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Tenerife is one of the world’s best road cycling destinations.  It’s the largest of the Canary islands and, just off the African coast, offers a reliably warm climate year-around with fantastic climbing on smooth roads.

One of our favourite things about cycling in Tenerife is the dramatic scenery: from the lost world of Masca to vertical sea cliffs and the spectacular Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. You can see Teide from all over the island, looming upwards; it’s one of the main attractions for the pro cycling teams that descend on the island during training camp season.

There aren’t many places you can train on 40+ kilometre climbs that take you from sea level to 2,300 metres during European winter, so biking in Tenerife offers you plenty of unique experiences as a road cyclist.

Cycling Tenerife is about as good as it gets.

Training camps + more…

During Northern Hemisphere winter, there are tons of cycling training camps in Tenerife. Pro cycling in Tenerife tends to be limited to training camps rather than racing; the beautiful roads and weather make it a hotspot for pre-season training.

The island is also a major “sun and sand” holiday destination, with lots of hotels, water parks and beaches that make Tenerife cycling holidays a great choice if you’re with family. See our pick of the best hotels for cyclists.

Fancy road cycling in Tenerife?

Start with our video that gives you the best of Tenerife by bike.

Then read on for our favourite Tenerife road cycling routes and places to stay – it’s time to plan a fantastic cycling holiday in Tenerife!

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Clare Dewey

Article by Clare Dewey

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.

Part 1: What are the best Tenerife cycling bases?

There are many options to choose from for a Tenerife cycling holiday base. But probably the most popular option is staying in the south. That said, venturing further north is definitely worth it and offers a contrasting climate compared to the south. Find out more below.

The map below highlights some of the key locations mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to see the names of the places.

Vilaflor

Situated high above the southern resorts, Vilaflor is one of Spain’s highest villages and a classic waypoint on the Teide climb. It’s the sort of place where you roll in, lean the bike outside a café and refuel properly before the road tilts back into the pines. Find out more below. 

Take a few minutes to wander off the main drag: you’ll find traditional Canarian architecture, wooden balconies, and plenty of flowers framing the lanes. The Iglesia de San Pedro sits above the main square and is worth a quick look before you clip back in.

Santiago del Teide

On the western side of Tenerife, Santiago del Teide sits on the edge of the Teno mountains, with the dramatic Los Gigantes sea cliffs close by.

For cyclists, it’s a brilliant base if you want to ride Masca early and enjoy the Teno roads before the day-tripper traffic turns up. You’re also well positioned to link across to Chío and tackle Teide from the west for a longer, steadier climb into the crater. Compared with busier parts of the island, the lanes around Santiago del Teide are typically quieter and more relaxed, which makes ride planning feel simpler (and safer).

Chío

Set on west Tenerife between the coast and the high slopes of Teide, Chío sits on one of the island’s key access roads to the volcano – so it’s a natural regroup point before the altitude starts to bite. The village has a proper cycling heartbeat, helped by Bar Parada, the go-to espresso stop for everyone from holiday riders to the pro peloton.

Names like Julian Alaphilippe, Wout van Aert and Jasper Stuyven have all been known to drop in, and the walls are stacked with jerseys and photos to prove it. Roll through for coffee and a top-up, then point your front wheel uphill.

Guimar

Over on Tenerife’s east coast, Güímar feels pleasantly removed from the resort bustle, with cobbled streets, colourful facades and traditional Canarian homes in the old centre. It’s easy to reach from the south via the TF-28 – a classic, unhurried road that threads through local villages and sets you up perfectly for a steady endurance day.

The headline ride is Teide from the eastern approach, where gradients are more consistent, and traffic is often lighter than the busier southern ramps. You’re also well placed for out-and-back spins to Candelaria and Santa Cruz, or for spicier terrain in the Anaga mountains, where short climbs and sharp views come as standard.

Icod de los Vinos

Icod de los Vinos is a northern gem: a compact, characterful centre of traditional Canarian houses, plus vineyards and bodegas that make post-ride recovery feel well-earned.

On the bike, it’s a smart launch point for Teide via the Orotava side – long, scenic and properly rewarding, with big Atlantic views as you gain height.

Part 2: What are the best Tenerife cycling routes?

Our Tenerife cycling routes map

As far as Tenerife road bike routes go, by far the most famous ride is cycling up Mount Teide. The mountain dominates the island and if you’re coming to Tenerife to cycle, it’s unthinkable you’d leave without tackling it.

