アリカンテの峠・トップ20

Tough but with magnificent views. Relatively quiet road.

The Puerto de Sorell is a quiet and under-the-radar ridge climb in the northern Costa Blanca, linking Pego and Ràfol d’Almúnia via the CV‑728. It’s not long, not high — but it’s a perfect connector on a peaceful inland loop. From Ràfol d’Almúnia, the climb is 2.7 km long at an average gradient of 3.1%. It’s a smooth, steady ascent through olive groves and farmland, ideal for keeping a light rhythm and soaking up the rural scenery. The road surface is good and traffic is almost nonexistent. From the Pego side, the climb is roughly the same length but considerably steeper, with sections reaching 6 to 8%. It’s a short but honest effort, and a nice little test when coming up from the coastal plain. The views are wide and open — toward the Segària range, the valley below, and even the sea in the distance. At the summit, you'll spot the blue "Puerto de Sorell – 170 m" sign, a modest but official col marker that makes the climb feel just a bit more special. From here, you can descend either way or continue inland toward Vall de Gallinera, Vall d’Ebo, or Coll de Rates. Puerto de Sorell is a local favourite: short, scenic, quiet — and perfect for linking bigger climbs on a longer ride.

Just off the road between Sagra and Pego, the small turnoff toward Vall d’Ebo leads into one of the most beautiful and tranquil climbs in the Costa Blanca mountains. It may not be famous outside of cycling circles — but pros know it well: Tadej Pogačar holds the Strava KOM on this climb. From the Pego side, the ascent runs for about 8 km, gaining 400 metres at a steady average of 5%. The road is smooth, quiet, and beautifully engineered — with a flowing rhythm and wide, elegant curves. The landscape is peaceful and wild, with cliffs, pines, and far-reaching views. At the top, just before you descend into Vall d’Ebo, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view in both directions: looking back, the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea; looking ahead, the lush green valley of Vall d’Ebo, framed by rugged ridges and rocky outcrops. It’s a rare and stunning double panorama. If you continue past the village, you can create a magnificent loop via Pla de Petracos, riding through remote canyons and ancient rock formations before descending into Benigembla and back to the Vall de Pop. If you're riding from Vall d’Ebo toward Pego, the climb is shorter — about 3 km at 6% — but still very scenic, especially as you rise above the valley with dramatic views behind you. Vall d’Ebo may be quiet, but it’s world-class: pure road, total calm, and the kind of climb you’ll want to ride again and again.

コスタ・ブランカでのサイクリングを定義する登りがあるとすれば、それはColl de Ratesです。Parcentの村から始まるこの伝説的な登りは、週末の戦士からツール・ド・フランスのチャンピオンまで、世界中のサイクリストにとって必乗のルートとなっています。 この登りは7km弱で、平均勾配は約5%と、アクセスしやすくリズミカルです。路面は素晴らしく、カーブはエレガントで、谷の上空に上がるにつれて景色はどんどん良くなっていきます。 プロの間では秘密ではありません。Jumbo-Visma、INEOS、UAE Team Emiratesなどのチームのライダーたちは、冬のトレーニングにColl de Ratesを定期的に利用しています。Tadej Pogačarが現在StravaのKOMを保持していることは、ここで自分自身を試した人々のレベルを物語っています。 晴れた日には、頂上からの眺めは息をのむほどです。海岸線全体に広がり、運が良ければイビサ島さえも地平線にかすかにきらめくのが見えます。頂上にはカフェ（季節営業）があり、TarbenaまたはCastell de Castellsへの下りも同様にやりがいがあります。 景観、安定した勾配、サイクリングの歴史の組み合わせにより、Coll de Ratesは世界で最も多く登られ、最も愛されている登りの一つです。この地域で登るのが1つだけなら、これを選んでください。

Tucked away in the mountains between Tàrbena and Castell de Castells, the Puerto de Sa Creueta offers two distinct climbing experiences — and both are worth riding. From Tàrbena, the climb is friendly and scenic. You’ll face about 4 km of steady climbing at around 5%, followed by a rolling 3.5 km section with gentle ups and downs. Just before the top, a short final ramp kicks up sharply to around 12%, but overall this side is rhythmical and not too demanding. The road is wide, smooth and virtually traffic-free, ideal for a relaxed climb. Approaching via the Castell de Castells side, from Tollos or from Benigembla and the Vall de Pop, is a whole different story. After a relatively calm start, the climb hits hard with a 2 km stretch averaging around 10% — sustained, steep, and guaranteed to get your legs burning. This side is definitely more challenging, and a great test for climbers. No matter which direction you choose, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views over the valley near Tàrbena, the rugged peaks of the Marina mountains, and — on a clear day — even the Mediterranean Sea and the skyline of Altea shimmering in the distance. Puerto de Sa Creueta is a hidden gem: peaceful, beautiful and tougher than it looks, especially if you come at it from the inland side. Combine it with Coll de Rates for an unforgettable day in the heart of the Costa Blanca.

A beautiful, long, not-too-steep climb. Nevertheless, you gain over 800 meters in elevation. Quiet roads, hardly any traffic. Very beautiful scenery.

The road from Pego to Sagra is a hidden gem for cyclists. With almost no traffic, it winds gently upward through shaded sections and rolling gradients — never too steep, but always engaging. Perfect for finding rhythm after the descent from Port de Sorell, this stretch offers a rare mix of quiet, flow, and relief from the sun on hot days.

The Puerto de Confrides is the longest—and one of the highest—climbs in the area, stretching nearly 25 km from base to summit. It's not overly steep, with a moderate average gradient that keeps it rider-friendly, but the real challenge comes from its length. Expect a sustained ascent through pine forests, olive groves, and sweeping valley views. Pace yourself early, stay hydrated, and enjoy the gradual rhythm—this is a true endurance climb that rewards consistent effort rather than explosive power.