El Teide (Médano)
Start Town | Altitude | Elevation Gain | Length | Gradient | Difficulty | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Médano | 2,325m | 2,325m | 51.5 km | 4.5% | 1,302 | **** |
Climb Description
El Teide is the most iconic climb in Tenerife and one of the most famous in Spain. It is the highest mountain in all of Spain at over 3,700m and, although the road does not go that high, it is understandably popular with cyclists. The stunning views and consistent gradients make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. While the elevation gain is even more than on monstrous climbs such as Stelvio and Col du TourmaletThis route begins in the town of El Médano in the south of Tenerife, close to the airport. It begins right on the coast at sea level and follows the TF-64 towards Granadilla. From here you turn onto the TF-21 and follow this through Vilaflor into the Teide National Park.
The climb from El Médano is one of the most popular sides of El Teide, largely because of the proxomity to the airport and the larger resort towns on the southern coast. The main problem with this side is the first 12km between El Médano and Granadilla. The volume of traffic can be annoying, particularly the sections close to the TF-1 motorway, and it certainly affects the enjoyment of the climb. After Granadilla, however, this route is as good as any up Teide, with the views fantastic and the road significantly less busy.
Due to Tenerife's sub-tropical climate, El Teide is open throughout the year. This makes it one of very few places in Europe where you can ride climbs that rival the great Alpine ascents throughout winter.
Roads & Traffic
The road is in very good condition throughout the climb.
This is one of the busier ascents of El Teide. Between El Médano and Granadilla there can be quite a bit of traffic, particularly on the roads leading to and from the TF-1 motorway.
From Granadilla the traffic reduces considerably and ceases to be a nuissance, although it can become slightly busier again as you get closer to the summit.
El Teide - Los Gigantes
El Teide - Playa San Juan
El Teide - Puerto de la Cruz
El Teide - Santa Cruz
Erjos Garachico
Mirador de Masca
Pico del Ingles - La Laguna
Teno Alto
Taganana
This is one of the busier ascents of El Teide. Between El Médano and Granadilla there can be quite a bit of traffic, particularly on the roads leading to and from the TF-1 motorway.
From Granadilla the traffic reduces considerably and ceases to be a nuissance, although it can become slightly busier again as you get closer to the summit.
Alternative Routes
Teide can be climbed from several other sides. All of which are fairly similar in terms of difficutly; the main differences are in the traffic and the scenery on the lower part of the climb.El Teide - Los Gigantes
El Teide - Playa San Juan
El Teide - Puerto de la Cruz
El Teide - Santa Cruz
Nearby Climbs
Erjos Garachico
Mirador de Masca
Pico del Ingles - La Laguna
Teno Alto
Taganana
Cycling Holidays
The climb to El Teide is one of the highlights of our Best of Tenerife cycling holiday. We climb it from Los Gigantes, with the option to either start right on the coast, or a bit higher up in the village of Santiago del Teide.In the links below you can find out more about this tour and other similar holidays that we are currently running in the mountains.