The 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs in Spain

This is the list of what we believe are the 100 best road cycling climbs in Spain. The climbs have been chosen based on a number of factors, including: the scenery, difficulty, cycling history, amount of traffic and road surface. It is a subjective list, and is pretty much down to which climbs we have found the most fun to ride!

La Cubilla
We have included a few less well known climbs to keep the list interesting, and have selected them from most of the different regions in Spain, including the excellent cycling islands of Mallorca and Tenerife. Click on the name of the climb to see the profile and more details, and let us know whether you agree with our choices in the comments below!










100) Navacerrada / Bola del Mundo

At over 2,000m altitude, Bola del Mundo is one of the higher road climbs in Spain. It is also one of the most challenging, with a rich history in the Vuelta a España. The climb would be higher up on the list if it were not for the fact that the road can be quite busy on the lower slopes - particularly at weekends.
Bola del Mundo

99) Baños de Benasque

A pleasant climb near to the Ordesa National Park in the Pyrenees. It is situated at the foot of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees and continues close to the French border. On a mountain bike you can continue across into France and join up with the climb to Superbagneres.



98) Abantos

Starting from the royal city of San Lorenzo de El Escorial - this is probably the most enjoyable road climb in the Madrid region, despite having a rather rough surface in places.
Abantos

97) Moncayo

The best climb in the Zaragoza province has featured in recent editions of the Vuelta a España. It's not spectacular, nor particularly challenging, but it's a fun and enjoyable ride.



96) Coll d'Honor

A twisty ascent in Mallorca's Tramuntana Mountains. It's an easy climb which is best included as part of a longer route, but the pleasant pine forests and tight hairpin bends make it a nice choice.
Coll d'Honor

95) Mont Caro

This monster is the longest and most challenging climb in southern Catalonia. It stands aloof from its surroundings, not far from the city of Tortosa, and is regularly used in professional races.



94) Bordako Tontorra

The decisive climb in recent editions of the San Sebastian Classic. This short, steep ascent may not be used for much longer following a series of controversial incidents. It comes out near to the top of the spectacular Monte Igeldo (see below).



93) La Bonaigua

One of Catalonia's great climbs and the highest road pass in the Spanish Pyrenees. It is a long and scenic ascent without too many difficulties. The only negative is that it can get busy at times with traffic, particularly at weekends and in the height of summer.
La Bonaigua

92) Leitariegos

Situated in the less-visited western part of the Asturias region, Leitariegos is overshadowed by other more famous climbs in the province. But it's a pleasant and quiet ascent with nice views throughout, and can be reached from villages like Cudillero on the north coast.
Leitariegos

91) Rocacorba

This climb is loved by cyclists based in Girona - professionals and amateurs alike. It is not especially difficult or especially beautiful, but it is a very popular cycling climb.



90) Piedrafita

One of the great climbs of the Camino de Santiago route; Piedrafita is a nice gentle ascent taking you into the region of Galicia. The village of O Cebreiro near to the top is well worth a stop - here you can admire Galician architecture in the traditional Celtic style.
Piedrafita

89) Baños de Panticosa

This is an extension of the better known climb to Formigal - a regular stage finish in the Vuelta a España. It is a pretty easy and gentle climb, but a pleasant one, with the large lakes between Biescas and Sallent de Gallego making foraresares a picturesque backdrop.



88) Sollube

One of the mythical Basque mountains; Sollube is best climbed on the quiet and steep backroads from Bermeo. This is one for the cycling purists, and can be particularly challenging when the roads become wet and slippery.



87) Puerto de Pajares / Cuitu Negru

This legendary Vuelta climb would be higher on the list, were it not for the large amount of traffic on the climb until the Puerto de Pajares. In fact, we advise not to cycle the Puerto de Pajares. Instead, drive to the top, and just ride the last section up to Cuitu Negru, which is extremely quiet and beautiful.

Another alternative is to ride La Cubilla (see below on the list) which runs parallel for a lot of the way and is a much more enjoyable climb.



