Mountains are the spice of cycling. Even road cyclists who aren’t built for or trained on climbs love elevation gain and ascents. Hairpin bends, a mountain pass, a summit, a high plateau – mountains fascinate and reward you with a sense of accomplishment after every climb. Ultra triathlete Jonas Deichmann once said life is too short to ride flat. Climbs make tours more interesting, training more engaging, and races more exciting. From solo rides in Hamburg to social rides in the Black Forest and pro races in the Alps, elevation gain appeals to every cyclist, whether on a road bike or mountain bike, a small local hill or an epic mountain pass.

A mountain or pass always holds special significance on a cycling route. But why? A climb strips cycling down to its essence. Wind, drafting, tactics, equipment, or teams play a minor role in an ascent. What matters is the ratio of weight to power output – the steeper and higher the climb, the more this holds true. 

Road cycling legend and five-time Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974) once said: “The mountain shows no mercy!” He meant that on flat terrain, you can always slow down a bit if you’re running out of energy. You can also hide in the slipstream of other riders. Mountains and passes are different. Here, failure is a real possibility. You need to push against the gradient with enough power – or you won’t make it to the top. This potential for failure makes reaching the summit all the more rewarding. You’ve overcome an obstacle – one that can be measured. You can see how many meters of elevation you’ve gained and what gradients you’ve conquered, either on your bike computer or by feeling the thrill of your performance as gravity, which you fought on the way up, now pulls you swiftly downhill.

Experienced cyclists know how to pace themselves on a climb or a mountain stage. Knowing what to expect is essential if you’ve never tackled a pass or summit. Besides your fitness level, four key factors matter: 

• How long is the climb overall? 
• How many meters of elevation gain are there? 
• How high is the mountain or pass? This gives a clue about how thin the air will be. 
• What is the gradient at the steepest sections? 

The last point is the real judge. As Eddy Merckx said, you can ride slowly on gentler slopes with a small gear ratio. But steep sections require a minimum power output, even in your easiest gear and at the slowest controllable speed. Beginners should look for climbs without “ramps” – short, very steep sections. What counts as steep depends on your fitness and your bike setup, but as a rule of thumb, beginners should avoid double-digit gradients. 

Most road cyclists can handle up to 6% gradients and short bursts of 10–12%. Sustained gradients over 10% and ramps over 14% require significant strength, and anything around 15% or more, even for just 100–200 meters, is only manageable for trained and healthy athletes. Note: this doesn’t mean the entire climb is that steep – the average might be 6% because steep and flat sections balance out. Most online platforms and tourist maps show gradient data per kilometer, sometimes even the maximum values. In popular cycling regions, signs along the route often indicate the average gradient of the next kilometer.

Mountains and passes play a key role in the Tour de France and other pro races. Even amateur cyclists feel proud after conquering a climb. Among fellow riders, reaching a mountain pass in the Alps earns more respect than riding a long flat route. This badge of honor becomes even more meaningful if the climb is part of a legendary route from pro races, famous rivalries, or iconic amateur events like the Transalp. Even those unfamiliar with the Tour de France have heard of summit finishes in Alpe d’Huez. Roads over the Col du Galibier, Col du Tourmalet, Mont Ventoux, the Stelvio Pass, or even a complete Alpine crossing are proof of endurance and fitness, even among ambitious cyclists. 

They’re also usually incredibly scenic. And at the slower pace of climbing, you can soak in the nature and views more deeply than when speeding along. Mountains are the perfect blend of athletic achievement and pure enjoyment.

If your road bike tour includes a significant climb, you should at least have a rough idea of how to tackle it. Since you’ll likely be climbing for over an hour, the main rule is: don’t push into the red zone unless necessary. If you’re gasping for air, you’re going too hard for such a long effort. Save that exertion for short, steep sections – or avoid it altogether. A simple self-check: if you can take three full breaths through your nose without feeling short of breath, you’re still in the “orange” zone. Here are a few more tips for successfully conquering a pass: 

General Climbing Tips: 

