REVIEW · TENERIFE
Road Cycling Tenerife – Los Gigantes Route
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Cliffs and climbs in just three hours. This road cycling route on Tenerife mixes Los Gigantes views with a real “port of the day” feel, all while you’re rolling on a provided carbon bike. With hotel pickup and a small group cap, it’s a tight, efficient morning outing that still feels like an event.
I like the route’s rhythm: coastal roads, then a focused climb up to Tamaimo, followed by a long downhill run through Chío and Guía de Isora. I also like that you’re not left figuring out hydration and calories—there’s an energy bar or gel plus water or isotonic drink and snacks along the way.
The only real consideration: you should come with road cycling experience and solid legs, because the climb profile is no joke. You’re looking at a 10 km ascent toward Tamaimo around 7%, plus additional rising before you turn for the descent, so if your gearing or cadence habits aren’t ready, it can feel steep.
In This Review
- Key things I’d pin on your planning map
- Why the Los Gigantes Route Works So Well for a Short Morning
- From Playa de Las Américas to Adeje: Coastal Roads and La Gomera Views
- Stopping at Los Gigantes Cliffs: The Payoff Before the Climb
- Tamaimo Climb Details: 10 km at 7% and the Extra Rising
- Chío and Guía de Isora Descent: Fast Legs, Big Responsibility
- Carbon Bike, Helmet, Shoes, and Pedals: Gear That’s More Than a Checkbox
- Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and What You’re Not)
- Pickup, Timing, and Group Size: How the Morning Likely Feels
- Who Should Book This Los Gigantes Route (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Los Gigantes Road Cycling Route?
- FAQ
- How long is the Los Gigantes road cycling route?
- What distance and elevation does the route include?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What bike and safety gear are provided?
- Is lunch included?
- Where do I meet and where does the tour end?
Key things I’d pin on your planning map

- 57 km with 950 m ascent and 1175 m descent, so it’s punchy rather than casual.
- Tamaimo climb starts with a 10 km push at about 7%, then continues rising for a bit.
- Small group size (max 10) means you get more direct attention from the expert guide.
- Carbon bike + helmet + shoes/pedals are included, so you’re not renting and guessing setup.
- Fuel is built in: energy bar or gel, plus water or an isotonic drink.
Why the Los Gigantes Route Works So Well for a Short Morning

This is the kind of ride that fits real life. You get an approx. 3-hour session, but it’s not just point-to-point cruising—it’s built around classic Tenerife cycling scenery and a climb that gives your morning purpose.
The big win is how quickly you move from tourist center roads into a more “road ride” vibe. After pickup, you’ll head out via Adeje and the southwest coast road, passing fishing villages along the way. Then you hit the main visual moment at Los Gigantes before the bike work starts.
I also like the human touches that make training rides easier to swallow. In one of the standout bits from past riders, the guide uses music during the harder sections, which helps when the grade rises and your breathing gets loud. It’s not a small thing—timing and morale matter on any climb.
The route is ideal if you want a “real” road cycling day without a full-day commitment. With a max of 10 people, it should feel organized rather than chaotic, and you’re likely to spend more time riding than waiting.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
From Playa de Las Américas to Adeje: Coastal Roads and La Gomera Views

You start at Bike Experience Tenerife’s shop location in Playa de la Américas (CC Paraiso Del Sol, Av. V Centenario, 2, local 5). If you’re using hotel pickup, you’ll be collected from selected hotels, then directed toward the ride’s start area. Either way, the focus is on getting you rolling quickly.
From there, the route heads toward Adeje. You’ll turn onto TF-47, a road that tracks the island’s southwest coast. This matters because coastal roads tend to offer frequent visual payoff, and you’re not stuck staring at the same stretch of pavement while your legs warm up.
Along the way you pass fishing villages like Playa de San Juan and Alcalá. The view from here is part of why this ride feels more like Tenerife than a generic training loop. You may also get magnificent views of La Gomera from points along the route—one of those “pause for a second” moments that makes the effort feel worth it.
Practical tip: since you’re dealing with a climb later, use the coastal portion to settle your cadence and rhythm. Don’t race the early flat-ish segments just because the views look good. You’ll thank yourself once Tamaimo shows up.
