Tenerife SW Coast and inland climbs

Tenerife SW Coast and inland climbs – Tenerife

Situated in the south western area of the island, this ride takes you via some classic Balearic road climbs, the long way through the mountains, to the highest village, at historic Vilafor, before heading down a superb and well deserved 30+ km descent, along winding and narrow roads, back to the coastal port of Los Cristianos.

The route warms up with a gentle ride along coastal roads, before heading inland to tackle the switchbacks and climbs of the SW mountains. There’s so much to see on this ride, which skirts the volcano of Mt. Teide, and takes you through the wild and beautiful terrain of Tenerife.

Route Information

Stats  101 km  2, 555 metres

Refreshments & Where to Stay

You’ll need refreshments along this ride, so take water bottles with you and cash for stops, along with some snacks and energy bars  in your pockets. Guia del Isora and Chio are useful mid-climb stopping points, being small but quaint villages, with places to rest a while at and to get a drink. Once you’re onto the plateau around Teide, stopping places are more limited, until Vilaflor.

In terms of places to stay, this is a well used tourist island, so there’s ample choices at all prices.

Character

It’s a day for lots of tough climbing, with a road that rises steadily throughout the first half of the ride, but then returns your had work, with epic views towards Mount Teide, It’ll test your legs and your mindset, but you’re then given an epic and long descent to finish. Make sure that you’re cycling fit before taking on this route, and take tools and snacks with you.


Route

  1. From Los Cristianos head north along the roads towards Costa Adeje and Fanabe, before dipping back towards the coast and Marazul.
  2. At 22 km you reach the outskirts of Playa San Juan, and the climbing begins, as you turn inland and up towards Guia de Asora, skirting its edge as you continue upwards.
  3. The climbing continues to Choi, at 49 km, where a rest should be taken, before turning right at at Mirador de los Poleos, and finishing the final climb of the TF-38 road onto the plateau.
  4. A short final ascent leads into Vilaflor, the highest village on Tenerife, and a well deserved rest.
  5. Before the long descent, check over the bike, take on fluids, and take care on the sharp hairpins of this narrow road (in places). The road has numerous tight switchbacks, so take a steady speed and be safe.
  6. It’s a long descent, so we’d recommend a stop-off at La Escalona (86 km) on  the way down.

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