The best gravel rides around Santa Cruz De Ténérife

There are over 10 gravel bike trails around Santa Cruz De Tenerife, offering a range of experiences from moderate forest loops to challenging, long-distance routes across varied terrain.

The terrain is incredibly diverse due to the island's volcanic origins. You'll encounter rocky tracks, sandy paths, and smooth gravel trails. The south tends to be drier and rockier, while the north is wilder and greener, featuring lush laurel forests. Expect significant elevation changes, as most routes involve considerable climbing.

Yes, while many routes involve significant elevation, there are options for less experienced riders. For example, the Las Aguilillas Forest Track – Forest double-track loop from Zona Recreativa Las Calderetas is a moderate 5.9-mile trail that takes you through forest double-tracks, offering a gentler introduction to gravel biking in the region.

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenging options. The Gravel route Gran Guanche in Tenerife is a difficult 104-mile trail with extensive climbs through varied volcanic terrain. Another demanding route is the Montaña El Haya Trail – Cruz de Fune Chapel loop from Las Rosas, a 28-mile path traversing forest tracks with substantial elevation gain.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers excellent gravel biking conditions year-round. The mild climate makes it a popular destination for winter cycling, allowing riders to escape colder temperatures elsewhere. Summers are warm but generally manageable, especially at higher elevations where it can be cooler. Always check local weather forecasts, particularly for the diverse microclimates across the island.

The scenery is incredibly diverse and stunning. You can expect coastal vistas, dense laurel forests in areas like Anaga Rural Park, and the otherworldly lunar-like landscapes of Teide National Park. Many routes offer panoramic views, including cloud oceans around Mount Teide and dramatic cliffs like Los Gigantes.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Cruz de Fune Chapel – Las Aguilillas Forest Track loop from El Rosario is a difficult 17-mile circular route, and the Las Aguilillas Forest Track – Forest double-track loop from Zona Recreativa Las Calderetas is a moderate 5.9-mile loop.

The trails often pass by unique natural attractions. You might encounter dramatic gorges like Barranco de Afur or the mystical Fairy Tunnel (Túnel de las Hadas). The volcanic landscape also features fascinating rock formations and even natural caves, such as the Red Cave or the Agua García Caves.

Yes, you can discover unique cultural sites. For example, the Chinamada Cave Village offers a glimpse into traditional cave dwellings. Some routes may also pass by historic chapels or bridges, such as the Bridge over the Barranco de Toledo and the Cuevas de Vidrio.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders frequently praise the island's incredibly diverse terrain, the challenging elevation gains, and the continuously changing, breathtaking scenery that ranges from lush forests to dramatic volcanic landscapes and stunning coastal views.

While specific cafes are not listed for every route, many trails pass through or near villages and towns where you can find places to refuel. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot for points of interest or plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes. Some areas, like the Anaga Rural Park, have small traditional villages with local eateries.