Santa Eufemia (Markina-Xemein)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Markina-Xemein	353m	262m	3.4 km	7.7%	199	***

Climb Description

Santa Eufemia (also known as Lekoitz-Gane) is a short cycling climb in the Basque Country which links the town of Aulesti with Markina-Xemein. It is regularly used on the Tour of the Basque Country race, usually as link in the middle of a stage.

The climb from Markina is deceptively tough. It is often included as part of a longer route, and, depending on how many kilometres you have in your legs, it can be quite a gruelling little ascent. The long straight road, with steepish gradients, feels something like the first part of Peña Carbarga or even Pla d'Adet. The lack of bends really accentuates the gradient and can make the climb more challenging mentally, despite the fact that it only rarely goes above 10% gradient.

The climb from Markina is quite open at the bottom section, with some nice views across the valley towards Gontzegaraigane; however, it quickly turns forested - with some shade which is welcome in summer.

Santa Eufemia is open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road is in very good condition throughout and there is little traffic on the climb.

Alternative Routes

Santa Eufemia can also be climbed from Aulesti.

Nearby Climbs

Urkarregi

Ixua

Arrate

Gontzegaraigane

Karabieta

Asentzio

Elosua

Kalbario

Azurki

Monte Oiz

Cycling Holidays

Santa Eufemia is the longer route option on our Basque Country Coast and Bilbao to San Sebastian cycling holidays.

It is also climbed on our Basque Mountains tour.

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