Teide circumnavigation: volcanic roads on Tenerife

Route details

Round trip along the mountain roads of the Teide National Park with volcanic landscapes and views of the Orotava Valley. The route combines winding Mountain roads with the historic old town of La Orotava and the pilgrimage site of Candelaria.

The Tour starts in the east of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and first takes the TF-21 towards La Orotava. This road is considered by motorcyclists to be one of the most interesting on the island, as it climbs from sea level to over 2,000 meters above sea level. The road surface is predominantly well asphalted with wide curves and offers a fun ride.

From La Orotava, the route continues towards Los Realejos and up to the Teide National Park. La Orotava itself lies at an altitude of around 390 meters and has a listed old town with Canarian architecture from the 17th century. The urban area stretches from the north coast up to the Teide volcano, with around 78 percent of the national park belonging to the municipality.

The route through the national park leads through impressive volcanic landscapes. The TF-21 winds its way past lava fields and the vegetation becomes sparser as the altitude increases. There are several viewpoints along the route, such as the Mirador La Tarta, where different layers of volcanic ash overlap and offer a cake-like view. From here, on a clear day, you can see Pico del Teide and the Orotava Valley, which is usually covered in clouds.

Weather on the plateau is often changeable at higher altitudes. Temperatures can be significantly lower than on the coast, so warm clothing in layers is recommended. The road is signposted with a 90 km/h Top speed limit. Speed cameras have been installed on this route.

The return journey leads via Güímar and Candelaria along the east coast back to Santa Cruz. Candelaria is home to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the most important place of pilgrimage in the Canary Islands. The basilica, built in 1959, is home to the patron saint of the Canary Islands and receives around 2.5 million visitors every year. Nine bronze statues of the Guanche kings stand in front of the square.

Road conditions are generally good to very good. There are occasional patches at higher altitudes. Curves range from long arches in the plateau to narrower passages on the ascents and descents. There is less traffic in the morning; organized bus tours arrive from midday. The Tour combines Mountain roads with short coastal sections, offering variety in terrain and climate.