Coll de Rates – Sa Creueta Pass (780 m) loop from la Xara

Mountain biking trails

Coll de Rates – Sa Creueta Pass (780 m) loop from la Xara

Hard

5.0

(5)

riders

Coll de Rates – Sa Creueta Pass (780 m) loop from la Xara

05:31

80.2km

1,310m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

14.6 km

Torre medieval d'Alcalalí

Highlight • Historical Site

The medieval tower of Alcalalí stands in the Plaça de l'Ajuntament and was for a long time the tallest building in the city, until a church was built in front of it in the 18th century. Even today, they remain the two tallest buildings in Alcalalí, and no modern construction has detracted from the charm and essence of the historic center.

The medieval tower of Alcalalí was built at the end of the 14th century. At that time, Alcalalí and La Vall de Pop were frequently attacked by pirates and bandits; the tower served as a watch post and a refuge in case of invasion.

Later, at the behest of the Ruiz de Lihory family, a palatial residence was built, connected to the tower by a drawbridge. This family ruled Alcalalí until 1837, which is why the building is also known as the Torre y Palacio Señorial de Rois de Liori (Torre and Palace of the Kings of Lihory).

Since 1992, the tower has belonged to the Alcalalí city council, which restored it and transformed it into a viewpoint that visitors can climb to enjoy the incredible panorama of the Vall de Pop. The tower's original five-story structure has been preserved, and the first and second floors now house a museum. On the third floor, you can admire engravings and graffiti from the 16th to 18th centuries, offering a glimpse into the customs and traditions of Alcalá's inhabitants during that period.

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14.8 km

Mirador del Ravalet

Highlight • Viewpoint

Wide, good view of the valley.

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17.6 km

Llavador de Parcent

Highlight • Monument

Former, public wash house with a social function. However, you can find them in many places, nicely restored for us tourists.

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25.2 km

Coll de Rates Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

The climb up to this viewpoint will be demanding but the reward will be much more comforting! The views are amazing, especially on clear days.

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25.6 km

Coll de Rates Restaurant

Highlight • Restaurant

they serve a fantastic strudel

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25.8 km

Coll de Rates

Highlight • Mountain Pass

If there’s one climb that defines cycling on the Costa Blanca, it’s Coll de Rates. Starting from the village of Parcent, this legendary ascent has become a must-ride for cyclists from around the world — from weekend warriors to Tour de France champions.

The climb is just under 7 km long, with an average gradient of around 5%, making it both accessible and rhythmical. The road surface is excellent, the curves are elegant, and the views just keep getting better as you rise above the valley.

This is no secret among the pros. Riders from Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates and others regularly use Coll de Rates for winter training. Tadej Pogačar currently holds the Strava KOM, which says a lot about the kind of names that have tested themselves here.

On clear days, the view from the top is simply breathtaking — stretching all the way across the coastline, and if you’re lucky, even Ibiza shimmers faintly on the horizon. There’s a café at the summit (seasonal), and the descent toward Tarbena or Castell de Castells is just as rewarding.

With its mix of scenery, steady gradients and cycling history, Coll de Rates is one of the most climbed — and most loved — ascents in the world. If you ride only one climb in the region, make it this one.

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38.7 km

Sa Creueta Pass (780 m)

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Gradient up to 15% on the west ramp. Nice signposted for racing cyclists. Super asphalt. To combine with the Coll de Council. Little traffic.

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50.3 km

Petracos Hermitage

Highlight • Religious Site

Ruins of an old hermitage belonging to the town of Pla de Petracos and located in a very picturesque place a few meters from the area of cave paintings

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62.9 km

el Portet

Mountain Pass

80.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types