The Greatest European Climbs

The list of beautiful mountains to climb in Europe is endless but only 20 can make Love Velo’s ‘Greatest European Climbs’ list. How many of the best cycle routes in Europe are on your bucket list?

20. Valparola

The Passo Valparola is the stunning mountain pass located in the Veneto in the Dolomites. Starting from Pocol, this is undoubtedly one of the best cycling routes in Europe. It was part of the 2012 Giro d’Italia but its fame comes from it being part of the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of the most prestigious sportives on the calendar.

After completing the Giau which has the capacity to break most people, you ride up the Falzarego and out on to the Passo Valparola.

The ascent from this side is via Pocol and is truly beautiful. The ascent is 13km long with an average slope of 5.4% and so it’s definitely not the hardest in the area, but try telling that to anyone on the last section of the brutal Maratona! The climb up from the opposite side from La Villa is equally stunning with an average gradient of 5.8% over a distance of 13.9km. Ride this at the Maratona.

19. Iseran

As France’s longest climb (riding the Iseran from Bourg Saint Maurice) and Europe’s highest mountain pass, the Col de l’Iseran ranks at number 19 of our greatest European climbs. The Northern Alps are less popular then the central Alps but you can ride the Iseran in conjunction with Alpe d’Huez for an epic weekend.

It’s a little low down on our list because of the tunnels and the traffic for the first portion of the climb, but once you leave Val d’Isere you will be rewarded with beautiful views over the mountains and the striking landscape of the Vanoise National Park. The gradient may only average 4% but the climb from Bourg Saint Maurice is a massive 48km long, making this an epic challenge and truly one of the best cycle routes in Europe. Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez weekend.

18. Col De La Madeleine

As one of the routes regularly featured in the Tour de France since its establishment, the Col de la Madeleine is unquestionably one of the best cycle routes in Europe. This iconic climb will take you through the magnificent valley floor and across the snowy peaks of the nearby Alpine climbs. One option is to take the longer Northern route from Feissons-sur-Isere, which is 25.3km with a 6.2% average gradient.

This route contains a couple of easier sections to rest your legs 9-11km up and 19-21km up. Alternatively, you can opt for the shorter Southern route, which is a more challenging 19km at an average gradient of 8%.

There are no breaks on the Southern route but you will find yourself in hairpin heaven (or hell!) . The climb was also due to feature in the 2019 Tour de France but mudslides and hail forced the organisers to shorten the stage effectively sealing the yellow jersey for Egan Bernal. Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez weekend.

17. Col Du Glandon

Starting in Bourg d’Oisans, this climb is the first from La Marmotte and is truly spectacular. It is a 27km ride with an average gradient, not to be underestimated, of 4.8%. Remember to pace yourself as the gradient increases to 7-10% for 6km after you pass Allemond.

Combined with the increase in gradient, you will contend with the wind as it channels down from the mountain tops. There are a few descents dotted about which will provide some respite for your legs, together with a café stop at around 10km up at Le Rivier d’Allemont. Once you are out on to the last section, you will ride in almost complete silence. Pedal past the crystal blue waters of Lac de Grand Maison before summiting the climb. Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez weekend.

16. Croix De La Fer

Another iconic ride, which has to make our list of best cycling routes, is the Croix de la Fer. The Croix de la Fer has appeared 16 times in the Tour de France. There are several paths you can take but our favourite approach starts in Saint Jean Marienne.

If you’ve started from St Etienne de Cuines the traffic can be heavy as it’s an area that provides access to all the surrounding mountains, but once you arrive at Saint Jean Marienne, you’ll find repetitive steep climbs followed by quick descents. It’s tough to get into a rhythm and so the average gradient of 5.1% is a little deceptive. You’ll summit by the famous iron cross. ## Links Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez weekend.

15. Col Du Soulor

One of our best cycling routes in the Pyrenees and known as one of the ‘Circle of Death’ climbs from the Tour de France, is the Col du Soulor. This route has been used over 60 times in the Tour de France since 1910. This ride is 19.5km, averaging a gradient of 5.2% up extremely quiet roads.

The difficulty of this route is varied, as the first few kilometres are tough but then this eases up through a flat section in the middle, before becoming increasingly challenging again in the final climb. Most riders start from Argeles-Gazost although some choose to start at the even quieter Ferrieres. Ride this on our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday.

