The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Tenerife
- Moloko
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
At Moloko we organise cycling trips to Tenerife every year, and over time, we've collected all our best tips and favourite routes to help you plan your cycling adventure on this spectacular island. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Where to Stay: skip the south, head to La Laguna
Most cyclists tend to stay in the south of Tenerife because it’s familiar and easy. However, we highly recommend staying in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage town in the heart of the island. Here’s why:
Authentic Experience: Unlike the tourist-heavy south, La Laguna offers a true taste of Tenerife’s culture, history, and architecture.
Amazing Gastronomy: The food scene here is incredible, with a variety of top-notch restaurants.
Access to National Parks: Nestled between Anaga National Park and Teide National Park, La Laguna provides access to a wider range of stunning cycling routes.
Plenty of Activities: Beyond cycling, you can explore the town, hike in nearby national parks, or take a short bus ride (30 minutes) to the beach.
Now, let's talk about the real highlight—the best cycling routes on the island.
Top Cycling Routes in Tenerife
1. Climbing Mount Teide – The Legendary Volcano Ride
Mount Teide is the main reason cyclists flock to Tenerife. This 45 km climb is one of the longest in Europe, offering an unparalleled experience. There are five different ways to ascend Teide, each with its own character.
Option 1: From the South (Los Cristianos Route)
Pros: A solid climb with nice scenery.
Cons: The busiest route, as most cyclists stay in the south. Expect traffic and crowds.
Option 2: From the North Coast (Puerto de la Cruz Route)
Pros: Beautiful views.
Cons: The steepest ascent—brutal on the legs! Better for descending than climbing.
Option 3: From La Laguna (My Favorite Climb)
Pros: Starts with charming villages, then winds through stunning forests before climbing above the clouds. As you ascend, Mount Teide comes into view, creating a surreal experience. The final section, inside the crater, is otherworldly, with volcanic rock formations and perfectly smooth tarmac.
Cons: None—this is an epic climb! (please note there is zero option for water refill on the way up so carry plenty).
Option 4: From the Southeast
Pros: Begins with coastal views, then transitions into a unique forest landscape before reaching the summit.
Cons: This side is very exposed and can be extremely hot from May to September - again, no options for water refill on the way.
Option 5: From Garachico via Masca
Pros: One of the most scenic and rewarding routes, combining the dramatic landscapes of Masca with the legendary Teide climb. You start in the coastal town of Garachico, climb through the stunning and steep Masca region, and then continue towards Teide through constantly changing terrain.
Cons: This is a very challenging route with significant climbing and some very steep sections, but the views and variety make it one unforgettable ride.
💡 Pro Tip: Ride up one side of Teide and descend another to experience different landscapes. No matter which way you tackle it, this is one of the best climbs in Europe!
(Our favourite descent is the one to La Laguna - just before sunset for epic golden light).
2. Anaga National Park – The Hidden Gem
Most tourists and cyclists never venture to Anaga National Park, but this is our personal favourite spot on the island. Here’s why you must cycle here:
Jaw-Dropping Coastal Views: Some of the best ocean vistas you’ll ever see.
Lush, Jungle-Like Roads: A mix of dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and green forests.
Secret Beaches: One route leads down to Taganana and its hidden beach that looks like it belongs in Jurassic Park—pure magic!
Perfect for Nature Lovers: If you love untouched landscapes, this is the place to be.
🚴 Cycling Tip: The roads here are less crowded, making for a peaceful and immersive ride. It’s also an incredible area for hiking if you fancy a break from the bike.
3. Masca National Park – The Machu Picchu of Tenerife
Nicknamed the Machu Picchu of Tenerife, Masca is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful region with steep climbs and dramatic rock formations.
Where to Start: We recommend beginning in the fishing village of Garachico, a charming coastal town with great restaurants and natural rock pools.
What to Expect:
Challenging Climbs: Masca is steep, but the views are worth it!
Loop Routes: You can do a figure-eight loop or a shorter out-and-back ride.
La Masca Viewpoint: If the full loop is too much, ride up to the viewpoint and descend back down for an easier option.
🍽 Bonus: Finish your ride with fresh seafood by the ocean in Garachico—highly recommended!
Final Tips for Cycling in Tenerife
Plan Your Routes: most of our routes start from La Laguna, and we always like to plan options in case someone from the group is not feeling able to complete the whole ride.
Prepare for Long Climbs: Tenerife’s climbs are long—even experienced riders will feel the burn! Plan your pacing and don’t overdo it at the start.
Stay Hydrated: There are long stretches without water stops, especially on Teide and in Anaga NP. Carry at least two large bottles and don't drink it all in the first half—those climbs can get really hot!
Pack Snacks: Bars, sweets, bananas or even a pocket sandwich are crucial to keep your energy levels up. Teide is a long climb, and there aren’t many places to grab food on the way (but many beautiful view points to stop at and enjoy your snacks).
Know Your Refuel Points: Stop at Vilaflor or El Portillo when climbing Teide—both have cafes where you can grab coffee, pastries, sandwiches and water before the final stretch. In La Masca you can stop at Cruz de Hilda, and in Anaga, there are some restaurants on the beach after Taganana.
Enjoy the Descents: Whether climbing or descending, Tenerife’s smooth roads make for a dream cycling experience. Be mindful of temperature changes however—descending from Teide can get chilly, so bring plenty of layers and a pair of gloves.
We hope you found this guide helpful—please feel free to share your Tenerife tips in the comments too.
...and if you wish to join us for our next Tenerife trip, just check the link below. You can also watch our Tenerife vlog to get a feel for Moloko trips.
Finally, if you need more help feel free to get in touch to start planning your next adventure!
You can also sign up for our newsletter to be informed about all our trip launches.
Comentarios