Cycling in Tenerife is a thrilling adventure. This sun-soaked Canary Island combines year-round warm weather with dramatic terrain, from palm-lined coastal roads to the slopes of Mount Teide. It’s no wonder many pro teams train here. Whether you’re a leisure rider or a hardcore climber, Tenerife offers something special. In this guide, we cover the best cycling routes in Tenerife, give you altitude and weather insights by region, explain how to rent a bike, and share tips for tackling the big climbs. Let’s gear up for the ride!
Cycling in Tenerife: routes, tips, and where to rent a bike
Best Routes For Cycling in Tenerife
Tenerife’s landscape has it all: rolling hills seaside rides, winding mountain roads, and volcanic ascents. Here are some top routes, grouped by difficulty and scenery. This makes cycling in Tenerife an amazing experience.
Click HERE to discover the best routes in Tenerife.
Coastal Scenic Rides in North Tenerife
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Not every ride here is all uphill. Coastal routes let you enjoy Tenerife’s beauty without brutal climbing. For example, try Puerto De La Cruz to Los Silos. A route of hilly riding with lovely ocean views. This ride is perfect for riders that want a relaxed warm-up day, offering great scenery with hills instead of mountains.
Mountain Climbs In Tenerife
Difficulty Level: Advanced
For experienced cyclists, Tenerife’s mountains are a dream playground. The ultimate challenge is climbing Mount Teide – a continuous ascent from sea level up to roughly 2,300 meters. Depending on your route, you’ll be climbing for 30–40 km at a steady 5–7% grade. It’s an endurance test, but the lunar-like views in Teide National Park are incredible. Another legendary climb is in the Masca Valley (northwest Tenerife). The road drops into a gorge and then climbs out steeply with hairpin bends (sections hit 15–20% grades). It’s short but intense, and the surrounding ravines and cliffs are absolutely breathtaking. (Tip: Start your Teide ride early to beat the heat and traffic, and always double-check your brakes before descending Masca’s twisting road.)
Coastal Scenic Rides in North Tenerife
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Not every ride here is all uphill. Coastal routes let you enjoy Tenerife’s beauty without brutal climbing. For example, try Puerto De La Cruz to Los Silos. A route of hilly riding with lovely ocean views. This ride is perfect for riders that want a relaxed warm-up day, offering great scenery with hills instead of mountains.
Mountain Climbs In Tenerife
Difficulty Level: Advanced
For experienced cyclists, Tenerife’s mountains are a dream playground. The ultimate challenge is climbing Mount Teide – a continuous ascent from sea level up to roughly 2,300 meters. Depending on your route, you’ll be climbing for 30–40 km at a steady 5–7% grade. It’s an endurance test, but the lunar-like views in Teide National Park are incredible. Another legendary climb is in the Masca Valley (northwest Tenerife). The road drops into a gorge and then climbs out steeply with hairpin bends (sections hit 15–20% grades). It’s short but intense, and the surrounding ravines and cliffs are absolutely breathtaking. (Tip: Start your Teide ride early to beat the heat and traffic, and always double-check your brakes before descending Masca’s twisting road.)
Altitude and Weather By Region
Tenerife is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, but conditions do vary by region and elevation. In general, the south side of the island (e.g. around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje) is sunnier and drier, while the north side (e.g. La Orotava, Anaga, Puerto De La Cruz) is greener and while still hots (Especially in summer!) it can be cloudier and slightly cooler than the south which makes it perfect climbing weather. It’s common to see a layer of cloud blanketing the north at around 1,000 m altitude you might climb up through fog and suddenly emerge into sunshine above the clouds and look down on a picturesque blanket of clouds! At sea level, temperatures average in the mid 20s °C, but remember that on Mount Teide it can be much cooler. In fact, the summit area can be 10°C colder than the coast, and in winter there may even be a bit of snow high up Mt. Teide. Always check the forecast for the part of the island you plan to ride. Bring layers if you’re heading into the mountains (you can always take off a jacket if it’s warmer than expected) and be ready for strong sun once you’re above the cloud cover.
Check Tenerife in general weather HERE
Check Teide specific weather HERE and remember to choose “Mid 2000 mt”
Bike Rentals For Cycling in Tenerife – How to Rent & What to Expect
Ideally, bring your bike if you plan to rent for 2 weeks or more. But for less than that, we recommend renting a bike for cycling in Tenerife to avoid the hassle of bringing your own, the risk of it being delayed, damaged or lost and the inconvenience of transporting it to/from the airport. The cost of renting for a week is very similar to bringing it on the plane but the risk and the hassle just isn’t worth it.
