Road Cycling Tenerife – Los Gigantes Route

The striking part of this ride is the change in scenery. You leave the hotel strip around Playa de Las Americas, follow Tenerife’s southwest coast, pause below the cliffs of Los Gigantes, then turn inland for a serious climb to Tamaimo. This is not a casual sightseeing spin. It is a proper road ride with 950 meters of climbing.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which should make it easier to ride at a steady pace and stay near the guide. I also like that the price includes a carbon bike, helmet, shoes, pedals, water or an isotonic drink, and a snack, so you do not need to pack a full kit. The main caution is simple: you need road-cycling experience and moderate fitness. The 10-kilometer climb averages 7 percent, and the entire route covers 57 kilometers.

Key points at a glance

• Los Gigantes is the scenic centerpiece: Stop to admire Tenerife’s huge coastal cliffs before the route turns uphill.
• The Tamaimo climb is the test: Expect 10 kilometers at about a 7 percent gradient, followed by another 3 kilometers of climbing.
• You get proper road equipment: The ride includes a Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro carbon bike, helmet, shoes, and your choice of listed pedal systems.
• The route finishes with a long descent: From Tamaimo, you descend through Chío and Guía de Isora, with 1,175 meters of total descent.
• Transfers simplify the morning: Pickup is offered from selected hotels, and the ride ends back at the Playa de la Americas meeting point.
• A guide adds encouragement: Music has been used during the harder sections, a small touch that can help when the road points upward.

A 57-kilometer route with two very different halves

This outing packs a lot into roughly three hours. On paper, that sounds quick for 57 kilometers and nearly 1,000 meters of climbing. In practice, the pace will depend on the group, the climb, the stop at Los Gigantes, and the descent.

You begin at Bike Experience Tenerife, at Paraiso Del Sol on Avenida V Centenario in Playa de la Americas. Hotel pickup is available from selected hotels, so check that point carefully when booking. If your hotel is not covered, the meeting point is near public transportation.

The route is designed for riders who want a real training ride with scenery, not for someone hoping to pedal gently beside the sea. You should be comfortable handling a road bike, riding in a group, and managing a sustained uphill effort. The minimum age is 18.

The route gains 950 meters but loses 1,175 meters, which tells you something useful about its shape. You spend the opening section working gradually along the southwest coast, climb inland toward Tamaimo, and then finish with more downhill than uphill. That is good news if descending is your strength, but it does not make the central climb optional.

Leaving Playa de Las Americas for the southwest coast

The ride leaves the busy tourist center of Playa de Las Americas in the direction of Adeje. This opening section shifts you away from the resort streets and toward the TF-47, the road that runs along the southwest coast.

You pass fishing villages including Playa de San Juan and Alcalá. These stops are not listed as long breaks, but they help give the route a more local feel than a ride confined to the hotel zone. The coast also opens views toward La Gomera, the neighboring island visible across the water.

I like this part because it gives you time to settle into the bike before the main climb. You can get used to the gearing, pedals, and group rhythm while the road remains relatively manageable. At the same time, do not mistake the early kilometers for the whole challenge. The route’s main physical demand comes later.

The coastal section also explains why a road bike is the right tool. A carbon model such as the Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro is suited to a long paved route with a substantial climb and descent. You can select from Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, or SPD pedals, and shoes are included. If you use a particular pedal system, confirm the setup when arranging the ride.

Los Gigantes, the scenic pause before the work begins

At Los Gigantes, the group stops to admire the cliffs. These are among Tenerife’s oldest mountain ranges and are one of the island’s most dramatic sights. From the road, the scale of the rock walls provides a strong contrast to the open coastal views near the start.

This is the point where the ride changes character. Up to here, the route is a coastal journey through villages and viewpoints. After Los Gigantes, you face the day’s main challenge: the ascent toward Tamaimo.

The stop matters for more than photographs. It gives you a chance to drink, take in the view, and prepare for a sustained climb. Your included water or isotonic drink and energy bar or gel are useful here, though you should not treat one snack as a substitute for all-day nutrition. The tour does not include lunch, and the listed supplies are limited to the provided drink and snack.

Because the whole activity lasts about three hours, the pause is likely to be practical rather than a long sightseeing visit. If your priority is exploring Los Gigantes on foot or spending time in the harbor area, this ride will not provide that kind of visit. You are seeing the cliffs as part of a cycling route.

The 10-kilometer climb to Tamaimo

The climb to Tamaimo is the section that determines who should book this experience. It runs for 10 kilometers at about a 7 percent gradient, followed by another 3 kilometers of ascent once you reach Tamaimo. That is a substantial effort, especially after riding along the coast.

A 7 percent average does not mean every meter has exactly that incline. It does mean you should expect a long, steady uphill rather than a few short ramps. Use your easier gears early, keep your effort controlled, and avoid treating the first kilometers as a race. The guide can set the rhythm, but you still need to manage your own pace.

The small group size should help here. With a maximum of 10 riders, the guide has a better chance of keeping the group together than on a large commercial outing. Still, you should not assume that everyone will climb at the same speed. Ask about the expected pace before departure if you are unsure.