86) Collado de Canseco

This little known Andalucían climb is characterized by highly inconsistent gradients, with numerous steep sections. It's a tough little climb which can be reached from both the coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Collado Canseco

85) Valdezcaray

The Rioja wine region's most famous climb is not among the most challenging in Spain, but is well worth a ride if you are in the area. It is extremely quiet - you are more likely to see cows on the road than any cars - and has nice views over the Sierra de la Demanda mountains.
Valdezcaray

84) Cumbre del Sol

Home to a particularly memorable stage finish in the 2015 Vuelta - Cumbre del Sol is worth climbing for the stunning views it offers over the Mediterranean coastline. It is very popular with cyclists staying in the nearby town of Calpe.
Cumbre del Sol

83) El Portalet

One of the finest climbs in the Spanish Pyrenees; Portalet is high, challenging and with beautiful scenery. The Vuelta often turns off to Formigal, but it's worth continuing to the top, where the landscape begins to open up and the wind becomes a factor making it more challenging.

The pass is the border with France; and the bottom of the descent leads directly into the legendary Col d'Aubisque.
El Portalet

82) La Quesera

The only climb on the list from the sparsely populated La Mancha region; you will probably never find yourself nearby La Quesera, but if you do, then this should be number one on your list of climbs to do.



81) Mirador del Fito

A regular Vuelta climb, Mirador del Fito is a short and sharp ascent from Loroñe, with the highlight being the incredible viewing platform at the summit.



80) Coll d'eth Portilhon

Better known by its French name - the Col du Portillon - this climb is easier on the Spanish side and acts as a gateway to some of the great climbs in the French Pyrenees. Each hairpin bend is notable for having a plaque dedicated to Spanish winners of the Tour de France. Extra points if you can name them all!
Col Portillon

79) Collada Trevinca

This climbs to the border with the Galicia region (where it is known as Fonte da Cova) and is typical of the area - sparse and barren. However, it is also long and with some challenging gradients; giving it a certain appeal to cyclists.



78) Can Costa

This climb on Mallorca's classic coastal road is situated between the beautiful villages of Deia and Valldemossa. The scenery here is incredible, but it is a short ascent and best included as part of a longer route.



77) Puerto de Urkiola

Urkiola from Mañaria is one of the most legendary climbs from the Basque Country. It would be much higher on the list were it not for the fact that - when it is not closed for cycle races - it is a busy road.



76) La Colladona

Popular with locals more than tourists; this climb in the heart of Asturias is a great training ride, with its moderate distance and gradients opening it up to cyclists of various abilities.
La Colladona

75) Sobremunt

Forget Sa Calobra - this is Mallorca's hardest climb. The road surface is poor and the gradients are very steep at times - but if you want to take on the toughest that Mallorca has to offer, then you have to climb Sobremunt.
Sobremunt

74) La Rasa

A pleasant climb in the Rioja wine region; La Rasa is steady and picturesque. The road surface isn't always the best, but it is extremely quiet and peaceful to ride. On a long ride it is reachable from the city of Logroño.



73) Collado Espina

A deceptively brutal climb in the Collados de Ason mountains. Collado Espina has numerous stretches in excess of 20% gradient on both of its sides.



72) Port de Tudons

A beautiful climb near to the Costa Blanca in Eastern Spain. Rising to over 1,000m, this is a respectable ascent if you begin from the coast. The steady gradients and fantastic mountain scenery combine to make it thoroughly enjoyable.
Port de Tudons

71) Lizarraga

One of Navarra's best climbs, Lizarraga is characterized by long hairpin bends which gradually climb a near vertical rock face.



70) Cabeza de Manzaneda

A challenging climb in Galicia's Xistral mountains. Bring a rain jacket and be prepared for strong winds if you are brave enough to tackle it.



69) Puerto de San Isidro

A long climb in the Asturias region, which starts gently before getting progressively steeper towards the ski resort that marks the top of the climb. San Isidro can be combined with several nearby climbs, such as La Colladona and Puerto de Tarna, to create excellent circular routes.
Puerto de San Isidro

68) Chirivilla

Although a relatively unknown climb; Chirivilla is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It is very easy compared with most climbs on this list, but it'Spai and s fun to ride and provides beautiful views of the surrounding Calderona Mountains.
Chirivilla

67) Coll de Pradell

Coll de Pradell is one of the toughest climbs in Catalonia; regardless of which side you tackle it from. It is fairly long and relentlessly steep at times.



