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Coll de la Gallina

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City
—°10
Coll de la Gallina (Andorra)
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Practical info — Coll de la Gallina

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Cyclists: ensure your brakes are in excellent condition, as the descents are extremely steep and technical.
  • Start early in the summer to avoid the midday heat, as there is very little shade on the ascent.
  • Check weather conditions before heading up; mountain weather can change rapidly.
  • Drive carefully if going by car; the road is narrow and shared with many cyclists.

🍽 Food

🍽
Energy provisions

There are no cafes at the summit, so bring your own energy bars, water, and snacks.

🍽
Post-ride meal

Head back down to Fontaneda or Sant Julià de Lòria for a hearty plate of grilled meats at a local borda.

🍽
Local beer

Celebrate reaching the top with an Andorran craft beer once you return to the valley.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Cycling gear

Stock up on necessary cycling gear and spare tubes in the sports shops in Sant Julià de Lòria before your ascent.

🛍
Souvenir jersey

Look for cycling apparel celebrating Andorran mountain passes in specialized bike shops.

🧘
The summit marker

Take a moment of silence at the top to appreciate the monumental effort and the panoramic views.

🧘
Mirador de la Fontaneda

Stop at the viewpoints along the route down to enjoy the serene mountain landscape.

Coll de la Gallina is one of the most famous and challenging mountain passes in the Principality of Andorra, connecting Sant Julià de Lòria with the Sanctuary of Canòlic. Reaching an elevation of 1,910 meters at its summit, it provides spectacular views of the surrounding high mountain landscape of the Pyrenees. The pass has gained international fame in recent years as it is regularly used as a strategic point in major cycling races such as the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France. Gradients reach up to 18% in some sections, making it a legend among professional and amateur cyclists alike. Geographically, the area is characterized by alpine vegetation and rugged cliffs that provide habitats for chamois and eagles. The road to the pass is a masterpiece of engineering, winding up the mountain in tight hairpins. Beyond sports, Coll de la Gallina is a significant site for local history, forming part of ancient connection routes between remote mountain valleys.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

Geography

Population
8,022
Coordinates
42.47500, 1.47500

Facts

  • Pass summit is at 1,910 meters above sea level
  • Maximum gradients of up to 18 percent
  • Regular venue for the Vuelta a España race
  • Connection route to the Santuari de Canòlic
  • Panoramic view of the Cerdanya mountains
  • Important habitat for the Pyrenean chamois

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Coll de la Gallina (10)

Via ferrada Tossal Gran d'Aixovall

Via ferrata in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Secured route with iron ladders and cables.

Font de l'Àrtic

Spring in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Water source in the mountains.

Pont de la Margineda

Bridge in Andorra. Historic stone arch bridge over the Valira river.

Casa Comuna. Sala Sergi Mas

Arts centre in Sant Julià de Lòria. Exhibition space for art and events.

Museu del Tabac🏛 museum

Museum in Andorra. Shows the history of tobacco growing and processing.

Església de Sant Julià i Sant Germà

Church in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Historic building in the town center.

Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Canòlich

Monument in Coll de la Gallina, Andorra. Pilgrimage site or religious structure.

El Coll de Jou

Viewpoint in the Pyrenees. Overlooks valleys and mountains of Andorra.

Sant Cerni de Nagol

Church in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Romanesque building with frescoes.

Sant Pere d'Aixirivall

Church in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra. Religious building with a bell tower.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Coll de la Gallina?
A famous mountain pass in Andorra, well-known from the Vuelta a España cycling race.
How high is the pass?
The pass summit is at 1,907 meters above sea level.
Is the road difficult for cyclists?
Yes, it is considered one of the toughest climbs in Andorra due to its steep ramps.
Is there a viewpoint at the top?
Yes, there are spots with grand views of the surrounding peaks.
Is the road open in winter?
Mostly yes, but during heavy snowfall, the pass may be temporarily closed.
Coll de la Gallina: where is it located?
Coll de la Gallina is located in Andorra.
Coll de la Gallina: what is there to see?
Highlights include Via ferrada Tossal Gran d'Aixovall, Font de l'Àrtic, Pont de la Margineda.
Coll de la Gallina: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Coll de la Gallina: why is it worth visiting?
Coll de la Gallina is one of the most famous and challenging mountain passes in the Principality of Andorra, connecting Sant Julià de Lòria with the Sanctuary of Canòlic.
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