• Start conservatively and resist the temptation to imitate scenes from pro races or immediately duel with other cyclists. This happens surprisingly often, even to people who aren’t usually competitive. 
• Shift before the climb begins: If the terrain is about to get steeper or flatter, identify the transition point in advance and shift into an appropriate gear just before reaching it. 
• Take hairpin turns and curves as wide as traffic allows – the path is longer but less steep. 
• Shift gears (and use motor assistance if applicable) and pace your physical effort to maintain a steady cadence and pedal pressure. Your cadence should not drop significantly below 60 revolutions per minute—that’s one crank rotation per second. 
• Don’t literally or figuratively fixate on the summit – set intermediate goals along the way. 
• Don’t forget to hydrate, even under strain. In high alpine areas, it helps to consume something sweet or even energy gels. An ergonomic hydration backpack can be a great solution if your bottles aren't enough. 
• Pedelec riders should adjust motor assistance to the gradient. The steeper the gradient, the more support needed. On flatter sections, riders should reduce the aid to conserve battery power for the summit. 
• Don’t underestimate the altitude: From 1,800 meters – and especially above 2,000 meters – the partial pressure of oxygen drops significantly, making the perceived effort much greater than the actual power output. If heading into such regions, be mentally prepared and conserve energy.

To ride all of Europe’s famous mountain passes would take years, and you still wouldn’t be done. For non-professionals and those who don’t live near the Alps, Vosges, or Pyrenees, we’ve compiled a selection of the most legendary mountain roads and climbs worth the journey. We’ve picked five of the most attractive, challenging, harmonious, or iconic climbs in four categories. Of course, much of this is subjective, and it was often hard not to include a sixth, seventh, or eighth option. Our selection is based on personal experience, forum discussions, complex data about the climbs, and video footage from famous races and stages in recent years.

While the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España may be tougher in terrain and drama, the Tour de France has been the world’s biggest annual cycling race – and sporting event – for over a century. It’s decided in the mountains. Climbs like Col d’Izoard, Iseran, or Cime de la Bonette can cost even elite riders not just seconds, but minutes – or even force them to abandon the race entirely. Different passes are featured since the Tour’s route changes every year, but some mountains have become legendary deciders. A win here counts double, and a loss can crush all hopes of overall victory. These five climbs are, in our opinion, the most iconic in Tour history:

Alpe d’Huez 
“A Tour without Alpe d’Huez is like a woman with a beard,” said Dutch cyclist Peter Winnen. Whatever you think of the quote, the fact remains: the climb to this ski resort is neither particularly steep nor long, and honestly, Alpe d’Huez isn’t even that scenic. But the nearly 14 km climb into this alpine cul-de-sac has finished so many Tour stages, the scene of many epic duels, and the turning point of so many races that few people are unfamiliar with this mythical mountain. Its 21 hairpins are each named after past stage winners, and the fan graffiti on the asphalt never entirely fades, as the Tour visits almost every year. The route oozes race atmosphere – landmarks like the chapel and cemetery at turn nine are instantly recognizable from TV broadcasts. After the first five switchbacks, the climb rarely gets steeper. The bigger challenge is the heat – the south-facing slope turns into a shimmering furnace from sunrise. For the 2013 Tour, a descent was paved on the backside, officially ending Alpe d’Huez’s status as a dead-end. Hardcore cyclists say that if you call yourself a rider, you must climb it at least once.

Col du Tourmalet 
The climbs in the Pyrenees are generally rougher, less rhythmic, and more uncomfortable to ride than those in the Alps or Vosges. This is especially true for the western side of the Tourmalet. After a short approach, the climb begins – but here, hairpins and switchbacks are largely absent, and the road follows the mountain's natural contours. This results in long, straight stretches with alternating gradients, ranging from manageable to moderately steep. Visually, it often feels like you're making no progress – until you suddenly spot the pass, perched high above on a massive rock face. 
After about fifteen moderately challenging kilometers, the final section of the Tourmalet is a true challenge. You might spot goats, cows, alpacas, or donkeys along the way – if you have enough oxygen to notice. Better to become a mountain goat yourself. The Tourmalet also climbs above 2,000 meters. Like the Galibier (see below), the view over the low roadside wall into the valley is a powerful reminder of what you’ve accomplished. The final steep ramp, reportedly over 20% according to the roadbook, seems to stretch forever before you reach the narrow rock passage at the summit. 
The 2,115-meter-high pass was first crossed in the Tour de France in 1910. Due to exhaustion, the stage winner had to push his bike up the final brutal switchbacks and reportedly shouted at the organizers mid-stage, calling them murderers. Even though the roads are now paved and the equipment far more climb-friendly, the Tourmalet remains intimidating—and arguably the toughest of the five Tour classics.