Tenerife has plenty of bike rental shops catering to visiting cyclists. You’ll find reputable outlets in the many areas, for example, in Puerto De La Cruz we at Teide Cycling offer premium bike rental. It’s wise to reserve your bike in advance to ensure availability (We let you book online). Our rental bikes include high-quality road bikes with appropriate gearing for climbing Mount Teide.
Basic repair kits (two spare tubes, one multitool, two levers and one pump) come with the rental, and we may even deliver the bike to your hotel or accommodation for convenience and help you in the unlikely event of a mechanical issue. Prices vary, but expect roughly €35–€45 per day for a good road bike, with discounts for multi-day hires.
When you pick up the bike, our staff will fit it to your size and don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments so it feels right. If you use clip-in pedals, request the type you need, we have the main types or bring your own. You’ll need your passport or ID and 100 euros cash for the deposit (only if you did not pay online).
Also, keep in mind that Spanish law requires you to wear a helmet outside urban areas, and Tenerife’s fast descents make helmets a must anyway. With your rented bike ready, you’re set to explore cycling in Tenerife!
Bike Setup Tips for Climbing Teide
Tackling Mount Teide (and other big climbs) while cycling in Tenerife is much easier with the right setup and strategy. With the right preparation, you’ll find that cycling in Tenerife and climbing Teide is tough but doable and incredibly rewarding when you see the view from above the clouds! Keep these tips in mind:
Use Easy Gears
Make sure your bike has climber-friendly gearing. A compact crankset with a wide-range cassette will let you spin at a comfortable cadence on Teide’s steady grades, saving your legs for the long haul.
Check Brakes & Bike Condition
Before any big mountain ride, ensure your brakes are working perfectly. The descent from Teide is long, and if you do Masca, its downhill is very steep. If you’re using rim brakes, brake in short intervals to prevent overheating. A quick tune-up or check can prevent mechanical issues on the road. If you have disc brakes check the wear on the pads as they wear out quickly descending on your road bike in Tenerife (Especially SRAM brake pads for some reason)
Dress for Changing Weather
The temperature and weather can change as you gain altitude. Wear layers that you can remove as you warm up climbing, and pack a windproof jacket for the chilly summit and descent and I strongly advise gloves for the descent! Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses as the sun at higher elevations is strong, even if it’s cool out.
Pace Yourself & Fuel Up
Teide is not a climb to sprint up. Start at a steady pace you can maintain for a couple of hours. Bring two water bottles and plenty of snacks or energy gels as there are limited spots to refill once you’re on the mountain. If you go up Teide via La Orotava, Aguamansa is the last place where you can fill up via a public water fountain or local bar! If you do not fill up here yo will not be able to stock up until KM 32 which is about 20KM climbing! Eat and drink regularly (even before you feel hungry or thirsty) so you don’t “bonk” before reaching the top.
Guided Daily Tours Weeklong Trips In Tenerife
If you prefer a turnkey experience or want to ride with experts, think about joining a weeklong guided cycling trip. Companies like Synergic Performance offer guided tours that take care of everything: high-end bikes, experienced local guides, support vehicles, and planned routes. Going with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you’ll discover the island’s best-kept secret routes and history without any stress. It’s also a great option if you’re traveling alone and want some riding company, or if you aim to train hard (they know all the good climbs!). With a guide handling the logistics, you can focus purely on enjoying the journey – from conquering Teide’s summit to diving into a barraquito after a beautiful coastal spin.
Things to Do on Rest Days From Cycling In Tenerife
Even the most dedicated cyclists need a rest day and in Tenerife, that’s no punishment. Whether you’re staying by the sea or nestled in the hills, the island has plenty to explore off the saddle. Chill out on the black sand beaches of Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz or the amazing Plya Bollullo (Where Dua Lipa filmed!), or soak in natural volcanic pools like El Caletón in Garachico. Take a cable car up Mount Teide and stand above the clouds without breaking a sweat, or walk the cobbled streets of La Laguna, a UNESCO-listed town with colonial charm. If you’re into nature, the Anaga Rural Park offers stunning short hikes with panoramic views and fresh mountain air. Rest days here aren’t just about doing nothing, they’re a different kind of adventure.
Local Cuisine & Where to Eat in North Of Tenerife
Tenerife’s food scene is a hidden gem, especially if you know where to look. Start with the island classic: papas arrugadas, sea salty “wrinkled potatoes” served with mojo verde (a coriander, olive oil and garlic sauce) or mojo rojo (a smoky red pepper version). Pair them with fresh seafood, grilled meats, or local goat’s cheese. Wash it all down with a glass of Canarian wine, grown in volcanic soil for a unique minerality. For a truly local experience, visit a guachinche, family-run eateries often hidden in the hills around La Orotava and Los Realejos, where you’ll eat hearty homemade food and drink house wine at unbeatable prices.
