The Angliru: the ultimate cycling challenge in the heart of Asturias

The Angliru is not just any climb. The Alto del Angliru, in the municipality of Riosa, is one of the hardest and most legendary mountain passes in world cycling. Becoming a myth after its inclusion in the Vuelta a España in 1999, the Angliru is much more than a mountain stage: it is an experience that every true cyclist dreams of tackling at some point.

With its 12.5 km of ascent from La Vega de Riosa and an average gradient of over 10%, this colossus of the Sierra del Aramo reserves its toughest sections for the end, when the body is already at its limit. The Cueña les Cabres section, with ramps of 23.5%, is one of the most feared and celebrated in European cycling.

But the Angliru is not only hardness: it is landscape, it is silence, it is Asturian mountain in its purest state. The road winds through forests and meadows, gaining altitude and views with each pedal stroke. On clear days, you can see a large part of the center of Asturias and even the Cantabrian Sea in the background. The air becomes fresher, the sounds sharper, the emotion more intense.

The climb officially begins in the village of La Vega, 1 km from the Aires del Aramo apartments. After 6 km is the Viapará Recreational Area (see entry in this blog), a perfect place to rest and regain strength. From there, the road transforms: the demanding ramps, sharp bends and epics begin.

Climbing the Angliru is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires preparation, physical background and a good bike. But those who succeed know that they have not climbed just any mountain pass. They have beaten the Angliru, and that is always carried in the legs... and in the soul.

Are you up to the challenge? The Angliru awaits you. And in Aires del Aramo, you will find the rest you deserve after the battle.

Technical data

• 🚴‍♂️ Starting point: La Vega de Riosa (300 m altitude). Clear signage at the beginning of the port.
• 📏 Total distance: 12.5 km of continuous ascent to the summit of the Angliru.
• 📈 Elevation gain: 1,266 meters of cumulative elevation gain.
• 📊 Average slope: 10.13%.
• Maximum slope: 23.5% in the Cueña les Cabres section.
• 🗺 Final altitude: 1,573 m above sea level.
• 🛣 Type of road: Tarmac road, narrow and without shoulder. Very little traffic outside of special dates.
• 🧭 Key points:
  Km 6: Viapará Recreational Area (rest and refreshment area)
  Km 10: Beginning of the hardest section, with ramps from 18% to 23%
  Cueña les Cabres: between km 11 and 12
• 💡 Recommendations:
  Wear adequate gearing (compact chainrings and wide cassette)
  Check the condition of brakes and transmission
  Climb early or on cool days
  Attention on the descent: very technical and long.
• 📷 Panoramic points: Views of Riosa, Morcín, Oviedo, a large part of the mountain range and, on clear days, the Cantabrian Sea.

Would you like to discover Viapara and stay near this natural paradise? Check availability and make your reservation now in our rural apartments. We are waiting for you!