Below you can see a map showing Epic Road Rides’ Tenerife routes overlaid on top of one another. If they don’t all appear on your screen, make sure the “show all” button is clicked at the bottom righthand side of the map.

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What are our favourite Tenerife routes?

Each of the buttons below are links to in-depth guides to what we think are the best cycling routes on Tenerife. This selection includes some of our own favourite rides. You’ll find a great selection to choose from! Click through and find out what to expect – you’ll find firsthand accounts of the ride, GPX files, photos and lots more.

Rides

Cycling Mount Teide

There are five major routes up Teide; our post will help you choose which to do – Cycling Mount Teide: which is the best Teide cycling route? Any one of these up and down routes of Teide could easily be a whole ride in itself: even the fittest amateurs will take at least 2.5 hours to climb to the top.

But if you’ve got all day and want a truly special ride, check out our two Teide loops below. On a good day, we reckon either of these could be contenders for being one of the best cycling Tenerife routes, if not the best road bike rides in the world.

Cyclists riding on Tenerife mountain road with Mount Teide in the background

Riding Mount Teide on hired bikes from Explora Bikes (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Two unmissable rides for once you’ve done Teide…

Yes, you’ve got to tick off the Teide climb by bike. But there are some other awesome Tenerife bike routes too. To really experience the island, ride the road north to Masca where craggy Andes-style mountains are dotted with rustic Spanish villages before they plunge into the turquoise sea. The scenery is epic – but so are the gradients. This is one tough ride.

From Masca it’s not far to the unforgettable Teno lighthouse. The road clings to the cliff and offers jaw-dropping Atlantic views before bringing you to the spectacular lighthouse at the end of the peninsula.

We also love our Anaga loop. It’s on one of the island’s most beautiful roads where you’ll find quiet, smooth ribbons of tarmac that wind up into green forests and down narrow lanes to the sea. It’s easier than the Masca loop too…

However, you do need to bear in mind that Masca and Anaga are in the north of the island. This can make accessing these rides a bit tricky unless you have your own transport or book a tour. Something to think about when you decide where to stay: our guide to where to stay in Tenerife for cyclists might help! Also, check out our map below, which shows the routes overlaid on each other, so you can see their location on the island.

Cyclists riding a mountain road in Tenerife with Mount Teide visible at sunrise

Climbing Masca in the northwest of Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Looking for more cycling routes?

If you are still looking for cycling route inspiration on the island, local bike hire companies have a great knowledge of the best routes to ride. Find out more below.

Why is Tenerife famous for altitude training?

El Teide has become one of the go-to destinations for professional cyclists seeking altitude training, with teams like Visma and stars including Wout Van Aert, Rolgic and Remco Evenepoel riding this destination every year to train for their big cycling goals.

Teams typically stay at the Parador de las Canadas del Teide above 2,000 metres of altitude and which offers all the essentials athletes are looking for including a fitness room, indoor pool and restaurant. It’s the perfect base for riding at altitude.

The central location of El Teide allows riders to train on both sides of the volcano, and by training at this altitude, it stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells, in turn improving oxygen transport to the muscles and performance.

Looking for more specific information about altitude training for cyclists? Don’t miss this in-depth guide.

Cyclist riding uphill on a mountain road near Mount Teide in Tenerife

Climbing a high altitude mountain road near Mount Teide in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

What are the best easy cycling options in Tenerife?

If you hate climbing, cycling holidays in Tenerife are not for you!

Most of the roads either go up or down, there’s very little in the way of flat cycle routes on Tenerife. What there is is not that exciting.

But while most of the roads go up or down, at least the main roads (like those up Teide) are generally at decent gradients (just avoid some of the extremely steep side roads). Cycling in Tenerife is more about endurance than extreme fitness: you don’t need to be a Contador or Quintana, you “just” need to be able to keep going for kilometre after kilometre!

If you’re looking for a rest day ride that avoids some of the major climbs you should be able to put together a moderate route with a bit of planning. Here are some ideas for bike routes in Tenerife that take in a little less climbing.

  • A loop around La Orotava via Palo Blanco, Benijos and La Perdoma, along the TF-326, TF-21 and TF-324: around 24km with 700m of climbing. 
  • Granadilla de Abona to Arafo along the TF-28 and TF-525: roughly 54km and 1,000m of climbing each way. Our Teide via Vilaflor loop includes this section. 
  • La Orotava to Tejina on the northwest coast, along the TF-21, TF-217, TF-1224 and TF-16: around 32km with 600m of climbing.
Two cyclists riding a palm-lined road in Tenerife during golden hour

Riding a palm-lined road in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

How can you ride responsibly?