66) La Cobertoria

A regular Vuelta climb, La Corbertoria is short and steep from both of its two main sides. There are many great options to include it as part of a longer route. From near the top you can take a turn and continue climbing all the way up to the formidable peak of Gamoniteiro (see below).
La Cobertoria

65) Puerto de Ventana

The Puerto de Ventana is a long and steady climb taking you from Asturias into the province of León. Its length and dramatic rock formations make it a popular ascent. It is also surrounded by other excellent climbs and so is great to include as part of a longer ride.
Puerto de Ventana

64) Es Grau

Short, easy and beautiful. Es Grau is one of the best climbs in southern Mallorca and can easily be included in longer routes.



63) La Vansa

This Catalan climb finishes at a rather unattractive ski resort. However, like so often in cycling, it is the journey rather than the destination that makes it a really enjoyable ride.



62) Monte Igueldo

Often the final descent in the San Sebastian Classic; Monte Igueldo is home to some of the finest coastal views in Spain; including views overlooking San Sebastian and the French coast.

The scenery is typically Basque, with vibrant green hillsides creating a beautiful backdrop.
Monte Igeldo

61) Peña Hincada

A scenic and moderately challenging climb in the south of the Rioja region. This is one of the most enjoyable ascents in this part of Spain and can be combined with the legendary climb to Lagunas de Neila.

60) Cueva de los Murcielagos

Beginning from the historic village of Zuheros, the climb to excitingly named Bat Cave (Cueva de los Murcielagos) is frighteningly steep in the first kilometres. The gradients become significantly easier towards the top, allowing you to appreciate the backdrop of the scenic Subbetica Mountains.
Cueva de los Murcielagos

59) Collado de Piedra de San Martín

More commonly known by its French name - the Col de Pierre Saint Martin - the Spanish side is less illustrious and less challenging than its French side, but is still thoroughly enjoyable.



58) Laguna de los Peces

A quiet climb in the heart of rural Zamora, Laguna de los Peces is very scenic and a highly recommended detour for anyone riding the Sanabrés route of the Camino de Santiago. The surrounding region is known for its high population density of wolves; if you are lucky you might even spot one of the locals!
Laguna de Peces

57) Coll de Femenia

A hugely popular cycling climb in Mallorca, the Coll de Femenia is quite short and gentle. It is a little underappreciated as it's the gateway to the highest part of the Tramuntana Mountains and some more famous climbs. But it's an excellent ascent in its own right, with really nice views throughout.
Coll de Femenia

56) Puerto de San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is very steep from both sides, but is also a lovely climb for cycling with almost no traffic and a perfect road surface. The side from La Riera is in the Somiedo Mountains - home to the largest population of brown bears in Western Europe.
Puerto de San Lorenzo

55) Mirador de Ézaro

One of the stars of the Vuelta a España in recent years, Mirador de Ézaro is short and very steep. Often overlooked is the fact that it also provides incredible views of the rugged Galician coastline.



54) Alisas

A classic cycling climb in the Cantabria region of northern Spain. It is not especially difficult nor especially long, but it is a lot of fun to ride from both sides. Near to the top you will pass an intriguing sculpture, known as the monument to cycling.
Alisas

53) Sant Pere de Rodes

The rugged Cap de Creus is best known for the inspiration it gave to the great Spanish painters Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. However, this pretty climb to a monastery ensures there is something for cyclists as well. This is a very nice ascent from all three sides, and is easily accessible from Cadaques, Roses, Figueres and other popular towns.
Sant Pere de Rodes

52) Cruz de Hierro

The highest climb of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Cruz de Hierro is tougher and more scenic when started from Molinaseca (the opposite direction to the Camino); however, both sides offer fine views over the Montés de León. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone at the top that they have carried with them from the start of their journey.
Cruz de Hierro

51) Castell de Santueri / San Salvador

Castell de Santueri, along with neighbouring San Salvador, are the best climbs in the east of Mallorca. The small monastery at the top of San Salvador also has a room displaying historic cycling memorabilia.



50) Xorret de Catí

A classic Vuelta climb, Xorret de Catí is best ascended from Castalla, where the steep gradients will test even the most experienced climbers. Topping out at 24%, this is a serious challenge and is one of the iconic climbs of the Costa Blanca, if perhaps not one of the most scenic.



49) Piedrasluengas

At times, the long and excruciatingly gentle Piedrasluengas can feel like a bit of a drag. However, all that is forgotten as the scenery opens up towards the top, offering some incredible views. On our last ride here we were treated to the sight of two magnificent (and slightly scary!) golden eagles perched just metres away on a road sign.
Piedrasluengas

48) Artesiaga

Best climbed from Irurita, this is a lovely quiet climb in the Navarran Pyrenees. Artesiaga isn't a spectacular high mountain climb, but it is just really enjoyable to ride a bike up.



