Porto do Curro

Overview

Porto do Curro is a category 3 climb that stretches 7.1 km from a start elevation of 543 m up to a summit of 811 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 268 m and a total ascent of 242 m — a difference that tells you the road isn't relentlessly uphill but rolls slightly, giving back a little before taking it again. The average gradient sits at a friendly 3.79%, and the steepest ramp tops out at just 5.04%. This is a climb built for rhythm rather than survival: long enough to matter, gentle enough to ride in control from bottom to top.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 3.79% average and a 5.04% maximum, the spread here is narrow. There are no walls, no double-digit ramps to shatter your cadence — the hardest pitch is barely a percentage point and a quarter above the average. What that means in practice is a consistent, predictable effort. The gap between the 268 m net gain and the 242 m of total ascent confirms a road with mild undulations: a few short descents or flatter breathers punctuate the climb, so you'll occasionally freewheel briefly before the grade resumes. Over 7.1 km, that translates to a climb you can read at a glance and settle into without nasty surprises.

Pacing Notes

Because the gradient is so even, Porto do Curro rewards a metered, sustainable effort. Aim to hold a percentage of your FTP that you could carry for the full 7.1 km — for most riders that lands in a comfortably hard tempo-to-threshold zone rather than an all-out surge. The shallow max of 5.04% means you rarely need to stand or spike your power; the winning move is to lock in early and stay smooth. If you're unsure what wattage that implies for you, run your numbers through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can defend across the whole 268 m of gain. On the brief flatter sections, resist the urge to coast entirely — carry momentum instead and you'll shave real time.

Gearing

You don't need extreme gearing for a climb that maxes out at 5.04%, but comfort still pays over 7.1 km. A compact setup paired with a wide-range cassette is more than enough here. A 34×32 will let most riders spin the average 3.79% grade at a relaxed cadence, keeping the legs fresh for the summit at 811 m. If you're carrying fatigue, riding at altitude, or simply prefer to twiddle, a 34×34 gives you an extra safety gear for the 5.04% pitches without ever feeling over-geared. Either choice lets you stay seated and steady, which is exactly how this climb is best ridden.

Summary

Porto do Curro is an approachable, rhythmic category 3 climb — 7.1 km of consistent gradient that gains 268 m to a summit of 811 m. With a 3.79% average and only 5.04% at its steepest, it's a climb to pace smoothly and enjoy, not one to fear.

Length: 7.1 km
Average gradient: 3.79%
Max gradient: 5.04%
Start: 543 m
Summit: 811 m
Net gain: 268 m
Total ascent: 242 m
Category: 3