La Covatilla

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Béjar	1,962m	1,112m	19.7 km	5.6%	974	***

Climb Description

La Covatilla is the most impressive climb in the Salamanca region. It has the length and gradient of a genuine Grand Tour climb and has been used several times in the Vuelta a España. Winners on stage finishes here have included Danilo de Luca and Dan Martin.

In terms of scenery, it is fairly typical of central Spain. For long periods it is barren with rolling hillside as far as the eye can see. However, the dry landscape does have a certain charm; particularly when the high peaks in the distance are capped with snow. The climb finishes with a gently snaking road up to a ski resort, and the lack of hairpin bends here result in a high average gradient.

La Covatilla is usually kept open throughout the year, as in winter the road is cleared to enable access to the ski resort.

Roads & Traffic

The road is in good condition.

The first part of the climb, as you pass through the town of Béjar is quite busy, but after you pass the junction to the motorway, the traffic reduces considerably.

Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb to La Covatilla.

Nearby Climbs

Honduras

Puerto de Esparabán

Cycling Holidays

We don't currently run any tours in this part of Spain. If you would be interested in customizing an itinerary to this region, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss the options.

You may also be interested in the links below to some of the mountainous tours that we currently run elsewhere in Spain.