14. Puig Major

Puig Major is famous amongst the riders that throng to Mallorca every year. You can’t access the summit but the ride up from Soller is a mecca for those searching for the best cycling routes in Europe. If you complete the 13.9km ride from Soller in under 1 hour, that is considered to be a ‘good’ time.

The gradient is 6.2% and the route starts at nearly sea level after Soller, climbing up to the Monnaber tunnel. From there you will be rewarded with stunning views across the Tramuntana and Gorg Blau.

You can also do a loop with Coll d’Orient which is a great way to experience one of the best cycle routes in Europe. If you are feeling particularly fit, turn off and tackle the mighty Sa Calobra although make sure you’re at the bottom nice and early to miss the coaches! Ride this on our Mallorca Cycling Holiday.

13. Giau

Also known as the ‘Monster Giau’ and the ‘Mighty Giau’ this is a notorious climb. It undeniably earns its place as one of the best cycling climbs in Europe. Under normal circumstances, 9.8km at an average gradient of 9.4% is no easy task, but this climb makes its name as the brutal climb you encounter 100km into the Maratona dles Dolomites sportive. The climb maintains an eerie silence even as thousands of cyclists ascend it due to its never ending ascent.

The road was only built in 1986 and commences with 1km of climbing with no hairpins, just a straight ramp up the mountain. The toughest section of this climb is undoubtedly at the bottom where you ride alongside the Codalonga river. From here, you have 29 hairpins snaking their way through the mountain with virtually no respite. The only time your legs get any rest is the short bridge sections which pass over the river. The Giau is relentless but the views it gives across the rugged Dolomites are breathtaking. Ride this on the Maratona Dles Dolomites.

11. Hautacam

Climbing the Hautacam route takes you on a breathtaking ride through the heart of the Pyrenees. The ride starts at Argeles –Gazost and is 14.5km to the Hautacam ski station. The gradient averages 7.5% but it is irregular as it can reach 15%/16% for several long stretches.

After a slower 1.5km start, the route becomes incredibly tough. If you are not utterly exhausted by the end, you can continue up 1.3km to Col de Tramassel. From here. you can ride some other epic climbs such as the Tourmalet, the Aubisque and Soulor. It’s climbing heaven. Ride this on our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday.

10. Col D’aubisque

Providing arguably the most sensational views in the Pyrenees, the Col d’Aubisque offers one of the best cycle routes in Europe. The Tourmalet usually takes the plaudits but the beauty of the Aubisque is reward enough for this intimidating Pyrenean climbs.

This is the second most used climb in the Tour de France and has been featured a whopping 60 times. Many choose to climb Col du Soulor first (total 32km), then just over 10km to the summit of Col d’Aubisque at an average gradient of 4.6%. The peaks are rugged and attract a small micro climate making it an inhospitable place to ride. You have to be prepared to take on the Aubisque but as you ride on almost solitary roads, you’ll know why you chose to climb it. Ride this on our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday.

Other French Cycling Routes

For more information about other exciting cycling experiences we offer, visit our France cycling holidays page.

10. Madonna Del Ghissalo

Set in the most beautiful part of Northern Italy, this is the signature climb around the great Italian lakes and part of Il Lombardia, one of cycling’s Monuments. This great cycling route starts from Bellagio, next to the beautiful Lake Como, and is 10.6km long with an average gradient of 9%.

The climb would not ordinarily be anything out of the ordinary if it was not for the myths and legends that surround it. Pope Pius XII declared the ‘Madonna del Ghisallo’ as the patroness of cycling during the Giro d’Italia in the 1940s and the rest is history.

The chapel at the top of the climb provides panoramic views over the lake and is a place of pilgrimage for cyclists. Inside the chapel, an eternal flame serves as a reminder of those who died cycling on Italian roads and the walls are adorned with champions’ donated jerseys and bikes. This includes Fabio Casartelli’s bike, which is still distorted from the crash in the 1995 Tour de France that took his life. Next door to the chapel is a cycling museum (5 euros for those who conquered the climb – 6 euros for those who haven’t!). Ride the climb, visit the chapel and immerse yourself in cycling folklore. Ride this on our Lake Garda to Lake Como Cycling Holiday.

