{"id":14066,"date":"2023-09-01T18:43:49","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T18:43:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=14066"},"modified":"2023-09-29T18:32:46","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T18:32:46","slug":"adventurous-cycling-in-tenerife-are-you-up-for-the-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2023\/adventurous-cycling-in-tenerife-are-you-up-for-the-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventurous Cycling in Tenerife: Are You Up for the Challenge?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Michael Chauner<\/p><\/p>\n

B<\/span>ored of touristy sightseeing trips? Tired of gluttonous beach vacations? The all-too-typical lethargic American holiday can leave you feeling unfulfilled (or downright lazy) upon returning home and often does little to create a lasting memory or sense of real accomplishment.<\/p>\n

If you are a follower of Healthy Aging\u00ae, you know that we have always been proponents of meaningful, purposeful, and active travel. Well, in this issue\u2019s travel section, we found an amazing and unique trip experience that crushes those goals in adventurous fashion: Cycling in Tenerife<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Breathtaking view of the blue waters of the Tacoronte coast. Photo: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

Where is Tenerife?<\/h3>\n

While fans of professional cycling may have heard about Tenerife because their favorite Tour de France champions<\/a> are known to frequent the island for offseason training (you will, in fact, see many along the roads between November and February), most Americans would probably have a hard time finding the island on a map.<\/p>\n

Located about 60 miles off the Moroccan coast in the North Atlantic, Tenerife<\/a> is the largest of the Canary Islands at 785 square miles and stands the tallest amongst its six siblings. It is a Spanish island that was originally and painstakingly conquered by the Castilian Crown in the late 15th century for its strategic position en route to the Americas and its rich natural resource offerings.<\/p>\n

After centuries of various agricultural development, from sugar cane to vineyards, Canarian banana farming eventually rose to the top. It wasn\u2019t until the late 20th century that tourism finally replaced agriculture as its main industry.<\/p>\n

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Cyclists witness the Teide Volcano from below. Photo: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife<\/p><\/div>\n

Tenerife is famously home to the Teide volcano, the third tallest on earth from the sea floor and the highest peak in all of Spain. The island emerged from the Atlantic Ocean by volcanic eruption some 12 million years ago, and its current form was developed through millions of years of volcanic activity that gave the island its dramatic and undulating landscape. Tenerife\u2019s vast network of small roads boldly weave up and down almost every one of the island\u2019s sharp peaks.<\/p>\n

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(Top to bottom) Cycling through the Tenerife countryside. Photo: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife; Well-earned paella for the hungry cyclists. Photo: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife<\/p><\/div>\n

Cycling in Tenerife<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s no wonder that glutton-for-punishment cycling nuts travel from around the globe to experience Tenerife\u2019s limitless hills. And if you haven\u2019t already found the elephant in the room: Yes, the terrain is challenging!<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top) Group cycling in Tenerife. Photo: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife; Bike Point Tenerife will set you up with the best equipment available. Photo: Michael Chauner; Villa de Arico, Tenerife. Photo: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

However, Tenerife\u2019s experienced cycling tour operators are experts at planning routes for any group\u2019s level, and now with the evolution of e-bike technology, accessibility by bike can be for everyone (Pro tip: take the motor!).<\/p>\n

Therefore, we recommend booking a guided tour to properly accommodate your individual or group\u2019s capabilities. The best tour operators on the island that we found are known as the Delgado Brothers, who head up \u201cTenerife Bike Training,<\/a>\u201d a professionally run, fun-loving sibling organization that seamlessly transports you around to each of the island\u2019s many treasures.<\/p>\n

They work alongside Bike Point Tenerife<\/a>, the island\u2019s primary retailer and premier rental service, offering high-quality European inventory with everything from hybrid e-bikes to high-end racing cycles.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Hotel Regency Country Club in Chayofa. Photo: Michael Chauner; Taste the local fare at Pura Restaurant Lounge – Hotel Regency Country Club Photo: Michael Chauner; Witness beautiful sunsets atop the Mynd Adeje Hotel. Photo: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

