Your Guide to Cycling in Tenerife

Riding Mount Teide – West Side From Adeje

Riding Mount Teide has huge appeal for cyclists. An unbroken climb of almost 50km is very difficult to find in Europe and so cycling in Tenerife has become hugely popular. There are a variety of routes up the volcano so which one is best for you? These are our route notes on climbing Mount Teide from the west.

The climb up Teide from the west is probably the easiest of all the ascents of Mount Teide. Note it’s the easiest not easy! The reason for this is its gradient is a little less punishing than from other sides. It’s also arguably the most beautiful ascent of Teide. This incredible cycling route passes through banana plantations and the Chinyero Volcano. It also heads into the Black Mountains, (Montañas Negras) allowing you to ride through landscapes the same colour as the tarmac. It’s quite a sight as the lava fields provide so many nutrients for the plants that the green trees and shrubbery are almost luminous green!

Adeje To Guia De Isora

The route takes you out of Adeje before climbing into Guia de Isora.

There is nothing but ascending for over 50km from here so be prepared. As you climb into Guia de Isora you are likely to notice a change in air temperature as Guia de Isora’s weather can be quite different from Adeje, despite it being under 20km away.

The Banana Plantations

As you ascend though the plantations, you will be rewarded with simply breathtaking views La Gomera. The island is often shrouded in cloud making it a spectacular sight as it sits alone in the Atlantic. From here, you will climb higher. Be prepared for another temperature change as you head into the Black Mountains. You will rack up another 1,500m in vertical ascent across just 15km. The air will become colder and thinner.

Unless you’re desperate to summit in a particular time, stop at the Mirador de los Poleos lookout for incredible views of La Gomera behind you, and the looming Mount Teide in front.

The Final Push

You will ride higher into the national park before turning left towards the cable car for your last few kilometres of this epic ascent.

Key Stats

Length: 55.4km

Average Gradient: 4.4%

Toughest Gradient: 12%

Total Ascent: 2,452m

Top Tips For Riding From The West

Whilst this is the easiest route up Teide, you will still want to avoid the midday heat. Get on your bike early if you are riding during the hotter months of May to October.

Guia de Isora is only 15km from your starting point but it can have a completely different temperature from Adeje.

Be prepared for further changes in temperature by the time you enter the Black Mountains. The 15km after you ascend from Guia de Isora into the mountains will see you clock up over 1,500m of climbing!

Remember that the sun doesn't rise until relatively late in the winter months and so you won't be able to start your ride as early as you can in the summer. For example, in December the sun doesn't rise over Mount Teide until almost 8am.

It is often very cold and windy at the top of the climb so you will need to be prepared. Arm warmers or a windbreaker are really important no matter how warm it is at the start of your ride.

It is often very cold and windy at the top of the climb so be prepared. Arm warmers or a windbreaker are really important no matter how warm it is at the start of your ride.

Read out top tips for cycling Mount Teide here.

Other Routes Up Mount Teide

There are a variety of other routes up the volcano.

These are our route notes for climbing Mount Teide from the south west. These are our route notes for climbing Mount Teide from El Medano in the south east.

Other Routes In Tenerife

The ascent of Mount Teide is the most famous route in Tenerife but be sure not to miss out on the epic from Masca to the Punta de Teno lighthouse. Read more about that route here.