Puerto de las Palomas – Sierra de Grazalema
Nestled in the stunning Sierra de Grazalema, the Puerto de las Palomas is a must-ride for any cyclist visiting southern Spain. This climb, which starts near the picturesque Zahara – El Gastor Reservoir, is renowned for its challenging ascent and beautiful views. The winding road takes you through a series of switchbacks, offering glimpses of the turquoise water below and the rugged mountains that surround it. The climb’s gradient hovers around 7%, making it accessible yet rewarding. And on top of that, it’s featured as a category 2 climb in stage 8 of the 2024 La Vuelta.
Pico Veleta – Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is home to the highest paved road in Europe, which peaks at the summit of Pico Veleta at an astonishing 3,398 metres of elevation. This climb is a true test of endurance and stamina, particularly as the road reaches the Hoya de la Mora at 2,550 m where you may have to turn back due to snow, depending on the weather. However, the journey to this point is nothing short of spectacular, with crisp mountain air and sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys. For those seeking a more manageable yet equally scenic climb, the ascent to the mountain village of Trevelez at 1,500 m is the perfect alternative.
Alto de Velefique and Calar Alto – Tabernas Desert
If you’re looking for an Alpine-style climbing experience, Spain has you covered too. Often referred to as the “Spanish Alps”, the Alto de Velefique in the Tabernas Desert area is that kind of climb. With 20 switchbacks, only one fewer thanthe famous Alpe d’Huez, and a consistent gradient, it will test even the best climbers. If you’re looking for a true Vuelta-level day in the mountains, you can add the nearby climb to the observatories at Calar Alto. That will add another 16 km and over 1,000 m of climbing to get you close to 2,200 meters of elevation.
Els Angels and Mare de Deu del Mont – Girona and Costa Brava
Moving to the north of Spain now, the region of Girona and the Costa Brava is a cyclist’s haven, with a mix of flat terrains and challenging climbs. The Els Angels climb is famous for its stunning views from the monastery at the summit, overlooking both the city and the distant Pyrenees. It’s an accessible moderate climb with an average 5% gradient over 10 km from the city of Girona. For those seeking a tougher challenge, the ascent of Mare de Deu del Mont offers gradients of up to 18 % with an average of 6,5 % and about 18 km of continuous climbing.
Alto de l’Angliru – Asturias
Asturias, a province in the Basque country, is home to some of the most legendary climbs in the world of cycling, with the Alto de l’Angliru being the crown jewel. Known for its brutal inclines that exceed 20%, this climb created a lot of drama, including last year in stage 17 of the 2023 La Vuelta where Sepp Kuss, Jonas Vingegaard, and Primož Roglič battled it out despite being on the same team. The road to the summit is relentless, with narrow paths and hairpin bends that require both strength and skill. However, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top, coupled with the breathtaking views of the Asturian mountains, make it all worthwhile.
Bola del Mundo – Madrid
For those planning a cycling vacation near Spain’s capital, the Bola del Mundo offers one of the most challenging climbs in the region. Starting near the town of Collado Villalba, this ascent takes you up to 2,257 meters, with steep gradients that will leave even the fittest cyclists gasping for air. The final 3 km, in particular, are notorious for rough surface and punishing gradients reaching up to 20%, making it a climb that only the most determined should attempt. Those whosuccessfully ascend are rewarded with panoramic views of the Madrid skyline to the south and the vast expanses of the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north.
Spain’s diverse topography offers an incredible variety of climbs, each with its unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re scaling the heights of the Sierra Nevada or tackling the steep inclines of Asturias, these epic climbs are sure to provide an unforgettable cycling experience.
