Tour of Tenerife & El Teide
Road Cycling Holidays in the Canary Islands
- Winter sun cycling! Perfect climate for a pre-season warm-up
- Enjoy excellent roads, often used by pro cycling teams
- Flexible itinerary: suitable for new or experienced road cyclists, individuals, and groups
- Expertly designed routes, that showcase the entire island
- Opportunity to take on the epic Mt Teide climb from three directions (optional)
- Stay in three comfortable hotels (i.e. not moving on every night), including one with spa facilities
- Good value and plentiful flights from many UK regional airports
- Exceptional, full support cycling holiday: two support vehicles and two skilled and enthusiastic Marmot guides
- Bike and e-bike hire available locally
Days on the bike
This was my 3rd tour with Marmot. Each year I come on my own and each year I have a great time. Everyone has similar interests and it is really enjoyable to share the marmot experience with a new group of friends. I shall be back again next year.
A Burke
Introduction
With a perfect climate for cycling (average temperature 18-20°C), dramatic scenery, and smooth roads, it’s easy to see why Tenerife in the Canary Islands is one of the world’s top winter cycling destinations. Amateur and professional cyclists alike migrate to the island between October and April and as such, the island has developed a worthy reputation as one of the best places to ride a bike. As with all Marmot Classic style holidays, this itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase the best of Tenerife. We probe the quiet, hidden corners of the island as well as giving you the opportunity to climb Mt Teide (up various routes), one of the longest climbs in Europe. Naturally, you traverse the Teide National Park, but you also get to explore the rugged mountainous extremities of the island.
During the week, you stay in three charming 3*-4* star hotels (one of them with relaxing spa facilities), each nestled in a rural mountain location. It’s from these high-altitude vantage points that we’ve planned a wonderful variety of routes, making this holiday suitable for fit cyclists with varying aspirations and experience of cycling in the mountains. If you choose to stick to the Classic route, you’ll cycle an average of 61km a day, with 1475m of ascent. However, if you’re looking for more intense training or a tougher challenge then you could add the optional extras, cycling an average of 99km a day with 2600m ascent.
Please note that due to local regulations, we don’t bring our customised Marmot vans or titanium hire bikes to the island. Instead, we use local companies for transfers as well as bike hire and hire support vans on the island. However, you’ll still be supported in the usual Marmot style by two of our skilled and enthusiastic guides during your holiday. It’s their mission to support you as an individual and to help you achieve your goals. This is a truly fantastic week of cycling on a wonderful island! For further inspiration, you can head over to our YouTube channel to see a video of this fantastic tour!
Foreign travel advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.
Departure Dates & Prices
2026
Discount Information
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your 3rd Marmot trip onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers (a journey of 45min) at scheduled times during the day from Tenerife’s Southern Airport (TFS) to your hotel in Vilaflor. We stay here for 2 nights, then return to it for the last night of your holiday.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) and airport transfer timings can be found in our Trip Notes.
Day 1: The Classic Climbs of the South
Four roads wind their way up to Vilaflor from the south and today you’ll get to cycle them all! We start our day by descending 1000m on the pristine tarmac of the TF-51 as it twists its way down the volcano’s flanks towards the ocean. With a smile on your face, you then pick up a lovely road that climbs gently through villages and passes the Mirador de la Centinela (‘pirate lookout’) for some panoramic views.
Eventually, you get to Granadilla and the start of the TF-21 climb to Vilaflor. This spectacular bit of road meanders its way up the volcanic cone of the island through a series of vertical cuttings that have been hewn out of the solidified ash. After lunch in Vilaflor, you’re faced with a tricky decision: relax on the hotel terrace or head out for some more cycling, by taking in another loop which includes the steeper TF-565 climb.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a great introduction to cycling in Tenerife, and your legs will be nicely warmed up for the days ahead.
Classic route: 47km with 1100m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 74km with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Las Cañadas del Teide to La Laguna
From Vilaflor (1400m), the Mirador El Tabonal Negro (2342m and the highest pass on the island), is within relatively easy reach. This viewpoint is in the middle of the sunken crater of the El Teide volcano (Las Cañadas) and is surrounded by twisted forms of solidified lava. You’ll be pleased to know that you have several opportunities to cross the crater during this exceptional week of road cycling.
The ride to get here is mind-blowing! You start with a climb through the sparse pine forest to the crater rim at El Retamar (2100m). You then enjoy a short descent to Boca Tauc for some spectacular views of the Pico del Teide, which at 3718 meters is the highest point in Spain. This is the heart of the National Park, and you’ll pass the Parador Hotel, which has become a popular high-altitude winter training base for pro-cycling teams. You continue through the desert, trying to resist the temptation to stop for a photo at every viewpoint!
After stopping off in Portillo Alto at the far side of the crater, you head along the northeast ridge of the island, before you make an epic descent to La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage town. We spend the next two nights here in the lovely Hotel Laguna, which has spa facilities that include a counter-current pool, sauna, and massage service (to be booked in advance).
