Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Mallorca: where to ride in winter?
When the cold arrives, many cyclists look for an island to keep riding. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Mallorca are the three best-known destinations. All three are great, but each has its own character. Here is how they differ so you can choose the one that suits you.
Tenerife: the longest climbs
Mount Teide, at 3,715 metres, is the highest peak in Spain, and the road goes above 2,000 metres in Las Cañadas. That means climbs that can last hours from sea level, perfect for building endurance and rhythm. The island also combines coast, pine forests, volcanic landscapes and spectacular roads such as Masca.
Gran Canaria: hard climbs in fewer kilometres
Gran Canaria is smaller and its roads climb with very steep ramps towards the centre of the island. It is ideal if you want concentrated elevation and tough climbs, with a climate very similar to Tenerife's.
Mallorca: the classic cycling island
The Serra de Tramuntana and legendary climbs like Sa Calobra have made Mallorca a classic. Its strong point is spring: in mid-winter the weather is more changeable and cooler than in the Canary Islands.
Winter weather
The Canary Islands have mild winters, with pleasant temperatures on the coast almost every day. In Tenerife, though, the mountains are another story: it gets much cooler up high, so a windproof jacket always goes in your pocket.
Which one to choose?
- Tenerife, if you want long climbs, varied landscapes and altitude training.
- Gran Canaria, if you are after steep ramps on shorter rides.
- Mallorca, if you travel in spring and love its classic climbs.
Your cycling trip to Tenerife
If you choose Tenerife, we make it easy: road, gravel and electric bikes, hotel delivery if you hire for 3 days or more, and guided rides on the best roads in the south.
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