"Backbone" (Taganana):

The Anaga Mountain Range also serves up a lot of spectacular scenery. Here you can find fantastic views in every direction, second only to those around Masca. We prefer cycling to this area because there are more roads to explore, which are less frequented by tourists. The descent into Taganana is absolutely wicked. So good that you worry about the gruelling ascent later! It’s much speedier than the one into Masca, because there are less hairpins, and the quality of the road is also superior.

Finding the right way to Anaga is not particularly easy. If you ride along the secondary roads to the old city of La Laguna, you must transgress the network of labyrinth-like one-way streets as shown in the route map below. It’s no exaggeration that Les has spent hours going around in circles & generally getting lost here, orienting himself with the place. Maps don’t do you any good as there are no street signs; you either know your way through this maze, or you don’t. Furthermore, most people find that car navigation systems (GPS units) aren't particulary useful in Tenerife either, especially for the smaller streets. For that reason, it's much easier to approach Las Mercedes from the Bajamar / Tejina area rather than through La Laguna. Or else you can climb up the Anaga mountains starting from San Andrés.

Distance: 130km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Cumulative Ascent: 2750m
Average Altitude: coming soon!

Route Map

"Mountain Goats & Rabbit Stew" (Afur):

Afur is situated in a radical location; nestled right down in a steep sided valley. Perhaps Taganana is more spectacular overall, but Afur feels much more remote. The valley has a cosy, secluded feel to it, It definitely has a certain charm. It’s what I imagine all of Tenerife used to be like: little isolated towns and villages, linked by mountainous walking tracks.

Once you pass Las Mercedes, you won’t find cyclists, or even cars for that matter, just empty winding roads. And smoother than you’d think possible - given the location. In fact this whole region is just waiting to be explored, boasting terrific views around every corner. After the initial 400m climb to Pico del Inglés, there are spectacular views either side of this mountain backbone. Following this, there is an amazing 700m decent down into Afur.

There is only one restaurant in Afur itself. They don’t even have a menu in Spanish, let alone English! Specialties of the house? Take your pick from either rabbit or goat meat. Just a handful of German hikers pass through here each day, stopping to admire the place and refuel.

Distance: 100km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Cumulative Ascent: 2050m
Average Altitude: coming soon!

"The Forgotten Valley" (Batan de Abajo):

Batan de Abajo is a magical valley at the edge of the Anaga mountains. It is literally surrounded by tree-covered mountains. It's a paradise, untouched by tourism. Everything is quite low key here, but you won't believe the road. To extend the ride, take a detour to Taborno and/or Las Carboneras; both places will reward you with terrific views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. If you really want to get off the beaten track, follow the extra few kilometres shown on the route map below, along Camino El Fronton (B) and as far as Chinimada (C).

Distance: 85km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Cumulative Ascent: 2020m
Average Altitude: coming soon!

...plus there are a load more places to see...