  • Stay on paved roads or way-marked tracks; off-piste riding is prohibited in Teide National Park.
  • Do not discard gels or bidons – carry litter to the next bin.
  • Keep to the right and ride no more than two-abreast on secondary roads. File down to single-line when there’s poor visibility, such as on blind bends, or when traffic builds up.
  • Respect the rules in Teide National Park: no collecting rocks or flora, no fires, and no off-road driving.
Group of cyclists riding uphill on a mountain road in Tenerife with dry volcanic scenery

Riding uphill (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

And finally…

Before you leave home, don’t forget to check out our tips for cycling on Tenerife! This includes important tips for bike set up.

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Part 3: Practicalities of cycling in Tenerife

What is the best time to go cycling in Tenerife?

Average temperatures in Tenerife remain a solid 17-24°C throughout the year, making it a good choice for anyone whose main ambition is to cycle Tenerife in the sun. Rainfall is also low – you’re most likely to get rain in December and even then it’s only on average for six days of the month.

Top tip! The cycling season typically runs from November to April, when temperatures drop everywhere else in Europe. The professionals are typically on the island from January and February until June to prepare for the season’s big races. They usually stay at an altitude above 2,000 metres of elevation.

Be aware! The island is at its busiest in November, February and March.

Coastal view over a seaside town in Tenerife with cliffs and Atlantic Ocean

Coastal scenery in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Are there any north-south differences?

Throughout the year it’s worth remembering that the north side of the island is often cooler and wetter than the south. There’s a reason the scenery in the north is greener than the arid rocky south! Also know that the upper part of the island is often shrouded in a thin layer of clouds that forms around Mount Teide at 1,000-1,500htm.

As for the difficult question of exactly how much cooler and wetter the north is than the south, we asked local cyclist Carolyn Gaskell to comment. She lives in the north-east of the island and had this to say:

“Yes, it’s definitely wetter and colder in the north compared to the south. But it’s also much more beautiful! The north side (Los Silos – Puerto De la Cruz get the sunsets and is in the shade of the Teide and therefore cool in the mornings – generally). It’s much busier traffic wise that side, because the motorway stops at Puerto, so all the cars are on the main road. The side roads through the villages are nice, but steep! The Anaga mountains, is my favourite area, they are very often covered in a light mist cloud, and it also rains properly up there too. February-March are usually the worst months for rain. August is commonly the worst month for winds, November to January, usually have the calmest weather, but it’s not an exact science… and the last few years have been quite unpredictable!”

Here’s a table which summarises the differences:

Zone Winter avg. high Winter rain days (typical) Notes
South coast (Arona / Costa Adeje) 21 °C 2 days / month Dry trade-wind lee side – best beach weather.
North coast (Puerto de la Cruz) 18 °C 5 days / month Cooler, greener; cloud builds against Mt Teide.

What is the typical climate on Tenerife by month?

January Temperatures on Tenerife remain good for cycling throughout the Northern Hemisphere winter. At sea level, short sleeve jerseys and bib shorts should be fine. However, you may get some rain and in the mountains temperatures can be much colder than at sea level. Frost and ice above 2,000m is possible. Dress accordingly.
  • Average highs: 20-21℃
  • Rainfall: 38-43mm, 4-5 days per month
February
March
April Temperatures increase a little and the risk of rain reduces. On most days, the temperature at midday is similar in the mountains as at sea level, assuming it’s not too cloudy in the mountains. It’s still wortth packing a windproof jacket and arm warmers.
  • Average highs: 22-23℃
  • Rainfall: 8-19 mm, 2-3 days per month
May
June You can expect warm days and a low risk of rain during this period. Sometimes it can be warmer in the mountains than at sea level. It’s still worth bringing a windproof jacket if you’re planning on mountain descents: they are long and the windchill can be surprising.
  • Average highs: 25-28℃
  • Rainfall: 2-4 mm, 1 day per month
July
August
September September remains very warm with barely any risk of rain but as October rolls in, that risk increases. As in April and May, temperatures are often similar in the mountains as at sea level but pack a jacket and arm warmers in case.
  • Average highs: 25-27℃
  • Rainfall: 9-26 mm, 1-4 days per month
October
November See comments for January to March. Rainfall in November and December is a bit higher than January to March, with averages at 47 and 56 mm and 5 and 6 days respectively.
December

What are the best cycling events in Tenerife?

