Puerto de Palamós

Overview

Puerto de Palamós is a category 4 climb in Spain that trades brute force for length. Over 6.5 km it lifts you from a start elevation of 75 m to a summit of 284 m, a net gain of 209 m at an average gradient of 3.21%. That average tells you almost everything: this is a shallow, rhythm-friendly ascent rather than a wall. The steepest pitch touches 7.08%, so there is a moment that demands respect, but nothing here forces you out of the saddle for long. It is the kind of climb you can ride hard from bottom to top without ever truly cracking, provided you meter the effort.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape of Palamós is defined by the gap between its 3.21% average and its 7.08% maximum. Subtract one from the other and you get a spread of 3.87 percentage points — modest, which means the climb is fairly consistent rather than a series of savage ramps. Expect long stretches close to the average, punctuated by a firmer section where the road pitches toward that 7.08% ceiling. With 6.5 km of road and 209 m of vertical to gain, the gradient rarely spikes and rarely relents; it simply grinds upward. The total ascent of 179 m sits just below the net gain of 209 m, confirming a climb that goes up and stays up rather than rolling through dips.

Pacing Notes

Because the average is only 3.21%, Palamós rewards a steady, aerobic effort held just under threshold. Ride it as a sustained tempo: your FTP is the right reference point for the bulk of the climb, sitting a touch below it on the shallow sections and pushing to or slightly over it on the 7.08% pitch. The danger on a climb this gentle is starting too hard — the low gradient tempts you to overgear and redline early, leaving nothing for the steep bite. If you are unsure of your number, run the FTP estimator first, then set a power target you can hold for the full 6.5 km. Aim to arrive at the 284 m summit having spent evenly, not in a series of surges.

Gearing

Palamós does not demand mountain gearing, but you will still want a comfortable bailout. A compact 34-tooth chainring paired with a 34×32 cassette combination covers the 3.21% average and the 7.08% maximum with room to spin. If you prefer higher cadence, or you are carrying fatigue from earlier climbing, a 34×34 gives you an extra margin on the steepest pitch without any real downside on a climb this short. Either setup lets you sit and turn a smooth cadence rather than muscling a big gear up the shallow ramps.

Summary

Puerto de Palamós is a friendly, consistent category 4 climb: long enough to matter, gentle enough to enjoy, with a single 7.08% pitch to keep you honest. Pace it at tempo, gear it for comfort, and it rewards you with a clean 209 m of vertical.

Length: 6.5 km
Average gradient: 3.21%
Max gradient: 7.08%
Start: 75 m
Summit: 284 m
Net gain: 209 m
Total ascent: 179 m
Category: 4