"Torture Track"
(Erjos - El Palmar - Teno Alto)

The route between Erjos and El Palmar is a relatively flat, twisty track. There surface is quite smooth, so this ride can be enjoyed by all mountainbikers. This short path traverses unspoilt valleys with a rainforrest-like atmosphere.

If a longer ride is desired, there's a steep climb from El Palmar to Teno Alto which is well worth the effort. The high altitude plains of Teno Alto provide a stark contrast to El Palmar- among the wide open spaces you'll encounter dry reeds growing upon terraced slopes.

"Cliff Hanger"
(El Portillo - Izaña - Aguamansa - La Florida - El Puerto de la Cruz)

You start this ride off from El Portillo with a lung-busting 300m ascent up to 2300m in close proximity to Teide observatory. This ride has a bit of everything: unbeatable views, volcanic sands, pine forrests, and farmlands. Depending on which way you go, some parts of this route are considerably rocky, so it is not recommended for beginners. It is possibly the most scenic MTB route on the island with dramatic granite cliff faces. It is also well-suited for XC riders who often ascend the trail from Las Calderas up to road TF24.

"Labyrinth"
(El Portillo - Izaña - Pino Alto - El Puerto de la Cruz)

"Moonscape"
(El Portillo - Izaña - Las Cañadas)

"Straight Pasta"
(El Portillo - Los Realejos)

The zone between El Portillo and Los Realejos is the traditional downhill biking domain. Each weekend, dozens of crazier-than-normal Spanish riders flock to El Portillo, starting off the ride with a quick coffee to get the senses going. Most of them opt for pure DH rigs with dual 8" hydraulic brakes and double-triple clamp forks, but you can equally roll up on an older bike and not look out of place.

What's so great about this downhill run is that it's so accessible. You can get the bus from El Portillo located on the coast up to 2000m; this journey takes just 45 minutes and costs only €1.85. It's entirely possible ride back down without even pedalling (although then it might not strictly be called 'riding')!

Unfortunately, not all of the trails around La Orotava are currently showing up on Google maps at the moment so it's not possible to draw the best routes, but these ones will give you a good idea.

(Boca del Tauce - Chinyera - Arenas Negras - Montañeta)

(Vilaflor Loop)

"Death Run"
(TF21 - Arafo)

"Endorphin"
(Jardina - Santa Cruz)

Jardina is an enchanting little valley. The village itself is nestled among rolling hills covered in green grass. Around the end of January, masses of yellow flowers appear on thousands of stalks. Even the roads are lined with dense hedges of these flowers. This particular region has historically been prone to flooding during Winter months and hence gives rise to this luscious plant growth.

Apart from that, the houses are colourful, and the Anaga mountains can be seen further up the valley. The houses are colourful and the Anaga mountains can be seen further up the valley. Jardina is an ideal starting point for the 12km hair-raising descent down to Santa Cruz.