Climbing the Pico de Veleta is one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. The mountain is the highest paved road in Europe. It perhaps lacks the fame of Tourmalet, Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez; but Veleta is longer and tougher than all of them.
Veleta is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucia, with the climb beginning in the city of Granada. The summit is at 3395 metres, and the total altitude gained during the climb is 2700m - more than twice the ascent of Tourmalet!
The length of the climb is a huge 43 kilometres, giving an average gradient of 6.5%, with the last 8km average over 8%. By this stage, the air is getting quite thin and you will get that burning feeling in your lungs.
May, early June, late September and October are the best months to tackle the climb. There is less traffic and the top should be free from snow - just remember to take a jacket because you can still get cold on a 40km descent even if it seems nice and warm!
You will rarely get the chance to go so high on a bike, so make sure you ignore the pain and enjoy the amazing views - including the city of Granada.
Veleta is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucia, with the climb beginning in the city of Granada. The summit is at 3395 metres, and the total altitude gained during the climb is 2700m - more than twice the ascent of Tourmalet!
The length of the climb is a huge 43 kilometres, giving an average gradient of 6.5%, with the last 8km average over 8%. By this stage, the air is getting quite thin and you will get that burning feeling in your lungs.
May, early June, late September and October are the best months to tackle the climb. There is less traffic and the top should be free from snow - just remember to take a jacket because you can still get cold on a 40km descent even if it seems nice and warm!
You will rarely get the chance to go so high on a bike, so make sure you ignore the pain and enjoy the amazing views - including the city of Granada.
Our partners at Cycle Malaga are offering all inclusive trips for this challenge for just €299 (included is airport transfers, bike hire, b&b accommodation, guided ride up Pico Veleta)
(NOT INCLUDED - FLIGHTS TO/FROM UK - DINNER/DRINKS)
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