The Best Cycling Routes in Tenerife: Climbs, Views & Must-Ride Roads

Road Cycling In Tenerife

Cycling in Tenerife is defined by its iconic routes, dramatic landscapes, and year-round riding conditions. From the legendary ascent of Mount Teide, starting at sea level and climbing through volcanic terrain, to the sweeping coastal roads of the northern coastline, leading to the legendary Masca Valley, the island offers some of the most memorable road cycling in Europe.

With expert local knowledge of Tenerife’s most famous climbs, hidden gems, and the best places to stay, this guide is designed to help you plan your ultimate cycling holiday. Explore the routes that have shaped pro training camps and bucket-list rides, and discover how to make the most of every kilometre on this world-class cycling island.

Iconic Tenerife Climbs for Road Cyclists

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is one of Europe’s most iconic road cycling destinations, especially for winter training.

At the heart of Tenerife’s cycling appeal is Mount Teide (3,715m), Spain’s highest peak and one of the most famous climbs in the world. Visible as you descend into Tenerife South Airport, Teide dominates the island geographically and culturally. The climb from sea level to the Teide National Park offers an almost uninterrupted ascent of around 50km, gaining over 2,000m of elevation through coastal roads to pine forests and into stark volcanic terrain.

But Tenerife’s cycling isn’t defined by Teide alone. In the northwest, the Buenavista del Norte to Masca Valley route is another legendary ride. This brutally steep ascent at the end, often referred to as the Masca Wall, features gradients exceeding 20% and tight switchbacks carved into dramatic cliffs. It’s a benchmark climb used by professional cyclists and a must-ride for those seeking one of the toughest, most iconic roads on the island.

Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Tenerife offers a rare combination of altitude, climate, and terrain diversity, making it one of the most complete and rewarding cycling destinations in Europe.

Preparing Yourself for Mt Teide

Climbing Mount Teide is a true endurance challenge, so preparation is key. Tenerife is a climber’s paradise, but the nature of these ascents is relentless, there’s very little opportunity to recover once you start climbing. Efforts like Teide or the Masca Wall demand sustained pacing, not short bursts, so arriving with a solid endurance base will make a big difference to your experience.

Be ready for long, continuous climbing. Rides on Tenerife may look shorter on paper, but that’s because you’ll spend most of your time ascending, often for hours at a steady gradient.

If you have the option, consider upgrading to an electronic groupset (Di2). Smooth, precise shifting helps conserve energy and lets you stay focused on maintaining rhythm on long gradients rather than managing gears under load.

Route choice also matters. On a typical 5-day cycling trip, you’ll likely only tackle Teide once or twice, so it’s worth selecting the route that best matches your goals, whether that’s the longest uninterrupted climb, the most scenic approach, or the quietest roads.

Above all, pace yourself. Most routes to Teide involve around 50km of sustained climbing, so holding a steady effort is crucial. Start conservatively, fuel consistently, and leave enough in reserve for the final kilometres into the caldera. Read more about how to plan a cycling holiday in Tenerife.

The Masca Valley Cycling Route

The Masca route is one of Tenerife’s most iconic and demanding rides, set in the rugged northwest within the Teno Massif. Typically approached via Buenavista del Norte or Santiago del Teide, the route combines coastal riding through banana plantations with a dramatic inland transition into steep, winding mountain roads. The highlight is the climb to Masca village itself, a short but brutal ascent of around 4–12km, where gradients regularly exceed 19% and tight hairpins carve through sheer cliffs and deep ravines. As you gain height, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote, with panoramic views across the gorge and out to the Atlantic, making this a ride defined as much by its diversity, from lush coastal plains to volcanic mountain terrain, as by its relentless, leg-breaking gradients.

Listen to Our Podcast

Listen to our CEO's guest appearance on the Rouvy Unchained Podcast for more information on the best routes and rides in Tenerife.