Final stretch of road to an observatory dome on Calar Alto, Sierra de los Filabres, above Gérgal

Outdoor adventures · Filabres-Tabernas

Calar Alto Road Climb from Gérgal

Road-cycling climb from Gérgal to the Calar Alto observatory in the Sierra de los Filabres: 22.5 km at 6.3% average and 1,420 m of ascent to about 2,155 m, used for Vuelta a España finishes.

About Calar Alto Road Climb from Gérgal

Calar Alto, at 2,168 m the highest point of the Sierra de los Filabres, carries the Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory, founded in 1973 by Spain and Germany; its white domes can be seen across much of Almería. The road from Gérgal is the side most used by the Vuelta a España, which finished at the observatory in 2004, 2006 and 2017, and again in 2026 from the Bacares side.

From Gérgal, at about 735 m, the road climbs 1,420 m in 22.5 km at an average of 6.3%, the steepest 100 m reaching about 11.6%. The lower slopes cross dry hills and almond terraces, the middle third enters pine forest, and the last kilometres follow an open, rocky ridge with views to Sierra Nevada, the Tabernas badlands and the sea, ending at the observatory at about 2,155 m. The surface is very good and traffic light.

The climb is free and open all year, but the top is often 10–15°C colder than Gérgal, wind and fog are common and snow can close the road in winter. There is no water or food after Gérgal: carry two bottles, food and a windproof for the descent. In summer start at first light. Media Distancia trains on the Almería–Granada line stop at Gérgal station, a few kilometres below the village.

The best months are April to June and September to October. Check the mountain forecast, fit lights in case of fog and take care on the bends after storms, when gravel can cover the road.

Calar Alto Road Climb from Gérgal in pictures

Gérgal village and castle with the Calar Alto observatory on the ridge above, start of the climb, Almería

Calar Alto observatory on the Filabres ridge seen across the pine-covered slopes, Gérgal, Almería

What you’ll find

Car parkParkingFree
CyclingRoad or greenway cyclingFree
Free accessFree visitFree
Linear routeOne-way trailFree
Shuttle or busPublic transportBuy
ViewpointScenic viewpointFree

Nearby places to visit

The climb looks down on the badlands where Horse Riding in the Tabernas Desert (14 km) follows the dry riverbeds from Rancho Malcaminos. The Tabernas Desert (14 km) itself is Europe's driest landscape, and the western film set of Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood (13 km) sits in its ramblas. For a gentler afternoon, Almazara Oro del Desierto (16 km) runs olive-oil mill tours near Tabernas, while the Copper Age settlement of Los Millares (17 km) lies to the south, with a visitor centre and reconstructed walls.