Col du Galibier 
At 2,645 meters, the Galibier is usually the highest point of the Tour de France – the so-called "roof of the Tour." That alone makes it a challenge, but even more so is the fact that it’s rarely climbed in isolation. On one side, you must first conquer the Col du Télégraphe; on the other, the Col du Lautaret. Both are serious climbs in their own right. If you approach from Valloire, the 854 meters of elevation gain from the Télégraphe are already in your legs. The Galibier then offers a brief reprieve along a gently rising valley floor, allowing your legs to recover. Many describe this entry into a closed valley as the gullet of a monster, ready to swallow you whole. At the end of the valley, you can see the road carved into the nearly vertical rock wall, zigzagging upward. The gradient rarely drops below double digits again. The altitude and thinning air take their toll. 
As befits an Alpine monument, the real ramps come at the end, where the view back into the valley over the unguarded road edges can be dizzying. The summit lies in a hairpin bend that offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The tunnel marked on maps, which would bypass the final kilometers, is reserved for motor vehicles – so yes, you must conquer the Galibier the hard way! 

Mont Ventoux 
While the giants of the Alps cluster together, the “windy mountain” – as its name translates – stands alone in the Provence. From afar, you can see its bald, treeless summit and massive radio towers rising from the plains. Rarely is the elevation gain so clearly visible from a distance. The rocky giant offers three ascent routes, but the one from Bédoin is the most famous, having hosted the Tour de France multiple times. This is where Chris Froome famously continued on foot after a crash, Tom Simpson tragically died from exhaustion, and the legendary final ramp delivered some of the most dramatic finishes in Tour history. The Ventoux’s profile isn’t terrifying, but its reputation as the windiest mountain is well-earned. Combine the 8–10% gradients in the middle section with fierce headwinds near the top, and the 1,500 meters of elevation gain feel twice as hard. And because the mountain is so barren, there’s no shelter along the climb. You’ll need energy reserves and mental toughness to conquer the bald summit, especially for the steep final ramp. That said, no section exceeds a 14% gradient.

Grand Colombier 
Though the Grand Colombier is often used as a transition climb rather than a summit finish in the Tour, it’s known for its potential to spark successful attacks. The narrow, winding descents give solo riders or small groups an advantage over large pelotons. This relatively low but equally barren mountain can easily fill an entire day for amateur cyclists. There are four different ascent routes, each with its character. The western ramp includes several sections nearing a 20% gradient—only true climbers can handle that. The other three routes are also challenging but manageable with good pacing. The narrow asphalt roads are lightly trafficked and have a cozy, peaceful feel. With so little traffic, the Tour fans’ graffiti on the road surface remains visible for a long time. The names and symbols under your front wheel inevitably conjure images of cheering crowds, though outside of Tour season, cows graze peacefully along the roadside. Of the five Tour classics, the Grand Colombier is the most scenic and requires the shortest travel distance for many riders. 

"The mountain is the summit of pain!" said American three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond (1986, 1989, 1990). And for many, suffering is an essential part of road cycling. How far you push yourself up the scale of self-inflicted pain is, of course, a personal choice. However, the following five climbs can push even seasoned athletes deep into the red zone. 
Some are incredibly long and offer over two hours of uphill riding. Others are much shorter but make your legs explode with gradients well over 20%. And then there’s the altitude – above 2,000 meters, the air pressure is no longer sufficient to fully oxygenate your blood, making every watt of power output feel even more painful. These five mountains leave even climbing-proficient pros wide-eyed and grimacing. They are considered some of the toughest challenges you can voluntarily take on with a road bike:

Cime de la Bonette 
While the Col de la Bonette is the second-highest paved pass in Europe (after the Col de l’Iseran), the Cime de la Bonette claims the top spot thanks to a loop that circles the summit. After climbing around 1,400 meters from Jausiers, many cyclists seriously question whether to take on this extra loop – the air is already thin up here. The climb from the other side is even longer but less scenic. From the north, you ascend through switchbacks and moderate straights, leaving civilization behind and entering a rugged, rocky valley. The road is terraced with three or four flatter sections that offer brief recovery. The gradient isn’t brutal, but the length and altitude make the Bonette a true challenge. The upper third alone is a joy to ride – the varied road and sweeping views from nearly 3,000 meters are unmatched. Still, the climb is exhausting. Those who take on the summit loop are among the truly tough in the saddle. 

Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) 
The Stelvio – with its 48 hairpin bends – is the most beautiful mountain road for many cyclists. But it also earns its place in this painful category. It could easily be listed among the scenic gems, but this gem has over 20 kilometers of climbing and nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain. At 2,757 meters, the Stelvio is high enough that you’ll spend over an hour climbing in thin air. You can already see where the road is headed from the valley, especially once you pass the tree line. The road is folded into the mountainside like a snowboarder’s turns. This winding line keeps most of the climb in the moderate range, but after kilometer 18, the harmony ends and the Stelvio becomes a wall, with gradients approaching 20%. This final section and the altitude have stopped many would-be summit conquerors. The descent toward Bormio is nearly as beautiful as the northern ascent, but returning to your starting point in Prad is difficult without crossing the nearly 3,000-meter pass again. The Stelvio is usually snow-free and open to traffic from June to October. 

Narices del Teide 
Climbs like Teide are known as “roller mountains” among cyclists. The gradient stays below 6% throughout, so even moderately fit riders can maintain a decent cadence. But this is the longest climb in Europe! Over 2,000 meters of elevation gain spread across roughly 45 kilometers means even strong athletes will spend around three hours climbing. While the volcanic landscape of Tenerife is fascinating, the monotonous surroundings don’t make the time pass any faster. By midday, the heat from the sun and the warmed rock turns the road into a furnace. The road surface is relatively new and smooth, but it gets brutally hot. An early start is highly recommended. 
Fun fact: the current Strava record is held by world champion Remco Evenepoel in under an hour, though the segment doesn’t start at the very bottom. No matter your speed, conquering Teide is something to be proud of. 

Großer Speikkogel 
This climb is one of the toughest in Austria – and the Alps. The road leads to military radar domes, and since it’s a dead-end, cyclists are mostly alone up there. Despite five noticeably flatter sections, the average gradient is nearly 11%. The Speikkogel tests your strength over 12 kilometers, each with 12% or more gradients. The middle section is especially brutal without proper climbing gear, even though several switchbacks help ease the ascent. Just before the summit, the mountain tests body and mind with an ultra-steep kilometer ramps over 20%, requiring serious power reserves. As you approach the 2,000-meter mark, fog becomes a real risk – something to be especially cautious of on the descent.

Monte Zoncolan 
Even professional riders fear this monster. The old route from Priola is the most brutal variant. Before joining the newer, wider section, the road starts more like a paved mule track than a proper mountain pass. Right from the start, you’re hit with gradients over 20%. It may not sound long at just under 9 kilometers, but this mountain truly shows no mercy, just as Eddy Merckx once said. Even if you take the corners wide, the gradient never drops below 10%. On the inside, it spikes to over 30%! On average, this is one of the steepest paved roads in the Alps. You’ll find little company on these narrow strips of asphalt, mostly hikers. The final Giro d’Italia stage was once held on gravel roads, but today the climb is fully paved up to 1,740 meters. The power-to-weight ratio? Nowhere is it more brutally tested than here.

Why not combine the pleasant with the beautiful? There are very few mountain passes that offer no scenic value; after all, elevation gain almost always comes with better views. But for the following five climbs, calling them scenic would be a massive understatement. These gems among ascents captivate cyclists with their harmonious road design, spectacular vistas, integration into the landscape, and highlights along the way. Conquering these classics will take your breath away—both literally and figuratively.

Coll dels Reis – Sa Calobra 
The winding road from the coastal town of Sa Calobra in Mallorca is considered one of Europe's most beautiful cycling routes—and it must be enjoyed as a round trip. The road climbs from a bay and snakes through rocky terrain inland with countless tight curves. Since it’s a dead-end road, you descend via the Coll dels Reis to the sea and climb over a challenging but not brutally steep 10 km stretch to the famous "tie knot"—a 270-degree curve through a tunnel. The narrowness and rugged cliffs sometimes make it feel like you're riding inside a building. Looking down on the many hairpin bends, the view from above is awe-inspiring outside of peak tourist season, when fewer cars and buses clog Sa Calobra’s arteries. The inside of the curves can be steep, and due to oncoming traffic, you can’t always take the wide line. But since the climb is only 9.4 km long and takes about 30 minutes, this legendary road is more of a pleasure than a brutal challenge. The nearby Tramuntana Mountains offer many more cycling delights. Tradition has it that riders stash their jersey pockets in a rock crevice at the top to chase personal bests without extra weight.

