Essential Cycling Routes on Mallorca

Whether you are an amateur or a professional cyclist, these spectacular routes on Mallorca are ones you simply have to experience. Many consider the island the mecca of European cycling, and with more than 150,000 cycling tourists a year and some pro teams basing their winter training camps here, there is plenty of evidence for the claim. The warm, sunny climate in autumn, winter and spring, together with challenging terrain, well-surfaced roads and a developed infrastructure that caters to cyclists of every ability, has earned the island this title with good reason. All over Mallorca, cyclists will find beautiful, quiet country roads just waiting to be discovered and explored. Some lead to historic castles, lighthouses and mountain monasteries. Here are the routes you should not miss if you visit the island for a cycling holiday.

Sa Calobra

The little fishing village of Sa Calobra is famous for its breathtaking views, hairpin bends and demanding ascent: 10 km at an average gradient of 7%, with some 12% pitches near the end.

Coll de Sóller

Since the Sóller tunnel opened in 1997, almost all motorised traffic has used that route to avoid the winding roads over the mountain. As a result, the old road is a paradise for cyclists. The Coll de Sóller is a decent climb from both sides, but more challenging heading south.

Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor is one of the best-known cycling routes on Mallorca. The scenic northern town of Port de Pollença sits at the foot of the 20 km winding road that offers some of the island's most spectacular views and ends at the Cap de Formentor lighthouse. The road used to be very busy in the summer months, with many hire cars and tourist coaches, but a ban on most motorised vehicles in July and August (between 10:00 and 19:00) has made it more cyclist-friendly.

Orient and the Central Region

Mallorca's central region is mostly flat terrain, leading through picturesque villages such as Santa Maria and Bunyola, or you can climb the Coll d'Honor to Orient (a little uphill), descend to Alaró and return to the start, or head towards Lloseta, Selva and Caimari. There are plenty of options for circular rides, so you can explore more of the island. The biggest challenge on this route is the Coll d'Orient (category 3, distance 5.2 km, average gradient 5.1%, total ascent 258 metres), a steady climb with a good road surface that makes for a great descent.

The Tramuntana Coast Road

The 110 km west coast road runs from Pollença in the north to Andratx in the south and is without doubt one of the most spectacular on Mallorca. This route climbs 2,520 metres and crosses the Coll de Femenia, Puig Major (the highest point on Mallorca), Can Costa, Cap des Bosquet, es Grau, Coll de sa Gramola and ends in the town of Andratx. Puig Major, the highest road on Mallorca, is 13.7 km long, has an elevation gain of 818 metres and an average gradient of 6%. Along the way you pass some of the most beautiful mountain villages, including the orange valley of Sóller, the picturesque village of Deià, the monastery town of Valldemossa, the coastal villages of Banyalbufar and Estellencs (both highly recommended for a coffee break with traditional almond cake) and then it is downhill to the town of Andratx.

Cycling in Palma

The most popular cycling route in Palma runs along the seafront promenade from Porto Pi to El Arenal, passing through the trendy district of Portixol, El Molinar, Ciudad de Jardín and the resorts of Playa de Palma and Arenal. The route is mostly flat, but watch out for other cyclists, inline skaters, pedestrians, dogs, children and all sorts of other obstacles along the way. That aside, cycling is a great way to get to know the city, the promenade, the beaches and the clubs, bars, restaurants and hotels near the capital. The views along the route are breathtaking, and there are plenty of beach bars and waterfront restaurants where you can stop and soak up the atmosphere. Hiring a bike in Palma is easy, but it is recommended to book in advance and bring ID. You will be provided with a bike in your size, a lock, a helmet, a pump and a spare inner tube, which you hopefully will not need!

To sum up, Mallorca offers a wealth of breathtaking and varied cycling routes, suited to both casual riders and professional athletes. The island tempts with its stunning landscapes, well-developed roads and friendly villages that give every cyclist a warm welcome. Once you have explored some of the routes presented here, you will surely return home with unforgettable memories and the wish to come back soon. So pack your bike or hire one locally and discover for yourself why Mallorca is considered a true paradise for cyclists.