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The ascent to Teide by bike is one of the goals for every cyclist in the world! In fact, at 3718 meters it holds a few records: it is the peak of Spain, it is the peak of the Atlantic islands, and it is the highest volcano in Europe. I remind you that when traveling abroad, a travel insurance is necessary: to you who are a reader I leave you 10% discount with Heymondo insurance!
There are five roads leading up to the base station of the teleferic, at an elevation of 2350 meters: from Candelaria, from Orotava, from Santa Cruz, from Guia de Isora, from Playa de las Americas / Arona, and from Medano. I started my ascent from Playa de las Americas. The climb to Teide begins with 8 km at 6 percent leading up to Arona: the sea becomes more and more distant, and the vegetation is barren with several cacti.
From Arona, continue climbing for another 12 km to Vilaflor, at 1300 meters above sea level: here the road coming from Medano rejoins. Vilaflor is also home to some bars, where you can refresh yourself with water and food before the last part of the climb. From Vilaflor you enter a different microclimate: in fact, for about 12 km you pedal through a lush laurisilva forest.
At the altitude of 2100 meters, the vegetation suddenly disappears. On the left you can see the ocean, 2100 meters below; on the right, the peak of Teide. The landscape becomes lunar: you pedal through an incredible landscape of first black and then red rocks. The last part of the climb, the lunar part, is about 10 km long and is the easiest, as it is a plateau with more docile gradients. It is also possible to find a hut, where you can have something to eat or drink.
After about 50 km, I thus arrived at the base of the Teide cable car: the last 400 meters are definitely steep!
On the descent I followed the plateau again, but at the end of it I turned right toward Guia de Isora. It is beautiful to descend with the ocean in the distance, and the island of La Gomera clearly visible. It is possible to take a detour to Chirche, without passing through Chio: the mirador is very beautiful!
Once I got to Guia de Isora I continued downhill through Costa Adeje, thus arriving in Playa de Las Americas after 107 splendid kilometers!
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USEFUL TIPS FOR CLIMBING TEIDE BY BIKE
- It is possible to reach the base of the funicular practically all year round. In winter, however, it is very likely to find snow. For example, I went up with the sun on November 6 by bike and on the 24th by foot, but by the 27th it had already snowed. In winter 2020 – 2021, the road was closed no more than five days.
- As mentioned, there are six slopes. I recommend the tour I took so that Vilaflor is the base. On the slopes from the north, in fact, there is a risk of not finding bars for many kilometers.
- The ascent to Teide by bike from Playa de Las Americas is not difficult. The gradients are never challenging, although going from 0 meters to the 2100 meters of the plateau with an average gradient of 6% is certainly not a walk in the park.
- It is possible to start and end in two different places: in fact, bus service in Tenerife is extensive and you can load your bike for free.
- The feat is a great satisfaction for all cyclists! In January and February it is also possible to meet the professionals who come here to train.
- It is possible climb to the top of Teide, and I highly recommend it!
- I rented the bike at Bike Experience in Playa de las Americas, great!
