A few kilometres north of Barcelona, the Santuari dels Àngels crowns the highest point of the Collserola range and has served for decades as the go-to training ground for cyclists from the city.
A steady climb at Barcelona’s doorstep
From Cerdanyola del Vallès, it’s 7.6 km for 400 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.3% and steepening in places to 10-12% through the wooded middle section, shaded by Collserola’s Mediterranean forest.
The Catalan riders’ playground
Its proximity to Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès makes it a near-daily outing for many local cyclists, amateurs and professionals alike, fine-tuning their form between competitions. The sanctuary at the summit, with its open views over the Vallès plain and, on a clear day, Barcelona and the sea, also draws visitors beyond the cycling crowd.
Getting the ride right
The steady gradient allows for a sustained pace without complex effort management, but the steeper stretches through the middle of the climb are worth anticipating by keeping something in reserve.
When to go
Year-round thanks to the Mediterranean climate, with a preference for March to November to avoid the height of summer heat on this road, which is well exposed in places.
Good to know
Barcelona, less than 30 minutes away, makes it easy to combine this climb with a visit to the city, while Sant Cugat del Vallès offers an alternative starting point for varying the routes up to the sanctuary.
