Straight to the top
Climbing from sea level to Teide in one go is the longest ascent one can ride in Europe, although – technically speaking – the Canaries are in Africa. You’ll be covering way over 2000 meters of elevation in one go, whereas in the alps it will be hard to find any climb that covers more than 1700 meters of elevation in one go. If this sounds like your kind of challenge, then this route is certainly worth considering.
The ascent: Los Gigantes to Boca Tauce
The route starts in Los Gigantes, but due to the fact that it’s a loop, you can start anywhere on the “circle”, which includes popular destinations such as Vilaflor, Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje. Starting in Los Gigantes will make you climb from the get go and take you up a long and twisty road to Tamaimo. There you’ll already be at 600 meters above sea level. The route than takes you on TF-82 and as soon as you can you’ll turn left on TF-38, which is going to take you all the way up to Boca Tauce, which are the plains beneath Teide.
The descent: Through Vilaflor and Arona towards Los Cristianos
TF-21 to Vilaflor is absolutely epic. The countless bends and the scenery has certainly left impression on me and it’s definitely something I want to ride again. In Vilaflor you’ll join TF-51 until you’re passing through La Camella, as there you’ll take TF-28 towards Los Cristianos.
Some rolling to digest the epic descent
Before you’d reach Los Cristianos, where there is the onramp to the highway you’ll take a right turn and ride alongside of it. I have to agree, this last stretch back to Los Gigantes stands in a strong contrast to what you’ve just been cycling through as this region of the Island is way more urban and therefore there is more traffic and road crossings. Nonetheless there are some ejoyable stretcches as well.
In the case of coffee stops there are plenty of occasions along the way. Even climbing up TF-38 to Teide there are a few restaurants to refuel. I’d certainly recommend having a break at the square in Vilaflor. It’s a bit touristy there but it’s simply a gorgeous spot.
Stats / Difficulty
Distance: 110km
Elevation gain: ~2’800m
Duration: 5 – 7h
Endurance level: Medium
Map
GPX Download
Download GPX – 0m to 2000mYou can import the .gpx file into any one of your prefered apps such as Strava, Komoot, Garmin Connect, … and change the route from there if you’d for example like to start from another location.