The island of Tenerife is located in the Atlantic ocean, several hundred kilometres west of Morocco; it is part of the Canary Island chain (a Spanish territory). This triangular-shaped island is 75km (50mi) long and 50km (30mi) wide, with an area of 2034 km² (786 mi²).

Geography:

Tenerife possesses a very dynamic landscape: undulating, mountainous terrain; picturesque old Spanish villages; terraced farmlands; native pine forests; sea-side cliffs; and high-altitude, volcanic rocky plateaus. Tenerife has the highest peak of all the islands, Mt Teide, which reaches 3718m (12,200 ft). Mt. Teide is also the highest point in Spain. In fact, this is the 3rd highest island volcano in the world. Good quality roads ascend up to 2300m!

Three islands in one:

A few hundred thousands years ago, Tenerife was actually three seperate islands. With subsequent lava flows and volcanic upheavals, the dominant central Teide volcano joined together with both the Teno and the Anaga mountain ranges at its extremity, forming a single landmass. Even today, these other parts of the island "feel" like different places, because of their significantly different landscape.

North vs South:

The landscape on the Northern side of Tenerife has a lot of variation, and the terrain tends to be more extreme, as the mountains are closer to the sea. It's greener for one thing. There are also a greater selection of roads, hence, the cycling routes are very interesting. Not only that, but the roads themselves are also well maintained. The North is also much less touristed than the South of the island.