Mount Teide (Los Gigantes) Bike Climb | Cycling Tenerife, Spain

Spain Mount Teide (Los Gigantes)

Mount Teide (Los Gigantes) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

38.1

PDI

22.7 mi

DISTANCE

6,786 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

5.6 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

This route climbs from the sea cliffs of Los Gigantes, on Tenerife's west coast, all the way to the high point of the TF-38 near the edge of Teide National Park - 22.7 miles and 6,786 feet of climbing at a 5.6% average grade, making it one of the longest ways up Mount Teide. The road works its way inland and uphill through the towns of Tamaimo and Chio before turning onto the TF-38, the road that eventually meets the national park boundary near Boca de Tauce.

Along the way the scenery shifts dramatically - from the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes and dry coastal terraces, through Tamaimo's pine-forested slopes, and finally into the stark volcanic high desert that surrounds Mount Teide itself, Spain's highest peak.

From the TF-38 high point, we'd recommend continuing on to the Visitor Center and Tenerife's paved highest point for the complete Teide experience - but this route on its own already delivers one of the island's classic long climbs.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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This route averages 5.6% over 22.7 miles, gaining 6,786 feet - a long, steady climb rather than a punishingly steep one, though its length alone makes it one of the tougher rides on Tenerife.

The early miles out of Los Gigantes toward Tamaimo are the most demanding stretch, with a sustained pitch that research puts close to 8% for several kilometers.

After Tamaimo the grade eases through Chio, then settles into a long, gradual grind on the TF-38 through the high desert toward the finish, broken only by a few short flatter sections.

Roadway: Paved the entire way. The surface is generally in good condition, though sections of the TF-38 higher up can be a little rougher than the smooth coast road out of Los Gigantes - nothing that affects the ride, but worth knowing.

Traffic: Light for most of the route, with the busiest stretch being the few kilometers around Tamaimo, where local and tourist traffic converges. Above Chio, on the TF-38 itself, traffic thins out considerably, though the road can occasionally see weather-related closures near the top when snow or ice reaches the national park boundary in winter.

Parking: Los Gigantes has ample public parking near the harbor and seafront for anyone driving in to start the climb. There's no dedicated cyclist parking higher up, so most riders start from sea level in town.

Los Gigantes and Tamaimo both have full services - bike shops, supermarkets, and cafes - and Chio's Bar Parada Chio is a well-known stop for cyclists heading up the mountain. Past Chio there are no more services on this route, so top off water and food there before continuing; the remaining miles to the TF-38 high point are long and exposed.

The finish sits close to 6,800 feet, well above the warm coastal towns, so pack a vest or light jacket for the descent even on a hot Tenerife day.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Los Gigantes and the nearby resort towns of Puerto de Santiago and Playa de la Arena make a popular base on Tenerife's west coast, with Tenerife South Airport roughly 45 minutes away by car.

This side of the island is dry and sunny most of the year, but conditions change fast at altitude - the TF-38's upper reaches near the national park can see snow, ice, or high winds in winter, and closures do happen. Check current conditions before heading up with our Weather tool, especially outside the summer months.