9. The Gavia

Immerse yourself in cycling history when you ride the Passo Gavia, one of the best cycling routes in Europe and in the Giro d’Italia.

The route was first used in 1960 and there are two ways to reach the top. You can start from either Bormio or Ponte de Lego, the latter being the more challenging climb with a steeper gradient which reaches as high as 16% in some parts. We prefer the climb from Bornio which nearly 25km long and a good option if you are also climbing Stelvio and Mortirolo. The unpredictability of the weather means you should be prepared for all cycling conditions. Ride this on our Stelvio and Mortirolo weekender.

8. Col Du Galibier

The Galibier has been the scene of countless battlegrounds on the Tour de France, including in 2019.

It forms part of the Marmotte and the ride offers incredible ascending and absolutely breathtaking descending. Our favourite side of the climb is from St-Michelle-de-Maurienne, which is 35km to the summit of Galibier. Cyclists start in the ski resort of Valloire and will then climb the winding road up the Col du Télégraphe so you can tick this climb off on your way up the Galibier. From here the road is straight and unrelenting before you start winding your way to the summit. The breathtaking 30km descent into Bourg is exhilarating but beware of the tunnels! Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holiday.

7. Sa Calobra

This iconic and well travelled climb stretches out for 9.5km with an average gradient of 7%.

One the best cycling routes in Europe, Sa Calobra’s beautiful views and proximity to other incredible climbs and Port Pollensa, makes this one Mallorca’s best cycling routes. It’s been the training grounds of the pros for years and offers an incredible 26 bends from the bottom. It’s a dead end so you have to descend first so it means you have to be very careful on the descent knowing whatever went down is coming back up! Get to the bottom nice and early to truly appreciate the climb and most importantly, avoid the coaches. Many choose to combine the routes on Sa Calobra with Cap Formentor and the monastery at Lluc but it is worth noting that you will need to descend first. Ride this on our Sa Calobra and Soller Cycling Holiday.

6. Mortirolo

If you are feeling up to the challenge, the Mortirolo offers double digit gradients and along with the Stelvio and Gavia are the bucket list climbs of the Italian Alps. If you are cycling in Italy and in particular the Alps, this climb is not to be missed.

You’ll ride out of Bormio and head for the toughest climb in the region, the Mortirolo from Mazzo. The climb never dips below 8% average gradient and averages 11%. The climb is pretty relentless but you will pass cycling royalty as you come up to the Marco Pantani memorial, before the road picks up the road from Grosio. From here, the climb settles down and you will summit with views over Alpine pastures.

The descent takes you towards beautiful meadows before a gentle climb to Pezzo. From here you have 17km averaging 7.5% to the top of the Gavia climb, before a long descent all the way back into Bormio. Ride this on our Stelvio & Mortirolo Cycling Holiday.

5. Col Du Tourmalet

This is a behemoth and one of the most famous and best cycling routes in Europe. It’s one of the 3 great French climbs, alongside Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’huez. We rate this as our 5th best climb in Europe. The climb is stepped in history and featured in 1910, the first time the Pyrenees were introduced to the Tour de France riders. As Octave Lapize rode over the summit, he bellowed “Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!’ (“You are murderers! Yes, murderers!”) at the organisers and the mountain has maintained legendary status ever since.

The Col du Tourmalet is called ‘l’incontournable’ in France, meaning the ‘unavoidable’ – it is the only way to get through this part of the High Pyrenees and has been responsible for shaping much of cycling history over the years. The West side is through Luz Saint Sauveur and the East side is from Campan. Starting from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan you will climb 17.2 km at an average of 7.4%. Ramps get up to 12% and with 5km to go, La Mongie appears. La Mongie is a scar on the face of the Pyrenees but it does have a couple of cafes so as the weather closes in, it can provide respite. Look up and you will see the final hairpins to the top of the climb. It looks as if it’s touching distance to the top but more switchbacks loom before you’re finally summitting alongside the silver statue of Octave Lapize.

Our tip is to prepare for all weather conditions, mind the livestock, bring ID, money and a phone. Ride this on our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday

4. Mount Teide

Teide has made its way into people’s consciousness in the last few years, largely due to Team Sky using it as their winter training base. Put simply, this is a brutal and unrelenting 50km climb, undoubtedly one of the best cycling routes in Europe.