Fancy timing your trip to Tenerife with an event? The Vuelta al Teide Gran Fondo is a popular option and is due to take place on Saturday, 16 May 2026. It’s a full-island loop of 175 kilometres (with 4,400 metres of climbing) plus a shorter 95 kilometre option, both taking in Teide National Park.

You will also find many other local events hosted by clubs. The Teide challenge is another popular event held annually every November. This week brings together around 100 cyclists to spend a week exploring the island together, with funds raised to purchase bicycles for final year students at a remote Dogon village in Mali. The challenge involves daily cycling followed by a time trial of 66 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2,550 metres.

The Giro d’Italia “Ride Like a Pro” Tenerife event, held in 2022 and 2023, might still form the inspiration for your riding. There were two back-to-back stages (94 kilometres and 107 kilometres) starting in Arona and Adeje, that gave amateurs a World-Tour style experience on closed roads around Teide.

Where is the best place to stay when you are cycling in Tenerife?

Start here

If you’re deciding where’s best to stay in Tenerife for cyclists, start with our in-depth article on the pros and cons of each resort: Best places to stay in Tenerife (for cyclists). This article also includes hotel suggestions for cyclists.

Our choice: Landmar, Playa La Arena

We spent five nights at Landmar, Playa La Arena (formerly Be Live, Playa La Arena). It’s a large hotel with lots of facilities and it’s a good option if you’re travelling with children and/or looking for an all-inclusive package.

What we liked

  • Good location on the west coast, giving access from the door to Teide (via Chio) and also to Masca in the northwest.
  • Large, attractive pool area with three pools surrounded by palm trees, facing the sea. The main pool is in the middle and pool activities are run here (for example water aerobics). The pool closest to the sea does not permit the use of inflatables and so is quieter and has an adult focus. The small children’s pool is furthest from the sea. It is divided into two with half being the drop off zone for the water slide and the other half the shallow pool for toddlers. 
  • Our 4 year old loved the waterslide and spent at least an hour just taking himself up and down it.
  • Kid-friendly activities in addition to the pool area. The kids club (open 11-12:45 and 3-5, children under 6 have to be accompanied by an adult) is based next to an excellent pirate ship climbing frame. The same area also hosts mini golf, archery, a pétanque court, balance beams course and tennis court. Near the pools there is also table tennis.
  • Gym and spa. There is also a program of daytime and evening activities, should you wish to participate.
  • Lift access from the hotel down to the black sand beach of Playa La Arena.
  • Wide range of food available at each meal and each night has a different theme. A limited range of food is cooked to order (for example eggs or omelettes for breakfast).
  • Our superior family room on the 6th floor contained a king sized bed and sofa bed for the children. It was sufficiently spacious for the four of us though the cupboard space was limited (we’d definitely recommend using packing cases so you don’t have to fully unpack). The children enjoyed the blackboard, floor puzzle and play tent in the room, as well as the kids bathroom accessories.
  • We enjoyed the views from our room across Playa La Arena to the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

Things to be aware of

  • The hotel is used by a number of British, German and French holiday operators. This is no small boutique hotel.
  • We would suggest the hotel is more 3 star than 4 star. It’s comfortable, with good facilities, but don’t expect it to be overly smart. 
  • The hotel charges for extras you might normally expect to be included. For example, use of the safe deposit box in each room and use of the hotel car park. A 12 euro deposit is also payable for each pool towel.
  • Food is served at specific times in the main restaurant. Outside of those times, food is available in the snack bar but the choice is much more limited that the main restaurant and we didn’t find it very appetising.

Conclusion

We enjoyed our stay here. Our 2 and 4 year old kids loved the facilities and we liked the location.

Want more information on where to stay in Tenerife?

Read our in-depth post on Tenerife’s different resorts and hotels.

What are the best bike hire options in Tenerife?

Looking for road bike rental in Tenerife? Below you’ll find all the road bike hire shops we’ve been able to uncover on Tenerife. Missed one? Please let us know! We haven’t used these ourselves but would love to hear your experiences. Please drop us a line!

It’s possible to bike Tenerife from any part of the island but you’ll soon see that most of the cycle hire in Tenerife is clustered where most of the tourists are: in the southwest. If you’re staying somewhere else, don’t despair, some of the bike rental shops will deliver bikes across the island. We’ve made a note of where they offer this.

Most of the Tenerife bike hire and rental shops also offer Tenerife cycling tours and excursions, from half days to multi day cycle training camps. These are great ways to get to know the island from a local’s perspective, and discover the best riding on the island.

