Have you ever wondered why the world’s best cycling teams, like INEOS or Jumbo-Visma, choose Tenerife for their preseason training? The answer is simple: an unbeatable combination of perfect weather, challenging altitude, and roads with breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a professional cyclist or an amateur looking to ride through incredible places during your vacation, cycling in Tenerife is an experience you should have at least once in your life. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for your next cycling trip on the island.
Why is Tenerife the dream destination for cycling?
Unlike other European destinations where winter forces you to put your bike away, Tenerife enjoys an average temperature of 22ºC all year round. But the sun isn’t its only attraction:
- Accumulated elevation gain: You can go from sea level to over 2,000 meters altitude in a single day.
- Asphalt in excellent condition: The island’s road network is highly valued for the smoothness of its pavement on the main routes.
- Variety of landscapes: In just a few kilometers you can cycle through arid volcanic landscapes, lush laurel forests or roads that border the Atlantic Ocean.
Cycling routes in Tenerife for all levels
Tenerife isn’t just for hardcore or professional climbers. The island offers routes for all skill levels. These are the routes you absolutely must add to your Strava account:
1. The epic ascent of Mount Teide (Level: Very High)
It’s the “Holy Grail” of cycling in the Canary Islands. You have different routes to climb it (from Chío, Los Cristianos, or La Orotava), but all of them guarantee the longest continuous climb in Europe (almost 35 km). Riding at over 2,300 meters altitude surrounded by solidified lava and a sea of clouds is a mystical experience.
2. The Anaga Massif (Level: High – Leg-breaker)
Located in the north of the island, Anaga is a Biosphere Reserve that offers narrow roads, sharp curves, and very challenging inclines. The landscape here is radically different: humid forests, tree tunnels, and viewpoints with sheer drops to the sea.
3. South Coast Route to Los Gigantes (Level: Medium)
If you’re looking for a more rolling route without sacrificing spectacular views, following the southwest coast from Costa Adeje to the cliffs of Los Gigantes is a brilliant option. Although you’ll encounter some short, steep climbs, it’s a much more accessible route and offers constant views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera.
Practical tips for cycling in Tenerife
Filming on a volcanic island with peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in altitude has its own unique challenges. If you want your experience to be perfect and focus solely on enjoying the scenery, take note of these expert tips:
- The secret is in the layers (clothing): Don’t be fooled by the 25ºC on the coast. If you’re going to climb Mount Teide, the temperature can drop drastically as you gain altitude, and 30-kilometer descents at high speed will leave you freezing if you’re sweaty. A windproof vest and arm warmers are essential in your jersey pockets year-round.
- Prepare the right gearing on your bike: Tenerife isn’t flat. The hills are constantly changing, and climbs like Masca or the ascents in Anaga have gradients exceeding 15% and 20%. Make sure you have a generous gear range: a compact chainring (50/34) and a rear cassette of at least 11-32 will be a lifesaver.
- Extreme hydration at altitude: Above 1,500 meters (in the Las Cañadas del Teide area), the humidity is extremely low and the sun is very intense. You will dehydrate much faster than you think, even if you feel cold. Carry two large water bottles and plan which towns you will refill in.
- Get up early to beat the wind: In the Canary Islands, the trade winds usually pick up strength from midday onwards. If you want to avoid battling the wind against you (especially along the coast) and avoid traffic on the main roads, start your routes first thing in the morning.
- Respect the environment (and the locals): The road network is shared. Remember to always drive single file or two abreast at most, using the shoulder whenever possible. Tenerife receives a lot of tourism, so visibility is key: use flashing rear lights even during the day.
- Outsource your logistics: The biggest mistake a novice cyclist makes in Tenerife is wasting energy trying to reach the start of the route by pedaling along highways or through industrial areas. Rely on official transfer services to skip the boring connecting sections and save your legs for the real mountain passes.
Bring your own bike or rent one in Tenerife?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Tenerife has a wide network of shops specializing in high-end bicycle rentals (road, mountain, gravel, and electric). If you prefer to avoid airline excess baggage fees, renting on the island is an excellent, convenient, and professional option.
Whether you bring your own in its hard case or rent one upon arrival, the real logistical challenge comes later: getting around the island with them.
