From Mondim de Basto, at 669 ft (204 m), to the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Graça at 3,041 ft (927 m), on top of Monte Farinha, it’s 7.4 miles (11.9 km) at an average 6.2%: 2,408 ft (734 m) of climbing. The average is misleading: the first miles are gentle and almost all the climbing is packed into the second half. It’s the climb with the most history in the Volta a Portugal.
The climb, section by section
- Km 0 to 4, miles 0 to 2.5 (1-5%). Out of Mondim de Basto on gentle grades with the odd almost-flat stretch, through Pedravedra.
- Km 4 to 7, miles 2.5 to 4.3 (6-9.5%). The road starts climbing for real, with 9-10% ramps and a few short rests.
- Km 7 to 9, miles 4.3 to 5.6 (4-9.5%). A couple of 4-5% landings, then back to the steep ramps.
- The last 1.9 miles, 3 km (6-9.5%). The road strings together the final bends up to Largo de São Tiago and the sanctuary. Climbfinder counts six hairpins.
CyclingCols measures 11.9 km and 734 m from the center of town; Climbfinder starts a bit later and gives 11.2 km at 6.5%, finishing at 931 m. The summit of Monte Farinha is at 3,107 ft (947 m).
History
Portuguese Wikipedia describes it as famous for its regular place in the Volta a Portugal, and the Portuguese press calls it one of the race’s signature finishes. In 2024 it was the ninth and penultimate stage: 106 miles (170.8 km) from Maia, won by Abner González. Artem Nych finished 6 seconds back and took the yellow jersey, while Afonso Eulálio, leader since the finish at Torre, dropped to sixth.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round: it’s not high and snow is rare. In summer, at midday, the slope gets very hot, so go in the morning. Traffic is usually light, except on days when people visit the sanctuary. Mondim de Basto has fountains, cafés and shops; at the top there’s the sanctuary and little else.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 works well. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: on a 34x28 you’ll pedal around 66 rpm. If your power is lower, a 34x30 gives you more cadence on the 10% ramps. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- The first 2.5 miles (4 km) are for warming up: don’t turn them into a time trial.
- Leave Mondim with full bottles: there’s nowhere to refill on the climb.
- If you want to compare your time with the pros, the Volta climbs it often.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Senhora da Graça?
From Mondim de Basto, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 53 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 02 min at 2.5 W/kg and 41 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the steepest grade on Senhora da Graça?
Portuguese Wikipedia mentions ramps of up to 12%, and Climbfinder measures 13.3% over the hardest 100 m. What wears you down is the consistency: the last 4.3 miles (7 km) are almost always between 6% and 9.5%.
Does the Volta a Portugal climb Senhora da Graça?
Yes, almost every year: it's one of the race's signature finishes. In 2024 the stage started in Maia and Puerto Rico's Abner González won at the top.