47) Puerto de la Ragua

The only climb which crosses Andalucia's Sierra Nevada National Park, La Ragua is challenging due to its length and altitude rather than its gradients.



46) El Cordal

Overshadowed by its near neighbour - Angliru, the Cordal is a tough little climb in its own right, particularly when tackled from Pola de Lena. The last 2km average over 11%.



45) Coll d'Orient

A beautiful climb on the southern edge of Mallorca's Tramuntana Mountains. Coll d'Orient is short and easy, but it is a stunning part of the island.



44) Coll de Rates

Full of professional cyclists during the winter, Coll de Rates is fairly short and gentle, making it excellent terrain for training. There are great views from here of the Mediterranean coast. There are many nearby climbs that can be added to make great longer routes.
Coll de Rates

43) Pla de Beret

Basically an extension to the Bonaigua pass in Catalonia, Pla de Beret has stunning scenery as it takes you very close to the border with France. It is generally quiet and is well worth a detour.



42) Port de Larrau

The French side of this climb is best known for effectively ending the career of Miguel Induraín. The Spanish side is significantly easier, but its beautiful Pyrenean scenery makes it a great route for cyclists that love to go uphill.

The picture below is typical of the Basque Pyrenees - where clouds and rain regularly sweep in from the Atlantic.
Port de Larrau

41) Monte Oiz

Monte Oiz is the hardest road climb in the Basque Country and one of very few over 1,000m altitude. The ascent from Gernika is easy and gentle for the most part, before gradients swiftly become relentlessly steep in the final 5km. Not one for the faint hearted.
Monte Oiz

40) Salto de la Cabra

A very tough climb in the Picos de Europa National Park. The gradients are consistently steep, but the stunning views make it more than worthwhile. This is an extremely quiet part of the National Park, so not many people will be able to witness your suffering!



39) Coll de sa Batalla

Possibly the most popular cycling climb in Mallorca; the Coll de sa Batalla is really quite easy, but has the look and feel of a true high mountain climb. The top of the climb links up with more classic routes to Coll de Femenia, Sa Calobra and Puig Major.
Coll de Sa Batalla

38) Coll de Soller

Hairpins! Hairpins! Hairpins! This short climb in the north of Mallorca has more hairpins than Alpe d'Huez on both sides. Make sure you have greased your headset before you attempt it and you will certainly have a lot of fun here.
Coll de Soller

37) Puerto de la Sía

A beautiful climb in the Asón Mountains. It is essentially two climbs in one on the Cantabria side - first passing the Collado de Asón.



36) Azurki

Perhaps not one of the most famous Basque climbs, but undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable. Azurki is incredibly picturesque whichever side you attempt it from, and incredibly quiet.

The climb up from Elgoibar is relatively steady with the gradients only becoming steep towards the top. By contrast, the foolish brave can attempt the climb out of Zestoa, which has several long and challenging sections above 15% gradient.
Azurki

35) Collada Llomena

Somewhat overshadowed by the nearby Picos de Europa mountains; the Ponga Natural Park is also home to some incredible scenery - and climbing the Collada Llomena is the best way to see it. It made a long overdue appearance in the 2021 edition of the Vuelta.



34) Port d'Ebo

One of the most scenic climbs along the Costa Blanca, Port d'Ebo is popular with professional cycling teams who stay in the region over the winter. Its steady gradients are not very challenging, but it's enjoyable to ride, with fantastic views of the Mediterranean as you sweep around numerous hairpin bends.
Port d'Ebo

33) Puerto de Pontón

A beautiful climb in the Picos de Europa National Park, Puerto de Pontón is very gentle, making it accessible for cyclists of all abilities. It links up with both Collada Llomena and Panderrueda, giving good options for a longer route.

Puerto de Ponton

32) Panderrueda

The most spectacular part of the Panderrueda is the first few kilometres, as you climb the undulating slopes out from the Cares Gorge in Caín; this is another stunning climb in the Picos de Europa range.



31) El Garbí

The nearest significant climb to the city of Valencia is climbed by hundreds of cyclists every week. For the biggest challenge, attempt it via the village of Segart, where gradients of over 20% have even made the professionals struggle in recent editions of the Vuelta.