Stopping at Los Gigantes Cliffs: The Payoff Before the Climb
Los Gigantes is the visual headline. The cliffs are described as one of the oldest mountain ranges on Tenerife, and during the stop you’ll get to admire them before turning your attention to the cycling work.
This pause is more than sightseeing. It’s timed so you’re not already crushed from climbing when the views appear. You’ll have a chance to regroup, hydrate a bit, and look ahead to what you’re about to do.
Then you face the “port of the day” feeling: after the Los Gigantes stop, the route goes toward the day’s ascent. The itinerary calls out an ascent to Tamaimo—starting with a substantial climb, then continuing rising before the descent.
One reason I’d recommend this route specifically is that it doesn’t dump you into the climb immediately. You earn the big scenery first, and that changes how the ride feels. Even if you’re doing this for fitness, you’re also doing it for a proper Tenerife moment.
If you’re the type who likes quick photo stops, plan for a few brief ones here and don’t let it stretch too long. The whole ride is designed around about three hours total, and you’ll still want enough time in the saddle afterward.
Tamaimo Climb Details: 10 km at 7% and the Extra Rising
The climb is where this route earns its keep. The itinerary describes the ascent to Tamaimo as 10 km with around 7% unevenness, followed by only 3 km more of rising before you set up for the descent.
Even if you’re comfortable with climbs, that length is a test. Ten kilometers at that grade usually forces you to either lock into a steady effort or slow your pace more than you expect. The extra rising after the main portion means you can’t treat it as a single “hard burst.”
This is also where good road bike setup pays off. Since the ride includes a carbon bike (models like Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro, depending on availability) plus shoes and pedals, you’re starting with equipment intended for road performance. That helps on climbs because you can focus on your pedal stroke instead of troubleshooting fit or unfamiliar cleats.
Practical climb strategy you can use right away: pick a cadence you can hold without gasping, and keep your shoulders relaxed. If you feel yourself surging too early, back off a touch. This climb isn’t about proving toughness at the start; it’s about finishing the climb feeling in control.
Also, remember fuel is included. You’ll have an energy bar or gel plus drinks (water or isotonic). Use the climb as your cue: if you’re the type to run low, take your fuel on the climb rather than saving it for after you’re already spent.
Chío and Guía de Isora Descent: Fast Legs, Big Responsibility
After Tamaimo, the route turns into a downhill sequence through Chío and Guía de Isora. The descent is part of why the route feels so satisfying—your legs may be tired, but you get that release where speed and scenery come together.
The numbers hint at what to expect: the ride records 950 meters of ascent and 1175 meters of descent. That’s not just a small downhill glide. It means you’ll likely spend meaningful time gaining speed and then braking and controlling that speed again and again.
This is also where your road cycling experience matters. The tour info explicitly asks for road bike cycling experience, and the descent portion is one of the reasons why. Even if the guide leads the way, you’re still responsible for how you handle your bike, especially on curving roads.
Practical safety mindset: stay smooth. On descents, quick steering inputs and sudden braking can make the ride feel sketchy faster than you’d expect. Keep your eyes further ahead than feels natural, and let the bike run when it’s safe.
If you like the technical side of cycling (lines, braking points, staying composed), this segment will probably be a highlight. If you prefer steady efforts over speed changes, focus on control rather than trying to “win” the descent.
Carbon Bike, Helmet, Shoes, and Pedals: Gear That’s More Than a Checkbox
This tour includes the bike and helmet, plus several items that most casual riders forget to plan for. You’ll ride a carbon road bike (Look 765 or Bianchi Sempre Pro), and you’ll also get a helmet. Shoes and pedals are included too, with pedal options like Look Keo or Shimano SPD-SL or SPD depending on what’s being used that day.
Why this matters: correct pedal/cleat setup affects everything—your power delivery on climbs, your comfort, and even how confident you feel when you’re standing up for a short push. When shoes and compatible pedals are provided, you’re less likely to end up in “riding frustration” territory.
The guide is also part of the gear equation. You’ll have an expert guide with you, and that’s useful for pacing, route management, and keeping the group together on roads that can demand attention.
A small-group cap (maximum 10) is another quiet advantage here. Less crowded groups are easier to follow at speed, and it’s generally easier for the guide to notice if someone is struggling with cadence, breathing, or bike handling.