Cormet de Roselend 
This climb past the Roselend reservoir is a favorite for those who love scenic rides. The road is narrow in places, and the asphalt is a bit rough, but it’s usually quiet. The Beaufort side is well sheltered from wind and weather. This Alpine pass offers everything the Alps are known for: switchbacks, lush meadows, dense forests, a lake, barren high-mountain terrain near the summit, and long stretches along the mountainside—but no vicious ramps. The maximum gradient of over 15% comes shortly after the lake, but your legs will have had a chance to recover while riding across the dam. On the dam, the waterline is at shoulder height, and the radiant turquoise water feels close enough to touch—truly mesmerizing. On the final stretch, your neck may ache from constantly turning to admire what might be the most beautiful view in the High Alps. It’s no surprise, this stunning climb is regularly featured in the Tour de France.

Col de la Croix de Fer 
This mountain pass is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Nearby climbs like the Galibier or Alpe d’Huez are more frequently featured in the Tour de France and on cyclists’ bucket lists. Yet the Croix de Fer holds its own in both stats and character. An average gradient of under 5% from Rochetaillée sounds tame, but that’s due to several downhill sections along the way. These give you a breather before the following double-digit ramps. Some might call the climb unrhythmic—annoying in a race, but varied and enjoyable in leisure mode, though still demanding. The scenery shifts quickly from narrow gorges to open meadows, from rock faces to tall forests. In the inter-valley sections, the summer air can feel heavy. But the final third rewards you with sweeping views toward the Col and a series of lakes that nestle into the meadows like something out of a Japanese garden. A rustic bistro awaits at the summit with a panoramic view of the Alps.

Colle dei Morti / Col Cuneo 
Due to their heavy traffic, this pass edged out the Großglockner and the Silvretta High Alpine Road in our ranking. The Colle dei Morti, by contrast, is a narrow, almost deserted road—more like a paved path. From Cuneo, you can approach it via three different routes, which is rare. We especially liked the southern route, which offers a flat section along a stream after the first third of the climb—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the grandeur and solitude of Piedmont. Like the Col de la Madeleine, this pass would be brutal in a race due to its constantly changing gradients. That would have appealed to Marco Pantani, the late 1998 Tour winner, who is honored with a monument at the summit. You ride toward it solo and follow the ridgeline as the road dances across the slope, pulling you along. On the final stretch of the 24 km climb, the gradient becomes more of a series of humps than a steady incline, offering early views of the surrounding peaks. Also known as Col Cuneo, this long pass is a paradise for nature-loving cyclists.

Sella Pass / Sella Ronda
Anyone who’s tried to take a bad photo in the Dolomites has surely failed. The Sella Massif offers countless stunning climbs for road cyclists. Some of them can be linked into the famous Sella Ronda, a loop over four epic mountains closed to cars twice a year for Bike Day (tip: check Komoot for details). One of these mountains is the Sella Pass. Though over 30 km long with 1,721 meters of elevation gain, the Italians have laid the switchbacks so harmoniously into the Dolomites that you’ll always have enough energy left to admire the coral reef-like rock formations rising from the green meadows. Two tunnels offer cool relief—be careful on the descent, as it can still be damp even in midday heat. You don’t need top fitness to complete the pass, but save some energy for the final stretch—it climbs well above 2,000 meters, and headwinds can pick up near the summit. The most breathtaking views come in the evening, when the Dolomites glow red as the sun reflects off the unique rock. As with all high passes, check whether the road is open—winter can linger here well into May.

Too high, too steep, too long, or too far away to enjoy as a beginner or untrained rider—many of the passes listed above can be intimidating, especially for road cycling newcomers who aren’t sure of their limits. The fifteen summits mentioned earlier may seem more daunting than inviting. But a mountain isn’t defined solely by its maximum stats. Many Black Forest, Alps, or Pyrenees highlights aren’t record-breakingly. Instead, they’re what cyclists call “roller mountains”—climbs with steady, moderate gradients, no brutal ramps, and no need to ascend beyond 2,000 meters. They still offer fascinating roads through stunning landscapes. And it’s easy to forgive the lack of legendary stats when the ride is this enjoyable.

