When you think of Tenerife, your mind probably races to black sand beaches, the blue ocean, and the lunar landscapes of Teide. But between the coast and the volcano, there is a hidden Tenerife—agricultural and incredibly green—that offers some of the most unique (and fragrant) cycling experiences on the island.
The roads that wind through the bananeti (banana plantations) and ancient vineyards are not just an alternative to the major climbs; they are a dive into the beating heart of the island’s economy and tradition.
Let’s discover what these roads are like, what landscapes they offer, and some interesting facts about these unique crops.
The “Kingdom of Bananas”: Riding Under Cover
Banana cultivation is Tenerife’s “yellow gold” and dominates the coastal and low-altitude landscapes, especially in the south (from Las Galletas to Guía de Isora) and in the north (La Orotava and Icod areas).
The Landscape and Roads:
For a cyclist, this translates into a labyrinth of narrow, secondary roads, often sheltered from the wind. Many plantations are covered by white tarps or green nets to protect the fruit from wind and sun. Cycling here means riding on rural roads with little traffic, surrounded by a sea of green.
The gradients are often gentle, but the continuous ups and downs, coming out of one barranco (gorge) into another, make the route a good workout. It’s ideal for an active recovery day or an escape from the coastal wind.
Bonus – Agricultural Fact: The Canary Island banana (Plátano de Canarias) is different from the South American banana. It’s smaller, sweeter, and has a high potassium concentration (perfect for cyclists!). It has earned the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) label from the European Union, attesting to its quality and uniqueness.
The Heroic Vineyards of the North
If the banana is the queen of the coast, wine is the king of the medianías (mid-mountain areas). Tenerife has a centuries-old winemaking tradition, with five different Designations of Origin. The most famous areas for cycling through vineyards are in the north: Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava, and Tegueste/Anaga.
The Landscape and Roads:
This is “heroic cycling.” The vineyards are often grown on incredibly steep terraces or in small plots. The roads that cross them are unique:
- Severe Gradients: Get ready for 15-20% ramps. These secondary roads were not built for cars, but for farmers.
- Rough Asphalt: Sometimes you’ll find grooved concrete or old asphalt, which adds to the challenge.
- Incredible Panoramas: The effort is rewarded with spectacular ocean views, with the vineyards seemingly “diving” into the blue.
Bonus – Agricultural Fact: Look for the “Cordón Trenzado” (Braided Cordon). It’s a vine training system unique to the world, practiced mainly in the La Orotava Valley. The vine branches are braided together over years, creating long “ropes” that run parallel to the ground. It’s an ancient, beautiful system to see, requiring a heroic manual harvest.
The Advantage for the Cyclist: A Sensory Experience
Riding here is an experience that goes beyond sight. It’s a sensory journey:
- Smells: The sweet, damp scent of the banana plantations in the early morning.
- Sounds: The silence of the rural roads, broken only by the chirping of cicadas.
- Taste: The chance to stop at a guachinche (a local, rustic eatery) in the north for a glass of local wine and traditional food.
These roads offer a perfect respite from the strong coastal wind and show you an authentic side of Tenerife, far from the main tourist routes.
Are you ready to discover the hidden flavors of the island? Our tours can be customized to include these unique roads.