The real road to Coll de Rates is not for timid drivers
Spain, europe
3.1 km
630 m
extreme
Year-round
# Coll de Rates: A Costa Blanca Gem
Tucked away in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, Spain, Coll de Rates sits at a respectable 928m (3,044ft) and offers one heck of a ride. The fully paved concrete road to the summit is a cyclist's dream—and for good reason.
Starting from the lookout point at CV-715 (which sits at 630m and is sometimes confusingly also called Coll de Rates), you've got 3.1 km ahead of you. That doesn't sound like much, but buckle up: this climb packs 299 meters of elevation gain into those miles, averaging a punchy 9.64% gradient. Some sections? They'll hit you with a brutal 21% grade that'll make your legs scream.
Here's the thing though—the narrow, winding road demands respect. Take it steady and watch your speed on those tight turns. The good news? You'll practically have the road to yourself.
What makes this climb truly special is the payoff. The views toward the Costa Blanca are absolutely unreal throughout the entire ascent, and once you reach the summit, you'll find a fire lookout tower, communication towers, and a viewing platform waiting for you. The spot's become a mecca for paragliders, so you might catch some dramatic wings-in-the-sky action while you're up there.
Whether you're a pro cyclist testing your limits or just someone who loves a challenging ride with killer views, Coll de Rates delivers.
Where is it?
The real road to Coll de Rates is not for timid drivers is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9212, -1.9857
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 630 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.9212, -1.9857
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