Road bikes resting by the sea during a Tenerife coastal cycling ride

Explora Bikes parked by the sea (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Prices, services and bike brands often change. Please let us know if anything is incorrect.

Bike hire Costa Adeje

Cycling in Tenerife

Parque Royal shopping centre, Av. Ernesto Sarti, 10, 38660 Costa Adeje

Free Motion T3

Avenida de los Acantilados, s/n, 38679 La Caleta de Adeje

Bike hire Las Americas

Bike Experience Tenerife

Tenerife Excursions Travel S.L, Avd. V Centenario, 2 Local 5, Playa de Las Americas

Bike Point Tenerife

Av. Quinto Centenario s/n, Edificio las Terrazas, 38660 Las Américas

Bike 4 You Tenerife

CC Fanabe Plaza, Av. Bruselas 20, Local 219. 38660 Playa de Las Americas

Bike hire Los Cristianos

Free Motion

Calle Finlandia 10, 38650 Los Cristianos

Bike hire El Medano

Bike Point Tenerife

Calle Villa de la Orotava 10, 38612 El Médano

Bike hire Puerto de la Cruz

Bike Spirit

Inh. Boris Alvarez, Calle Mequínéz 51, 38400 Puerto de La Cruz

Bike hire La Laguna

Kiraya Bike

Avenue Milan, 71, 38260 San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Other bike rental companies

Club Activo Cycling

Carretera General del Sur, 158, San Miguel de Abona

Group of cyclists climbing through pine forest in Teide National Park, Tenerife

Climbing through Teide National Park (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Do you have any tips for bike rental in Tenerife?

  • Book your bike in advance, particularly in peak season.
  • Shops sometimes close, move or change their prices/bikes before we have a chance to update this list, so please contact them directly before you visit.
  • Remember to bring your own pedals, shoes and helmet. This packing list may help!
  • Check which way around your brakes are set before you ride away (i.e. whether the front brakes are on the right hand (as is usual in the UK) or on the left (as is usual elsewhere in Europe)). Also take a look at our list of things to check before hiring a bike.

Undecided on whether to hire a bike or bring your own? Read this now.

Cyclist riding a quiet road in Tenerife with dry landscape and mountain views

Riding with a complete and familiar setup (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

How can I get to Tenerife?

Tenerife has two airports, one in the south in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona (this is the larger of the two) and the other in the north in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Decide where you want to base yourself before booking your flights! You can see the location of the two airports in this article by Sky Scanner.

What airport transfer options are available?

The best option is to take a taxi. The airport is well organised, and they have different lanes and seperate spaces for all the taxis. As of December 2025, a taxi typically costs around 30 euros to go to Adeje. Be aware that they will charge extra if you want to transport your bicycle.

Top tip! Another good option is to ask the hotel where you are staying if they have a transfer service available from the airport. Many Tenerife hotels work with trusted bus operators.

You could also take public transport, which costs around four euros one way. However, be aware that the bus stop might not always be right in front of your hotel.

Any highway code and travel information I should be aware of?

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Spain are here.

You should also read and follow Spain’s highway code.

Part 4: Do you have any tips for cycling in Tenerife?

Here we share our tips for cycling in Tenerife. If you think we’ve missed something, do let us know in the comments!

What are the roads like for cycling?

Every year, Tenerife invests in its infrastructure and most roads are well maintained and in perfect condition for cyclists.

Be aware! It is best to stay on the main roads, as all of the narrow roads lead you to extreme 15-20% gradients.

Group of cyclists riding through a road junction in southern Tenerife with dry volcanic scenery

Road cycling in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

What should cyclists know about safety?

Be aware! Outside of the cities, wearing a helmet is mandatory.

A rear light isn’t compulsory, but it’s worth considering. Many Tenerife bike-hire shops include a light with the rental, so it’s worth checking when you book.

Large group of cyclists riding together on a scenic road in Tenerife

Safe riding in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Do you need to train before cycling in Tenerife?

Be aware! Tenerife isn’t the place to “wing it” after a winter of barely riding.  You can’t just expect to cruise up Teide on day one. The climbs are long, the altitude adds bite, and recovery can take longer than you think.

Before you arrive, aim to build a decent base:

  • Steady endurance rides (time in the saddle)
  • Some strength work (even basic gym or hill repeats)
  • Practice pacing on sustained climbs (no hero starts)
Cyclists climbing a mountain road through pine forest in the Corona Forestal of Tenerife

Mountain road cycling in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

Are there any good books on Tenerife cycling?

