An island where the roads stretch towards the sky and the volcanic silence marks the rhythm of every pedal stroke.
There are places that live in the imagination long before the wheels touch the asphalt. Tenerife is one of them. Located in the Atlantic and shaped by volcanic forces, this Canary Island offers cyclists a surreal landscape of lava fields, pine forests and endless skies, all connected by roads that climb into the clouds. It's not just a cycling destination; it's an experience of altitude, solitude and otherworldly beauty.
A volcano in the clouds
Everything in Tenerife seems to revolve around Teide. At 3,715 meters, it is Spain's highest peak and the undisputed center of the island - visible from almost every corner. For cyclists, it's not just a backdrop for photos: it's a challenge. A pilgrimage.
Our route starts in the south, in the quiet coastal town of El Médano, known for its windswept beaches and surfing atmosphere. But our path heads inland, where the terrain hardens and the slopes begin to climb slowly but relentlessly. The climb to Teide is not a wall, but a series of long, spiraling ascents that gradually - and deceptively - gain altitude. You pedal between valleys dotted with cactus, through dense pine forests and finally break the tree line to enter a landscape lunar of black rock and twisted formations.
When you reach the plateau near the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, you are above 2,000 meters. The air is clean, the views are endless and the silence is total. There, the road seems to float above the earth, drawing smooth curves through the National Park as if some ancestral force had placed it.
Route 1: El Medano - Vilaflor - Teide - Granadilla
Starting from the relaxed coastal town of El Médano, this route quickly heads inland and begins to climb towards Vilaflor. With zigzagging bends through the forest and a steady climb, the landscape transforms with every kilometer - pine trees give way to volcanic rock and the ocean fades behind you.
At over 2,000 meters, the plateau near the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide offers a landscape that seems to be from another planet: black lava fields, sharp ridges and absolute silence. The long descent through Granadilla brings warmth and speed back to your legs, with open views of the Atlantic all the way back to the coast.
Distance: 93 km
Positive difference in altitude: 2,266 m
Route 2: El Médano - Arico - Teide - Los Cristianos
A slightly longer and more gradual approach to the Teide plateau, this route takes you through the charming village of Arico and into the heart of the National Park. The climb is steady, and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. On clear days, the silhouette of the volcano watches your progress like a watchtower in the distance.
After cresting the summit, the descent to Los Cristianos is a reward in itself: smooth roads, sweeping curves and a dizzying return to sea level that feels like a free fall.
Distance: 103 km
Positive elevation gain: 2,440 m
Route 3: San Cristóbal de La Laguna - Pico del Inglés - Las Teresitas - Santa Cruz - Anaga Rural Park
A different side of Tenerife. This route explores the northeastern tip of the island, away from the volcanic slopes of Mount Teide. Starting in the historic city of La Laguna, the route ascends through the lush green mountains of the Anaga Rural Park. The ascent to Pico del Inglés offers one of the most spectacular views of the island, followed by a winding descent to the golden beach of Las Teresitas.
From there, the route skirts Santa Cruz before heading back into the dense forests of Anaga, in a roller-coaster-like succession of ups and downs. It is a wet, wild and completely unique landscape - a tropical contrast to the arid beauty of central Tenerife.
Distance: 62 km
Positive difference in altitude: 1,760 m
Where to have coffee in Tenerife?
Tenerife's cycling scene keeps growing and, with it, some cafés have become obligatory stops for cyclists looking for more than just calories.
Slow Coffee La Orotava: Located in the green north of the island, in La Orotava, this cafe is committed to quality and calm.
We The North La Laguna: Located in the heart of La Laguna, We the North has become an essential meeting point for cyclists and lovers of good coffee. With a focus on quality and detail.
Ahul Bowls & CoffeeTucked away in Costa Adeje, this cafe is ideal for cyclists looking to pamper themselves after riding. Colorful smoothie bowls, specialty coffee and a relaxed atmosphere make it a must stop if you're riding in the south.
Tenerife is much more than a place to train. It's a place to test the legs, clear the mind and reconnect with the purest elements. It boils cycling down to its essence: you, the road and the mountain. And in that simplicity, it becomes unforgettable.
Discover the full route, explore our collection of cycling apparel designed for high mountain conditions and plan your own getaway.
