Gravel on the volcano: a different side of Tenerife
Tenerife is widely known as a paradise for road cyclists—sunny year-round, well-maintained roads, epic climbs, and even a high-altitude training hotel used by pros. But beyond the smooth tarmac lies a lesser-known treasure: an extensive network of gravel trails that take riders deep into the raw, volcanic nature surrounding Mount Teide.
The trip begins on the southern slopes of the island with a scenic climb from Granadilla to Vilaflor. Though it starts on pristine asphalt, things quickly get real once we hit the gravel: wide trails cutting through pine forests and past jagged rock formations, with sweeping views over the ocean far below. The iconic Canary pine stands out—not just for its resilience to drought, but also its remarkable fire resistance. Even blackened by past blazes, it manages to sprout fresh green needles.
Navigating the rugged terrain isn’t always smooth sailing. At one point, a dead-end on the GPS turns into a technical hike-a-bike down a rocky goat trail and through a dried-up riverbed. But challenges like these are part of the adventure, especially when rewarded with fast, flowing descents on hairpinned gravel roads.
The second day takes us to the northwest of Teide. The landscape here is dramatically different: rougher, rockier, and more lunar. The gravel is chunkier, the surroundings almost alien. The sun and mist battle over fields of black lava, and in the distance, islands like La Gomera and La Palma peek through. The environment shifts rapidly—one minute it’s sunny and warm, the next you’re enveloped in cold mountain fog, riding through a surreal blackened wasteland broken only by the odd green pine.
The final day explores the northeast, a lush contrast to the island’s arid volcanic core. Starting near Santa Cruz, we climb through dense, humid forests that resemble tropical rainforests. The moisture increases with altitude, and the road snakes upward through clouds and dripping greenery. While gravel is scarce here, the scenery and atmosphere make it more than worthwhile.
Tenerife proves to be more than a road cycling destination. Its diverse terrain, dramatic climate zones, and otherworldly landscapes make it an ideal playground for gravel bikers. With help from local guides and solid rental options like those from Bikepoint Tenerife, exploring the island’s wild, off-road side is easier — and more rewarding — than ever.
