"La Luna" (Las Cañadas):

The ascent to the base of Mt. Teide is the most obvious climb on the island, reaching 2360m over a distance of about 40km. The scenery is also the most dynamic: the ride starts by the black sand beaches along the Northen coast of Puerto de la Cruz. The road continually ascends the entire time past many tiny farms on the slopes of the La Orotava Valley and up through a native Canarian pine forest; once the timberline is reached, you travel across volcanic rocky outcrops & low-lying shrubs, and finally along an enormous, ancient volcanic crater with its barren, desolate "moonscape".

Aguamansa is a great place for a rest stop at the half way point; not only is it a peaceful town, but there are a few great café bars dotted along the road. Civilisation ends here so it is also the last chance to buy food or drink before reaching El Portillo.

Distance: 70-80km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Cumulative Ascent: 2400+ metres
Average Altitude: > 1200m

Route Map
Guided Ride: €40
With bike hire + lunch: €65

"O₂" (La Esperanza):

This route traverses the main backbone of the island through an unspoilt forest of native pine trees. There are tremendous views of the Atlantic ocean either side of this road. It is quite possibly one of the best rides on the island. The best place to start this ride is in the town of La Esperanza. Located at the edge of the forest, once you leave there, you're on your own, so stock up on anything you need.

This is also one of the most deceptively difficult climbs, so consider doing it in the reverse direction. On paper it looks easy. But after climbing for some 42 kilometres (OK there is ~500m of relief at about the 30^th kilometre), the road never seems to end - sweeping around to the left, again and again and again. Each time you think you are within 100m of the summit, you’re not even close. At this point you are already fatigued, and combined with a lack of sufficient oxygen molecules at this altitude, you actually lose hope. How ironic! Truly a great ride. You’ll find the cleanest, freshest air on this route - this one is not to be missed if you are seeking all the benefits of high-altitude bicycle training.

Distance: 100km
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Very Hard
Cumulative Ascent: ~3000 metres
Average Altitude: coming soon!

Route Map
Guided Ride: €45
With bike hire + lunch: €70

"Over the Top" (Vilaflor):

Alternatively, you can climb to Mount Teide National Park from the South of Tenerife. The best route starts from Granadilla de Abona and climbs up through Vilaflor, the highest village in Spain at 1400m. Just before Vilaflor, there are magnificent views of the neighbouring island La Gomera. Likewise, Vilaflor is the last place to refuel before reaching the base of Mt Teide. During the Summer months, you're strongly advised to fill your water bottles at this point - with the Sun beating down on you, it makes the Southern approach more difficult and you can quickly dehydrate. On the way back, it's also a great place to stop to enjoy a traditional Canarian meal before the remainder of the descent.

Additional: If you intend on climbing Mt Teide from Los Gigantes, know that the road surface isn't all that great, especially close to Boca del Tauce. The good news is that the ascent from this (Western) side of Tenerife has less traffic than the Northern and Southern approaches. But it's definitely not as nice as the Eastern approach! Chio is the last place to get food and supplies before reaching El Parador in the centre of Las Cañadas.

Distance: ~ 90km
Duration: 5+ hours
Difficulty: Very Hard
Cumulative Ascent: 2500m
Average Altitude: > 1200m

Guided Ride: €40
With bike hire + lunch: €65

"For whom the bell tolls" (La Orotava):

This is an easy ride through the fertile region of the upper La Orotava valley. Once above Palo Blanco, you'll pass various subsistence farms (fincas), peaking at Benijos before coming down into the historic town of La Orotava.

With its cobble-stone streets, the charming old quarter is well worth a visit. The route outlined below passes by the church of San Juan (D), Town Hall (E), Church of the Concepción (F), Victoria Gardens (G), Plaza de Constitución / Taoro Institution (H), San Augustin Church (I), Plaza Franchy Alfaro (J) and finally the Humbolt Lookout (K).

Distance: 40km
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Cumulative Ascent: 600m

"Slow-Poke Rodriguez" (Tejina/Bajamar):

This is another moderately easy bike ride, through the following lesser-known, quaint coastal towns: Santa Ursula, La Victoria, La Matanza, El Sauzal, Tacoronte & Guamasa before reaching Tejina. From there, you can continue to a place called Bajamar on the coast... something completely different.

Distance: 66.5 - 100km
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Cumulative Ascent: 1535m
Average Altitude: 360m

Route Map
Guided Ride: €35
With bike hire + lunch: €60

"Flat Spaghetti" (Granadilla - Arafo):

The old road between Granadilla de Abona and Güímar (pronounced "gweemar") is a long, undulating route with magnificent ocean views and extensive farmlands. Arafo is a nice little town situated on the slopes of this picturesque valley. The road up from Arafo is one of the most perfect climbs in the whole of Tenerife, smooth & sunny. Gran Canaria island is visible to the East.

Distance: 70 ~ 140km
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Altitude: > ~500m

"Excuse the Cruise" - Puerto de la Cruz:

This is a short, easy loop that you can either cycle or walk, taking in some of the sights of Puerto de la Cruz. It starts at Martiánez beach (A), goes past the Pyramid shopping centre (B), El Lago swimming baths (C), Jardín Beach (D), Puerto de la Cruz bus station - just so you know where it is (E), Plaza Charco (F), Church of Nuestra Señora de la Pena de Francia (G), a nice lookout called Mirador La Paz (H) and finally ends up at the Botannic Gardens (I).

Distance: 9 km
Duration: 30 minutes by bicycle / 2 hour walk.
Difficulty: Easy
Average Altitude: 0 ~ 100 metres