What does a cyclist look for when choosing a cycling destination? Good weather, beautiful scenery, a variety of terrains, quiet roads in good condition, or infrastructures and services at their disposal. All this and much more is what the Canary Islands (especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria) have to offer cyclists all year round.
It is not for nothing that the Canary Islands are the usual training ground for many professionals, who choose them as a place to get ready. Although its mild climate makes it particularly attractive in winter, when in many European countries the cold and bad weather is an obstacle to cycling, the islands attract cyclists and sportsmen and women of all kinds all year round.
The presence of leading international cycling stars is nothing new. This destination became particularly popular from the 1980s onwards, with the likes of Miguel Indurain, Claudio Chiappucci, Marco Pantani, Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Peter Sagan and many more. The Canary Island has even welcomed legends of cycling once they have retired, such as Eddy Merckx himself or Mario Cipollini.
Although road cycling is probably the most popular sport in Gran Canaria, it is by no means the only one. Numerous triathletes and professional mountain bikers have also chosen it for their training.
The infrastructures of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are one of the keys to the large influx of athletes throughout the year. There are excellent air links with the whole of Europe, and once on the islands there is no shortage of services such as hotels, restaurants and bicycle hire, for example.
Tranquility is another of the factors most valued by cycle tourists. The roads are not very busy and there is an incredible variety of terrain, which is also part of the attraction. This ‘miniature continent’ offers cyclists everything from some of the longest and toughest mountain passes in Europe, such as the fearsome Pico de las Nieves and the Teide routes, to quieter, more relaxed routes by the sea.
Routes
- Mirador de Boca Tauce – Blick Teide Recorrido circular desde El Jaral
Difficult route on road bike. You need to be in very good physical shape. Most of the tracks are paved and suitable for cycling. The starting point of the route is accessible by public transport.
Time: Around 5h – 82,5Km
- Mirador de Boca Tauce – Blick Teide Recorrido circular desde Güímar
Difficult route on road bike. You need to be in very good physical shape. Most of the tracks are paved and suitable for cycling.
Time: Around 6h:40mins – 113Km