Coll de Rates Performance Driving Route near Alicante

Coll de Rates — one of Spain's best performance drives

Coll de Rates, inland from Alicante and Benidorm, is a mountain pass that motorsport journalists and pro cyclists both know well. Its sequential switchbacks, altitude change and viewpoints make it the closest thing to a track experience on public roads in the region.

The route

Start from Parcent or Tàrbena, climb 5–7 km of switchbacks, cross the summit around 626 m, then descend on the other side. Total driving distance under an hour, but easy to spend half a day with stops.

What to expect

• Fast-linked corners with clean visibility (respect the bikers)
• Panoramic viewpoints at the summit
• Quiet tarmac mid-week outside peak hours

Cars that suit Coll de Rates

Audi RS7 for balance and speed, Dodge Challenger or Camaro if you love V8 sound bouncing off the mountain walls, Range Rover if you want the drive plus comfort.