Road Cycling Tenerife: A 2025 Los Gigantes Route Review

Okay, so let’s talk about Tenerife. You honestly have this picture in your head, right? It’s probably a place with sunny beaches and resorts, and stuff like that. And well, you’re not wrong, but that’s just a tiny piece of the picture, you know? For people like us, whose idea of a good time involves lycra and a bit of a thigh-burning climb, Tenerife is pretty much a paradise on two wheels. As a matter of fact, I just got back, and I have to tell you about the Los Gigantes route. Honestly, it’s a ride that sort of sticks with you. It’s got these gigantic cliffs, winding roads that seem to go on forever, and a feeling of real, raw adventure that you don’t find just anywhere. This isn’t your average Sunday spin around the park; it’s almost a conversation between you, your bike, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

Preparing for the Ride: What to Know Before You Go

Alright, so first things first, preparation is, like, a really big deal for this one. You could be a seasoned rider, but Tenerife has its own kind of challenges. For instance, the bike situation. I opted to rent a pretty high-quality carbon road bike there, and frankly, I think it was the right call. The local shops have some absolutely amazing machines, perfectly set up for the island’s terrain, which saved me the headache of flying with my own bike. Gearing is a big part of that; you’ll definitely want a compact chainset, like a 50/34, and a cassette that goes up to at least a 32-tooth sprocket. Seriously, your knees will thank you later on the steeper bits. In terms of gear for yourself, think in layers. At the end of the day, you can start by the coast in a short-sleeve jersey feeling perfectly warm, but as you climb higher, the temperature tends to drop a little, and the wind can pick up. So, a lightweight gilet or arm warmers are a really smart thing to pack. And obviously, sunscreen. The Canary Island sun is no joke, even when it feels a bit cool.

Another thing is that you should think about hydration and nutrition more than usual. There are spots to stop, for sure, like in the little villages, but they can be kind of far apart. I’d say carry at least two water bottles, and stuff your pockets with a few more snacks than you think you’ll need. The climbing really takes it out of you. Finally, road quality is generally quite good, with smooth tarmac for the most part. The descents, on the other hand, can be pretty technical, with tight hairpins and some surprising corners. Anyway, make sure your brakes are in perfect working order and you have lights, as you sometimes find yourself going through short, unlit tunnels which can be a little bit disorienting. A little bit of prep, you know, makes the whole experience much, much better.

The Warm-Up: Setting Off from Los Gigantes

Okay, so you’re clipped in, right? The ride typically begins in the town of Los Gigantes, and what a place to start. The town is literally named after “The Giants,” these enormous cliffs that just drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a view that is honestly hard to describe. You roll out of town with the smell of sea salt in the air and that very warm, gentle breeze on your face. It’s a fairly relaxed start, more or less. The first few kilometers are just a little bit of an introduction, letting you spin the legs and find your rhythm. You’re heading north along the coast, on the TF-47, and the road is, at this point, gently rolling. It’s the perfect warm-up, really.

As a matter of fact, that initial section is kind of deceptive. You’re riding along, with the massive blue of the ocean on your left, feeling pretty good. You might think, “Well, this is actually pretty easy.” But you know there’s something bigger waiting. You can feel it. The road ahead starts to get a bit steeper, just a little, hinting at what’s to come. It’s almost like the island is whispering, “Are you ready?” It’s a very cool way to begin, getting you both physically and mentally prepared for the main challenge that’s just around the corner.

The Main Event: Tackling the Climb Towards Masca

And then, you know, it happens. You make a turn inland, onto the TF-436 towards Masca, and the whole ride changes completely. The road just points up, and it pretty much stays that way for a good while. This is absolutely the heart of the ride. The climb to Masca is famous for a reason; it’s a completely stunning piece of road engineering that twists and turns on itself like a tangled ribbon. The scenery starts to shift in a dramatic way. You leave the coastal views behind, and you are suddenly inside this deep, rugged ravine with incredible rock formations all around you. It’s pretty quiet here, just the sound of your own breathing and the whir of your chain.

