The best road cycling routes around La Orotava

Road cycling in La Orotava offers incredibly diverse terrain. You'll encounter routes that climb from sea level up to the slopes of Mount Teide, featuring significant elevation changes. The landscape transitions from lush tropical vegetation to volcanic formations, and through dense laurel and pine forests, all while often providing continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean and towering volcanic mountains.

There are over 20 road cycling routes around La Orotava documented on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a significant number offering challenging ascents and rewarding descents.

While many routes in La Orotava feature significant elevation gain, there are a few options suitable for beginners. Out of the 23 routes, 3 are rated as easy, offering a gentler introduction to road cycling in the region. These routes typically cover shorter distances and have less demanding climbs.

La Orotava is known for its challenging ascents. Routes like the Loop from La Orotava through Teide National Park, which is over 100 km long with more than 2,500 meters of elevation gain, are considered difficult. Another demanding option is the Scenic Road in Teno Rural Park – Masca Viewpoint loop, covering over 110 km with more than 3,000 meters of climbing.

Road cycling routes often pass through or near stunning natural features. You can experience the unique volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, lush laurel and pine forests within the Corona Forestal Natural Park, and the vibrant Orotava Valley. Many routes offer panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. Specific highlights include the Altavista Refuge and various viewpoints like View of the North Coast and Lago Martiánez.

La Orotava benefits from a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal cycling destination at any time. However, the spring and autumn months often provide the most comfortable temperatures for sustained climbs, avoiding the peak heat of summer at lower altitudes and potential cooler conditions at higher elevations in winter.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in La Orotava are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Loop from La Orotava through Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal Nature Park – El Tabonal Negro Viewpoint loop.

The road cycling routes in La Orotava are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the well-maintained roads, the stunning and varied scenery, and the challenging yet rewarding ascents through diverse landscapes.

Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on public roads within La Orotava or through areas like Teide National Park. However, always ensure you adhere to local regulations, especially concerning protected natural spaces, and stay on designated routes.

While some routes, especially those passing through towns or popular tourist areas, may have cafes or restaurants, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, particularly on longer or more remote climbs. Some routes might pass by places like the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, which offers dining options.

Given the significant elevation changes and challenging nature of many routes, dedicated family-friendly road cycling routes are less common. However, some of the easier, shorter routes might be suitable for families with older, experienced children. Always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile before setting out with family.

La Orotava offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Many routes provide stunning vistas of the Orotava Valley, the Atlantic Ocean, and Mount Teide. Specific routes like the Llano de Ucanca viewpoint – View of Mount Teide loop are designed to showcase these panoramic views.