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 ****






El Teide Profile

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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 Tourmalet


Snow on El Teide

On a clear day there are stunning views

This 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.


El Teide - Tenerife Cycling Climb

The stunning Teide National Park





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.




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.




Mount Teide
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,390 EUR
Tramuntana Mountains - Mallorca
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,420 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR