The Canary Islands, a beautiful group of islands off the northwest coast of Africa, are a dream destination for cyclists. Known for their mild climate throughout the year, stunning landscapes, and challenging terrain, the islands offer something for every type of rider. Whether you are looking for steep climbs, scenic coastal routes, or quiet countryside roads, the Canaries deliver it all.
The archipelago is made up of seven main islands, the islands of the Canaries are: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Each island in the Canaries has its own distinct character and cycling opportunities. Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, a legendary climb that draws riders from across the world. Gran Canaria features some of the most demanding routes, including the gruelling Valley of the Tears. Lanzarote, with its volcanic scenery and open roads, is popular with triathletes, while Fuerteventura offers long, peaceful rides through its expansive landscapes. The smaller islands, such as La Gomera and El Hierro, are perfect for those seeking a quieter experience on the bike, with lush green scenery and calm, traffic-free roads.
Cycling in the Canary Islands is more than just a physical challenge—it’s also a chance to enjoy the islands’ welcoming atmosphere. Many hotels and guesthouses cater specifically to cyclists, offering secure bike storage, repair facilities, and nutritious meals designed for active guests. High-quality bike hire services are available on all the main islands, providing road bikes, e-bikes, and mountain bikes for visitors who prefer to travel without their own gear.
This guide will explore the best places to stay, the most iconic routes, and the top bike hire options across the islands in the Canaries. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a training destination, a casual cyclist hoping to enjoy some scenic routes, or a first-timer curious about exploring on two wheels, the Canaries are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Tenerife: The Pinnacle of Cycling Challenges
Places to Stay
- Hotel Suite Villa Maria, Costa Adeje: This luxurious five-star resort is ideal for cyclists seeking a relaxing yet supportive environment. It offers individual villas with private terraces, perfect for unwinding after long rides. The resort is cyclist-friendly, providing bike rental and repair services, along with secure storage options—even in your villa. Its location in Costa Adeje is convenient for accessing many of the island’s popular routes.
- HOVIMA Jardin Caleta, Adeje: Located near several well-known cycling routes, this hotel is perfect for practicality and comfort. The apartment-style accommodations include kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare meals tailored to your training needs. Bike storage is available in your room, and the friendly staff are accustomed to hosting cyclists.
Where to Ride
- Mount Teide Ascent: Cycling enthusiasts often rank this climb among Europe’s most iconic challenges. Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, offers multiple routes to its summit. Starting points like La Orotava, Granadilla, and Vilaflor provide varying levels of difficulty. Riders will face gradients averaging 6-7%, with steeper sections approaching 10%, all while traversing lunar-like volcanic landscapes. Reaching the summit is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment unmatched by most climbs.
- Masca Valley Loop: The Masca Valley route offers one of Tenerife’s most scenic and challenging rides. This 74-kilometer loop features sharp gradients and technical hairpin bends as you navigate through the Teno Mountains. The route’s stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and quaint mountain villages make the effort worthwhile. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted, as steep climbs and descents demand skill and endurance.
Bike Hire Services
- Cycle Classic Tours: Offering premium road and e-bikes, this service caters to cyclists staying in hotspots like Costa Adeje and El Médano. Their well-maintained bikes are ideal for tackling Tenerife’s demanding terrains.
- Cycling Locations: Specializing in high-end road bikes, Cycling Locations provides excellent equipment for both solo and group adventures. Additional services like guided tours and GPS route planning ensure you make the most of your time on the island.
Gran Canaria: A Cyclist’s Mountainous Playground in the Canaries
Places to Stay
- Hotel Riu Palace, Maspalomas: This cyclist-friendly hotel offers comfort and convenience in one of Gran Canaria’s most scenic areas. With bike storage facilities and proximity to key climbs, it’s an excellent choice for riders aiming to explore the island’s diverse routes.
- Seaside Palm Beach, Maspalomas: For those seeking a blend of luxury and cycling, this five-star hotel provides excellent amenities alongside secure bike storage. It’s perfectly situated for riders looking to tackle both coastal and mountainous routes.
Where to Ride
- Pico de las Nieves: As Gran Canaria’s highest peak at 1,949 meters, Pico de las Nieves is a must-ride for serious cyclists. The ascent from Ingenio is the most famous route, featuring gradients that exceed 20% in sections. The views at the summit are breathtaking, with vistas stretching across the entire island and even to neighbouring Tenerife on clear days.
- Valley of the Tears (El Valle de las Lágrimas): Aptly named, this route is notorious for its brutal gradients and relentless climbs. Starting from the town of Mogán, the route takes riders through rugged landscapes with steep gradients, sharp turns, and narrow roads. It’s a true test of endurance, but the sense of achievement upon completion is unmatched.
Bike Hire Services
- Cycle Gran Canaria: This service offers a wide range of bikes, from road and mountain bikes to e-bikes. They also provide guided tours, group rides, and logistical support, making them a go-to choice for visiting cyclists.
