Vilaflor | cycling destination and cycling stop on the way to Teide
- May 27
- 10 min read
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has long attracted cyclists with its perpetual sunshine and varied terrain. It offers ideal conditions for year-round riding, making it a popular destination for both professionals and amateurs. Among the many challenges the island poses, one of the most iconic is climbing the majestic Teide volcano. This impressive mountain, the highest peak in Spain, attracts cyclists from all over Europe to tackle its slopes. I will, of course, devote a separate post to it.
However, on this epic route, about halfway to the summit, lies the charming town of Vilaflor. Situated at around 1,424 metres above sea level, Vilaflor is not only the highest town in Spain, but also a natural and extremely welcoming stopover for cyclists on their way to Teide.

Where does this charming name come from?
According to legend, the name Vilaflor comes from the cry of a Spanish conquistador who, upon seeing a beautiful Guanche woman, exclaimed: "¡Vi la flor de Chasna!" (I have seen the flower of Chasna!). Previously, Vilaflor was known as Chasna, which was the capital of the vast Abona region. The modern name Vilaflor means "Village of Flowers" in Spanish.
Road to Vilaflor
A cycling adventure in Tenerife most often begins on the southern coast of the island, in popular resorts such as el Medano or Los Cristianos. The first kilometers lead inland, gradually moving away from the blue ocean. The landscape is initially diverse - you can admire vast vineyards picturesquely climbing the slopes of the hills. With each meter up, the Canary pines characteristic of Tenerife begin to dominate the surroundings, creating pleasant shade and introducing a mountain climate.
The climb to Vilaflor is gradual but relentless. There is no hiding the fact that if you are not in good enough shape, the climb will not be a pleasure.
The incline is very demanding from the start, and every pedal turn requires effort. The average gradient is 5.5-6.1%, but the highest elevations, depending on the route, are 11% or even 20.5%.* However, the satisfaction of the meters of altitude covered and the vast panoramas that begin to reveal themselves compensate for the hardships of the climb.
*If you want to experience this elevation gain, here’s where you’ll find this segment: Los Cristianos → Vilaflor (TF-51) (21.1 km, 1,277 m elevation gain), the 20.5% jump occurs on the third bend (~9 km climb), just after passing through the small village of La Escalona and starting the final sections to Vilaflor. This is a very short section — only about 100 m long — but it’s the steepest on the entire route.
It’s very common to meet other cyclists also heading in the same direction, which creates a sense of community and motivation. Unless you go in the afternoon, by then the cyclists are usually already heading downhill.
If cycling in Tenerife is new to you, read my post below.
There are many different routes and types of towers to choose from. Today I will suggest options for getting to Vilaflor by road bike. This is the most popular type of bike chosen for conquering these climbs. I recommend choosing a road bike with a good range of gears to make it easier to conquer the steep climbs.
🚴🏻 Routes from the south to Vilaflor
1. El Médano > Granadilla > Vilaflor (TF-64, TF-21)
Distance: about 24.2 km
Value gain: about 1,356 m
Average gradient: about 5.5%
Maximum gradient: 11.7%
Climbing category: HC (Hors Catégorie)
Route characteristics: The route starts in El Médano and goes through Granadilla de Abona, then along the TF-21 road to Vilaflor. It is a popular route among cyclists, offering scenic views and moderate gradients.
2. Los Cristianos > La Camella > Vilaflor (TF-51)
Distance: about 21 km
Value difference: about 1,277 m
Average gradient: about 6.1%
Maximum gradient: 20.5%
Climbing category: HC (Hors Catégorie)
Route characteristics: The route goes from Los Cristianos via La Camella to Vilaflor. This is one of the most popular routes, offering beautiful views and challenging climbs.
3. Puerto de Santiago > Chío > TF-38 > Boca Tauce > TF-21 > Vilaflor
Distance: about 38 km
Value gain: about 1,300 m
Average gradient: about 5.5%
Maximum gradient: about 8%
Climbing category: HC (Hors Catégorie)
Description: Puerto de Santiago → Chío Start the route in Puerto de Santiago, heading northeast on the TF-454 towards the town of Chío. From Chío, take the TF-38 and start climbing towards the Mirador de Boca Tauce. At the Boca Tauce junction, turn right onto the TF-21 and continue downhill to Vilaflor.
Route characteristics: The TF-38 from Chío to Boca Tauce is a 25 km climb with an average gradient of 5.5%, characterized by long, straight sections and gentle bends. The road is well maintained, with minimal traffic, making it ideal for road cyclists. TF-21 from Boca Tauce to Vilaflor: After reaching the Mirador de Boca Tauce at around 2,040m, the descent to Vilaflor (around 1,400m) offers spectacular views of the Teide National Park and the surrounding landscapes.
