If there's one climb every cyclist coming to the Costa Blanca wants to tick off, it's the Coll de Rates. It isn't the toughest in the area, but it's the most famous: steady gradients, smooth tarmac, views over the valley and the sea, and the chance to cross paths with professional teams who use it for training every winter.
In this guide we cover where it is, what its two sides are like, what the Tossal dels Diners is, when to ride it and which coastal towns make the best base for your ride.
The essentials in 30 seconds. The Coll de Rates is a 628 m pass between the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa, crossed by the CV-715 road. The classic climb starts in Parcent: around 6.4 km (4 miles) at an average of 5.5%, steady and with no brutal ramps. From the south you can reach it from Bolulla and Tàrbena, with a longer, rolling approach. From the top you can carry on up to the Tossal dels Diners. The most popular bases for riding it are Dénia, Pedreguer, Calpe and Altea.
In this guide
Where the Coll de Rates is
Between the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa, just a few kilometres from the coast but deep in the mountainous interior of Alicante.
The Coll de Rates is a mountain pass at 628 metres, between the Ferrer mountains and the Serra del Carrascar de Parcent. It marks the boundary between the Marina Alta to the north and the Marina Baixa to the south, and the municipalities of Parcent, Alcalalí and Tàrbena meet there.
The pass is crossed by the CV-715 road, which links Benidorm with Gandía via Pego. It's the same road cyclists ride on both sides: from Parcent to the north, and from Bolulla and Tàrbena to the south.
Location of the Coll de Rates, between Parcent and Tàrbena (Alicante).
Why the Coll de Rates is the Costa Blanca's most famous climb
It isn't the hardest climb in the area, and that's part of its appeal. Its gradient is steady, with no brutal ramps, which makes it a perfect climb for testing yourself, doing intervals or simply enjoying the scenery. That's why it has become the meeting point for cyclists who come to train on the Costa Blanca.
- A pro favourite. Top-level teams use it during their winter training camps for training and performance testing.
- Vuelta history. The Vuelta a España climbed it in 2010, on stage 9 from Calp to Alcoi, as a second-category climb.
- Views. On the way up from Parcent you look out over the Vall de Pop, and on clear days you can see the sea in the distance.
- Atmosphere. At the top there's a seasonal bar where cyclists from all over Europe stop.
The two sides of the Coll de Rates: Parcent and Tàrbena
The classic climb is from Parcent, but you can also reach the top from the south.
| Side | Distance | Average gradient | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| North, from Parcent | 6.4 km (4 miles) | 5.5% | The classic climb. Around 347 m of elevation gain, with short sections close to 10%. Steady and with smooth tarmac. |
| South, from Bolulla and Tàrbena | 8.1 km (5 miles) to Tàrbena | 5.1% to Tàrbena | A continuous climb to Tàrbena, with a steepest section of 9.2%. After that, rolling terrain and a final climb of around 2 km to the pass. |
Approximate figures based on published segments and climb profiles. They may vary slightly depending on where the start and finish of the climb are taken.
North side: the classic climb from Parcent
This is the one everyone wants to ride and the one featured in the most popular segments. It starts in Parcent, in the Vall de Pop, and climbs the CV-715 with a very consistent gradient and sweeping bends through pine forest. It's a climb where you can find your rhythm from the start and hold it all the way to the top.
South side: from Bolulla and Tàrbena
From the south, the continuous climb runs from Bolulla to Tàrbena. After Tàrbena the terrain becomes rolling, and the actual climb to the pass is limited to the last few kilometres. It's a longer, less punchy option, and a great choice if you're setting off from Altea or the Marina Baixa.
The extension to the Tossal dels Diners
If the Coll de Rates isn't enough, a very steep concrete track leads from the top up to the Tossal dels Diners. It's the long version some professional riders use, such as those from UAE Team Emirates, to extend the climb and finish with a much tougher ending.
When to ride the Coll de Rates and practical tips
The Costa Blanca's mild climate means you can ride it almost all year round, but autumn, winter and spring are when you'll see the most cyclists in the area. It's when many teams and groups from all over Europe come to train in pleasant temperatures while it's cold back home.
- Watch the wind. Although the gradient is steady, the wind can make the climb much harder on some days.
- Take care on the descent. The road has tight bends: descend carefully, especially if there's traffic or groups climbing.
- Water and an extra layer. In winter, the temperature difference between the coast and the top is noticeable on the way down.
- In summer, set off early. The middle of the day in July and August can be very hot.
Where to start your Coll de Rates ride
The Coll de Rates is just a few kilometres from several of the coastal towns cyclists choose most to stay in.
Dénia and Pedreguer
Dénia's official route no. 8 climbs the Coll de Rates from Parcent after heading out along the Pedreguer road (CV-720): 83.77 km, between 1,319 and 1,400 m of elevation gain and high difficulty. Pedreguer is on the way, which makes it a very convenient base. If you're staying there, take a look at our transfer to Pedreguer.
Calpe
Calpe is one of the area's great meeting points for cyclists. We cover the full route to the Coll de Rates, and how to combine it with Bèrnia, in our guide to cycling routes in Calpe.
Altea and Cap Negret
From Altea, the natural option is to head inland towards Callosa d'en Sarrià and Bolulla to climb the south side along the CV-715. If you're staying in the area, check out our transfer to Altea and Cap Negret.
Jávea and Moraira
From the Marina Alta coast, the usual approach is inland through the Vall de Pop to Parcent, to climb the north side.
Coming to ride the Coll de Rates with your bike?
We pick you up at Alicante Airport and take you to your accommodation in Pedreguer, Dénia, Calpe or Altea with your bike in a hard case or a bike bag, with no changes.
View bike transfersHow to get there with your bike from Alicante Airport
Most cyclists who come to ride the Coll de Rates land at Alicante Airport with their bike packed. At Transfer4U we pick you up in the arrivals hall and take you straight to your accommodation, with no stops.
- Your bike in a hard case or bike bag. Bike transfers are made by Minivan XL, for 1 to 4 passengers, with up to 3 bikes and 4 suitcases.
- Groups and teams: Minibus with up to 19 seats, with bike capacity on request.
- Fixed price per vehicle, with no surcharges for night-time, public holidays or flight delays.
- Return transfers: we also pick you up at the end of your stay to take you back to the airport.
We have dedicated pages for the most popular cycling bases: Pedreguer, Altea and Cap Negret, Calpe and Dénia.
Frequently asked questions about the Coll de Rates
Your Coll de Rates week starts at the airport
Private transfer from Alicante Airport to your accommodation, with your bike in a hard case or bike bag. Fixed price per vehicle and service in both directions.
View bike transfers