Grand Ballon 
You don’t always need the high Alps—France’s Vosges Mountains offer beautiful, long, and punchy climbs. The Grand Ballon includes all imaginable variations. Seven ascent routes range from long and beginner-friendly (via Kruth or Le Markstein) to steep and narrow (from Moosch in the south). Recent images show that a dedicated cycling and hiking route has been paved from St. Amarin. The route from Soultz includes over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, but is spread across nearly 20 kilometers. The forested road offers wind protection, and the heat is manageable all day in summer. The climb begins gently via the Col Amic. For the first two-thirds, you’ll feel like a top climber—at 3–4% gradient, a reasonably fit rider can maintain a smooth, dynamic cadence. The final third resembles the Madeleine, though you only leave the forest just before the summit. The Grand Ballon has few steep rock faces and no dramatic drop-offs, making the ascent and descent feel safe and approachable. As the highest peak in the Vosges, it’s an excellent mountain for practice and acclimatization.

Col de la Madeleine 
Often labeled Jan Ullrich’s favorite climb—after he avenged a bitter defeat to Marco Pantani here in 1998—the Madeleine has also been called “cruel” by German cycling legend Didi Thurau. That may be true in a race, where even the flatter sections between moderate gradients must be ridden hard. But for leisure riders, those same sections offer welcome recovery. The long ascent from Feissons becomes a rhythmic, rewarding ride when taken without time pressure. If you don’t overdo it on the rolling segments, you’ll have enough energy left to handle short bursts of 8–9% gradient. Despite its height, the Madeleine is a green mountain with few rocks and lush grass. The wide, well-maintained road may lack romantic charm, but traffic is light during the day. With over 25 kilometers of climbing, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, but it’s a perfect first major challenge in your road cycling journey.

Belchen 
The Belchen belongs in the “pleasure ride” category—not so much for its profile, but for its unrivaled panoramic views. You’d typically travel farther from Germany to get such a sweeping vista. That’s thanks to its exposed position as the fourth-highest peak in the Black Forest. From Wiesental, a beginner-friendly climb brings you within striking distance of the summit. The real ascent begins just over 4 kilometers from the top, where you’ll share the road mostly with local buses and, depending on the season, many (sometimes countless) hikers. The “executioner” awaits near the summit—a brutally steep ramp that lives up to its name. Conquering the 22% gradient is a badge of honor. The section is less than 200 meters long but intimidating. Starting from Münstertal lets you skip this ramp. Considering the Black Forest’s proximity and the rewarding views, it’s well worth the effort. According to some reviews, the trailhead is tricky to find—look for a short gravel section to the right of the mountain railway station.

Passo di Gavia 
The southern neighbor of the Stelvio and the famous Mortirolo Pass, the Gavia, recently resurfaced and offers similarly spectacular views of the Italian-Swiss border mountains. Like the Bonette and Galibier, it’s one of the few passes that rise above 2,600 meters. Despite its mild average gradient of just 5.5%, it’s not an easy climb. The northern ascent doesn’t demand much power but requires endurance. Unlike the Stelvio, the Gavia’s road wasn’t carved dramatically into the cliffs—it follows the natural terrain, with Lago Bianco at the summit as a scenic highlight. Even non-climbers can usually manage the Gavia. If anything, it’s a mental challenge: fewer switchbacks and more long straights make it harder to break the climb into manageable chunks. Between kilometers 19 and 21, the gradient briefly increases—but it passes quickly, and the view of snow-capped peaks on the horizon is a welcome distraction. The southern side features more frequent steep sections and two lakes to enjoy. The Passo di Gavia is still somewhat under the radar among cyclists and offers a sporty and scenic experience.

Imbros Pass 
Are the Alps, Vosges, and Pyrenees the only options in Europe? Maybe—if you’re looking for climbs that take over two hours. But if you’re not chasing extreme stats, the Imbros Pass on Crete is a stunning alternative. Crete is a hidden gem for cycling tourism. The two ascent routes connect opposite sides of the island at its narrowest point. The paved road on the more scenic southern side winds through classic Greek rock landscapes, which also means it gets hotter and hotter after midday. That’s true for most roads in Crete and Greece, even though the sea is almost always in view at Imbros. About a third of the 14 kilometers of climbing is nearly flat, with gradients under 3%. After 8 kilometers, the hardest part is behind you. However, being so close to the sea means that even a 2% gradient can feel tough in a headwind—but at least it’s pleasantly cool. If you still have energy at the summit, you can turn right and continue up the Asfendos Pass—an additional 300 meters of climbing, some of it quite steep.