Abantos is one of the better climbs for cycling near to the city of Madrid because of the low volume of traffic on its slopes. However, this is compromised by a poor road surface and scenery which is largely forested.
Towards the top of the climb there is one of the most controversial sites in Spain. Situated less than 2km from the summit, Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) was built by the former fascist dictator Francisco Franco, who wanted
it to be his mausoleum.
The visually spectacular site set in the beautiful surroundings of the Guadarrama Mountains was built by Republican prisoners and is a source of great contention in Spain even today. The modern democratic governments claim that the site is to remember the victims of the Civil War on all sides of the political spectrum - but many Spaniards feel that it is an insult.
Abantos is open throughout the year subject to weather. Closures during winter, however, are common.
The controversial Valle de los Caidos is near to the climb
Roads & Traffic
The road is in mixed condition. The first 16km are generally OK for cycling, although slightly rough in places. The final 5km are significantly worse, with numerous pot holes and cracked surfaces.
The climb is not especially busy, but there is some traffic, particularly around the town of Santa María de la Alameda.
We don't currently run any tours in this part of Spain. If you would be interested in customizing an itinerary to this region, please contact us and
we would be happy to discuss the options.
You may also be interested in the links below to some of the mountainous tours that we currently run elsewhere in Spain.
Spain
