Porto dos Valos

Overview

Porto dos Valos is a short, approachable category 4 climb in Spain that starts almost at sea level. From a base elevation of just 14 m, the road lifts you to a summit of 136 m over 3.2 km, for a net gain of 122 m. At an average gradient of 3.81%, this is a climb that rewards rhythm rather than raw power. It sits at the gentlest end of the categorised spectrum — well below the HC, 1, 2 and 3 tiers — but that does not mean it lacks character. A steepest pitch of 6.4% breaks up the otherwise steady drag and gives the climb a small sting to respect.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining number here is the gap between the 3.81% average and the 6.4% maximum. That spread tells you the climb is uneven: long stretches sit comfortably under the average, offset by a short ramp that briefly nearly doubles the effort. With a total ascent of 100 m recorded against a net gain of 122 m, the profile is essentially a clean, near-continuous rise rather than a rolling series of ups and downs. Expect to settle into a low-single-digit gradient for most of the 3.2 km, then meet the 6.4% pinch where the road tips up hardest. Because the summit at 136 m arrives quickly, there is little time to fall apart — the whole effort is over in a handful of minutes for most riders.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this short, the temptation is to treat it as a full-gas effort, and for many that is the right call. A 3.2 km ascent at 3.81% is squarely in the zone where you can ride at or just above your FTP without blowing up before the top. The key is not overcooking the opening — hold steady through the shallow lower slopes, then lift your output as the gradient rises toward 6.4%. If you do not know your threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator so you can pace by wattage rather than feel. Keep something in reserve for that steepest ramp; cresting it smoothly is the difference between a clean climb and an ugly one.

Gearing

Given the modest 3.81% average, most fit riders will spin this comfortably on a compact chainring. A 34×32 setup gives you plenty of range for the 6.4% max without forcing you out of the saddle, and it keeps your cadence high across the gentler majority of the climb. If you carry extra weight, ride tired, or simply prefer to twiddle, a 34×34 adds a touch more comfort on the steepest pitch and lets you protect your legs for whatever follows the 136 m summit. Either way, you are unlikely to need anything easier — this is a climb where cadence, not gear inches, does the work.

Summary

Porto dos Valos is a quick, honest little climb: sea-level start, a clean rise, and one short steep section to keep you honest. Punchy riders will attack it, and everyone else can settle into a steady tempo and enjoy the 122 m of elevation as it ticks by.

Length: 3.2 km
Average gradient: 3.81%
Max gradient: 6.4%
Start: 14 m
Summit: 136 m
Net gain: 122 m
Total ascent: 100 m
Category: 4