Calpe - Coll de Rates (Parcent) - Calpe

Coll de Rates is THE climb that everyone, from professional cyclists to beginners, does at the Costa Blanca. It is certainly not the steepest or the longest climb in the region, but for some reason, the ascent from Parcent has an almost mythical status.

Coll de Rates is not hard to find; once you are in Parcent, head south and follow the CV-715 towards Tarbena and Callosa. You will encounter a straight road that leads directly into the mountain.

After the initial resistance, the real climbing begins with a long, gentle right-hand turn before the road starts to twist and climb higher and higher, resembling a constant succession of curves and hairpin bends. The first 4 km has hardly a straight piece of road.

Then suddenly, after a nice left turn, comes the hardest part of Coll de Rates. The road goes straight ahead, the mountain on your right-hand side and absolutely breathtaking views on your left, which might make you want to slow down to enjoy it for a while longer. In the distance, you can see exactly where you need to go and it doesn’t seem close at all. Luckily, at the top, there is a restaurant where you can recharge and let the moment sink in. If there’s ever a climb that you enjoy more the higher you ride, it must be Coll de Rates.

EXTRA: Beyond the unpaved parking lot next to the restaurant, the bolder among us can tackle the so-called 'Super Rates' climb to the top of the ridge. The Super Rates is a 2.78 km long narrow paved path with an average gradient of 10% and many sustained sections of almost or more than 20%. Once at the top, however, your efforts will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views over the Jalon valley and beyond, keep your head in during the steep descent!

Coll de Rates (from Parcent)

Location: Costa Blanca

Category: 2

Length: 6.5km

Average gradient: 5.2%

Maximum gradient: 7%

Height at start: 285m

Height at the end: 625m

Total elevation gained: 340m

Street name: CV-715