🚴🏻 Routes from the north of Tenerife to Vilaflor
1. Puerto de la Cruz > La Orotava > Vilaflor (przez TF-21)
Distance: about 47.5 km
Value gain: about 2,400 m
Average gradient: about 5%
Maximum gradient: 13.8%
Description: The route starts in Puerto de la Cruz, passes through the picturesque town of La Orotava and continues along the TF-21 towards Vilaflor. This is one of the most scenic routes in Tenerife, offering spectacular views of the Teide National Park.
2. Santa Cruz de Tenerife > La Laguna > Vilaflor (przez TF-24 i TF-21)
Distance: about 63 km
Value gain: about 2,787 m
Average gradient: about 4.3%
Maximum gradient: 15%
Description: The route starts in the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, passes through the historic city of La Laguna, then along the TF-24 and TF-21 roads towards Vilaflor. This is the longest route to Vilaflor, offering a variety of landscapes, from urban to mountainous.
In the table I have summarized all the routes, I am including a link to the GPX, and I am also providing suggested rest areas. GPX files for navigation - each of the links leads directly to a GPX file (or to a page with the option "Download GPX"). You can import them to Garmin, Wahoo or Hammerhead, or use them in the RideWithGPS or Komoot app
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ROUTE | DISTANCE | TOTAL ELEVATION | AV.ELEVATION | MAX. GRADIENT | GPX | COMMENTS | WHERE YOU CAN REST |
Los Cristianos → Vilaflor (TF-51) | 21,1 km | 1 277 m | 6,1% | 20,5% | A short but very steep route with sharp turns and steep sections. | La Camella (km 7) – "El Mirador" bar;La Escalona (km 12) – fountain and shop | |
El Médano → Vilaflor (TF-64 → TF-21) | 54,1 km | 2 629 m | 4,2% | 13,2% | A longer route with a gentler gradient, popular with cyclists. | Granadilla (km 12) – cafe in the square; Las Cabezadas (km 32) – viewpoint. | |
Puerto de Santiago → Chío → Boca Tauce → Vilaflor (TF-38 → TF-21) | 38 km | 1 300 m | 5,5% | 8% | A picturesque route through the western part of the island with a moderate gradient. | Chío (km 5) – drinks shop; Boca Tauce (km 25) – mountain shelter. | |
Puerto de la Cruz → La Orotava → Vilaflor (TF-21) | 47,5 km | 2 400 m | 5% | 13,8% | A route through the northern part of the island with beautiful views and a moderate gradient. | La Orotava (km 10) – El Calderito café; Mirador de Humboldt (km 20) | |
Santa Cruz → La Laguna → Vilaflor (TF-24 → TF-21) | 63 km | 2 787 m | 4,3% | 15% | The longest route with a gentle slope, leading through the island's capital. | La Laguna (km 15) – El Obispado bar; Mirador Mataznos (km 32) |
What else is worth knowing?
Equipment: Make sure your bike is in good working order. Disc brakes are recommended, as they are more suitable for long descents.
Equipment: Always wear a helmet! (This is mandatory on the islands). Bring sunglasses. It is a good idea to have front and rear lights.
Hydration and nutrition: Make sure you have enough water and energy snacks before starting the ascent. Food options are limited in the higher elevations of the island, and there are no food options or shops from the ascent from Chío to Vilaflor.
Weather and clothing: Weather conditions can change quickly at higher altitudes. I recommend taking appropriate clothing to protect against wind and cold. Even if it is warm on the coast, temperatures can drop significantly higher in the mountains. It is worth bringing layers of clothing, including a windbreaker, a vest and, depending on the season, a warmer sweatshirt. Don't forget your UV cream - the sun is very intense at this altitude.
Suggestions for rest areas: at every major intermediate point (town, mirador, café) you will find basic supplies: water, snacks, toilets. When planning your route, it is worth checking the opening hours of local bars in advance.
Route planning: before setting off, plan it carefully, taking into account rest areas and possible service points. Inform someone about your planned route and estimated return time.
Ride responsibly: obey road traffic regulations, respect nature (don't throw away paper, don't litter), other cyclists and drivers.
Take on challenges, but listen to your body! A bike trip to Vilaflor is not only a beautiful adventure, but also a demanding challenge - almost extreme. Steep climbs, significant elevation gain, long descents and changing weather conditions can significantly affect the comfort of the ride and your fitness. It is a completely different effort than riding on flat terrain, even if you cover a greater number of kilometers. When planning a route to this picturesque town, take all these factors into account and adjust the pace to your abilities.
IMPORTANTIn Tenerife, the following are mandatory:🚲 wearing a helmet🚲 having bicycle lights🚲 respecting traffic regulationsIt is forbidden to:🚲 wearing headphones🚲 using a mobile phone |
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Driving culture and road safety
Tenerife is a popular destination for cyclists, both amateur and professional. Drivers on the island are generally polite and accustomed to cyclists on the roads. They keep a safe distance when overtaking and are aware of the specifics of cycling in mountainous terrain.