How to Get There and Where to Stay<\/h3>\n

Cheap flights to Spain make Tenerife a popular beach destination for continental Europeans looking for a quick getaway and who typically descend in droves upon the touristy Playa des Americas. Travelers from the US should either fly through Madrid or try one of the newer direct flights from Newark to Tenerife offered by United.<\/p>\n

For easier access to cycling-friendly roads and to spare yourself from the congested beach zone traffic and holiday craziness, a cycling-specific trip is best stationed at one of the island\u2019s many exclusive boutique resorts.<\/p>\n

The Mynd Adeje Hotel<\/a> in the tranquil town of Callao Salvaje is a beautiful, small hotel with an inviting pool and picturesque rooftop that showcases dramatic sunsets over the Atlantic, beautifully silhouetting its smaller island brother, La Gomera.<\/p>\n

Another option is the grand Hotel Regency Country Club<\/a>, located in the remote village of Chayofa. The resort features large pools and quality Mediterranean culinary offerings from its Pura Restaurant Lounge.<\/p>\n

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The winding road from La Medida to Chayofa. Photo: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife<\/p><\/div>\n

Must-Ride Cycling Routes<\/h3>\n

Check out the following cycling route suggestions to experience the wonders of Tenerife by bicycle.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Cyclists snake through the undulating terrain outside of Chayofa and through history. Photos: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife; Enjoy a coffee along the route! Photo: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

Eastern Route<\/h3>\n

A moderate and enjoyable ride is to snake across the southeastern coastline from La Medida to Chayofa (the road is called TF-28), which offers some of the gentlest hills of the island that roll above the ocean from village to village. Stopping at a friendly caf\u00e9 for a Cortado is easy along this way and a great opportunity to experience the local flavor.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) The boreal forest located within the Anaga Rural Park; View from the summit in the Anaga Rural Park; The winding roads on the descent to San Andr\u00e9s; Jagged rocks above San Andr\u00e9s. All photos: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

Northwest to Northeast<\/h3>\n

Possibly the most diverse and scenic part of the island is the passage from Tacoronte to San Andr\u00e9s by way of the breathtaking Anaga Rural Park<\/a>. And the views at the top of the green mountains below don\u2019t come without a cost, as you must first climb your way through the enchanting laurel forest, which is home to some 600 endemic plants that can be observed on the long ride up.<\/p>\n

There is a remarkable juxtaposition between the arid landscape of Tenerife\u2019s south and the densely forested northern region, which traps humidity from the ocean\u2019s Tradewinds within this magical mountain range. At the top, you\u2019ll have a front-row observation of the clouds.<\/p>\n

While plummeting out of the mist to the port city of San Andr\u00e9s, you will have less time to take in the expansive view that showcases yet another vegetation floor of loosely dispersed shrubs that mingle amongst jagged rocky pillars and the smooth, sweeping road that slices through it.<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Dramatic cliffs on the island\u2019s northern coast; Open space near Punta de Teno; Blue Lagoon Cliffs, Punta de Teno; Punta de Teno Lighthouse. All photos: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife<\/p><\/div>\n

Northern Coast<\/h3>\n

The least challenging route is from Puerta de la Cruz to Punta de Teno, home to a 19th-century lighthouse that gazes across the Atlantic\u2019s powerful currents. The backdrop is an awesome panorama of giant volcanic cliffs that tower over the blue water below. Scenes from the recent Clash of the Titans film were shot here (hint: bring camera!).<\/p>\n

Banana Plantation Visitation<\/h4>\n
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One of Tenerife’s unique experiences is visiting one of their many banana plantations. Photos: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

