Urkiola (Otxandio)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Otxandio	713m	125m	3.3 km	3.7%	84	*

Climb Description

Puerto de Urkiola is one of the legendary Basque climbs; however, the real climb is from the other side, starting from Mañaria. The ascent from this side has little going for it. It offers little challenge, with gentle gradients over a short distance, it has a high volume of fast moving traffic and there is little in the way of scenery.

We would recommend tackling some of the other climbs in the area instead of riding Urkiola from this side.

Puerto de Urkiola is open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road is in very good condition throughout.

There is a lot of traffic on the climb. It is a major road that connects Vitoria Gasteiz (the capital of the Basque Country) with the industrial towns of Durango, Gernika and Markina-Xemein. It is possible to ride, but is better to do at the weekend when there tends to be more cars, but fewer trucks on the road.

Alternative Routes

Urkiola can also be climbed from Mañaria. This is the classic side and, although still busy with traffic, is a much more enjoyable climb than Urkiola from Otxandio.

Nearby Climbs

Kurtzeta

Untzella

Monte Oiz

Kanpazar

Arrate

Karabieta

Ixua

Asentzio

Elosua

Urkarregi

Gontzegaraigane

Santa Eufemia

Cycling Holidays

Urkiola is climbed on our Basque Mountains cycling holiday.

In the links below you can find out more about this and other similar tours that we run in the region.