- Free Motion: With multiple outlets across Gran Canaria, Free Motion offers top-notch bike rentals and expert advice on the best routes. They cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the island’s cycling opportunities.
Lanzarote: Volcanic Landscapes and Smooth Rides
Places to Stay
- César Lanzarote: Nestled in La Asomada village, this stylish hotel is surrounded by volcanic vineyards, providing a serene retreat for cyclists. Its proximity to popular routes makes it an excellent base for exploring Lanzarote.
- Club La Santa: A sports-focused resort designed for athletes, Club La Santa offers world-class facilities, including physiotherapy, coaching, and training programs. Cyclists benefit from secure bike storage, a dedicated repair shop, and an active community of riders.
Where to Ride
- Timanfaya National Park Loop: This route takes you through the otherworldly landscapes of Timanfaya National Park. Smooth, well-maintained roads wind through volcanic craters and lava fields, with moderate gradients making the ride accessible to most cyclists. The unique scenery creates an unforgettable experience.
- El Golfo Coastal Route: Perfect for a scenic yet challenging ride, this coastal route takes you past traditional fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque beaches. The relatively gentle gradients make it an enjoyable option for intermediate riders looking to explore Lanzarote’s coastline.
Bike Hire Services
- Cycle Classic Tours: With rental locations in Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, Cycle Classic Tours provides high-quality road and e-bikes. Their knowledgeable staff can recommend routes tailored to your fitness level and interests.
- Pro Bike Lanzarote: This service offers a wide range of road bikes, from entry-level models to high-performance machines. Additional services include guided rides and route planning, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.
Practical Tips for Cycling in the Canary Islands
Climate
The islands enjoy a subtropical climate, making them a fantastic year-round cyclist destination. Average temperatures range from around 20°C in winter to 30°C in summer, but the weather can vary significantly depending on the island and altitude. For example, higher elevations in Tenerife or Gran Canaria, such as Mount Teide, can be much cooler, even dipping below freezing during the winter months. Always check the forecast for the specific area you’re riding in, as microclimates are common.
- Sun protection: The strong UV levels require sunscreen, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing to avoid sunburn and overheating.
- Wind: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, in particular, are known for strong winds. Consider starting your rides early in the morning when conditions are typically calmer.
- Rain preparation: While rainfall is rare, winter months can bring occasional showers, especially in the northern parts of the islands. Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket just in case.
Terrain
The Canary Islands offer a diverse range of cycling terrains, catering to all abilities and preferences.
- Mountain climbs: Tenerife and Gran Canaria are famed for their challenging climbs, such as the ascent to Mount Teide or Gran Canaria’s Valley of the Tears. These climbs are long and steep, requiring good fitness and climbing gears. Bring a compact crankset and at least a 30-tooth cassette for easier ascents.
- Coastal routes: For riders seeking flatter terrain, the coastal roads around Lanzarote or Fuerteventura offer stunning views and gentler gradients. These are ideal for recovery rides or for those less focused on climbing.
- Volcanic landscapes: Lanzarote’s otherworldly volcanic roads provide a unique experience, with smooth tarmac and little traffic. These routes are best suited for cyclists looking to cover steady mileage on rolling terrain.
- Navigation: Invest in a good GPS device or a reliable map, as some mountain or rural areas have limited signage. Plan routes in advance and ensure you’re aware of key landmarks and potential refuelling stops. Downloading an up-to-date but free map from BBBike before you go can save you a lot of time spent wondering where you are on the road once in the Canary Islands.
Travel
Getting to the Canary Islands is relatively straightforward, with direct flights available from most major UK airports to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
- Flying with your bike: Many airlines accommodate sports equipment, but policies and fees vary, so check in advance. Invest in a high-quality bike bag or case to protect your equipment during transit as there is nothing more disappointing than opening your box at the other end in the Canaries to find your pride and joy has suffered damage in transit.
- Bike rental: If bringing your own bike isn’t an option, most islands have reputable bike rental shops offering high-quality road and mountain bikes. Many shops provide additional services such as route advice, guided tours, and mechanical support. Some tips for each island have been given above.
- Local transport: Public transport can be limited in rural areas, so renting a car equipped with a bike rack is often the most convenient way to explore the islands. Alternatively, some hotels and resorts cater specifically to cyclists, offering bike storage and transport services.
- Airport transfers: If you’re staying far from the airport, pre-book a transfer service that accommodates bicycles, or check if your accommodation offers cycling-friendly transfers. There are plenty of options but if you’re travelling with a bike box, remember to book an option that will cater for your larger-than-normal luggage – some operators will be better prepared than others.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking challenging climbs or a casual cyclist looking to explore stunning landscapes, the islands of the Canaries offer something for everyone. With excellent accommodations, well-maintained cycling routes, and reliable bike hire services, your adventure in this cyclist’s paradise awaits.
