genuine altitude while sleeping at sea level - the perfect altitude camp protocol.
Beyond Teide, Tenerife has excellent riding throughout the Anaga mountains in the northeast (steep, narrow, technical roads through laurel forest) and the quieter western coast. The TF-28 and TF-21 roads in the south are wide, smooth, and purpose-built for climbing. The north coast is greener but cloudier. Tenerife is not a flat-riding destination: even the coastal roads have constant undulation. Come here to climb.
Key climbs & routes
- Mount Teide via Vilaflor (35 km, avg 5.2%) — the big one, from sea level to 2100 m through three climate zones
- Mount Teide via Chio (30 km, avg 5.5%) — the western approach, slightly steeper with more exposed lava fields
- Masca (10 km, avg 6%) — a twisting descent (or brutal climb) to one of the most remote villages on the island
- Anaga ridge road (15 km, undulating) — a rollercoaster along a knife-edge ridge in the northeast with sheer drops and dense forest
- La Esperanza forest climb (12 km, avg 4.5%) — a steady climb through pine forest from the north coast towards the caldera
Practical info
Getting there
Tenerife South (TFS) handles most international charter and low-cost flights. Tenerife North (TFN) serves inter-island and Iberian routes. Both are well connected.
Bike hire
Several outfits specialise in cycling tourism: Bike Point Tenerife, Bici Tenerife, and Cycling Tenerife. High-end road bikes and e-road bikes (useful for Teide repeats) are available. Book ahead for December-March winter training season.
Where to stay
The south coast (Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) puts you closest to the Teide climbs from Vilaflor. El Medano is a quieter option. Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is the traditional base for the Anaga mountains. Dedicated cycling hotels are emerging but less common than Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife good for cycling?
Tenerife is outstanding for cycling if you enjoy climbing. The road to Mount Teide reaches 2100 m on a continuously paved surface, the year-round warm climate means you can train in shorts in January, and the road surfaces are excellent. It is less suited to riders who want flat terrain or large group rides.
How hard is cycling up Mount Teide?
The standard ascent from the south (via Vilaflor) is around 35 km at an average of 5.2%, gaining about 2000 m of elevation. The gradient is steady, not steep, but the length and altitude make it a serious effort. Most fit recreational riders take 2-3 hours. The altitude above 1800 m is noticeable - expect to lose 5-10% power.
When is the best time to cycle in Tenerife?
November to April is peak season for cyclists escaping northern European winter. Coastal temperatures sit at 18-24 C. The summit of Teide can be cold (5-10 C) and occasionally has ice or snow on the road. May and June are excellent - warm but not yet scorching. July and August are very hot at lower elevations.
Can beginners cycle in Tenerife?
Tenerife is a challenging destination. Almost every road goes uphill, and even coastal routes undulate significantly. However, e-bikes are widely available for hire and make the climbs accessible to all fitness levels. Strong beginners who enjoy climbing will love it; riders who prefer flat terrain should look elsewhere.
Do pro teams train in Tenerife?
Yes. Several WorldTour teams use Tenerife for altitude camps, particularly in January-February and again before Grand Tours. The Teide climb provides sustained efforts at 1500-2100 m altitude while riders can sleep and recover at sea level on the coast. Teams including INEOS Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates have used Tenerife regularly.
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