We used and liked the following two guidebooks during our Tenerife trip:

  • Marco Polo guide to Tenerife: the book gives an overview of the main destinations on the island and we liked the introductory chapters on the island and its food and drink. It comes with a separate map at 1:130,000 which was useful for high level planning but lacking sufficient detail to show all the minor roads.
  • The Real Tenerife by Andrea and Jack Montgomery puts a bit more flesh on the bones. It’s a personal guide to Tenerife  and more opinionated than the Marco Polo guide. The enthusiastic authors help you get under the island’s skin, but we did find that some of their descriptions were a little over-romantic. Also the photos are black and white, there is no index and the map is poor. Nonetheless, a refreshing change to your typical guidebook.Maps

If you like physical maps for route planning, it’s worth buying the Globe series map of Tenerife. At 1:75,000 it shows all the roads relevant to cyclists. It is annotated with symbols for things like gas stations and tourist destinations which you may either like or not.

Do you have any good rest-day ideas?

  • Santa Cruz – this is the main capital of Tenerife. It’s a great city full of architectural buildings and surrounded by mountains.
  • Take the Teide cable-car to 3,555 metres – it’s an 8-minute ride, open daily 9 am–5 pm (last up 4 pm); book online to avoid queues.
  • Natural pools – Charco del Viento (La Guancha) is family-friendly lava rock swimming with Atlantic views.
  • Anaga forest walks – short laurel-forest loops from Cruz del Carmen visitor centre; signposted and shaded.
  • Los Gigantes sunset boat trip – dolphin spotting beneath 600 m high cliffs.
  • Old town of La Laguna – Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and home to one of the best preserved old towns in Tenerife. The medieval streets and colonial architecture are beautiful.
  • Puerto de la Cruz – This coastal city has incredible views of Mount Teide and is home to a small dock, Las Lonjas and the la Ranilla district, a traditional fishing area.
Group of cyclists posing by a road sign in a pine forest area of Tenerife

Approach between La Esperanza and Teide (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

What are your favourite cycling cafes in and around Tenerife?

The best places to refuel when climbing Mount Tiede

Bar Parada Chio in Chio is the place to stop for a coffee and cake before heading on to climb the 30 kilometres up Mount Tiede. It’s a really vibrant cycling hub with shorts, cycling pictures and old bikes decorated on the walls. Many pros can be found stopping to.  Rafa is the owner who also organises an annual race called the Ciclo por la vida for charity.

If you are planning on climbing Tiede from the south, you should definitely stop in Vilaflor. This is the highest village in Spain and sits at an altitude of 1,450 metres. It’s also the last village you will pass before heading into Tiede National Park. Restaurante Cafeteria Tito- Loterias is a great place for a tasty coffee and a bite to eat.

Once you are in the National Park, the Restaurante Papillon is a good option for a pit stop!

Other great Tenerife cycling cafes

If you are looking for an easier ride, cycling to the coastal town of El Medano is a great option. It’s located near the airport, and there are many bars along the coastal road. The cafe M Medano is a firm favourite of ours!

If you plan to cycle towards Masca, you could stop in Santiago del Teide at cafataria Bar Soto.

Activate Sports Club in Adeje is another great stop!

Cycling group relaxing at an outdoor café stop in Tenerife during a ride

Café stop during a cycling day in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

What food should I try to get a taste of Tenerife?

  • Papas arrugadas with red or green mojo sauce – salty “wrinkled” potatoes boiled in Atlantic-salt water, a Canarian icon.
  • Queso asado – grilled goat’s-milk cheese drizzled with honey.
  • Ropa vieja canaria – slow-cooked chickpeas, shredded beef and potatoes in a cumin-scented broth. The name translates as Canarian Old Clothes!
  • Barraquito – layered coffee cocktail, with espresso, condensed milk, Licor 43 and cinnamon; the perfect post-ride sugar hit?!
  • Volcanic-soil Listán Negro red wine – look for the Tacoronte-Acentejo D.O. on labels.
Traditional Spanish omelette topped with cream and peppers served during a café stop in Tenerife

Spanish omelette at a café stop in Tenerife (photo credit: Explora Bikes)

More tips for cycling in Tenerife

Before you set out on your bike, don’t miss our article, top tips for cycling Tenerife. It’s full of practical ideas to help make your cycling in Tenerife as good an experience as possible.

Part 5: What’s next?

Did you enjoy our guide to Tenerife? Let us know in the comments below!

Wherever you ride, take care and have an awesome time.

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Clare Dewey

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.

First Published: 16 July 2025

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