Cycling in Mallorca: A Guide to Planning Your Bike Tour
You've decided on a cycling trip in Spain and set your sights on Mallorca as your destination. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and lies in the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain. Perhaps you've heard about it from other cyclists, seen it in a YouTube video or read about it on a blog, and wondered why there is so much enthusiasm for a cycling holiday in Mallorca. In this article we'll look at the why, how, when and where of cycling in Mallorca!
Why cycle in Mallorca?
There are plenty of reasons why you might consider Mallorca for a cycling holiday. It could be the wonderful weather, perhaps the friendly locals – here are our main reasons:
Outstanding hospitality
Mallorca has been a tourism hotspot since the 1950s. Every year up to 10 million people visit the island. Most cyclists come to Mallorca in the low season to avoid the crowds, choosing the months of March to May and September to October. The locals are wonderful and provide everything cyclists need: from tour operators to excellent cycling hotels and countless bike hire options. On top of that, there is plenty to do off the bike, such as walking the Tramuntana trails, visiting the historic centres of Alcúdia, Pollença or Sóller, or heading to the secluded calas with their crystal-clear, warm water.
The weather
In Mallorca you can expect temperatures of between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius in spring and autumn, which offers ideal conditions for cycling – this is the best time to visit. In winter, temperatures range from 10 to 15 degrees, and in summer it can get fairly hot at 25 to 30 degrees. Overall, though, Mallorca is a place where you can cycle comfortably all year round – which is why so many professional athletes live here.
Cycle routes and roads
Mallorca is renowned for its excellent roads. Not only do the best roads carry little traffic, they are also well maintained and beautifully smooth. One of our favourite regions is Sineu, the birthplace of Olympic cyclist Francisco Tortellá. What makes the cycle routes in Mallorca so special is the sheer variety on offer. You can stick to flat terrain on recovery days or head into the mountains to give your legs a proper workout – one of our favourite climbs is the legendary Cap de Formentor. And if you want to go truly epic, you can take on the mighty Sa Calobra, where Sir Bradley Wiggins trained for his 2012 Tour de France victory. There are plenty of off-road options too. The scene for gravel bikes and mountain biking in Mallorca is excellent, and with wider tyres you can have a huge amount of fun here.
Hotels and accommodation
You may already have heard of Mallorca's legendary cycling hotels. Many hotels on the island are not only bike-friendly but also serve as a base for professional training camps. Cyclists from all over the world come here to prepare for the racing season. At many hotels in Mallorca you can bring your own bike or hire a road bike and store it securely. There are dedicated storage rooms and workshops where you can fine-tune your bike whenever you need to.
Food and drink
Cycling burns a lot of calories, and they need replenishing. Be sure to try the Arròs Brut, a traditional rice dish with vegetables and meat, or the delicious Frit Mallorquí, a classic Mallorcan dish traditionally made with offal and vegetables. If you happen to be there around Easter, we recommend the Panades and Rubiols, tremendously tasty savoury pastries. Of course, we must also mention the excellent local wines. Sa Vall Selecció Privada is a fine wine made from Prensal Blanc, fermented in barrels and available only in limited production. The golden Ca'n Majoral comes from a beautiful vineyard that produces characterful wines with a Mallorcan spirit year after year. Not only is much of the food and drink produced locally, but the variety is impressive too. Spain is famous for how its cuisine changes from region to region, and a day on the bike can completely transform the way food is prepared and tastes.
Flights and transfers
Another great advantage of Mallorca is how well connected it is, with numerous airports nearby. Flights there are very affordable, and once you arrive the transfer to your destination is usually just 40 minutes away. Many of the airlines flying to Mallorca offer cheap or even free bike carriage.
Cycling in Mallorca – planning your holiday
When planning a cycling holiday you have plenty of options to choose from. Many cyclists assume they have to organise everything themselves, which can be a challenge. What many cyclists don't realise, however, is that there are companies out there to help make the holiday far easier to arrange.
Self-organised
Some cyclists choose to organise their holiday entirely by themselves. That means booking several hotels, arranging flights and transfers, ensuring the safe transport of your bikes or sorting out bike hire, and planning your own routes in advance. This way you can save a little money, but the planning is time-consuming and can take some of the shine off the holiday experience.
Self-guided
Self-guided cycling tours in Mallorca are one of the most popular ways to explore the island. All you need to sort out are your flights. You are collected from the airport and returned there at the end. All hotels are arranged for you, including breakfast. You are provided with a bike fitted with a Garmin navigation device, and each day you receive your cycling routes along with access to our smartphone app, which lets you navigate and discover our favourite restaurants, museums and experiences during your holiday. Luggage transfer is also included, so you don't have to carry any baggage while you ride. This option is ideal if you already have experience navigating independently and prefer a stress-free holiday cycling alone or in small groups.
