El Purche (Monachil)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Monachil	1,495m	755m	12.2 km	6.2%	809	****

Climb Description

El Purche is one of Andalucia's most iconic cycling climbs. It has been used regularly in both the Vuelta a España and the Vuelta a Andalucia professional races, and is characterized by its middle 6km, which average over 9%.

The climb is situated in the Sierra Nevada National Park and is part of one of several routes which climb to Pico Veleta. However, El Purche has also become a notable climb in its own right. Its lower altitude allows it to take centre stage in winter races and stage winners here have included Alejandro Valverde and Chris Horner.

The climb to El Purche is open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

There is some traffic leaving Huetor Vega, but it quickly thins out and is very quiet from Monachil onwards.

Alternative Routes

El Purche can also be climbed from Pinos Genil on the main A-395 road. The climb from this side is largely the same as the first 10km of the climb to Pico Veleta from that side. After 10km, there is a right hand turn which climbs the distance to El Purche.

Nearby Climbs

Pico Veleta

La Zubia

Alto de Haza Llanas

El Alguacil

Collado de Quentar

Puerto Lobo

Cycling Holidays

Our Seville to Granada cycling holiday can be extended to include the climb to El Purche and other ascents nearby.

Below you can find links to this and some of the other mountainous tours that we run.

We can also arrange customized tours in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you would be interested in this, please contact us to discuss the options.