It comes in near the top of the list of the best European climbs for many reasons. With an average gradient of 5% but a maximum of 22.5% this is an incredible ride for pros and amateurs alike. It is nothing but up, there is no respite, there is no real hairpins to distract you, this is you versus the volcano. The sun will be on your back most of the way up but what makes this climb for us is the views.

Alpine cols can blend into one but this is something unique. Jet black lava fields produce bright green foliage to create incredible contrasts. As you ride higher, you are rewarded with incredible panoramic views over La Gomera. Clouds hang over La Gomera and so the backdrop to your ride is nothing short of sensational.

Our favourite ascent of Teide is from Vilaflor, the highest village in Tenerife at 1,500m. Enjoy typical Canarian food in this small outpost before ascending into the crater and then up to the cable car. Mount Teide is the third highest volcanic structure in the world so you’re guaranteed a view and the climate in Tenerife makes it an ideal winter destination for riding. The lack of hairpins make the descent rapid and the tarmac is immaculate. It’s just reward for one of the toughest climbs in Europe. Ride this on our Tenerife Cycling Holiday.

3. Alpe D’huez

If you’re looking for one of the best cycling routes in Europe and, Alpe d’Huez should be on your list – it has featured in the Tour de France countless times and is a Mecca for cyclists all over the world. As one of the Europe’s most famous cycling routes, this ride is over 13.8km with an average gradient of 8.1% over the famous 21 bends. Each hairpin been has been named over past stage winners and riders will recognise famous land marks such as Dutch Corner.

The difficulty of this route begins from the 1st km and the slopes don’t ease off until the final 3km. The climb is tough and technical and is one that nearly every rider wants to tick off. The first ever stage winner on the Alpe was the legendary Fausto Coppi with the fastest ascent by Marco Pantani in the 1997 Tour d’France.

Whilst the bucket list climb starts in Bourg d’Oissans, if you’ve ridden that before, make sure you summit via Allemond for a spectacular alternative. From Allemond, you can experience one of France’s balcony roads which takes you on to Huez, before continuing the climb to the summit.

If you’re out on a Wednesday during the summer, join the mass timed event from Bourg at 10am (registration at 9am). Ride this on our Alpe D’Huez Cycling Holiday.

2. The Stelvio

The Stelvio is the most exalted climb in Italy and frequently part of the Giro D’Italia. This epic mountain climb stretches 20km long to the summit, as you wind up 27-48 hairpins (depending on which route you take). The average gradient is 8% and the summit is a stunningly high 2,758m – one of the highest mountain passes in Europe.

From Bormio, you can ride 2 sides of the climb on an amazing but tough circular route. Starting in Bormio, the climb is 22 km with an average gradient of 7%. You will skirt the Swiss border as you ascend to the summit with the final 3km of the climb ramping up to an average of 10% topping out at 2758m. You will then turn on your heels and head on a thrilling descent into Switzerland before coming face to face with arguably the most famous side of the climb, from Prato. The ride has a whopping 48 hairpins averaging 7.5% over 25km. The Stelvio is steeped in history. The first ascent in the Giro was in 1953 and was won by Fausto Coppi, leading to the first rider over the highest part of the Giro being awarded the Cima Coppi. Ride this on our Stelvio Cycling Holiday.

1. Mont Ventoux

The most mythical and magical of all the climbs in the Tour de France, this undeniably deserves its place at number one of our greatest climbs and one of the best cycling routes in Europe. The ‘Giant of Provence’ has a beautiful and unique windswept landscape, often described as a moonscape with its barren peak.

The memories of past races and lives that have been lost on this climb are not forgotten as you pass the Tom Simpson Memorial from the 1967 Tour De France. The route from Bedoin is 21.5km at an average gradient of 7.5% and probably the most challenging of the three ways up. You will ride through thick forest on unrelenting roads until you come out at Chalet Reynard. From here, the famous yellow and black poles mark the way up to the weather station as the winds batter down.

The ascent from Sault is considered to be the ‘easiest’ at 26km with an average gradient of 4.6% whereas the Malaucene ascent offers more protection from the elements. That’s a 21.2km ride at an average gradient of 7.2%. If you’re mad enough, join the Cingles Club (the ‘crazies’) and ride all three in a day. Ride this on our Mont Ventoux Cycling Holiday.