The best cycling routes in El Teide

El Teide offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 70 options available. These range from challenging ascents to scenic loops within the national park, catering to various skill levels.

Thanks to Tenerife's subtropical climate, El Teide is accessible for cycling throughout the year. It's a popular European destination for winter training, offering a unique experience that rivals the great Alpine ascents.

Cyclists will experience a dramatic and varied volcanic landscape. Routes often begin by passing through vineyards and pine forests on the lower slopes, then transition to barren, otherworldly volcanic rock formations, craters, and lava flows at higher altitudes. The scenery transforms dramatically as you ascend, often revealing stunning 'sea of clouds' phenomena.

While many routes in El Teide feature significant climbs, there is at least one route categorized as easy, and 16 moderate routes. These might offer more suitable options for families looking for less strenuous rides, though specific family-focused routes are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Always check route profiles for elevation and distance.

El Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in natural wonders. You can encounter iconic rock formations like Roque Cinchado, often called the 'finger of God,' and the spectacular La Catedral. Other prominent natural monuments include El Burro and Placas de Guillermo. The highest village in Spain, Vilaflor, also offers a chance to refuel.

Yes, there are several circular routes. For instance, the Teide National Park Loop is a popular 43.4-mile (69.8 km) option offering extensive views. Another is the Roques de García – El Tabonal Negro Viewpoint loop from Boca Tauce, which is 18.1 miles (29.2 km) and leads through distinctive volcanic rock formations.

Touring cycling in El Teide is largely defined by continuous climbs and high-altitude landscapes. The majority of routes, 60 out of 77, are categorized as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains. There are also 16 moderate routes and at least one easy option, providing choices for different ability levels.

The touring cycling routes in El Teide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 150 reviews. More than 5,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging ascents and the unique volcanic scenery.

El Teide is renowned for its long and continuous climbs from sea level, ideal for honing fitness and altitude training. Routes like the Teide Climb from El Médano offer sustained ascents, passing through diverse vegetation zones and providing significant elevation gains over distances of 40km or more.

Yes, numerous viewpoints are scattered throughout the park. As you ascend, the changing scenery offers incredible vistas of the caldera, the peak, and even neighboring islands like La Gomera. The Roques de García – El Tabonal Negro Viewpoint loop from Boca Tauce, for example, highlights some of these spectacular formations and views.

The roads in El Teide are generally in very good condition, providing a smooth riding experience. While some initial sections near towns might have more traffic, the routes within the national park are well-maintained, making them suitable for touring cyclists.