Top 10 cafés & restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz that we recommend
Tito’s Bodeguita
Cozy and vibrant spot known for Argentine-style grilled meats, Canarian starters, and a rustic garden setting—perfect for a relaxed yet flavorful meal.
La Cofradía de Pescadores
Seaside gem serving ultra-fresh fish and seafood straight from the local market—authentic, no-frills, and full of ocean flavor.
El Taller Seve Díaz
Modern Canarian cuisine at its finest—creative, beautifully plated dishes in an intimate setting, led by one of Tenerife’s top young chefs.
Ristta Thai Food
Casual, flavorful Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients and bold spices—comforting curries and noodles that pack a punch.
Con Pasión
Charming tapas bar serving local wines and elevated small plates with a Canarian twist—perfect for a relaxed night out.
Zicatela
Lively Mexican eatery with bold flavors, vibrant cocktails, and their signature tableside guacamole show—fun, fresh, and full of soul.
Venecanarias
A hidden gem for authentic Venezuelan comfort food—think arepas, tequeños, cachapas, and hearty pabellón criollo, all served with love and tropical flair in a casual, welcoming setting.
Tropic Burger
A local favorite for casual bites, Tropic Burger dishes out juicy burgers, loaded sandwiches, and crispy fries in a fun, diner-like atmosphere—ideal for a quick and satisfying post-ride refuel.
Colosseo
A cozy Italian café offering hearty pasta dishes, quality sandwiches, and excellent value breakfasts—like a croissant, cappuccino, and juice combo for just €3.50. Perfect for a relaxed start to your day.
Arancino
A cozy Sicilian-inspired pizzeria offering a wide range of pizzas, from classic Margherita to gourmet options like Imperatore with truffle cream and burrata. They also serve arancini, calzones, and focaccias. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request. Enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere with both dine-in and delivery options.
Where to Stay – Why the lush North is a Cyclist’s Paradise
While the south of Tenerife may get hotter, the north offers a more authentic, lush, and cyclist-friendly base with better cycling weather and calmer quieter roads, and at the heart of it is Puerto de la Cruz. This charming coastal town blends traditional Canarian vibes with cyclist essentials: peaceful roads, quick access to climbs like La Orotava and Mount Teide, better temperatures for endurance rides, and fewer crowds than the southern resorts. You can roll straight from your hotel into serious elevation without traffic chaos or long transfers. The surrounding terrain is incredibly diverse from jungle-like climbs in the Anaga Mountains to the epic volcanic roads of Teide National Park. Off the bike, Puerto de la Cruz is full of relaxing spots, from natural pools to historic plazas, and a buzzing food scene that’s big on post-ride recovery meals. If you want to ride hard, eat well, and soak in real island life, the north, and especially Puerto, is where you want to be cycling in Tenerife.
Top 10 bike friendly hotels in Puerto de la Cruz that we recommend
All of them are very cycling friendly, and they all have dedicated bike rooms or let you take the bike to the room.
Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden
5-star luxury surrounded by lush gardens, featuring an award-winning spa, elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and serene ambiance—perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa
Adults-only, all-suite hotel with sleek design, panoramic ocean views, rooftop pool, and spa—ideal for couples.
Hotel Riu Garoé
A tranquil 4-star hotel set amid lush gardens, offering elegant rooms with balconies, a spa, gym, and a large pool. It provides a free shuttle to the town center and is ideal for a peaceful getaway.
H10 Tenerife Playa
Stylish beachfront hotel opposite Lago Martiánez, offering pools, spa, rooftop terrace, and vibrant entertainment.
Blue Sea Interpalace
Affordable hotel near the coast with sea-view rooms, a large pool, buffet dining, and family-friendly entertainment.
Hotel Valle Mar
Classic seafront hotel with ocean-view rooms and a rooftop pool—great location for enjoying both city and coast.
Sol Costa Atlantis
Modern beachfront hotel with a spa overlooking the sea, outdoor pool, and easy access to both beach and town.
Hotel Casablanca
Charming aparthotel with spacious studios and apartments, pool, and gym—ideal for long stays and families.
FERGUS Puerto de la Cruz
Versatile hotel with two pools (one by César Manrique), buffet dining, and entertainment for families and couples.
Hotel Atlantic El Tope
Comfortable hillside hotel with panoramic views, pool, and easy walk to the town center—quiet yet central.
Ready For Cycling in Tenerife?
You’ve got the knowledge, now make it happen. Book Your Tenerife Bike Rental in advance and lock in your dates. Having your bike sorted will free you to fully enjoy the island once you arrive. Just click the “Book Now” button to reserve your bike. Then, get ready for the cycling adventure of a lifetime. From epic volcano climbs to breezy beachside spins, your cycling in Tenerife adventure is waiting, time to hit the road!
