Tour of Tenerife & El Teide
- 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
Quote
Excellent - Fabulous trip that exceeded already high expectations. I'd been recommended Marmot by other keen cycling friends as well as riding guides I'd ridden with on other sports tour holidays (who'd used them personally for their holidays). A selection of top-quality hotels and evening eateries coupled with superb (and often much-needed) van support with friendly and attentive staff. I'd recommend Marmot without a moment's hesitation. Really and truly a 5-star trip.
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!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in La Laguna, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains of Tenerife can be changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* hotels with ensuite facilities.
We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!) on a day when we move to the next hotel, then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike Spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
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 third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday 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 Sur Airport (TFS) to your hotel in Vilaflor. We stay here for two nights, then return to it for the last night of your holiday.
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 : 47 KM with 1100m ascent
Challenge route : 74 KM with 1900m ascent
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 : 81 KM with 1600m ascent
Challenge route : 139 KM with 3300m ascent
Alternative route - avoiding crater : 113 KM with 2080m ascent
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, giving you the opportunity to explore the restaurants in town and choose for yourself.**
Classic route : 51 KM with 1300m ascent
Harder route : 75 KM with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route : 89 KM with 2400m ascent
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 : 72 KM with 1500m ascent
Harder route : 86 KM with 2380m ascent
Challenge route : 118 KM with 2900m ascent
Alternative route - avoiding the crater : 83 KM with 1900m ascent
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 with a short climb over the Puerto de Erjos (1090m), which 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 : 57 KM with 1310m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route : 62 KM with 1750m ascent
Challenge route : 76 KM with 2230m ascent
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 : 55 KM with 1650m ascent
Harder route : 79 KM with 2080m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route : 95 KM with 2650m ascent
Alternative route - avoiding the crater : 60 KM with 1600m ascent
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!
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in La Laguna, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains of Tenerife can be changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* and 4* hotels with ensuite facilities.
We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!) on a day when we move to the next hotel, then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike Spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cct-d3-ha-profile-tenerife-la-laguna-chamoga-pico-del-ingles-road-cycling-25-web-67ac716075e21.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cct-d5-easier-ride-profile-masca-67ab3b8d14e59.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cct-d6-ha-ride-profile-teide-tenerife-road-cycling-67ab5a36261eb.gif){kind=link}