13 Surprising Tips for Cycling Mount Teide Like a Pro
Whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth, cycling Mount Teide in Tenerife is an experience that always delivers, but also one that demands respect. With ever-changing weather, dramatic altitude shifts, and Europe’s longest continuous climb, it’s no ordinary ride.
We’ve spent years riding and guiding on Teide’s slopes, and these are the 13 things we wish more people knew before tackling this iconic volcano.
1. You Can Ride Teide Year-Round
Thanks to Tenerife’s mild, spring-like climate, Mount Teide is rideable 12 months a year. Sure, in winter, snow or high winds might close the cable car or even the road for a couple of days, but that’s rare and usually well forecasted.
Pro tips:
- April–May and September–October are ideal, quieter roads, perfect weather, and better prices on accommodation.
- Always check roadand cable car status before you leave — Teleférico Teide official site has real-time updates.
- Choose early weekend mornings if you want peace – it’s a popular day trip for locals, especially the motorcycles in mid-late weekend days
2. It Gets Incredibly Hot! Even in Spring
At 2,000–2,300 meters, Teide’s black lava landscape turns into a furnace. Don’t trust coastal weather to prepare you as it can hit 44°C on the mountain in summer.
Pro Tips:
- Start your ride at sunrise. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and bring plenty of water or a hydration pack.
- Bring at least two full bottlesof water or a hydration backpack. Dehydration happens faster at altitude.
3. Winter Rides Can Be Surprisingly Warm (Above the Clouds)
Above 2,300 meters, Teide often floats above the cloud layer, soaking in the sun. Even in December, it can feel like 15°C providing perfect conditions for winter altitude training and why the top professional bike teams choose Tenerife.
Pro Tips:
- Dress in layers. You’ll feel both chill and warmth depending on wind and shade.
- Don’t be overconfident: the air is thinner and dry. Short exposure is fine, but don’t linger on the summitfor too long, you’ll soon find out why
4. The Coldest Section Isn’t the Summit
Cyclists often ask: “How cold is it at the top?” But the real chill hits between 1,000 and 1,800 meters, especially in the afternoon when there’s cloud cover. This middle section gets trapped in a microclimate — damp, misty, and between 0–10°C during winter, and 5-15C during spring and autumn, yes you read that right!
Pro Tips:
- Dress for 3 climates: base layer for warmth, windbreaker for descents, and light gear for the sunny upper zones.
- Leave early to avoid afternoon cloud cover– visibility and temps drop fast after 2PM so don’t stay too much on top!
- Always carry gloves and a winter cap, even in spring.
5. Strong Winds Can Shut the Volcano Down
High winds regularly close the cable car and make upper sections unsafe. Gusts can surprise even experienced cyclists.
Pro Tip:
- Check Teide’s mountain weather forecast on AEMET before your ride. If it’s windy at El Portillo, it only gets worse higher up.
6. Yes, It Snows on Teide! But Roads Reopen Fast
From December to March, snow occasionally shuts down access roads — but rarely for more than 2–3 days.
Pro Tips:
• Snowfall on Teide is stunning — but check closures before your trip. Roads are usually cleared quickly.
• If you’re lucky, you’ll see snow-covered lava and palm trees on the same ride!
7. It’s Not Just a Volcano! Mt. Teide is a Massive Crater
Teide rises from a massive caldera (Las Cañadas del Teide) — a 30-kilometer-wide plateau at 2,000 meters. This lunar landscape is incredibly diverse: frozen lava flows, bizarre rock formations, and endless panoramic vistas.
Pro Tips:
• Don’t just aim for the peak – explore Roques de García, Minas de San José, Llano de Ucanca. Each spot feels like another planet.
• Amazing photo ops at sunrise and sunset — golden lava and deep shadows make for dramatic shots.
• Stop at one of the five cafés: El Portillo, Bambi, Papillon, the Cable Car Station, or Parador Nacional.
8. You Can’t Bike to the Summit of Mt. Teide
The road ends at 2,350 meters. From there, it’s cable car or foot. To hike from 3,550m to the 3,718m summit, you’ll need a permit (book 2–3 months ahead).
Pro Tip:
• Don’t confuse base station weather 2,350 my with summit conditions 3,700 mt— always check forecasts separately.
• You can hike up from Montaña Blanca trail nr if you’re acclimatized and fit, but you must register here first
• Book your permit here: https://www.reservasparquesnacionales.es
9. There’s Only One Hotel Inside the National Park
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the only hotel in the park and it books up fast, especially with pro cycling teams. It is usually booked out 6-12 months in advance!
Pro Tips:
• Stay to acclimatize before a summit attempt or high-altitude ride.
• Bring binoculars as the stargazing here is world-class.
• You might spot teams like UAE, Ineos, or Jumbo-Visma doing training camps.
10. Beware the Calima (Saharan Dust Storm)
The Calima is a dry, dusty wind from Africa that can reduce visibility and dry out your lungs. It usually lasts 1–3 days.
Pro Tips:
• Stay hydrated — Calima air is dry and dusty.
• If the air quality feels harsh on your lungs, avoid intense exertion.
• Use sunglasses and a cycling buff to protect your eyes and throat.
11. No Water Fountains on the Climb
There are very few public water taps on the way up to Teide National Park. None in fact. If you’re cycling or hiking, you must bring your own water, especially in summer. One of the final water fountains on the climb is in Aguamansa, if climbing from La Orotava.
Pro Tips:
• Bring at least 2 liters per person.
• Cafés are open during the day so you can stop for more
• Electrolyte tablets or salt snacks help you avoid cramping.
12. It’s the Longest Climb in Europe
From sea level to the cable car base is an uninterrupted climb of 45 kilometers — the longest continuous climb in Europe. But it’s not brutal. The average gradient is only 5–6%, which means any reasonably fit rider can do it.
Pro Tip:
• Don’t rush — pace yourself, take breaks, enjoy the views.
• Bring extra snacks: bars, dried fruit, gels — there’s nowhere to buy food mid-climb.
• Ride with a friend or hire a support vehicle from Teide Cycling to make it smooth and safe.
13. The North Side of Mt. teide is the Hidden Gem
Most tourists climb Teide from the South (Los Cristianos, El Médano, Las Américas) — not because it’s better, but because that’s where the resorts are. The North side is quieter, greener, cooler, and has less traffic. Plus, the road quality is superb.
Pro Tip:
• Base yourself in the North (Puerto De La Cruz, La Orotava, La Esperanza, Icod) for a more authentic Tenerife and better ride options.
• There are 3 beautiful northern climbs — and each has its own personality.
• Want help planning your route? We do that daily. Book a custom trip with Teide Cycling Trips
🧭 Want to Ride Teide Like a Local?
No two rides up Teide are the same and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re training, exploring, or ticking it off your cycling bucket list, knowing the volcano’s secrets can turn a good ride into a legendary one.
🚴♂️ Need a High-End Rental Bike?
Book your Teide bike rental: carbon road bikes, perfect gearing, and local advice included.
🌋 Want Help Planning the Perfect Route?
Join a Teide Cycling Trip — guided tours, support vehicles, and pro-level experience.
Let the volcano surprise you, in the best way possible.