You can\u2019t truly experience Tenerife without checking out a banana plantation. These jungle-like farms are dotted across the island, easily recognized by their meshy sun-screened roofs. Bananas originally arrived in Tenerife in the 15th century by way of Southeast Asia and are now exported to account for 60% of Europe\u2019s production of this fruit! Each banana plant \u201cgives birth\u201d to some 250 bananas in its lifespan before passing along its seed to its child. After one Canarian banana, you\u2019ll never go back to Chiquita!<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left) Start\/finish at the Vuelta al Teide, Puerta de la Cruz; Ascending the mighty Teide Volcano; Cyclists from around the world travel to ride through Tenerife’s amazing landscape; View from the Teide National Park; Traversing the Teide National Park; Dramatic and arid landscape along the route. Photos: Jordi de la Fuente – Turismo de Tenerife.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Mammoth: Vuelta al Teide<\/h3>\n

For the more serious cyclists or hardened adventurers who seek the ultimate challenge, the Vuelta al Teide<\/a> is a hero\u2019s trial of a bike ride. Organized as an official Gran Fondo that runs annually in mid-May, the event features two distances of either 95km or a daunting 175km. It tackles the monstrous Teide volcano located at the center peak of the island. You can find the exact route online and attempt it yourself if you plan to visit separately from this event.<\/p>\n

Starting and finishing in the scenic and historic town of Puerta de la Cruz<\/a>, the longer distance tests both the legs and will of its approximately one thousand participants, pummeling them with 14,000 vertical feet of climbing throughout the journey.<\/p>\n

Daring contestants who seek to best Tenerife\u2019s most precipitous slopes face four lengthy climbs before culminating with the never-ending ascent up the Teide volcano and subsequent journey across its moonlike national park. The suffer-fest is finally rewarded at the mountain\u2019s plateau, where you can witness the dramatic red lava rocks cast within the deserted and surreal volcanic crater of Las Ca\u00f1adas.<\/p>\n

Make sure to have fresh brake pads for the 30 miles of downhill that lie between you and some well-earned Paella and Spanish beer that await in Puerta de la Cruz. This is truly a bucket list event!<\/p>\n

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(Clockwise from top left)\u00a0Coastal view, Costa Adeje, Tenerife; One of the many beautiful black sand beaches in Tenerife. Puerta de la Cruz, Tenerife; The Teide Observatory, Photo: Deposit Photos; Enjoying the refreshing Atlantic waters off the coast of Costa Adeje. All photos except observatory: Michael Chauner<\/p><\/div>\n

Other Tenerife Activities<\/h3>\n

Beyond the bike, this amazing island does provide a multitude of non-cycling activities. It boasts some of the world\u2019s most extraordinary biodiversity that everyone from windsurfers to biologists can enjoy.<\/p>\n

Water Sports:<\/h3>\n

The Northeast Tradewinds make Tenerife a popular destination for both sailing and windsurfing, and the island has hosted many aquatic sporting events, such as the PWA World Windsurfing Tour<\/a> and Grand Slam events (X-Games style competitions).<\/p>\n

Whale Watching:<\/h3>\n

The corridor between Tenerife and neighboring La Gomera has been certified as a pilot whale heritage enclave, making the area famous for whale watching.<\/p>\n

Hiking:<\/h3>\n

Trails and offroad paths expand the island from the volcanic national park to the serene laurel forest.<\/p>\n

Observatory:<\/h3>\n

The Teide Observatory<\/a> is the largest solar observatory in the world! Located within the national park and surrounded by clear sky, it is uniquely situated latitudinally. It is placed high enough above sea level that it is one of the three most important observatories on the planet.<\/p>\n

As a true destination for the active traveler, Tenerife is an impressive island with extraordinary sites to see and equally testing terrain to navigate by bicycle. Cyclists who visit will gain a unique perspective of the island\u2019s intricacies through its winding roads that capillary the island through and across every peak and valley.<\/p>\n

After a long day in the saddle, nothing can compare to enjoying a crisp glass of Canary wine while watching the sun slowly disappear into the Atlantic Ocean. Then you can go home feeling satisfied.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay<\/h3>\n