Cycling Holiday Guide: Tenerife
Overview
Tenerife is one of the most reliable cycling destinations in Europe, especially in winter. Long climbs from sea level, quiet mountain roads and consistent weather make it a go-to choice when much of the continent is cold and wet. This guide covers where to stay, when to go, the best routes and what to expect from a cycling holiday in Tenerife.
If you’d rather take the hassle out of arranging it yourself, I plan and book cycling holidays in Tenerife — from flights and hotels to routes and bike hire.
Practical info
Fly into Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Flight time is around 4 hours from the UK
Transfers from the airport to resorts take 20–40 minutes
Stay for 7–10 nights (you lose a day either side for travel)
Fly with or hire a bike
Best time to go is Winter in the Northern Hemisphere (Nov-March)
Bring climbing gears (52/36 and an 11-30+ cassette at least) as the climbs are long and can get steep in places
Bring kit for varied weather, it can be very changeable especially in Winter
When to go
Best time for a cycling holiday in Tenerife
The best time for a Tenerife cycling holiday is November to March. Winter temperatures average 18–22°C on the coast, cooler at altitude. April and May are also excellent, with warmer days and fewer riders.
Summer is hot and better suited to early-morning riding only, but it is a good destination for a family holiday and bike hire is easy if you’ve only got a day or two.
Where to stay
Where to stay for a Tenerife cycling holiday
The best bases for a cycling holiday in Tenerife are Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Américas. These areas offer an easy transfer from the airport, straightforward logistics and easy access to great routes both towards Teide and out west to Masca.
Northern bases are greener but cloudier, higher chance of rain and busier around the main city.
A personal favourite hotel of mine, and one I recommend to my clients all the time, is the Jardin Tropical.
Great bike room, wonderful sunset bar and a fantastic buffet
Tenerife cycling hotels and accommodation
There are several Tenerife cycling hotels offering bike storage and rider-friendly services. Well-chosen standard hotels and apartments also work well if they’re close to main routes and allow early breakfasts. Location matters more than hotel branding.
Note - some hotels are at the top of some pretty steep climbs, be sure not to get caught out with a 20% climb home every day…
Cycling Friendly are a great resource for choosing a hotel that’s just that.
Bike hire in Tenerife vs bringing your own bike
Bike hire in Tenerife is high quality, with carbon di2 road bikes, compact gearing, and climbing-friendly setups widely available. Bringing your own bike is possible but adds airline and transfer complexity. For many riders, hiring simplifies the cycling holiday.
Where to ride
Tenerife cycling routes, climbs and road quality
Expect to be climbing… a lot. Most classic Tenerife cycling routes start at sea level and climb from the door. Roads are smooth, gradients are steady, and traffic drops away quickly once inland.
This makes Tenerife ideal for and winter training and racking up hours in the saddle riding uphill.
My favourite climb on the island, Granadilla up to Vilaflor is quiet and beautiful.
Classic Tenerife cycling routes and the Big Day Out ride
Classic Tenerife cycling routes include:
– Sea level to Arona or Vilaflor
– Quiet climbs like Granadilla
– Rides heading west to Los Gigantes and Masca
A proper Big Day Out in Tenerife, heading up El Teide to the crater typically involves 4–6 hours riding and significant vertical gain.
Mount Teide cycling – the island’s signature climb
Mount Teide cycling routes are the main draw. You can climb to Teide National Park from multiple sides, with ascents lasting 30–60km and 1,800–2,400m of elevation gain.
You can ride either the south side via Arona and Vilaflor or the west side via Chio. They’re two climbs that feel very different. The west side is much more barren and moon-like whereas the section after Vilaflor is through the forest.
There is a cafe a short ride into the national park crater if you need, or places to stop either side on the descent if it’s too chilly.
For every cycling holiday I book I provide a comprehensive itinerary with plenty of routes to choose from to suit the rider.
Off the bike
Things to do on your rest day
Hire a car and visit Teide National Park
You’ll have already ridden the roads up to Vilaflor and the summit but your partner may not have so grab a car and drive up to Teide National Park to spend the day marvelling at the natural landscape, hiking the many trails available or come back at night for a spectacular night sky.
Visit Masca
This beautiful mountain village is nestled in a luscious green landscape that’s remarkably different to other places on the island. Just make sure you’re in a small hire car as the roads are windy and tight in places.
Los Gigantes for lunch
A charming seaside town futher along the south coast from Costa Adeje, enjoy lunch with a view as you take in the magnificent cliffs of Los Gigantes. Like all of Tenerife, the natural wonders will take your breath away.
The mountain village of Masca is well worth a visit either on the bike or as a day trip.
Summary
Who a Tenerife cycling holiday is best for
Best suited to
– Experienced riders
– Winter training blocks
– Riders who enjoy long climbs
Less suitable for
– Flat café riding
– Short social loops
– Mixed-ability groups
Explore the Teide National Park with its amazing hiking routes, a cable car to the summit and a spectacular sky at night.
Planning a cycling holiday in Tenerife
A successful Tenerife cycling holiday depends on smart base choice, correct gearing, and route sequencing. Get those right and Tenerife remains one of the most reliable and effective winter cycling destinations in Europe.
For expert advice and to take away the hassle in planning your next cycling holiday, get in touch on the button below.
About me
I plan and book cycling holidays for individuals to large groups, handling all the details so you get a better trip without the hassle.
I run my own travel business through Travel Counsellors and have access to over a million hotels, villas and more worldwide.
You can reach me on the below, get in touch today to start planning your next cycling holiday.