The story
The south of Tenerife is known for its open roads and perfect climate for cycling training all year round, but what many people don't know is that it also
The south of Tenerife is known for its open roads and perfect climate for cycling training all year round, but what many people don't know is that it also offers spectacular gravel routes.
One of the most interesting routes in the area runs between El Médano, Los Abrigos and El Palmar, surrounding the Tenerife South Airport, crossing areas of banana plantations, greenhouses, agricultural roads and paths by the sea.
It is a perfect route for those looking to mix landscape, dirt and ocean views in a very complete gravel experience.
Unlike many cycling routes in Tenerife focused on big climbs like Teide, this route gravel offers something different. It runs along dirt tracks, agricultural roads and trails near the coast, passing through banana plantations and greenhouses, with small climbs that make the route varied and very entertaining.
The route begins in El Médano, one of the best-known spots in the south of Tenerife and very popular with cyclists. From here you can quickly access roads that surround the airport and agricultural areas, leaving the asphalt after a few kilometers to enter tracks in the typical landscape of the south of the island.
One of the most characteristic sections of the route crosses these agricultural areas. Between banana trees and greenhouses, the dirt roads offer fast and quiet tracks, perfect for gravel riding and discovering a side of the island that many visitors do not get to see.
Another of the great attractions of the route is that at some points the route passes very close to the coast. Riding along trails with views of the ocean is a spectacular experience, especially on clear days, when the contrast between the blue of the sea, the volcanic land and the landscape of the south of the island creates a unique scene.
One of the most curious aspects of the route is that a large part of the route surrounds the Tenerife South Airport. While pedaling along dirt roads it is possible to see planes taking off and landing very close, something that adds a different touch to the experience. In addition, the area has numerous agricultural roads that allow you to connect different sections without having to travel too much on the road.
One of the most curious aspects of the route is that a large part of the route surrounds the Tenerife South Airport. While pedaling along dirt roads it is possible to see planes taking off and landing very close, something that adds a different touch to the experience. In addition, the area has numerous agricultural roads that allow you to connect different sections without having to travel too much on the road.
This route is perfect for gravel bikes, although it can also be done with MTB. The terrain combines compact tracks, dirt roads and trails, with small connecting stretches of asphalt. The ideal is to fit 38 to 45 mm gravel tires, which allow you to roll fast with good grip.
When we talk about cycling in Tenerife we usually think of the big climbs of Teide or road routes, but more and more cyclists are discovering the island's enormous potential for gravel riding. In the south you will find agricultural roads, volcanic tracks and coastal trails, with open landscapes and a climate that allows riding practically all year round.
Route information
Location: South of Tenerife
Start: El Médano (Bike Point Tenerife Shop)
Distance: 75 km
Duration: 4 hours
Unevenness: 962 m
Download the route here
