Tenerife is the ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering routes with challenges, spectacular landscapes, and a perfect year-round climate. Due to the island’s volcanic geography, many routes feature steep inclines and sharp curves, making Tenerife a demanding yet rewarding location for cyclists of all levels. In this guide, we present the best routes classified by difficulty and located in different areas of the island: North, Center, and South.
Easy Level Routes
Coastal Route from Sauzal – Tacoronte (North)
- Distance: 20 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 400 m
- Description: This coastal route is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed ride with beautiful ocean views. Starting in El Sauzal and ending in Tacoronte, it passes through vineyards and rural areas. With some gentle climbs, it’s perfect for a leisurely ride.
Tip: Take a break at the El Sauzal viewpoints to enjoy the views. Easily accessible by car from Santa Cruz, with public transport options to reach El Sauzal.
Route from Las Galletas – Palm-Mar (South)
- Distance: 15 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 200 m
- Description: This route from Las Galletas to Palm-Mar is perfect for beginners or cyclists seeking a relaxed coastal ride along Tenerife’s south coast. The route is mostly flat, providing a scenic coastal backdrop.
Tip: Remember to wear sunscreen, as the southern climate is typically warm. Accessible by car from Santa Cruz, though direct public transport options are limited.
Moderate Level Routes
Route from San Miguel – Granadilla de Abona (South)
- Distance: 25 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 600 m
- Description: This route starts in San Miguel de Abona and gradually climbs to Granadilla de Abona, passing through rural paths. It’s a moderate route with gentle slopes that allow for enjoying the scenery without being too demanding.
Tip: Ideal for autumn or spring. Granadilla is about an hour from Santa Cruz by car, and buses are available, though schedules are limited.
Route from Costa Adeje – Playa de las Américas – Arona (South)
- Distance: 30 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 600 m
- Description: This coastal route begins in Costa Adeje, passes through Playa de las Américas, and then ascends to Arona. It offers sea views and some climbs, suitable for intermediate cyclists looking for a moderate route.
Tip: Make stops at local beaches. Reaching from Santa Cruz takes about an hour by car, and it’s also accessible by public transport.
Laurisilva Route: Cruz del Carmen – Las Mercedes – Mirador Pico del Inglés (North)
- Distance: 25 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Elevation: Approx. 700 m
- Description: This circular route begins at Cruz del Carmen, in the Anaga Rural Park, and passes through the enchanting Las Mercedes forest, one of the lushest laurel forests on the island. The path offers several viewpoints, including the Mirador Pico del Inglés, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the laurel forest and ocean.
Tip: It’s advisable to wear moisture-friendly clothing, as the laurel forest maintains a cool and humid climate year-round. Cruz del Carmen is about a 30-minute drive from Apartamentos Bruja, with bus options available.
Laurisilva Route: El Bailadero – Taganana – Almáciga (North)
- Distance: 30 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Elevation: Approx. 800 m
- Description: This route starts in El Bailadero and descends toward Taganana, passing through lush laurel forests that offer shade and coolness. From Taganana, the route continues to Almáciga, a picturesque coastal village where you can rest and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean view.
Tip: The descent to Taganana is curvy, so proceed with caution. El Bailadero is about a 45-minute drive from Apartamentos Bruja and is also accessible by bus. 
High-Level Routes
Route to Teide from La Esperanza (North)
- Distance: 60 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 2,000 m
- Description: Starting from La Esperanza, this route climbs toward Teide, offering incredible views of pine forests and the sea of clouds. It’s an iconic route with steep inclines and significant elevation, ideal for advanced cyclists.
Tip: Start early to avoid the heat. From Apartamentos Bruja in Santa Cruz, it’s about a 30-minute drive to La Esperanza.
Route from La Laguna – Anaga (Center/North)
- Distance: 35 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 1,000 m
- Description: This route to Anaga, starting from La Laguna, traverses the Anaga Rural Park, with stunning views of laurel forests and the ocean. The road is narrow and has sharp curves, making it a challenging route.
Tip: Bring clothing suitable for changing weather, as Anaga’s humidity can lower temperatures. La Laguna is easily accessible from Apartamentos Bruja by tram or car.
Laurisilva Route: Chamorga – Roque Bermejo (North)
- Distance: 20 km
- Difficulty: High
- Total Elevation: Approx. 600 m
- Description: The route from Chamorga to Roque Bermejo is one of the most beautiful in the Anaga region. It crosses laurel forests and rural areas before descending to the sea at Roque Bermejo. Although short, the route has steep sections, offering a cycling experience in full contact with nature.
Tip: Check your brakes before descending and carry enough water, as there are no services along the way. Chamorga is about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz, with private vehicle access recommended.
Laurisilva Route: San Cristóbal de La Laguna – Anaga Forest (Center/North)
- Distance: 40 km
- Difficulty: High
- Total Elevation: Approx. 1,000 m
- Description: This route starts in La Laguna and heads into the Anaga Rural Park, passing through some of the oldest and best-preserved laurel forests in Tenerife. The trail includes dense vegetation and spectacular views over ravines, perfect for advanced cyclists seeking an immersive experience in nature.
Tip: Due to humidity and sharp curves, it’s important to have well-maintained brakes. You can easily reach La Laguna from Apartamentos Bruja by car or tram and start the route from there.
Very High-Level Routes
Route from Masca and Santiago del Teide (North)
- Distance: 45 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 1,500 m
- Description: This route is one of the most challenging in Tenerife, with tight curves and steep inclines that test any cyclist. The route offers spectacular views of ravines and mountains, ending in the picturesque village of Masca.
Tip: Ensure your bike is in excellent condition, especially the brakes. Reaching Santiago del Teide from Santa Cruz takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
Southern Route: Granadilla – Vilaflor – Teide (South)
- Distance: 70 km
- Total Elevation: Approx. 2,200 m
- Description: Starting in Granadilla, this route ascends to Teide, passing through Vilaflor. The route is challenging due to the long ascent and altitude, but the views in Teide National Park reward the effort.
Tip: Ideal for those seeking a prolonged challenge. From Apartamentos Bruja in Santa Cruz, it’s about a one-hour drive to Granadilla.
Apartamentos Bruja, Ideal Starting Point for Cyclists
Tenerife is a paradise for cyclists of all levels, and its diverse geography offers unique routes in every corner of the island. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for challenging routes or prefer more relaxed rides, Tenerife has something for everyone. From routes through laurel forests to volcanic landscapes, cycling in Tenerife is a unique experience. These routes offer the opportunity to pedal through a subtropical forest environment that harbors unique flora and fauna, immersing you in the island’s natural beauty.
Apartamentos Bruja in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the perfect starting point to explore these routes. Its location in the capital allows easy access by car or public transport to most of the mentioned routes, providing comfort and flexibility for cyclists of all levels.
