El Brezal is a climb of 3.1 kilometers (category 2). El Brezal tops out at 535 m above sea level. It is located in Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria, Canarias, España. The average gradient is 7.1% with a maximum of 17.8%. The climb has 222 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: The Col d'El Brezal, from Vergara, covers 3.1 km for 222 m of elevation gain, an average gradient of 7.1%, which puts it in category 2. Most of the effort is concentrated in the first 1.5 km, where the gradient reaches 10% to 11% over km 0.0-0.5, km 0.5-1.0 and km 1.0-1.5. After a clear easing between km 2.0 and km 2.5 (1%), the road kicks back up to 6% over km 2.5-3.0, which makes the final part of the climb demanding for legs that are already well spent.
Pacing tips:
1. Pace the start Don't go too hard in the first 1.5 km at 10-11%, where it's tempting to red-line and pay for it later.
2. Make the most of the flat section Recover on the km 2.0-2.5 stretch at 1%, keeping a smooth rhythm to top up your energy before the last steep section.
3. Save something for the finish Keep some in the tank for the km 2.5-3.0 section at 6%, stay steady and dig deep mentally to finish the climb without cracking.
Cyclists who have climbed El Brezal describe being immersed in a unique natural landscape, a preserved remnant of the island's old forests. They talk about riding up through "el brezal más importante de la isla", a "bosque de brezos espectacular" and "naturaleza en estado puro" that gives a real break from urban life.
The ride is defined by the tranquillity and serenity of the place. Riders stress the quiet, where you hear nothing but "los ruedo solo pájaros y animales", and the feeling of "aire limpio y paz". It's a climb that lets you get "perderse por ahí" and reconnect with well-preserved nature.
The road passes through an area with visitor facilities that riders appreciate, such as the merenderos with barbacoas. However, some cyclists mention that access can be "un poco complicado", something to factor into your planning before heading out.
At the top or in the surrounding area, climbers can enjoy "vistas inmejorables" over the ravines and countryside. The atmosphere is described as family-friendly and relaxed, perfect for a well-earned recovery after the effort, in a setting that makes you feel you're discovering "lo más bonito de Gran Canaria".
3.1 km • 222 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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