If you’ve never ridden with clipless pedals before, this is where I’d be cautious. The tour requires road cycling experience, and while they supply the equipment, your comfort with the “in and out” part still matters for safety and enjoyment.
Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and What You’re Not)
The price is $101.27 per person for an approx. 3-hour ride. That number feels more reasonable once you see what’s included—not just a bike rental, but the whole experience framework.
Included basics:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels) plus transfer to the exit point
- Use of a carbon road bike and a helmet
- Pedals and shoes
- Expert guide
- Energy bar or gel, snacks
- Water or isotonic drink, plus bottled water
Not included:
- Lunch
Value perspective: you’re paying for a guided route with logistics handled for you, plus road-specific equipment. You’re also not expected to carry your own drinks or deal with the “when do I refuel?” question mid-ride. When I look at value like that, the price feels less like a random fee and more like a bundle of convenience.
One more practical note: the route says the admission ticket is free. That doesn’t replace lunch, but it does suggest there aren’t extra paid entry stops that surprise you later.
Since lunch isn’t included, plan your post-ride meal. The ride ends back at the meeting point, so you can usually head straight for food afterward without a major relocation.
Pickup, Timing, and Group Size: How the Morning Likely Feels
The meeting point is Bike Experience Tenerife at CC Paraiso Del Sol (Av. V Centenario, 2, local 5). The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way afterward.
The opening hours listed run Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. That doesn’t mean you’ll be out for four hours, but it does help frame the timeframe in which this ride operates.
Group size is capped at 10 travelers, which is a meaningful detail. A smaller group tends to mean fewer gaps, better pacing, and less time spent waiting. It also reduces the stress of trying to stay with faster cyclists while you’re still settling into your gears.
You’re also told confirmation is received at booking, and the tour is offered in English. That’s helpful if you want instructions and guidance you can follow easily, especially when the route transitions from coastal roads into climb mode.
If you’re coming from farther away and relying on public transit, the meeting point is noted as near public transportation. That’s another small value point: you can still make it work even if hotel pickup doesn’t apply.
Who Should Book This Los Gigantes Route (and Who Should Skip It)
This is for adults. Minimum age is 18, and the route is designed for cyclists with moderate physical fitness and road cycling experience.
The climbing profile is the main reason. The ascent toward Tamaimo includes a 10 km effort around 7%, plus additional rising. If you’re new to road cycling—or if you only ride flat terrain—this may feel harder than your training plan. If you’re used to hills and know how to pace climbs, you’ll likely enjoy the structure of the route.
The descent is also a factor. Even though the guide is there, your road bike handling skills matter. If clipless pedals or descending at speed make you nervous, treat this as a “practice first” situation rather than a test ride.
Who this fits best:
- You want a guided road ride with real elevation in a short time
- You like scenery but also want to earn it with a climb
- You’re comfortable riding road bikes and handling descents
Who should skip or choose a gentler option:
- You don’t have road cycling experience
- You struggle to hold steady effort on grades
- You’re hoping for a casual spin with minimal climbing
Should You Book This Los Gigantes Road Cycling Route?
Book it if you want a high-reward Tenerife ride with a clear structure: coastal roads, a dramatic Los Gigantes stop, a climb to Tamaimo, then a satisfying downhill run. The inclusion list is strong—carbon bike, helmet, shoes/pedals, and fueling—so you can focus on riding instead of logistics.
Think twice if your road cycling base is shaky or if climbs make you feel out of control. The route is short on paper, but the elevation is real for a 3-hour ride, and that matters.
If you’re an adult rider with moderate fitness and road experience, I’d call this a smart way to see Tenerife by bike without burning an entire day.
FAQ
How long is the Los Gigantes road cycling route?
The ride runs for approximately 3 hours.
What distance and elevation does the route include?
The route is listed as 57 km, with about 950 meters of ascent and 1175 meters of descent.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and exit transfers are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off available for selected hotels.
What bike and safety gear are provided?
You’ll use a carbon road bike and you’ll be provided a helmet. Shoes and pedals are also included.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
Where do I meet and where does the tour end?
You meet at Bike Experience Tenerife at CC Paraiso Del Sol, Av. V Centenario, 2, local 5, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.











