Desierto de las Palmas (Benicassim)

Important clarification: Although it is called the Desierto de las Palmas, there is actually not much of a desert or at least as we imagine it.

In fact, the route always takes a quiet road in good condition with lots of greenery around us.

The climb enjoys a certain popularity thanks to its proximity to towns such as Oropesa, the city of Castellón or Benicassim itself, from where this slope starts.

It has a specific section full of very fun hairpin turns, and the ascent is gradual, although a little difficult in the first section, with an average gradient of two km above 7%.

In total about 7 km with an average of 5.29% and a positive drop of 421 m. It is an ideal climb for a good workout at a good pace.

Some daredevils associate the climb to this pass with the climb to Monte Bartolo, a 2.8 km climb with 22% gradients with asphalt in very poor condition, not recommended at all. In fact, it seems like it's pretty dangerous on a road bike.

As a precaution: it is better to stick to the climb to the Desierto de Las Palmas.