Cycling vacation in the Canary Islands: top routes

The Canary Islands might be known for their sunny weather and beautiful beaches, but they are also perfect destinations to enjoy nature, peace, and…cycling! In fact, due to their favorable climatic conditions and their picturesque routes and trails, numerous sports people choose the Canary Islands for cycle tourism every year. 

Discover with us the best cycling routes in the Canary Islands and be prepared to receive a massive adrenaline rush!

Person cycling through a lush forest

Best cycling routes in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands provide a wide variety of ideal cycling routes for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels. With minimal rainfall and unchanging temperatures, the Canaries are a year-round destination for cyclists (they’re not known as the islands of the "Eternal Spring" for nothing). 

Visit Tenerife to discover moon-like volcanic landscapes, Gran Canaria to explore its yellow beaches and varied terrain and Lanzarote to come across amazing nature attractions. Once you get a taste of the immaculate roads on one island, you won't hesitate to saddle up for the next one. 

Ready to put on your cycling shoes? Here are the top 5 cycle routes you will not want to miss on Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote.

1. Mount Teide (Tenerife)

Mount Teide is the largest volcano in the Canary Islands. With an average gradient of 4.4%, the most popular and easiest route to climb Mount Teide in Tenerife is from Costa Adeje. It’s also the most beautiful ascent of Teide. This incredible cycling route passes through banana plantations, the Chinyero Volcano and also heads into the Black Mountains (Montañas Negras). 

Mount Teide can be broken into 2 sections. The 1st is the ascent leading up to Vilaflor, which is covered in vegetation and even has a forest. After that, the landscape turns much more barren and volcanic. In total, you’ll climb an extraordinary 2,831 m in nearly 50 km. 

Tip: stop at the Mirador de los Poleos for an incredible view of La Gomera behind you and the looming Mount Teide in front.

Mount Teide, the most famous route in Tenerife

2. Masca Valley (Tenerife)

Mount Teide not hard enough for you? Then try Masca Valley, but keep in mind that this is one of the toughest rides in Europe. Be prepared for a serious challenge as there is a total of 3,166 m of ascent over 120 km to get to San Bernardo from Adeje and back.

If you’re up for it, this is a ride definitely worth a bit of burning in the thighs, since it boasts some of the best views in the Canary Islands. You'll pass through some of the most astonishing scenery you're ever likely to see, with incredible seaside views and towering jagged mountains. 

Tip: have a break at the Teno lighthouse. The steep road to the stunning lighthouse was in fact used for the opening scene in the movie Fast and Furious 6.

Narrow curvy road to Masca Valley in Tenerife

3. The Valley of the Tears (Gran Canaria)

The Valley of the Tears is a must-do ride in Gran Canaria. It is very difficult to climb, however, considering you have to ride from the Parralillo reservoir, at 300 m above sea level, to the summit, at 1,380 m above sea level. 

The average gradient is 10% and maximum gradients reach 25%. Not very welcoming, yet highly alluring if you're an experienced road cyclist! The oppressive heat is yet another challenge… 

It goes without saying that this is a route for fit, experienced cyclists only. Expect Valley of the Tears to make you feel like you want to cry! Fortunately, thanks to the incredible scenery, there are amazing photo opportunities everywhere, which are great excuses for stopping and having a quick break.

Clouds formed over the Valley of the Tears in Gran Canaria

4. Tabayesco Valley (Lanzarote)

At just over 10 km in length and at a height of 580 m, the Tabayesco cycling climb is the longest on Lanzarote. The route starts at Puerto del Carmen, the LZ-207 junction, off the main L1 road between the villages of Mala and Arrieta. 

Immediately, the gradient kicks in (average of 5.5% with occasional ramps up to the 8% mark) and you’re pedaling over the Tabayesco Valley. Then head to Tabayesco through Tias, Masdache and Teguise, which used to be the capital. Along the way, you’ll get the opportunity to explore coastal villages, aloe vera fields and gardens filled with cacti. 

Once at the summit, you can enjoy some fantastic views and even better, there are several downhill sections to come.

The hidden valley of Tabayesco, a green gem in the north of Lanzarote

5. Mirador del Rio (Lanzarote)

There are multiple routes for cycling to Mirador Del Rio, a viewpoint 440 m high in the North West of Lanzarote. You can climb to Mirador Del Rio from Maguez in the west (easiest), Arrieta in the south (longest) and Orzola in the east (steepest).

With a continuous 10 km at 4.5%, the route from Orzola is the toughest climb to Mirador del Rio, while the climb from Arrieta is less steep than the route from Orzola. Finally, Maguez is the easiest and most popular climb to Mirador del Rio, since it's the western approach from the village of La Santa. 

There is an artistic panoramic cafe at the top with breathtaking views overlooking the nearby Chinijo Archipelago and the archaic island of La Graciosa. 

The descent back home is also very picturesque, as you leisurely ride through the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees and the old town of Haria.

Panoramic views of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago from the El Río viewpoint

Tips to riding a bicycle in the Canary Islands

• The best time to cycle in the Canary Islands is from February to May and October to November.
• Make sure you wear comfortable and suitable footwear, a helmet and warmers (leg, knee, arm). Additionally, carry with you a gilet, a windbreaker and a puncture repair kit.
• Find out about the routes before doing them and make sure they are suitable for your physical condition and experience. 
• Make sure you bring enough water and food, as well as something with sugar in case you run out of energy.
• Start the routes early to avoid the hottest hours and do not go cycling if there is rain forecast.

Transferring your bicycle by ferry in the Canary Islands

If you prefer to bring your own bicycle with you, whether you’re traveling from mainland Spain or another island, you should know that most ferries that have a car deck for vehicles also carry bikes. Regardless of whether you have to pay or not, on most ferries you will probably be required to book a ticket for the bike.

Small catamarans or high-speed ferries may have stricter rules regarding bringing bikes on board. Make sure that you check the company’s rules for the specific route and ferry before booking.

Book ferry tickets to the Canary Islands

Are you already putting on your cycling shoes? Check our complete guide to island hopping in the Canary Islands and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper, with no hidden fees!

Helpful info: check out our relevant blog post if you’re wondering which of the Canary Islands is best for your holidays.