Mataró to Arenys de Mar Mountain Pass Road in Catalonia

This road is situated in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain, within the province of Barcelona. It connects the city of Mataró, located near the Mediterranean coast, to the town of Arenys de Mar. The route skirts the Catalan Coastal Range (Serralada Litoral) and touches the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, a protected natural park known for its Mediterranean forest and biodiversity. The road traverses elevations ranging from 105 m (344 ft) to 268 m (879 ft) at the mountain pass named el Pollastre. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road spans approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) and features an asphalt surface of generally good quality, rated 3.9 out of 5. It is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 2.09, offering a dynamic ride without extreme technical challenges. The road width is predominantly wide (about 86%), with the remainder being middle width (about 13%), and no sections classified as narrow. The lane distribution includes one lane for about 24% of the route and two lanes for approximately 53%, facilitating overtaking and smoother traffic flow in many sections.

Approximately 56% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including several settlements and urban avenues such as Carretera d'Arenys de Munt a Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Carretera de Sant Andreu de Llavaneras a Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Carretera de Mata, Avinguda de Catalunya, and Avinguda de Nostra Senyora de Montserrat. This mix of urban and natural environments provides varied riding conditions and visual interest.

The road crosses the mountain pass known as el Pollastre, situated at an elevation of 267 m (876 ft). This pass is a defining feature of the route and contributes to the moderate elevation changes experienced along the ride. The proximity to the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor means riders can enjoy the natural surroundings of this protected area, which is characterized by Mediterranean forests and diverse flora and fauna. The park is an important conservation area and offers opportunities for outdoor activities beyond motorcycling.

The route lies within the Catalan Coastal Range, a mountain range that runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia. This region is known for its combination of coastal and mountainous landscapes, with a rich cultural heritage and several small towns and cities along the way. Mataró, the starting point, is a significant urban center with historical and cultural attractions, while Arenys de Mar, the endpoint, is a coastal town known for its fishing port and maritime traditions.

The road is maintained with a generally good asphalt surface and is suitable for motorcycling throughout the year, although riders should be aware of typical weather conditions in the region. There are no specific tolls or entrance fees associated with this route, but conditions may change, and riders should verify current regulations before travel. For more information about the natural park, visit the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor Wikipedia page. For details on the mountain range, see the Catalan Coastal Range Wikipedia page.