30) Ermita de Alba

One of the stars of the 2015 Vuelta, the peaceful and stunning setting of Ermita de Alba belies its devilishly steep gradients. The climb links up with the Cobertoria and Puerto de San Lorenzo - two other Asturian ascents known for their abilities to set your legs on fire!
Ermita de Alba

29) Peña Cabarga

Another popular Vuelta climb, Peña Cabarga is short and steep. It is highly recommend for the fine views of Santander from its slopes.
Pena Cabarga

28) Puig Major

Mallorca's longest and highest climb attracts tens of thousands of cyclists every year and takes you to the most spectacular part of the Tramuntana Mountains. It is not particularly difficult, but is long enough that it feels like a proper mountain climb.



27) Jaizkibel

The iconic climb of the San Sebastian Classic, Jaizkibel is not especially difficult, but it is important in cycling history for its role in the race. On a clear day it also provides great views out to the Bay of Biscay, where you can admire the French Basque coastline around Biarritz.



26) Llano de las Ovejas

Llano de las Ovejas should be better known than it is; it is long, high and with some steep gradients - everything you could want from a cycling climb.

The climb overcomes several other passes on its long ascent, with some fantastic views of open pastoral countryside. The top is marked by a long plateau which gives the climb its name - which literally translates as Plateau of the Sheep,
Llano de las Ovejas

25) Puerto de San Glorio

A regular climb in the Vuelta a España. The side beginning in Potes is by far the more challenging of the two, and is one of the longest and highest ascents in the region.



24) Pico del Inglés

Most cyclists visiting Tenerife limit themselves to Teide and the south of the island. However, this climb in the northern Añaga Mountains is as good as it gets. Stunning scenery throughout the winding ascent from both sides.



23) Aitana

The highest road climb in the Alicante province is normally closed to traffic as it is an airforce base. However, the road is opened to the public for cycling races (such as during the 2016 Vuelta) - and you should definitely take this opportunity to tackle it.

Even if you don't ride Aitana itself, you will see its distinctive peak from many of the other climbs across the Costa Blanca region.
Aitana

22) Taganana

Short and steep; this climb in the north of Tenerife is not one for beginners. However, if you have the strength, the scenery is incredible.



21) Las Palomas

The best climb in Andalucia's Grazalema Mountains can be tackled from various sides. The most spectacular ascent begins next to the picturesque lake in Zahara.
Puerto de Palomas

20) Puerto de Somiedo

This secluded climb in the Somiedo Mountains is one of the most peaceful and remote in Northern Spain. So peaceful and remote that the surrounding natural park supports significant populations of bears, wolves, vultures and golden eagles!



19) Mirador del Masca

Another of Tenerife's stunning climbs. The hidden road to Masca (formerly a pirate refuge) has breathtaking scenery throughout its five steep kilometres.
Mirador de Masca

18) Puerto de Velefique

Velefique is most characterized by the many hairpin bends on its lower slopes. The gradients here are fairly steep, but without ever getting ridiculous. For even more of a challenge you can continue an extra few kilometres to the television mast at Tetica de Bacares.
Puerto de Velefique

17) Arrate

The most legendary Basque climb is short and sweet. At just 5km it is not a major challenge in itself; however, the climb is steeped in cycling history and nearly all the great riders have tackled its slopes. It is the star of the show each year in the Tour of the Basque Country Professional stage race.
Arrate

16) Fuente del Chivo

A spectacular climb in the Alto Campoo mountains; Fuente del Chivo was used in the 2015 Vuelta a España. Unfortunately it was shrouded in thick cloud that day, denying spectators the stunning views that this high mountain climb has to offer.



15) Alto del Torno

Perhaps a surprise inclusion this high up the list; Alto del Torno is not especially well known and is not particularly challenging. The climb from Labra, however, is absolutely stunning and offers a delightful contrast to the nearby Picos de Europa mountains. This is undoubtedly one of our favourite climbs to ride in Spain.
Alto del Torno

14) Lagunas de Neila

The main climb of the Vuelta a Burgos is challenging and scenic ascent, with several different sides for you to tackle. The final kilometre is particularly renowned for its steep gradients which lead up towards the high mountain lakes that lend the climb its name.



