The best traffic-free bike rides in the Canary Islands

There are over 440 no-traffic touring cycling routes available across the Canary Islands. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 125 easy, 129 moderate, and 192 difficult options to explore.

The Canary Islands offer a diverse range of terrains for no-traffic touring cycling. You can expect everything from volcanic plains and challenging mountainous ascents, particularly in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, to scenic coastal paths with gentler gradients in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. La Gomera and El Hierro provide quieter roads through lush green scenery, including ancient laurisilva forests.

Yes, there are numerous family-friendly options among the no-traffic routes. With over 125 easy routes, many are suitable for families looking for a relaxed ride. These often include coastal paths or routes through less challenging, scenic areas, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique landscapes safely.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes often pass by stunning natural features. You might encounter volcanic landscapes like those near Teide National Park in Tenerife or the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. Other highlights include the ancient laurisilva forests of Garajonay National Park in La Gomera, the iconic Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria, or the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes in Tenerife. You can also explore fascinating geological formations like the Ajuy Caves in Fuerteventura or the unique Chinamada Cave Village in Tenerife.

Yes, many no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Canary Islands are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride in the same location. For example, the Castillo de San Gabriel – Los Pocillos Beach loop from Costa Teguise in Lanzarote is a moderate option, while the Maspalomas, Presa de la Gambuesa, Ayaguares — ride around the Pilancones Natural Park — Gran Canaria offers a more challenging circular experience.

The Canary Islands boast a subtropical climate, making them suitable for touring cycling year-round. However, the most comfortable times are generally spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant. Even in winter, the climate remains favorable, attracting many cyclists seeking to escape colder European weather.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in the Canary Islands, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning and varied landscapes, the well-maintained roads on many routes, and the opportunity to experience dramatic changes in scenery, from volcanic vistas to lush forests, all while enjoying the peace of car-free or low-traffic paths.

While many routes are suitable for day trips, the extensive network of paths, especially those connecting different towns or natural parks, allows for longer, multi-day touring experiences. You can link several no-traffic sections to create extended journeys, particularly on islands like Fuerteventura, which offers routes such as the Esquinzo, Morro Jable and Punta de Jandia — tour around the Jandia Natural Park, providing significant distance and exploration opportunities.

Absolutely. While some of the most famous climbs like Mount Teide or Pico de las Nieves can see traffic, many routes in the interior of islands like Gran Canaria and Tenerife offer demanding ascents on quieter roads. La Gomera and El Hierro are particularly known for their tranquil, traffic-free roads through mountainous, lush green scenery, providing a challenging yet peaceful cycling experience.

Yes, several routes provide stunning coastal views with minimal traffic. Islands like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are known for their well-maintained coastal roads that are popular with cyclists and often feature dedicated bike paths or very low traffic. An example is the Costa Teguise Beach – Los Pocillos Beach loop from Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, which offers beautiful seaside vistas.

Many no-traffic touring routes traverse the Canary Islands' distinctive volcanic landscapes. You can find routes that wind through ancient lava fields, past volcanic cones, and offer panoramic views of these 'otherworldly' terrains. Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, for instance, offers surreal, lunar-like scenery, and while direct cycling might be restricted in some areas, surrounding routes provide an immersive experience of the volcanic environment.