Tenerife Cycling Holidays

Shaped by ancient volcanic activity and dominated by Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide (3,718 m), Tenerife offers a cycling environment unlike anywhere else in the Canary Islands. Its combination of subtropical climate, steep elevation changes, and coastal plateaus creates a uniquely challenging setting for both amateur and experienced riders.

For cyclists, Tenerife stands out for its long, consistent climbs and diverse microclimates. The ascent to Teide National Park—used regularly by professional teams for altitude training—delivers more than 40 kilometres of uninterrupted climbing. In contrast, the island’s northern valleys and the rugged ridges of Anaga offer short, sharp gradients and technical switchbacks carved into some of Europe’s oldest volcanic massifs.

Routes cut across landscapes that shift quickly: pine forests at mid-altitude, black lava fields at higher elevations, and windy coastal roads near places like Los Gigantes and El Médano. Many of these routes pass through UNESCO-protected areas, including the forests surrounding La Laguna, reflecting Tenerife’s long history of settlement and trade across Atlantic routes.

Local culture adds another layer to the experience. Historic towns such as Garachico—rebuilt after a major volcanic eruption in 1706—sit alongside small agricultural communities and coastal fishing districts. Riders often break in family-run guachinches to try dishes tied to northern Tenerife’s wine-growing tradition.

Whether your focus is steady endurance climbs, varied inland circuits, or leisurely coastal rides in stable year-round weather, Tenerife offers terrain suited to every objective.

With well-maintained roads, reliable conditions, and some of the most distinctive geology in Spain, the island delivers a cycling experience that is both demanding and memorable—without feeling repetitive across routes.