Cycling in the Canaries
Cycling in the Canaries - Overview:
The Canary Islands offer such a diverse array of landscapes just waiting to be discovered. From rocky coastal terrain to secluded forrests and mountain tracks; you're sure to find the perfect cycling route for you. The Canarian archipelago of volcanic origins enjoys a delightful climate with a constant year-round temperature, making them an ideal destination for a cycling holiday at any time of the year. The landscape of each island varies widely: From the splendid beaches and desert sand dunes of Fuerteventura; volcanic villages and golden sandy beaches of Lanzarote; vibrant resorts, lush contrasting scenery and mountains of the popular islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, to the green valleys, forests and countryside on the relatively undiscovered smaller islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
Cycling in the Canaries - Safety:
It almost goes without saying that to ensure a safe and happy cycling trip, avoid travelling after dark and take every safety precaution possible; always wear a cycle helmet and reflective or fluorescent acessories.
Cycling in the Canaries - Taking your own bicycle with you:
Many airlines will carry your bicycle for you in the hold for a fee of approximately £50 (return), however there are certain packaging conditions that you need to comply with before it can be loaded:
- The bicycle must be packaged in a bicycle box or bag
- Only one bicycle per bicycle box or bag will be permitted
- No other items can be carried in the bicycle box (i.e. clothing)
- The tyres must be deflated
- The handlebars must be flush with the frame
- The pedals must be flush against the frame or removed
Passengers travelling with bicycles are also recommended to check-in at least 2 hours prior to departure.
Cycling in the Canaries - Accommodation:
After a day's cycling we know you'll want to unwind and relax to plan your next cycling adventure, so secretdestinations.com offers you a delightful collection of privately owned, individual villas, cottages and apartments in rural, coastal and village locations on all seven Caray Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Click on an island name below to see our properties there:
Cycling in the Canaries - Tenerife:
The highest mountain in Spain is Mount Teide on Tenerife, standing at 3718m. The spikes of 'Las Canadas' peaks (to the side of teide) are simply spectacular. There is a dramatic steep road to the Cruz de Gala peak at an altitude of 1354m. Very few maps mark the route to Teide from Cruz de Gala, however it starts at the Puerto de Erjos (1117m) in north-western Tenerife. The volcanic cone of Mount Teide can be seen when looking east. The whole of north-western Tenerife can be seen from the radio mast at the top - a glorious panorama with impressive coastal canyons.
For a truly breathtaking trip, the Degollada de Cherfe winds impressively down from the 1059 metre pass into the scenic Masca canyon, in north-western Tenerife. Heart-pumping fun but take care with the tourist coaches.
Cycling in the Canaries - La Gomera:
The Cnary Island of La Gomera is about 25km west of Tenerife. Its highest peak is at Garajonay, an altitude of 1487m.
In eastern La Gomera is the renowned Valle Gran Rey (Valley of the kings). A modern road winds down from a thousand metres into a breath-taking valley, ending at the beach. The fertile lower slopes of the valley are filled with terraced smallholdings, on which islanders grow maize, potatoes, bananas and date palms. If you leave the main new road you'll discover sections of bumpy abandoned roads which are excellent for cyclists to explore. There are some spectacularly steep side streets and cycle paths in the Canary Islands, often providing bumpy short cuts between hairpin bends on the major climbs - some exceeding 25%.
Hermigua, in the north of the island, is probably the greenest part of coastal La Gomera. The sykline is home to the Enchereda peak, standing at 1065 metres. A road tunnel cuts through this mountain range, leading to San Sebastian - the island's capital and ferry port.
The south of La Gomera has a drier climate than the north. A dead-end track at La Dama plunges down to the beach, and the only way out is to climb back up to La Dama village. The route out of La Dama is a long, steep climb on tarmac to the centre of the island. If you're feeling fit it is possible to climb to the highest point on La Gomera - Garajonay (1487m) - from the beach.
Cycling in the Canaries - Useful links:
Amigos del Ciclismo (Friends of Cycling)
Spanish website devoted to cycling in Spain. Even if you can't speak or understand Spanish, you may gain some inspiration from the 'Rutas y Viajes' section.
Trentobike - Tenerife An excellent cyclists' resource from the Italian University of Trento, with dozens of stories written by other touring cyclists, with lots of ideas to help you plan your next bicycle tour in Spain and the Canaries.
