Haza del lino (la rábita)

haza del lino la rabita, climb,cycling holiday, spain, sierra nevada

THE NUMBERS

  • CLIMB CATEGORY - HC

  • Length of climb - 26.4km

  • Summit elevation - 1,280M

  • Start elevation - 31M

  • Elevation gain - 1,259M

  • Gradient (avg) - 5%

Starting in the sleepy seaside villlage of La Rábita. The village was once of significant strategic importance for the ruling Nasrid dynasty and the kingdom of Granada. In later years the village developed as a fishing port as well as exporting wine, raisins, almonds, figs, beans and chestnuts, which were the produce of the surrounding villages in the local Alpujarra region.

Starting from La Rábita provides you with the longest approach to Haza del Lino, with a total of 1259m climbed in the space of 26.4 km. This is quite a steady climb, with a great surface and an average gradient of 5% keeping you company as you wind yourself up the mountain. 

haza del lino from la rabita

The first 6km of climbing up to Albuñol is a relaxed gradient. Make sure to top up on water and food here, as it is the last chance before reaching the top of the climb. The climb proper starts after Albuñol, as the grade kicks up from 3%, to between 5-15%. From Albuñol to the top, you might not meet a single car for those 20 km.  

Albunol, rabita, haza del lino climb

As stunning views pass by, you are rewarded for your efforts with a short 500m downhill at 19 km, helping recover for the final 6.5 km. These last 6.5 kilometers are the hardest of the climb. Looking out from the road is inevitably breathtaking, as the views down the mountain and out onto the Mediterranean sea are not soon forgotten.  On a clear day you can even see Atlas mountains of Morrocco.

La Rabita Haza del Lino climb, lotto jumbo, Pascal Eenkhoorn

As you reach the end of the climb, a well-earned stop in Restaurante Haza del Lino is a must, sitting in the sun trying to take in as much of the scenery as possible. 

While Albuñol has a range of bars, shops, restaurants and cafes, riders generally bypass the town on their way up towards Haza del Lino. La Rábita is a more suitable place to stop for a coffee and refill your bottles before you start the climb.

At the top of the climb, Restaurante Haza del Lino awaits the riders who have made their way up. Tapas, bocadillos and coffees are all freshly prepared here. As you let your legs rest and, soak in the sun, you can give some thought as to which of the many long descents you want to cruise back down towards sea-level on.