Guided
The next option is a guided cycling tour in Mallorca. It offers all the benefits of a self-guided tour, but with a guide accompanying you around the clock on every ride. You each receive a jersey, vehicle support and all the food you need for the kilometres ahead. This is a wonderfully enjoyable way to experience a cycling holiday, and a guide is enormously helpful for learning more about Spain as a country and its culture. We can adapt the rides to your pace and lead you to our favourite restaurants and spots on the island. You can either join a group tour or book a private experience.
Where to ride – Mallorca's cycling highlights
Mallorca is a mecca for cyclists, and there is a huge amount to discover, from high mountains to spectacular coastal roads. If you're only there for a short time, which highlights should you not miss?
Cap de Formentor
Cap de Formentor is a legendary route that takes you to a lighthouse at the very tip of the island. On our tour you take the road from Port de Pollença to Cap de Formentor. It was built in the 1930s by the Spanish engineer Antonio Parietti, the mastermind behind another famous climb in the region, Sa Calobra, which we'll come to later. The road there is superb and takes you over two magnificent climbs. You start at Formentor beach and then have to work your way up to the cape. Once at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views from the lighthouse, a cool breeze and a wonderful sense of achievement. On the way back, we recommend a stop at the beach of Cala Sant Vicenç, a delightful little village where you can enjoy a fantastic lunch. The fish dishes come highly recommended.
Sa Calobra
The legendary Sa Calobra climb is an absolute must for any cyclist visiting Mallorca. This stunning route takes you down to the small harbour of Sa Calobra and then back up to the Coll dels Reis. The climb is around 10 km long with an average gradient of 7%. The engineer Antonio Parietti, who also designed Cap de Formentor, built this road in the 1930s. The "tie", a spectacular 270-degree bend, is the highlight of the route. To reach Sa Calobra, you first ride to the highest point on the island, the Puig Major, and then descend to the harbour of Sa Calobra. After a short break, the real climb begins. At the end of the ascent you are rewarded with an incredible view over the island and the feeling of having conquered one of Europe's most famous cycling roads.
Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana is a mountain range running along the north-west coast of Mallorca that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent area is home to some of the island's best cycling roads. Some of the finest climbs, such as the Coll de Sóller, Puig Major and Coll de Femenia, are found in the Serra de Tramuntana. Aside from the climbs, you can ride along the coastal road and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
There are many more spectacular routes and sights in Mallorca for you to discover on a cycling tour. A cycling holiday on the island gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the warm climate and the welcoming culture. Whether you opt for a self-guided or guided tour, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience and perhaps even make some new friends who share your passion for cycling.
The Tramuntana from Port de Sóller via Deià and Estellencs
Another stunning cycle route in Mallorca takes you from Port de Sóller via Deià and Estellencs along the Tramuntana coast. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and leads you through charming little villages and idyllic landscapes. The section from Port de Sóller to Deià takes you along a winding coastal road that offers spectacular sea views in places. The village of Deià is known for its community of artists and its breathtaking setting on the slopes of the Tramuntana. In Deià you can take a break and explore the picturesque lanes or stop at one of the many restaurants and cafés to enjoy the local cuisine. From Deià, the route continues along the coast towards Estellencs. This stretch offers more impressive sea views and takes you through olive groves and terraced fields. The village of Estellencs is a small, peaceful place with narrow lanes and traditional stone buildings, perfect for a short rest.
Pla de Mallorca and Sineu
In the island's interior, away from the coast, there is also an abundance of superb cycle routes. The Pla de Mallorca region is characterised by flat to gently rolling terrain and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxed cycling tours through rural landscapes and picturesque villages. One particularly interesting destination in this region is the historic town of Sineu, known for its weekly market, its beautiful churches and its well-preserved traditional architecture. In short, Mallorca offers an abundance of breathtaking cycle routes and scenic highlights that will delight every cyclist. Whether you prefer demanding climbs, relaxed coastal rides or leisurely tours through the rural interior, Mallorca has something for every taste. Book your cycling holiday on this beautiful island and experience the many facets Mallorca has to offer.
Where can I book?
Mallorca is a fantastic destination for a cycling trip. If you're looking for a cycling holiday in Mallorca and want all the organisational tasks taken care of while you experience all the island's highlights and benefit from excellent guides and support throughout your trip, then look no further than our own company: Emilio's Bike Hire Mallorca! Here you'll find exactly what you're looking for to get the most out of your cycling holiday on this enchanting island.