Cycling in Tenerife, Complete Guide to the Best Cycling Routes, Climbs, Hotels and Holidays
Ride spectacular volcanic roads, conquer Mount Teide and enjoy year-round sunshine. Tenerife offers some of Europe's finest road cycling with incredible scenery and climbs.
Overview
If there is one destination that consistently appears on professional cyclists' winter training calendars, it is Tenerife. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, this volcanic Canary Island combines breathtaking scenery with some of Europe's finest road cycling. Whether you dream of climbing the legendary Mount Teide, exploring dramatic coastal roads or enjoying warm sunshine while much of Britain is wrapped in winter, Tenerife delivers an unforgettable cycling experience.
Unlike many European cycling destinations that are limited by seasonal weather, Tenerife offers excellent riding conditions throughout the year. Temperatures remain comfortable during winter, making it a favourite base for WorldTour teams, amateur training camps and cyclists simply looking to escape the British weather.
The island offers remarkable diversity. One day you could be climbing through pine forests towards Spain's highest peak, while the next you're following quiet coastal roads overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Smooth tarmac, courteous drivers, excellent cafés and spectacular viewpoints make every ride memorable.
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a dedicated cycling holiday, Tenerife provides enough variety to keep riders returning year after year.
Looking for a Cycling-Friendly Hotel in Tenerife?
Stay close to the region's best climbs, scenic cycling routes and popular Strava segments. Compare carefully selected cycling-friendly hotels, chosen for their location, cyclist facilities and easy access to the area's most iconic rides.
Spain
Canary Islands
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Approx. 15–70 km depending on resort
Why Cycle Tenerife?
Tenerife has earned its reputation as one of Europe's premier cycling destinations for good reason.
The island's centrepiece is Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at 3,715 metres. While few rides actually reach the summit itself, cyclists can climb to the national park via several different routes, each offering over 2,000 metres of elevation gain and unforgettable scenery.
Road conditions are outstanding across most of the island. Wide mountain roads, flowing descents and well-maintained surfaces create an enjoyable riding experience, while traffic is generally light once you leave the main tourist areas.
The variety of terrain also appeals to every type of cyclist. Strong climbers can tackle Teide, Masca or Anaga, while leisure riders can enjoy flatter coastal rides around Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje or El Médano.
Professional cycling teams frequently choose Tenerife for altitude training, adding to the island's reputation among serious cyclists. At the same time, plenty of bike hire companies and cycling friendly hotels make it accessible for riders of every ability.
Highlights include:
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Mount Teide National Park
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Quiet mountain roads
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Superb road surfaces
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Year-round riding weather
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Stunning volcanic scenery
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Numerous cycling hotels
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Excellent bike rental services
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WorldTour training destination
Cycling Friendly Resorts
Many visitors choose to stay in southern Tenerife thanks to the warm climate and easy access to Teide.
Popular cycling bases include:
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Costa Adeje
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Los Cristianos
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Playa de las Américas
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El Médano
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Puerto de la Cruz
Famous Cycling Climbs
No cycling guide to Tenerife would be complete without mentioning its legendary climbs.
Mount Teide
The island's signature climb and one of Europe's most famous cycling ascents. Multiple routes lead towards Teide National Park, each offering long, steady gradients, smooth roads and spectacular volcanic landscapes.
Masca
A shorter but much steeper climb with countless hairpin bends, dramatic cliffs and unforgettable views.
Anaga Mountains
Located in the north east of the island, these climbs pass through lush forests and remote villages, offering a completely different riding experience from the volcanic south.
Cycling Routes
Tenerife offers routes suitable for every rider.
Popular rides include:
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Mount Teide from Los Cristianos
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Vilaflor and Teide loop
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Costa Adeje coastal ride
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Santiago del Teide loop
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Masca mountain circuit
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Anaga Forest ride
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El Médano coastal route
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North Coast circular
Each combines excellent road quality with breathtaking scenery and rewarding café stops.
These resorts offer numerous cycling friendly hotels with bike storage, workshops, nutrition options and easy access to popular routes.
Best Time to Visit Tenerife for Cycling
One of Tenerife's greatest strengths is that there is rarely a bad time to cycle.
Winter, from November to March, is arguably the most popular period for British cyclists. While temperatures back home often struggle to reach double figures, Tenerife enjoys daytime temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, making long rides comfortable and enjoyable.
Spring brings wildflowers across the mountains and some of the clearest skies of the year, making it a fantastic time for photography as well as cycling.
Summer becomes warmer, particularly on the southern coast, although early morning starts make longer climbs perfectly manageable.
Autumn offers quieter roads following the peak holiday season and remains warm enough for short sleeve riding well into November.
Cycling Tips for Tenerife
To make the most of your cycling holiday in Tenerife:
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Start long climbs early to avoid afternoon heat.
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Carry more water than you normally would, especially on Teide.
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Pack lightweight clothing for the coast and warmer layers for mountain descents.
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Always carry lights if riding through mountain tunnels.
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Download GPX routes before leaving your hotel as mobile signal can be limited in remote areas.
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Respect local traffic laws and ride single file on busier roads.
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Book bike hire in advance during winter, as demand can be very high.
Getting to Tenerife
Tenerife is well connected to the UK, with frequent direct flights from airports including London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Most cyclists arrive via Tenerife South Airport, which serves the island's main cycling resorts and is typically between 15 and 30 minutes from Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Many airlines accept bike boxes or bike bags as sports equipment, while several local companies also offer high-quality road bike hire, allowing you to travel with minimal luggage.
Why Book Your Cycling Holiday Through Velostrive?
Planning a cycling holiday should be as enjoyable as the riding itself.
Velostrive helps you discover cycling friendly hotels, compare accommodation, explore the island's best cycling routes and Strava segments, and find trusted experiences to make the most of your trip. Whether you're chasing a new personal best on Mount Teide or simply looking for sunny winter miles, we'll help you find everything you need for your next cycling adventure.
Top Cycling Routes in Tenerife
Iconic Strava Climbs in Tenerife
Cycling Friendly Hotels in Tenerife
Where is Tenerife?
More Cycling Destinations
Why Trust Velostrive?
At Velostrive, we're passionate about helping cyclists discover the world's best places to ride. Our destination guides are written specifically for road cyclists and combine practical travel advice with carefully selected cycling-friendly hotels, iconic cycling routes and famous Strava segments.
Rather than simply listing destinations, we connect everything you need to plan your next cycling holiday in one place, from where to stay and what to ride, to the best time of year to visit. Every guide is reviewed and updated regularly, making Velostrive a trusted resource for cyclists planning their next adventure.
Plan Your Next Cycling Adventure
Whether you're looking for sunshine, legendary mountain climbs or relaxed coastal rides, Velostrive makes it easy to compare destinations, discover cycling-friendly accommodation and explore some of Europe's most iconic cycling routes.
Discover more destinations, compare cycling-friendly hotels and plan unforgettable cycling holidays with Velostrive.