바틱 시스템 산맥‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 산길

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.

코스타 블랑카 사이클링을 정의하는 오르막이 있다면 바로 Coll de Rates입니다. Parcent 마을에서 시작하는 이 전설적인 오르막은 주말의 강자부터 투르 드 프랑스 챔피언까지 전 세계 사이클리스트들에게 필수 코스가 되었습니다. 이 오르막은 길이가 7km가 조금 안 되고 평균 경사가 약 5%로, 접근하기 쉬우면서도 리듬감 있게 오를 수 있습니다. 도로 상태는 훌륭하고, 커브는 우아하며, 계곡 위로 올라갈수록 경치는 점점 더 좋아집니다. 프로 선수들 사이에서는 비밀이 아닙니다. Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates 등의 선수들이 겨울 훈련을 위해 정기적으로 Coll de Rates를 이용합니다. Tadej Pogačar가 현재 스트라바 KOM을 보유하고 있다는 사실은 이곳에서 자신을 시험해 본 선수들의 수준을 짐작하게 합니다. 맑은 날에는 정상에서의 전망이 숨 막힐 정도로 아름답습니다. 해안선을 따라 펼쳐지며, 운이 좋으면 이비사 섬까지 희미하게 반짝이는 것을 볼 수 있습니다. 정상에는 카페가 있고(계절 운영), Tarbena 또는 Castell de Castells를 향한 내리막길도 그만큼 보람 있습니다. 풍경, 꾸준한 경사, 사이클링 역사의 조화로 Coll de Rates는 세계에서 가장 많이 오르고 가장 사랑받는 오르막 중 하나입니다. 이 지역에서 단 하나의 오르막만 오른다면, 이곳을 선택하십시오.

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 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.

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