The gradients are definitely a challenge. They are often sitting around 7-8%, but then you get these really punchy sections that kick up to 12% or even a bit more, especially on the inside of the hairpins. Honestly, it’s a grind. This is where having that 32-tooth cog on your cassette feels like the best decision you’ve ever made. Each hairpin bend opens up a new, ridiculously amazing view that seems even better than the last one. In a way, it’s a good distraction from the pain in your legs. You are so busy looking at the scenery that you almost forget how much effort you’re putting in. Almost. This climb is a real test, but it rewards you constantly, making every single pedal stroke feel completely worth it.

A Moment’s Rest: The Magic of Masca Village

Finally, after what feels like a very long time, the road flattens out a little, and you roll into the tiny village of Masca. And seriously, wow. It’s a place that almost doesn’t seem real. It’s this small collection of old stone houses clinging to the side of a mountain ridge. Reaching it gives you this incredible sense of achievement. At the end of the day, finding a small cafe and ordering a coffee and a big slice of cake feels like the best thing in the world. You sit there, looking out over the valley you just climbed, and it’s just one of those moments that makes you fall in love with cycling all over again. The village itself has a kind of lost-in-time vibe. There are a few tourists, sure, but it’s still pretty peaceful. It’s the perfect spot to rest, refuel, and just soak in the atmosphere before you tackle the next part of your ride.

The Descent and the Coastal Roll: Homeward Bound

Alright, so what goes up must come down, right? The descent from Masca is just as memorable as the climb, but for very different reasons. It’s extremely technical. We’re talking about endless hairpin bends, steep gradients, and surfaces that can be a little unpredictable in places. You really, really need to be confident in your bike handling skills here. You can’t just let go and fly down; it requires total concentration. You’re on the brakes, then off, leaning the bike into the corner, and then setting up for the next one immediately. In a way, it’s a completely different kind of physical and mental challenge from climbing.

Once you are through the most technical part of the descent, you’ll eventually connect with the main road again, which takes you north towards Buenavista del Norte before you loop back south. This section is a little bit of a reward. The roads are wider, smoother, and the descents are much faster and more flowing. It’s a really exhilarating feeling. The final leg of the journey takes you back along the coast towards Los Gigantes. This part is, more or less, a gentle cool-down. You have the wind at your back sometimes, and you can just enjoy the final few kilometers, with the giant cliffs coming back into view. Pulling back into town, feeling tired but completely happy, is a really satisfying end to what is, frankly, an epic day on the bike.

My Top Tips for an Unforgettable Ride

Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this ride, here are a few things I learned. First, start early in the day. The heat, especially in the afternoon, can be pretty intense, and you will find far less traffic in the morning. Frankly, having those quiet roads on the climb to Masca makes the experience so much better. Second, hydration is no joke. I’d say carry two big bottles and know where you might be able to refill them, like in Masca or Santiago del Teide. For instance, I took some electrolyte tablets to add to my water, which helped a lot. Pace yourself on the climb; it’s not a race. Find a steady rhythm that you can hold, and just keep spinning. You will get there. By the way, stop and take photos. The views are absolutely mind-blowing, and you’ll regret it if you just rush past them. This is a ride to be savored, you know?

The Final Spin: Reflecting on the Los Gigantes Loop

At the end of the day, the Los Gigantes route is more than just a bike ride; it’s a complete adventure. It has a little bit of everything: a gentle warm-up, a truly monstrous but beautiful climb, a village that seems like something from a storybook, and a technical descent that keeps you on your toes. It’s one of those rides that pushes you physically but gives back so much more in terms of views and experiences. You feel like you’ve actually explored a real, wild part of the island. Honestly, it’s a must-do for any serious cyclist visiting Tenerife.

• Key Takeaway 1: The climb to Masca is really the star of the show; it’s as beautiful as it is difficult.
• Key Takeaway 2: Good bike handling skills are pretty important for the very technical descent.
• Key Takeaway 3: The views from the top are absolutely worth every single ounce of effort you put in.
• Key Takeaway 4: You should probably plan for this to be at least a half-day trip to properly enjoy it.

Read our full review: Road Cycling Tenerife Los Gigantes Route Full Review and Details

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