COSTA BRAVA - CATALONIA, SPAIN

Can Grau

By Gerard Monells

Distance
6.3 km

Gain
362 m

Time
25 mins

31-70

Moderate to hard

As you climb, the seaview over the Costa Brava gets wicked

Start

Cala Salionç

Finish

Can Grau church

Distance

6.3 km

This is a fenomenal climb right off the seaside from them the main road along the Costa Brava coast. With zero traffic, this road is offers nice ride with gradual gentle climb to the hill top where you'll find picturesque old church and small café if you ride in the summer. Just be wary of the little stretch with 14% gradient right before you arrive to the top. Gorgeous views are guaranteed!

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HIDDEN GEM OF COSTA BRAVA

So many riders pass along the glamorous route along the coast and not so many know this little treasure. What seems like a sharp turn with hard climb from the start is the road to Can Grau – little old church on the hill top. There are option to continues on the other side of the mountain but even if you go there and descend back to the sea, it’s still worth every penny.

CAN GRAU IS A HIDDEN BEAUTY

The climb ends on with a very cozy place – Can Grau church that offers you a good place to rest up and cool down. In a patio during the summer there is a small cafe which can save you with some energy or water if your riding in hot summer weather.

ZERO TRAFFIC AND SUPERB VIEWS

This road barely goes anywhere nowadays, so you will enjoy almost carless road. But still be careful of course. As you climb you will be tempted to stop for a photo, which is recommended, sea views are amazing! The top of the hill is forest, so take your time taking those pictures.

CLIMB DESCRIPTION

Short enough and gentle but beware of the steep stretch close to the top!

	Gradient
1	6
2	6.8
3	5.8
4	6.9
5	3.9
6	4.8
7	6.5

Turning off the main road, the climb tilts up a super narrow road. The gradient constantly oscillates between 4-8%, giving amazing views back to the coastline. Just half a kilometre before the top the road steepens to a punishing 14%. At the top resides a chapel from which the climb derives its name as well as a lively bar where you can refill your bottles.

Nearby Climbs

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Rocacorba

Distance
10.7 km

Gain
742 m

Rocacorba has a history every cyclist should become a part of. Used for over a decade by many local pros as a testing climb, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 kilometre climb has a deceptive overall gradient of 7%. Starting teasingly gentle before levelling off and demanding your easiest gear on sections up to 11%, disciplined pacing will pay off for the last half of the climb that averages 9%. However, the quiet tree-lined road offers just enough respite to remain achievable for the determined weekend warrior. Keep your eyes peeled toward the top for the faded “Look Right” painted on the road to see spanning Pyrenean peaks through an opening in the trees.

La Mussara

Distance
10.5 km

Gain
636 m

Grade
6%

Time
45 mins

Alt de la Musara is a picturesque cycling climb situated in the Tarragona province of Catalonia. It has been used in the Volta a Catalunya professional race, most recently in 2017 when the riders descended this side.The climb on the Vilaplana side is characterized by a high number of hairpin bends, as it winds its way through forest towards the Prades Mountains. Very ocasionally the trees open out to offer some nice views looking back down the climb.Alt de la Musara is nominally open year round, with only very rare closures due to snow in winter.

Montserrat: climb to the Monastery from Monistrol

Distance
8.5 km

Gain
588 m

Grade
6.9%

Time
40 min

There is nothing more iconic for the Catalans than the Montserrat mountain, which is considered sacred. The monastery here attracts pilgrims by the hundreds of thousands. Same time the sheer beauty of nature here makes it a Mecca for hikers and cyclists alike. So we won't exaggerate to say that climbing this mountain is a must if you want some truly unforgettable and very local experience. The views are surrealist.