If you’re looking for more time on the bike, the challenge route takes in the curious Pyramids of Güímar. You’ll then climb back to the rib of the island from the volcano’s eastern flanks to Cuatro Tiempos.
Classic route: 81km with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 139km with 3300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: The rugged coastline and mountains of Anaga
The coastal areas of the northeastern peninsula are wild, deserted, and fabulous to explore by bike. Above 600m the Anaga mountains are carpeted in lush rainforest; this is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve with hugely diverse flora and fauna.
The day begins with a descent towards Santa Cruz where you pick up a coastal road to the beautiful marina village of San Andres. This is the start of a spectacular road that climbs up through the rugged mountainside into the forest, complete with fern and orchid-covered vertical cuttings, before undulating to the Pico del Inglés (965m) for a great view. From here there is a great descent back to La Laguna, where you have another opportunity to explore the rich architectural heritage.
For those who want more, there are two options today. One route deviates from the San Andres climb with a spectacular descent to the coastal village of Benijo – time for an ice cream, maybe? You then take on the challenging but rewarding climb to the Túnel de Anaga (562m). The second option is to continue on the remote mountain road through the ‘Enchanted Forest’, to a cafe in the village of Chamorga. Whichever route you choose, you’ll have a great day!
Tonight’s dinner is not included so you can choose for yourself from the many fine restaurants in town.
Classic route: 51km with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 75km with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 89km with 2400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: The North of the island to Santiago del Teide
Today we take on El Teide from its most challenging northern side. From La Orotava, it’s a great 37km climb through orange groves, almond tree plantations, pine forests, and volcanic wasteland as you gain altitude towards the high point of Tabonal Negro (2342m).
Given the magnitude of this climb, you have the option of catching a lift first thing, to either La Orotava [Harder route] or the Mirador de Mataznos (1270m) [Classic route]. Those wanting to ride from the hotel [Challenge route] get to explore the verdant northern coast of Tenerife, where most of the population live and work. Whichever option you choose, it’s well worth stopping off at the cafe in Portillo Alto, which commands stunning views of the summit of El Teide (3718m).
After cycling through the moonscape of Tenerife’s central crater, you enjoy a wonderful 30km descent before a smaller (340m) climb back to the hotel. We finish the day in Santiago del Teide at the welcoming Hotel La Casona del Patio.
Classic route: 72km with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 86km with 2380m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 118km with 2900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Mascá and the mountains of Teno
The northwestern peninsula of Tenerife is a national park boasting truly spectacular mountain scenery. Your route today takes you into the heart of the Teno mountains, one of the three volcanic areas that form the island.
You start the day climbing over the Puerto de Erjos (1090m), before a spectacular descent through solidified lava flows and pine forests. A short climb over the Puerto de Erjos (1090m) sets you up for a series of tight switchbacks descending to the coastal village of Garachico. This is one of the most picturesque spots on the island so it’s a great place for a coffee at the beachside cafe. Here you pick up the coast road and enjoy a few km of flat, through banana plantations and villages to Buenavista del Norte. This is the start of the main climb of the day on a beautiful, cliff-hugging road to the isolated hamlet of Mascá. The landscape and vegetation are like nothing else on the island! It’s well worth detouring slightly to the picturesque village of Mascá for an ice cream, and to prepare yourself for the aptly named Serpentina de Mascá to the Mirador de Cherfe. Although it’s only 4km, this windy road is generally over 10% so it’s a challenging end to the ride. Those wanting a more leisurely day can catch a lift from Mascá.
Today’s Challenge route detours part way up the Mascá climb into the green heart of the mountains and the hamlet of Teno Alto.
Easier route: 57km with 1310m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 62km with 1750m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 76km with 2230m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Sea to Summit Teide Challenge
Solidified lava flows, ash mounds and conical-shaped volcanoes dominate your final day of cycling.
The main climb of the day is the TF-38 from Chío to Boca Tauce (2040m). This is a bucket list climb with kind gradients, and stunning views. Here you have options: climb back up to the high point of Teide’s crater, the Tabonal Negro (2324m) or head for a cool drink on the terrace of the Parador Hotel for a bit of pro-cyclist spotting!
Today’s ‘Sea to Summit’ Challenge starts with a descent to Puerto de Santiago, so the purists among you have the opportunity to cycle up to Tabonal Negro (2324m) from sea level – an epic 54km of climbing!
From Boca Tauce all routes head over El Retamar (2100m), which lines you up for the fabulous descent to our hotel in Vilaflor, where your cycling adventure started six days ago.
Classic route: 55km with 1650m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 79km with 2080m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 95km with 2650m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
After an incredible week, we’ll transfer you back to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) at scheduled times during the day. Your memories of the wonderful cycling in Tenerife will stay with you forever!
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) and airport transfer timings can be found in our Trip Notes.
Trip Album