Where to rent a bicycle in Tenerife?
1. Bike Point Tenerife (The Most Complete Option)
It is probably the best known and most professional rental network on the island, with multiple strategic locations.
- Fleet: Road bikes (BMC, Pinarello, Factor, Canyon), MTB, Gravel and E-Bikes.
- Locations in the South: Las Américas, El Médano, Callao Salvaje.
- Locations in the North (Canary Islands Tricycles): Santa Cruz and Santa Úrsula.
- Added value: They offer free GPS route downloads (Strava) and have specialized workshops in all their stores.
- Web: bikepointtenerife.com
2. Free Motion Tenerife
Originally from Gran Canaria, Free Motion has expanded to Tenerife while maintaining its exceptionally high standards. They are a European benchmark in cycling tourism.
- Fleet: Specialists in premium brands such as Specialized, Cannondale, and BH. They have models with Di2 and eTAP electronic shifting.
- Main location: T3 Adeje (South Tenerife), a high-performance sports center.
- Added value: They constantly renew their fleet and allow you to see real-time availability online by size and model.
- Web: https://free-motion.com/es/tenerife
3. Teide Cycling (Specialists in the Ascent)
A store focused on offering top-quality equipment for tackling the volcano, strategically located in the north of the island.
- Fleet: Carbon fiber bicycles with disc brakes and gearing adapted for high-altitude mountain biking (50/34 chainrings and 11/32 cassettes). They work with Trek, Giant, and Ridley.
- Location: Puerto de la Cruz (North of Tenerife).
- Added value: They include a puncture repair kit, multi-tool, pump and different pedal options (Shimano, Look, Speedplay).
- Website: teidecycling.com
4. KUDO Rent
They stand out for their modern approach and their real-time online booking system (no confirmation emails or waiting).
- Fleet: Premium carbon bikes with Shimano 105, Ultegra and Di2 groupsets. They also offer Gravel and E-Bikes.
- Location: Port of Santiago (Southwest of Tenerife), at the foot of the Teno Rural Park and near the ascent to Masca.
- Added value: They offer “the night before” pickup (from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) so you can go out filming at dawn without wasting time, and they have a loyalty program with discounts for accumulated days.
- Web: kudo-rent.com
5. Road Bike Tenerife (Basti’s Bike Rental)
A more boutique and personalized option, ideal for those seeking individual attention or guided tours in the northern area.
- Fleet: Merida, Orbea and Ridley bicycles (aluminum and carbon) equipped with Shimano Di2 or mechanical Ultegra.
- Location: Puerto de la Cruz (Old Town).
- Added value: They offer a bicycle delivery service and organize guided tours for all levels through the most spectacular areas of the northwest.
- Web: roadbiketenerife.com
6. Bike4You Tenerife (Turnkey Service and Convenience)
An excellent option in the south of the island, highly valued by users for its friendly service, flexibility and ease in managing its rentals.
- Fleet: They have a very versatile catalog that includes high-end carbon road bikes, state-of-the-art E-Bikes (electric bikes), and mountain or touring options for more recreational cycling.
- Location: They operate mainly in the southern area of Tenerife (a high tourist traffic area and an excellent starting point for multiple routes).
- Added value: They stand out for their delivery and collection service directly to the customer’s hotel or apartment. It’s the ideal solution for those seeking maximum convenience and who don’t want to travel to a physical store.
- Web: bike4youtenerife.com
Bicycle transport in Tenerife
How do I get my bike carrier from Tenerife South or North Airport to my hotel? How do I get to the starting point of a route if it’s on the other side of the island and I don’t want to add unnecessary kilometers to my legs?
At Official Taxi Tenerife we are the official and specialized solution for sports tourism:
- High-capacity vehicles for transporting bicycles
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to the start of the route (Point to Point)
👇 Calculate your rate and book in less than 2 minutes 👇
Book my taxiMore information
Bikemap Tenerife: https://www.bikemap.net/en/c/340505/
Canary Islands Cycling Federation: https://ciclismocanario.es/
Cycling on WebTenerife: https://www.webtenerife.co.uk/what-to-do/sports/land/cycling/