Alto de l'AngliruAlto de l’Angliru is a short but brutal climb that tops out at about 1,573 m above sea level and rises sharply from the surrounding valleys; it sits in a rugged Cantabrian-mountain setting with woodland on the lower slopes and open ridgelines near the summit. The road itself is narrow, winding and gains most of its height in the final kilometres, where gradients reach around 20-24% in places.
The Angliru entered the international spotlight when it was introduced to the Vuelta a España in 1999 and has since become one of the race’s most feared and talked-about ascents; its steep ramps, notably the Cueña les Cabres section, regularly decide stages and create vivid television moments. The climb was designed to be extreme and to test professional riders, and that character remains part of its appeal to visitors.
Visiting the Angliru is less about facilities and more about the experience: expect a quiet mountain road rather than a developed summit area, and plan for limited services. Many travellers come to watch cyclists climb, ride the ascent themselves if they are experienced and well prepared, or simply to take in the dramatic views over the Cantabrian foothills from lay-bys and the summit area.
- Cueña les Cabres: The most notorious ramp on the climb, a section with gradients near the maximum quoted for the road and a dramatic place to watch cyclists or test yourself on a bike.
- Summit viewpoint: Open ridgeline near the top gives broad views over the surrounding Cantabrian mountains and valleys when the weather is clear.
- Final steep kilometres: The last half of the climb contains the stiffest gradients and many tight bends that illustrate why the Angliru is famous in road racing.
- Lower wooded slopes: The lower parts of the road pass through mixed woodland and pastoral land, offering contrast to the bare upper slopes.
- Race atmosphere: If you visit during the Vuelta or when cyclists train there you may encounter roadside supporters and painted messages on the tarmac, part of the climb’s race-day character.
Nearby Attractions to Alto de l'Angliru#
Best Time to Visit Alto de l'Angliru#
Weather is coolest and wettest for much of the year; accessibility and safety are best in the drier summer months but conditions can be changeable.
Weather & Climate near Alto de l'Angliru#
Alto de l'Angliru's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1294 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -2° - 4° | -5° | 141 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 5° | -4° | 119 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 7° | -1° | 101 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 0° - 9° | 0° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Very Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 4.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Very Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 142 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 149 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Alto de l'Angliru#
The Angliru rises above the small municipality of Riosa (La Vega-Riosa) in Asturias; the nearest city with major transport connections is Oviedo City, which has mainline rail links and road connections to the rest of Spain.
The closest airport serving the region is Asturias Airport (OVD); from Oviedo or nearby towns the final stretch up to the Angliru is by narrow mountain road and is best covered by car or taxi, or on a bicycle for experienced riders - public transport does not typically serve the summit directly, so check local options and conditions before you travel.
Tips for Visiting Alto de l'Angliru#
- Expect very steep gradients and short sections of loose surface; cyclists should bring low gears and motorists should be prepared for slow, careful driving.
- Weather can change quickly at altitude and the mountain is often cold and wet outside summer, so carry warm, waterproof layers even on a summer day.
- There are limited services on the climb itself; plan fuel, food and water before you start the ascent.
- Road closures or restrictions can occur during Vuelta stages or local events, so check for organised-race dates if you plan to visit.
- Respect cyclists and spectators on narrow sections and avoid parking on steep, exposed parts of the road.