The Road to Coll de l’Arca is a Hidden Gem in Catalonia
Spain, europe
6.1 km
514 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll de l'Arca: A Steep Alpine Challenge in Catalonia
Tucked away in the Baix Penedès region of Tarragona, Spain, Coll de l'Arca sits at 605m (1,984ft) and serves up some seriously punchy climbing through the Sierra de Montmell mountains. This 6.1 km (3.79 miles) pass connects Aiguaviva and La Juncosa del Montmell, running south to north, and it's not for the faint of heart.
The road itself is fully paved, though you'll encounter concrete sections mixed in, with narrow stretches and sections pushing 15% gradient that'll really test your legs. Coming from the Aiguaviva side (via TV-2443), you're looking at a 2.6 km climb starting at 514m elevation. It's relatively gentler here, with an average grade of 3.5% and 91m of elevation gain. But approach from La Juncosa del Montmell (via TV-2401), and things get serious—3.5 km of climbing from 409m elevation with 196m of gain and a punchy 5.6% average gradient.
This is proper mountain pass territory in northeastern Catalonia where the scenery is stunning but the road demands respect. Whether you're grinding it on a bike or navigating it in a car, Coll de l'Arca rewards you with that satisfying alpine experience.
Where is it?
The Road to Coll de l’Arca is a Hidden Gem in Catalonia is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8899, -4.4078
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 514 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.8899, -4.4078
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