The best traffic-free bike rides around Artenara

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Artenara featured in this guide. These routes range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, offering diverse experiences for cyclists.

While Artenara's mountainous terrain generally presents a challenge, this guide includes 1 easy route, 3 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route. For a challenging ride, consider the Cenobio Valcón Viewpoint – Cenobio de Valerón loop from Agaete, which covers over 52 km with significant elevation gain. The region is known for its demanding ascents and descents.

The routes vary in length, catering to different preferences. You'll find rides ranging from approximately 17 km, like the Tauro Pass Serpentine Road – Barranco de Mogán loop from Pie De Cuesta, up to over 52 km for longer excursions. The average distance for routes in this guide is around 34 km.

Gran Canaria's generally favorable weather conditions make Artenara an appealing destination for cycling year-round. However, the cooler, drier months from autumn to spring (October to May) are often preferred, avoiding the peak summer heat while still enjoying pleasant temperatures for challenging climbs.

Artenara is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Many routes offer views of iconic landmarks like Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. You might pass by viewpoints such as the Unamuno Viewpoint, Mirador del Corazón de Jesús, or La Cilla Viewpoint, offering expansive vistas of the island's characteristic ravines and volcanic peaks. For specific highlights, check out the Roque Nublo or Roque Bentayga highlight pages.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Limon y Miel – View of Agaete loop from Necrópolis de Maipez de Arriba offers a moderate 44.8 km loop through the scenic landscape.

Artenara offers a rich cultural experience. You can explore traditional cave dwellings and the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insights into the ancient inhabitants' way of life. The Archaeological Complex of Acusa is also nearby. The Virgen de la Cuevita Hermitage, carved into volcanic rock, is a unique spiritual site often visited by cyclists. For more, explore the Caves around Artenara guide.

As Artenara is a municipality, parking is generally available within the town or at designated starting points for routes. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival, especially in smaller villages or near popular trailheads. Many routes, like the View of Agaete – Climbing and Bouldering Wall loop from Agaete, start from towns where parking facilities are more common.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experiences around Artenara, with an average score of 4.52 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the stunning panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, and the sense of tranquility on these less-trafficked roads.

Given Artenara's mountainous and challenging terrain, many routes feature significant elevation changes, making them more suitable for experienced cyclists. However, the guide does include 1 easy route. For families with younger or less experienced riders, it's recommended to carefully review the route profiles and choose shorter, less steep sections or consider routes with lower elevation gain, such as the View of Agaete – Climbing and Bouldering Wall loop from Agaete, which has less than 400m of elevation gain.

The region is a natural marvel. You'll cycle through deep ravines, past unique volcanic formations, and extensive Canary Island pine forests, particularly within the Tamadaba Natural Park and Roque Nublo Rural Park. Keep an eye out for the iconic rock formations of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, which are visible from many points. The area also features several dams like Los Pérez, Lugarejos, and Las Hoyas, offering picturesque views.