Mount Teide boasts the longest climb in Europe. There are five main routes up the volcano which dominates the island of Tenerife, so we’ll focus on one.

The ascent from the fishing village of El Medano on Tenerife’s south coast starts at sea level and rises continuously for 36.7km and, while not the longest of the ascents, is one of the most direct through the island’s lunar landscape, with an average gradient of six per cent until you reach the volcano’s dramatic crater rim.

Tenerife’s warm weather and unparalled climbing has seen it emerge as a popular training camp destination and Bradley Wiggins sowed the seeds for his 2012 Tour de France victory on the Canary Island. Tempted to make a trip of your own?

Vital statistics

Length: 36.7km
Average gradient: six per cent
Start elevation: 6m
End elevation: 2,190m