13) Calar Alto

At well over 2,000m altitude, Calar Alto is one of Spain's highest ascents. Even though it is pretty much in the middle of nowhere there are four different routes to the top, all on wide perfectly paved roads through almost desert like scenery. The more ambitious can do a long circle by combining it with Puerto de Velefique.
Calar Alto

12) Gamoniteiro

Sharing the same mountain as Angliru, Gamoniteiro is actually the higher of the two climbs. The first part of the ascent is shared with La Cobertoria, before a narrow road takes you into beautiful mountainous countryside. On a clear day you can easily see across to Oviedo and the coastal city of Gijón.

Gamoniteiro is a very challenging ascent, but one of the most rewarding in Spain.
Gamoniteiro

11) La Farrapona

A relative newcomer to the Vuelta, La Farrapona became an instant hit. It is a fairly challenging climb situated amongst the spectacular scenery of the Somiedo Natural Park. Its slopes are home to bears, wolves, vultures and golden eagles, making it the most diverse natural area in all of Western Europe.



10) Picón del Fraile

Picón del Fraile is best climbed from the Cantabrian side. It is long and beautiful, with the area known as La Concha (The Shell) providing incredible views through the valley and across to the Picos de Europa mountains.

Picon del Fraile

9) Sa Calobra

Mallorca's most famous climb is as good as its reputation suggests. It is of moderate length and difficulty compared with others in the top 10, but its snaking road is uniquely spectacular.

Sa Calobra

8) El Teide

Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, at over 3,700m altitude. The roads don't go quite that high, but there are several long, tough and highly rewarding ascents; all with great scenery of the volcanic national park. You can stay at the Parador Hotel near to the top and spend several days exploring the various routes around this stunning natural park.
Teide Cycling

7) Jito de Escarandi

First used in the 2015 Vuelta, Jito de Escarandi is an incredibly beautiful climb. One of the few roads inside the boundaries of the Picos de Europa National Park; it is one of the most spectacular and challenging ascents anywhere in Spain.

Jito de Escarandi

6) La Creueta

Catalonia's finest climb has scenery which would be more at home in the highest peaks of the French Pyrenees. It is a beautiful climb with very little traffic in a very remote part of Catalonia.

If you are in Andorra or somewhere else nearby in Catalonia, it's certainly worth a short detour to climb La Creueta.



5) Puerto de Ancares

Ancares is another climb with several different sides. All of them are different, but all of them are steep and offer a real challenge for cyclists. There is pretty much no traffic here and the scenery reflects that with its serenity and natural beauty.

Last time we rode this climb we saw an Iberian wolf trotting along not far from the side of the road. This really is Spain at its most remote.



4) La Cubilla

Known by some as the Asturian Galibier, we believe that La Cubilla may be even more enjoyable to climb than the Alpine great. Like Galibier, it is long, high and has stunning scenery; however, unlike Galibier, it also has virtually no traffic throughout its nearly 30km, and the gradients are pleasant rather than gruelling.
La Cubilla

3) Pico de Veleta

Pico de Veleta is the highest road climb in Europe by a distance. At over 3,400m it offers a unique experience on this continent and, if climbed from Granada, it has a whopping 2,700m of elevation gain. For the greatest challenge, tackle the climb via Haza Llanas, where gradients top 20% for short sections!
Pico de Veleta

2) Angliru

Arguably professional cycling's most infamous climb, Angliru is well known for its sustained steep gradients which strike fear into the heart of professionals and amateurs alike.

It is less well known though for its incredible scenery - and it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful climbs in Spain.
Angliru

1) Lagos de Covadonga

The best climb in Spain and the star of the Picos de Europa mountains. Lagos de Covadonga is nowadays used more than any other ascent in the Vuelta and rightly so. It is visually spectacular, culminating in the two large lakes at the top of the climb. The scenery is breathtaking, and so too is the road in places - with sustained sections above 10% gradient. As if the climb was not already good enough, in recent years cars have also been banned from driving up it during much of the year. Lagos de Covadonga really is deserving of its number one status!
Lagos de Covadonga






We hope you have enjoyed the list, and it has given you some inspiration! For further reading, check out more of our Guides & Articles, or browse the Climbs Section of our website.

You may also be interested in some of the links below, to our cycling holidays, which tackle many of the climbs in the list.



Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,130 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,130 EUR
Tramuntana Mountains - Mallorca
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,420 EUR
Beniarres Reservoir & Benicaldell
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,270 EUR
Mount Teide
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,090 EUR
French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: €1,530 EUR
*Bike Hire Included