One welcome detail is the guide’s use of music during the harder sections. It is an unusual touch on a road ride and can provide a little extra motivation when the gradient refuses to ease. Do not book this ride solely for that feature, but it adds some personality to what could otherwise feel like a stern fitness session.

Tamaimo is not just a turning point on a route map. It marks the moment when you have completed the hardest sustained work and can look forward to the descent. You may still have three more kilometers of rising road, so save something for that final section rather than assuming the work ends as soon as you reach the village.

Descending through Chío and Guía de Isora

After the final rise, the route descends through Chío and Guía de Isora. The total descent is listed at 1,175 meters, more than the climbing total, so the return leg should feel markedly different from the outward journey.

This is where bike handling matters. A road descent rewards smooth braking, a controlled line, and attention to the riders around you. The guide leads the route, but you remain responsible for riding within your ability. If you are new to road cycling, the climb is not the only concern. Long descents can be tiring too, especially if you are tense on the brakes.

The descent is also a good reason to use the supplied helmet and a properly fitted bike. The included carbon bikes are a practical part of the experience, not just a marketing extra. You avoid bringing your own machine to Tenerife, arranging transport for it, or wondering if a rental bike can handle a long mountain route.

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Playa de la Americas. A transfer to the starting point is included, and hotel drop-off is available for selected hotels. Confirm the exact transfer coverage before you book, since the phrase selected hotels means the service is not automatically available at every accommodation.

What the $101.27 price really covers

At $101.27 per person, this ride is not priced like a basic bicycle rental. The value comes from combining equipment, guiding, supplies, and transport in one morning.

You receive:

• A carbon road bike, either a Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro
• Helmet
• Road pedals, with listed Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, or SPD options
• Cycling shoes
• Expert guide
• Energy bar or gel
• Bottled water or isotonic drink
• Pickup from selected hotels
• Transfer to the route’s starting point
• Return to the meeting point

The biggest saving is convenience. You do not need to bring a road bike, helmet, shoes, or pedals, and you do not need to arrange your own way to the start. If you already own a good road bike and are staying close to the route, the price may feel less attractive. If you are flying to Tenerife with ordinary luggage, the included equipment makes more sense.

Lunch is not included. For a three-hour ride, the supplied bar or gel and drink may be enough for some riders, but you may prefer to eat beforehand. The exact food stops are not specified, so do not count on a café break during the route.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend this route to an adult cyclist who already knows how to ride a road bike and wants a demanding half-day outing. It suits you if you enjoy long climbs, care about proper equipment, and would rather see Tenerife from the saddle than spend the morning on a standard coach excursion.

It is also a good match if you want a guided route without joining a large group. The maximum of 10 riders is small enough to feel more personal, while the guide can handle navigation and route logistics.

I would not choose it for a first cycling experience. The tour specifically requires road-cycling experience, and moderate fitness is the minimum stated level. The route length, climbing, and descent all matter. Someone who is comfortable riding short flat distances but has little experience with hills may find the Tamaimo section too demanding.

The ride is for adults only, with a minimum age of 18. It is also best for people who are happy with a fast-moving schedule. Los Gigantes receives a scenic stop, not a full sightseeing visit, and there is no included lunch.

Timing, cancellation, and practical details

The listed operating hours show Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the period January 1, 2021, through March 21, 2027. Confirm the available date and pickup time when booking, since the published schedule is specific.

You receive booking confirmation at the time of reservation. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The activity is offered in English. A mobile ticket is available, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Since pickup applies only to selected hotels, you should have the full address of your accommodation ready when making arrangements.

The route includes cycling shoes, but you should still make sure the shoe and pedal combination works for you. Riders who use a particular cleat system should mention it in advance. A proper fit matters more than the brand printed on the frame.

Should you book the Los Gigantes route?

Book it if you want a genuine road-cycling challenge with a memorable coastal stop, quality rental equipment, and a guide to manage the route. The combination of Los Gigantes, La Gomera views, the Tamaimo climb, and the descent through Chío and Guía de Isora gives you much more variety than a simple resort-area ride.

Skip it if you want a relaxed bicycle tour, a long visit at Los Gigantes, or a route with little climbing. The 10-kilometer ascent at 7 percent is the deciding detail. If that sounds appealing rather than alarming, the $101.27 price is reasonable for a carbon bike, helmet, shoes, pedals, supplies, guide, and selected hotel transfers.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes cycling route?

The route covers 57 kilometers and takes approximately three hours.

How much climbing is involved?

The route includes about 950 meters of ascent. The main climb is 10 kilometers at approximately a 7 percent gradient, followed by another 3 kilometers of rising road near Tamaimo.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro carbon bike, helmet, cycling shoes, and pedals. Listed pedal options include Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL, and SPD.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels. The meeting point is Bike Experience Tenerife, Paraiso Del Sol, Av. V Centenario, 2, local 5, Playa de la Americas.

What fitness level and experience do I need?

You must be at least 18 and have moderate physical fitness. Road-bike cycling experience is required because the route includes a long climb and a substantial descent.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour includes bottled water or an isotonic drink and an energy bar or gel, but lunch is not included.