セントラルの峠・トップ14

すべての道は…へ通じる

La Vila JoiosaからSellaを経由してPuerto de Tudonsへ直接登る代わりに、Relleuを経由するルートが考えられます。このルートははるかに静かで、私の意見では風景がより変化に富み、コスタ・ブランカの内陸を通って、より均一で乗りやすい登り坂を可能にします。

La Vila JoiosaからPuerto de Tudonsへの登りは、最初は比較的穏やかで起伏があり、ほとんどが平坦またはわずかに上り坂の区間を経て、後にSerra d’Aitanaの山岳地帯を蛇行します。Sellaを過ぎてからようやく、標高1025mの峠まで続く均一な上り坂になります。この実際の登りは平均で約5〜6％ですが、10％の勾配で少し急になる短い区間もあり、全体としては極端な坂道はありません。これにより、海岸地帯からSerra d’Aitanaの山々へと続く、長くリズムの良い登り坂が形成されます。

At this point, it's as "secret" as the Secreto Ibérico (spoiler alert: post-Pogi, everyone knows it's there and wants to do it). Needless to say, it's HARD as few things are, but enjoyable, and you can climb without any rush at your own pace. The views are magnificent on each side/valley. It reaches its peak a few meters past the forest hut. Add to that, it's worth continuing along the trail (bike on shoulder) to the top of Carrascal for even more epic views.

Tough but with magnificent views. Relatively quiet road.

If there’s one climb that defines cycling on the Costa Blanca, it’s Coll de Rates. Starting from the village of Parcent, this legendary ascent has become a must-ride for cyclists from around the world — from weekend warriors to Tour de France champions. The climb is just under 7 km long, with an average gradient of around 5%, making it both accessible and rhythmical. The road surface is excellent, the curves are elegant, and the views just keep getting better as you rise above the valley. This is no secret among the pros. Riders from Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates and others regularly use Coll de Rates for winter training. Tadej Pogačar currently holds the Strava KOM, which says a lot about the kind of names that have tested themselves here. On clear days, the view from the top is simply breathtaking — stretching all the way across the coastline, and if you’re lucky, even Ibiza shimmers faintly on the horizon. There’s a café at the summit (seasonal), and the descent toward Tarbena or Castell de Castells is just as rewarding. With its mix of scenery, steady gradients and cycling history, Coll de Rates is one of the most climbed — and most loved — ascents in the world. If you ride only one climb in the region, make it this one.

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.

The Coll de Rates consistently ranks in the top ten of the most ridden mountains every year. Pro riders compete for the best times.