La Bonaigua

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Esterri d'Aneu	2,072m	1,112m	20.5 km	5.4%	698	***

Climb Description

La Bonaigua is the highest road pass in Catalonia and is one of the most celebrated cycling climbs in the region. It has been used in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España and is also one of the gateways into the French Pyrenees.

The climb from Esterri d'Aneu is the slightly more enjoyable of the two sides; largely thanks to the excellent views from the series of hairpin bendds in the final 6km. The traffic is a nuissance at times, particularly on the lower part of the climb, but the road is wide and, as long as there is good visibility and you pay attention, it is not especially unsafe.

If you are in the area, then La Bonaigua is a nice climb to do if you can avoid the busiest periods (weekends & holidays) - but it is not a mountain that is worth travelling a long distance specifically to climb it.

In theory the Bonaigua is open throughout the year, as the road is routinely cleared of snow in the winter (partly to enable access to the ski resort near the summit). However, short term closures are possible depending on the amount of snowfall from December to April.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition.

This is a quite a busy road in high season and on the straight roads of the lower part of the climb you can expect to be passed by fast moving traffic. Once the hairpins start it becomes much more pleasurable to climb, as the traffic becomes more intermittant and moves more slowly.

Alternative Routes

La Bonaigua can also be climbed from the west, starting in Vielha. This is usually the quieter side of the climb.

Nearby Climbs

Pla de Beret

Port Aine

Col du Portillon

Superbagneres

Col de Peyresourde

Port de Bales

Cycling Holidays

We do not currently run any cycling holidays in this part of the Catalan Pyrenees. However, if you would like to customize an itinerary in the region, please contact us and we would happy to organize a trip for you.

In the past, for example, we have organized a coast to coast cycling tour across the Spanish Pyrenees for groups and cycling clubs, which have included La Bonaigua.

You may also be interested in some of our other tours below, both in the Pyrenees and elsewhere in Catalonia.