The best road cycling routes in Tenerife

Tenerife offers an incredibly diverse road cycling experience. You'll find everything from the challenging, high-altitude volcanic landscapes of Mount Teide National Park to the lush, ancient laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park. Routes also feature dramatic ravines, coastal roads, and extensive pine forests, providing varied scenery and significant elevation changes.

There are over 400 road cycling routes available in Tenerife on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 68 easy routes, 191 moderate routes, and 178 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Loop from Costa Adeje to Teide National Park offer significant climbs up to 2,461 meters of elevation gain over 105 kilometers. Another demanding option is the Lomo de Masca, Faro de Teno, and Puerto de Erjos from Santiago – circular through the Teno Rural Park – Tenerife, which covers 92.5 kilometers with nearly 3,000 meters of ascent through the dramatic Teno Massif.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Tenerife are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Loop from Costa Adeje through La Camella, Granadilla, Vilaflor and Arona, which takes you through traditional Canarian towns, and the Loop from San Cristobal de la Laguna to Anaga via Pico del Inglés, Las Teresitas, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, exploring the lush Anaga Rural Park.

Tenerife, known as the 'Island of Eternal Spring,' offers excellent road cycling conditions year-round due to its consistently mild temperatures. This makes it an attractive destination even during European winters, when other regions are cold and wet. The stable climate allows for comfortable riding in all seasons.

Tenerife's road cycling routes are renowned for their incredible vistas. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, neighboring islands like La Gomera, and dramatic geological formations. Highlights include viewpoints within Teide National Park, offering 'above the clouds' perspectives, and coastal views from areas like the Cliffs of Los Gigantes.

Absolutely. Many routes pass by significant landmarks and natural features. In Teide National Park, you might see unique rock formations like Roque Cinchado. In the Anaga Rural Park, you can experience the ancient Laurel Forest at Cruz del Carmen. The island's diverse landscapes ensure there's always something interesting to discover.

The road cycling experience in Tenerife is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the island's diverse terrain, from volcanic peaks to ancient forests, the well-maintained roads, and the stunning views that accompany almost every ride.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Tenerife pass through or near traditional Canarian towns and villages, especially in areas like Vilaflor, the highest village on the island. These towns often have cafes and local establishments where you can stop for refreshments, refuel, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Generally, no specific cycling permits are required for road cycling on public roads in Tenerife, including those that traverse national or rural parks like Teide National Park or Anaga Rural Park. However, always respect local regulations, especially concerning protected natural areas, and stay on designated roads.

Tenerife has a public bus network (TITSA) that connects many towns and cities across the island. While buses are a viable option for transport, carrying bicycles on them can be restricted, especially during peak hours or on smaller routes. It's advisable to check the specific bus line's policy regarding bicycle transport in advance if you plan to use public transport to reach a trailhead.

While many of Tenerife's iconic road cycling routes involve significant climbs and are geared towards more experienced riders, there are also easier routes available. With 68 easy routes listed on komoot, families can find flatter, less challenging options, particularly along coastal areas or in some of the less mountainous regions, though specific dedicated family cycling paths on roads might be limited.