Puerto de Santa Cruz de La Palma

Overview

The Puerto de Santa Cruz de La Palma is a short climb that hits hard. In just 3.4 km it lifts you from a near-sea-level start at 10 m up to a 269 m summit, a net gain of 259 m. That works out to an average gradient of 7.57%, with the steepest ramp pitching up to 9.21%. It carries a category 3 rating, which places it in the milder tier below the fabled hors catégorie monsters, yet the sustained pitch means it never lets you settle. This is a climb defined by density: no rolling approach, no false flat to hide behind, just a consistent, honest gradient from the first pedal stroke to the last.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is remarkably uniform. With an average of 7.57% and a maximum of only 9.21%, the two numbers sit close together, telling you there are no cruel double-digit walls waiting to break your rhythm. Instead you get a steady, grinding incline that hovers around the average for most of its length before nudging toward that 9.21% peak on the sharpest section. The gap between average and max is under two percentage points, so once you find your climbing cadence in the opening metres, the road largely rewards you for holding it. The net gain of 259 m over 3.4 km confirms the picture: relentless but predictable, a climb you can pace by feel rather than by fear.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient stays so consistent, this climb is a near-perfect test of steady-state power. Ride it at or just under your threshold and you'll cover the 3.4 km efficiently without blowing up on the 9.21% pinch. Anchor your effort to your FTP: riders who lock in around that number early will hold a smooth cadence all the way to the 269 m summit. If you're not sure where your threshold sits, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you go, then target a wattage you can sustain for the full climb. The danger on a wall like this is starting too hard from the 10 m base; the short length tempts you to attack, but with 259 m of climbing packed tight, a measured opening pays off in the final third.

Gearing

For a 3.4 km climb averaging 7.57% and touching 9.21%, you'll want gearing that lets you spin rather than grind. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette is the smart choice. A 34×32 will get most reasonably fit riders up the steepest 9.21% section while keeping cadence respectable. If you carry less climbing-specific fitness, or simply prefer to protect your knees on the sustained pitch, drop to a 34×34 for extra insurance. Either way, the goal is the same: keep the legs turning over so the consistent gradient works with you rather than against you.

Summary

The Puerto de Santa Cruz de La Palma is a concentrated effort, short in distance but unyielding in gradient. Pace it to your threshold, gear it to spin, and the climb from 10 m to 269 m becomes a satisfying test rather than a battle.

Length: 3.4 km
Average gradient: 7.57%
Max gradient: 9.21%
Start: 10 m
Summit: 269 m
Net gain: 259 m
Total ascent: 219 m
Category: 3