However, cycling infrastructure in Tenerife is limited. Cycle paths are rare (non-existent on mountain routes) and cyclists often share the road with other vehicles. As a result, it is important to exercise caution, especially on busier sections of road.
⚠️ Potential hazards and precautions
Although cycling in Tenerife is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of:
Traffic: in the south of the island, especially around popular resorts, traffic can be heavy. It is advisable to avoid riding during rush hour.
Weather conditions: in the higher parts of the island, such as around Vilaflor, the weather can be changeable. There can be strong winds (around El Medano), sudden changes in temperature and fog that reduce visibility.
Road conditions: some roads can be in poor condition, with holes and loose gravel. It is advisable to be careful, especially when going downhill.
Photo fun fact:The road leading to Vilaflor offers not only picturesque views, but also excellent places for photo sessions. While we focus mainly on riding during our rides, it was on this route that MAKYO did a photoshoot for our cycling clothing brand TROFEO. The results of this session can be seen here and elsewhere on our blog. Although we no longer manufacture clothing, we still ride with passion in our kits, enjoying cycling in Tenerife. If you feel like it, we invite you to visit our Instagram profile. |
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Vilaflor – yes, you are in the right place!
I always welcome the entrance to Vilaflor with relief and satisfaction. The town, situated at the highest point, exudes a peaceful atmosphere. You can immediately see that Vilaflor is a place friendly to cyclists. You can often see bicycles parked in front of local cafés and restaurants, and the atmosphere inside is full of understanding for the needs of cyclists.
Cafes in Vilaflor are aware of the specifics of cycling and adapt their service to guests arriving on two wheels. The premises offer a convenient place to leave bikes and a quick service of drinks, which is crucial after a demanding climb. Almost every local café allows you to refill your bottles with free water, and the staff is sensitive to the need for quick service for tired cyclists. In the center of the town there are at least three catering points with plenty of seating and clean toilets, which significantly increases the comfort of cycling breaks, especially if you are riding in a large group. Vilaflor is one of the best places for a short coffee break during a full-day road trip in Tenerife. Thanks to this, whether you are an amateur or a professional, you can be sure that after the difficult kilometers that accumulate, you will find efficient service, access to the necessary facilities and a moment of regeneration before continuing your ride.
Below I am posting you 2 popular places friendly to cyclists, but on the map you will find many pubs where you can relax after a long climb. If you have the strength, you can ride up to see the Plaza de San Pedro and the Church of San Pedro or Pino Gordo and Pino de las Dos Pernadas, the oldest trees, which are a must-see for nature lovers visiting the southern part of Tenerife.
PLACE | INFO | LINK |
Restaurante Teide Flor | Full restaurant menu (salads, meat dishes, homemade desserts) in a rustic-modern room and on a terrace with a view of the mountains; designated area and bike racks; quick filling of water bottles; possibility of ordering "takeaway" for cyclists continuing their route. | |
Los Cipreses de La Casa Inglesa | Serves Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine (tapas, salads, Canarian papas arrugadas) in a spacious interior and on the terrace; large selection of drinks and fast service for cyclists; space for bicycle parking available. | |
E.S. Disa Vilaflor de Chasna | For a quick snack, you can pop into the gas station right next to Restaurante Teide Flor. | |
Plaza de San Pedro i Kościół San Pedro | If you want to see something along the way, you can drive up to the 18th-century Baroque parish church. Three centuries-old cypresses at the entrance (“Cipreses”). | |
Pino Gordo | This is an impressive specimen of the Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis), one of the most characteristic natural landmarks in Vilaflor. The tree reaches a height of about 45 meters and a trunk circumference at chest height of 9.36 meters, making it one of the thickest trees in Spain. It is estimated to be between 700 and 800 years old, which makes it one of the oldest trees on the island, along with the famous Drago Milenario of Icod de los Vinos. | |
Pino de las Dos Pernadas | On the other side of the road stands the tallest native tree in Spain, reaching a height of 56 metres. |
If you can't ride your bike
Of course, you can use a car or public transport, because Vilaflor and its surroundings are also worth exploring on foot. In addition to the atmospheric, historic town, you can visit the gallery Mar de Nubes | Instagram and stock up not only on local wines and delicacies, but also on art by local artists. The area around Vilaflor also offers many trekking trails. For those who want to visit the town or its surroundings, I will create a separate post.
The bike tour from Vilaflor towards the majestic Teide is an unforgettable journey that combines a physical challenge with the extraordinary beauty of Tenerife's landscapes. From the hospitality of Spain's highest town to the raw beauty of the volcanic terrain, this route offers experiences that will stay in the memory of every cyclist for a long time. I encourage you to try your hand at this iconic route. Share your experiences, impressions and advice for other two-wheeler enthusiasts in the comments!

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