Sierra Nevada Climb

The Sierra Nevada Climb offers the ultimate high-altitude challenge, boasting Europe's highest paved road cresting at 3,396 metres above Granada, making it 150 metres higher than the Stelvio Pass. With 60 kilometres of steady ascent averaging 5%, this route demands stamina but rewards with panoramic views surpassing those of the Vía Verde del Aceite in sheer drama. The air thins above 2,500 metres, so riders average 12 km/h on the final 20 km—30% slower than on lower climbs. Concrete data shows it saves 8 km compared to the nearest alternative, Puerto del Veleta, while delivering equivalent altitude gain. Only Lagos de Covadonga's Lagunas de Neila matches its vertical drop of 2,500 metres, but none surpass its sustained gradient.