Mallorca – A Paradise for Road Cyclists: Discover the Beauty of the Balearic Island on Two Wheels

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has long shed its reputation as a party hotspot. Today the island draws a wide range of visitors looking for more than just sun, sand and all-inclusive holidays. In the low season especially, road cycling enthusiasts flock to the island to escape cold, wet northern Europe.

Road-Cycling Tourism on Mallorca

The island has established itself as a training destination for pro teams such as Bora-Hansgrohe and Canyon-SRAM. But road-cycling tourism has also grown in recent years. According to the Mallorca Magazin, cycling tourism has been growing steadily since 2010. Most road cyclists are active on the island between December and June, before beach tourism reaches its peak. Cycling tourism is an important source of income for the island and extends the season for hotels, tour operators and restaurants. On average, road-cycling tourists spend around 160 euros a day on the island.

Alongside the large tour operators offering guided road-cycling tours on the island, there are also many smaller international providers. Guided tours are offered for all ability levels, often as a complete package including flights, accommodation and a hire bike. There are also plenty of opportunities to join open riding groups on the spot. As a road cyclist on Mallorca you're rarely alone. Out on the road you'll keep meeting like-minded riders, and you can take a break and strike up new acquaintances in the many cafés and bike shops.

If you'd rather not bring your own road bike, you can hire a high-quality one from one of the island's many bike-hire outlets. The hire shops are spread across the whole island, with different price categories available, from solid aluminium road bikes to the latest carbon models with electronic shifting and a power meter. Prices vary by season and range from 30 to 70 euros a day.

Road Cycling on Mallorca

For harmony between cyclists and other road users, a few rules should be observed. Drivers on the island are generally very considerate, and road cycling is particularly pleasant in the mountain regions. Major roads often have a parallel cycle path or a wide hard shoulder that cyclists can use to give drivers room to overtake. Some important rules for cyclists on Mallorca are:

Ensure you're visible: rear lights are compulsory at all times of day and night, especially in tunnels and underpasses.
Observe right of way: unless traffic signs indicate otherwise, cyclists have priority. This also applies to groups of cyclists at roundabouts and junctions.
Road signs and traffic lights apply to cyclists too.
Hand signals when turning or changing lanes are compulsory.
Helmets are generally compulsory on rural roads. Riding without a helmet can result in a fine of up to 200 euros.
Cyclists are required to use the hard shoulder on rural roads where one is available.
Riding two abreast on rural roads is permitted, provided the road is clear and open.

The full traffic regulations can be viewed online. As a safety note, it's worth mentioning that older Mallorcan roads can be slippery when wet. So get used to the surface first before you commit to the bends.

Road-Cycling Hotspots on Mallorca

The Serra de Tramuntana and some of the climbs in the south of the island are ideal for anyone who loves elevation. Between the northern mountain range and the climbs in the south, however, the island also offers plenty of options for rides through flatter terrain. According to the tour magazine, the island's best-known pass and summit roads include the Coll de Sóller, Coll d'Honor, Puig Major, Puig de Randa, Puig de Sant Salvador and the Coll dels Reis. Puig de Sant Salvador and Puig de Randa are not in the Tramuntana but in the more southerly part of the island. A visit to both summit roads is well worth it, as they each offer a breathtaking view over the entire island.

For those less interested in elevation and winding climbs and descents, the almost 1,300 kilometres of cycle paths on Mallorca offer attractive alternatives. For example, you can ride from Palma towards Santanyí and return via Sa Ràpita and Puigderrós. Or you can head inland via Algaida towards Petra and Sineu and return via Santa Maria del Camí. Sa Mola 13 in Sineu is also very popular with cyclists and is often used for coffee and snack stops. At the Bimont bike shop in Santa Maria del Camí, many road cyclists start and finish their ride over a coffee or a shandy.

Conclusion – Mallorca as a Dream Destination for Cyclists

There's good reason Mallorca is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. The island delights not only the well-known pro road teams with their training camps but also a growing number of amateur riders. From demanding mountain roads and picturesque country lanes to breathtaking coastal roads, cycling on this island leaves nothing to be desired.