Aia (Altxerri)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Orio	328m	316m	4.5 km	7.0%	385	***

Climb Description

Aia is a short and steep climb to a hilltop village that has become famous thanks to successive appearances in recent editions of the Tour of the Basque Country stage race. This is the second hardest ascent to the picturesque town, as it follows a narrow road which heads directly up from the coast at Orio.

In many ways the climb via Altxerri is typically Basque, with a narrow but well surfaced road, and plenty of vibrant green scenery. You are afforded occasional glimpses of the coast, but most of the ascent is through farmland - punctuated by the occasional Basque etxea. Much of the climb is situated within the protected Pagoeta Natural Park.

There are many differents ways to climb to Aia, so there are several different loops that you can do around this area; and all of the roads are open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in good condition throughout and there is almost no traffic on this side of the climb.

Alternative Routes

Aia can be climbed from four other sides. The two main routes coming from Orio (GI-2631) and Andatza are both easy, steady ascents with no difficulties. The climb from the south is even longer and more gentle, with a false flat for 10km before Aia.

By far the most challenging side is a short, but very steep ascent via Andatza.

Nearby Climbs

Garate

Urdaneta

Monte Igueldo

Azurki

Itziar

Iturburu

Bordako Tontorra

Jaizkibel

Cycling Holidays

Our Basque Mountains cycling holiday climbs to Aia.

In the links below you can find out more about these and other similar tours that we run in the region.