Tenerife cycling - climbing, more climbing and flying (downhill)

An amazing week in Tenerife! 

To see my routes - check out the Komoot links in the post

Booked originally as an escape from a dreary and cold UK winter, a week's break in Tenerife, Canary Islands,  turned out to be an epic week of cycling. 

We did 331km & 7294 metres (23,930 feet), over 6 days, including the iconic climb to Mt Tiede National Parque. Tenerife, a volcanic island, is the 10th highest island in the world and offers several 40km+ continuous climbs making it popular with cyclists. But to match the summits you also have exhilarating (and somewhat scary at times) fast descents, exceeding 50kmph speeds! 

on the way up to the summit (Tiede in background)

My favourite ride of the holiday had to be up to Mount Tiede, National Parque. The mountain itself is the highest in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world. It’s a long way up - 27 miles of climbing through the park and then up towards the summit - as you ascend quite literally above the cloud line. The dramatic volcanic, almost moonlike, landscape on the way up & at the top of the climb is surreal / it’s classified as a world heritage site by Unesco. 

Check out my route on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2781963766

I did hire an e-assist bike this holiday knowing how mountainous Tenerife was, but believe me - even with the assist, it was a tough tough climb - climbing Mount Tiede on 64% of eco-mode for an 8000 foot continuous climb was in fact one of the toughest rides I’ve done. But certainly a fantastic sense of achievement when you EVENTUALLY get there. Hours 🤣

But then, one thing with such a long climb is we then had 20 miles, yes 20 miles of descending - luckily the hire bike had good disc brakes - as I navigated the many switchbacks on the descent. At some points it felt like you might just cycle right off the edge of the world.

views on the way up and towards the final part of the climb (second pic courtesy of google)

road going up...	view going down...

My second favourite climb was to Vilaflor on the slopes of Mt Tiede, which is classified as being the highest municipality in Spain with 1600 m of climbing. A different route up through pine forests on beautifully smooth tarmac roads with stunning views down towards the coast. Great stop at very busy cafe - popular with cyclists on their way down - or the poor sods who still have 1000 metres to the top. 

Check out my route on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2786337201

beautiful roads and scenery on way to Vilaflor	cafe at Vilaflor

Other highlights included what is affectionately known as the banana climb which is a climb up to Guia de Isora past miles and miles of banana plantations - a really lovely climb, quiet roads and not too steep gradients. We did this route up & also as a descent  on another day.

Check out my routes on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2780830327 and https://www.komoot.com/tour/2783649474

don't miss the banana climb (up or down) both are excellent!

The coastal Road over to Los Gigantes where there is an amazing view of the cliffs is more of a rollercoaster of a ride with regular climbs & downhills.

Check out my route on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2782669357

We were based in Costa Adeje a lovely area around 5km from the busier Playa Los Americas - it was a good base although it did involve 1000 feet of ascent out of the resort! 

A big shout out to the Parador Chio café, a legendary local cyclists cafe & super friendly owner. Bought a jersey so I can feel like a local? or more likely a tourist! A must to visit if you are cycling in the area.

a must visit if you are cycling in the area - Paradar Cafe Chio

We hired the Bikes from Cycling in Tenerife. I could not rate this company more highly! The bikes were excellent - outmatched only by the enthusiasm & 10 out of 10 for customer service, especially by Enrico! 

The road surfaces were great, for the most part, which certainly helped especially on those speedy descents- traffic was busier than Gran Canaria last year, but generally drivers were considerate. 

Would I recommend Tenerife for a cycling holiday ? yes - beautiful climbs through forests, banana plantations & dramatic volcanic mountain scenery, great roads, friendly locals but absolutely make sure you enjoy climbing as there’s pretty much zero flat routes. But if you are after some challenging climbs & exhilarating descents then this is for you.