Girona’s reputation was built on its climbs. Here are the five ascents every visiting cyclist should have on their list — from gentle monastery roads to proper leg-breakers.

1. Rocacorba

  • Length: 9.9 km · Average: 6.5% · Max: 13%

The icon. Used by pros to test form before Grand Tours, Rocacorba winds through dense oak forest to the antenna overlooking Lake Banyoles. Irregular gradients make pacing tricky — read our full Rocacorba guide before you go.

2. Els Àngels

  • Length: 10.1 km · Average: 3.4%

The people’s climb. A smooth, gentle ascent from Girona to the sanctuary where Salvador Dalí married Gala. Perfect for café-ride days and recovery spins — and the descent back to the city is pure joy.

3. Mare de Déu del Mont

  • Length: 18.5 km · Average: 5.5%

The big one. Nearly 1,100 m of elevation gain ending at a monastery perched at 1,123 m with a 360° view from the Pyrenees to the sea. Save it for a strong day — it’s a genuine mountain.

4. Santa Pellaia

  • Length: 6.2 km · Average: 4.1%

The gateway to the Costa Brava. A shady, rhythmic climb through cork forest that features on almost every route to the coast. The descent towards Cassà de la Selva is one of the fastest in the region.

5. Sant Hilari Sacalm (via Santa Coloma)

  • Length: 25 km · Average: 3.2%

Not steep — just long and beautiful. A full morning of gradual climbing into the Guilleries mountains, rewarded with spring water and embutidos in a proper mountain town.

Ride Them With Us

Our Rocacorba Climb Challenge ticks off the legend with a local guide — and we can build any of these climbs into a custom tour.