Cycling on Mallorca: Explore the Island on Two Wheels
Mallorca has become one of Europe's leading destinations for cycling tourism, with over 150,000 cyclists arriving each year to explore the island by bike. It is also the winter training ground of choice for numerous professional teams and the host of international events such as the Mallorca 312. This is hardly surprising given the island's privileged setting, with the impressive Tramuntana mountain range as a backdrop, a mild climate and many other factors that make Mallorca the ideal place for cycling tourism and other outdoor sports.
Why cycle on Mallorca?
Cycling lets you discover new places from a different perspective, and Mallorca offers a huge variety of routes to enjoy, whether you are riding alone, as a couple, with your family or in a group of professional cyclists.
Landscape
One of the reasons Mallorca is so special and appealing is the varied landscape and the incomparable beauty of the island. The many mountain roads that wind through the Serra de Tramuntana, the flat ponds and canals of the Albufera Natural Park, the striking cliffs and the picturesque inland villages offer cyclists an enormous variety of routes. The back roads are barely used and regularly provide alternative, scenically varied routes.
Weather
The climate and weather on Mallorca are further key reasons why it is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor sports. The island enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, and in autumn, winter and spring the conditions are ideal for cycling, with mild temperatures between 15°C and 23°C and few rainy days.
Routes
Mallorca has one of the most important road networks for cycling tourists in the Mediterranean, which is why it is in such demand across Europe. There are around 1,400 km of roads, of which more than 450 km are signposted cycling trails of varying difficulty, so both experienced athletes and beginners will find something to suit them.
Safety: protected cycling routes
In 2017 the Spanish government launched a list of protected cycling routes to improve safety for cyclists on certain roads. These routes have better signage, lower speed limits, more police checks and increased monitoring by police helicopters. Three of them are on Mallorca and cover a total of 94 km of road:
- From Llucmajor to Porreres
- From Lluc to Valldemossa via the Coll de Sóller
- From Tolleric to Campos
- Getting there and infrastructure
Palma International Airport (PMI) offers numerous flight connections to other Spanish and European cities, even during the winter season. You can find cheap flights to Mallorca from most international airports, bringing you to the island in just two hours. On top of that, Mallorca has excellent infrastructure for cycling. The shift in the tourism model towards more sustainable and eco-conscious travel encourages activities in nature, cycling included. As a result, more and more local businesses cater to this kind of traveller, so you will find plenty of bike-hire shops, specialist tour operators, bars and restaurants with bike racks, and cyclist-friendly accommodation with everything you need (workshops, bike storage and so on).
When is the best time to cycle on Mallorca?
Thanks to Mallorca's good weather, any season is suitable for exploring the island by bike. That said, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for outdoor sports, as the temperatures are milder than in summer and there is less chance of rain.
Cycling events on Mallorca
The months of February, March and April are especially popular with European cyclists. In April, Mallorca hosts the Mallorca 312, a long-distance race that is becoming ever more established.
Mallorca 312
On 29 April 2023 the 14th edition of the Mallorca 312 cycle race will take place, drawing thousands of participants every year. As in previous editions, riders are offered three routes: 312 km, 225 km and 167 km around the island, with the main course being the 312 km route – hence the name. The races are demanding because of their elevation and climbs, but that is precisely why there are three different routes, so everyone can choose the one that suits them. It is a fantastic opportunity to get to know Mallorca and its surroundings and combine outdoor sport with tourism. The race stands out not only for its long distance but also for a course that runs through Mallorca's most beautiful landscapes:
- The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The north of Mallorca, known for its beaches, nature parks and traditions
With the Mallorca 312, the island once again shows that it has plenty to offer outside the summer season and that tourism is increasingly focused on sustainable competitiveness. As the saying goes, Mallorca is not just beaches and coves but also has areas of great ecological and scenic value. Thanks to the Mallorca 312, this cycling event puts the island in the international spotlight once more.
Bike hire on Mallorca
If you have decided to cycle on Mallorca, you have two options. You can bring your own kit, whether you arrive by plane or ferry, or you can hire a bike from one of the many providers on the island.
Mallorca is without doubt a paradise for cyclists, and for good reason. The island offers an impressive variety of landscapes, a mild climate, excellent infrastructure and countless events that draw cyclists from all over the world. So if you are looking for an unforgettable cycling holiday, Mallorca is well worth considering. Discover the beauty of the island on two wheels, soak up the warm hospitality and experience the magic of cycling on Mallorca.