At the top of the Coll dels Reis is a sign indicating the highest point: 682 metres above sea level. That may not seem like much at first glance, but this climb is anything but easy. To get to the foot of Sa Calobra Mallorca to get there, you must first overcome another climb, such as the Puig Major, Coll de Femenia or Sa Batalla.
From the highest point of these climbs, you descend to a t-junction with a striking aqueduct. Here you start a short climb to the viewpoint above Sa Calobra. At this junction you will also find a café with a terrace, a popular stopping point for cyclists who have already completed the climb.
The most special thing about cycling on Sa Calobra? You have to descend before you can start the climb. This makes it a unique experience. The road winds through the rugged mountain landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, with the famous button hairpin bend as a kodak photo opportunity. The climb itself is 9.5 km long with an average gradient of 7% and peaks above the 10%.
Why Sa Calobra is a Must-Ride
- One of the most beautiful climbs in Europe - Breathtaking views and a perfectly constructed road.
- Unique start - First descend, then climb.
- Technical challenge - Tight hairpin turns and an even gradient.
- Iconic status - A regular training route for professional cyclists.
Want to ride the ultimate cycling route in Mallorca? Then you may Sa Calobra should not be missing from your schedule. This is the climb every cyclist must have ridden at least once in his life.
270 degrees the other way
After you pass the top of Sa Calobra, you drive a few hundred metres on a fairly straight road. When you see a restaurant looming further on the right, you know, we're going to start! And what a start it is. The first bend is a 270-degree bend to the left. You read it right, 270-degree turn. You turn right and so, after a 3/4 of a lap, you drive further to the left. Because three times right, is also left.
The road is good, but narrow and you really have to keep your full concentration on descending, as one bend after another follows on from the other. Only after a few kilometres of descending do you have a bit of a view of what lies ahead. For the rest, it's sometimes blind going through the turns, and that while the gradient averages 7-8% going down. Good brakes are no mean feat.
ALSO READ DIARY MALLORCA!
Owner and super-explorer Sander was on a multi-day trip to Majorca from Pollença. Read his tips and experiences below:
- Mallorca diary
- Diary Cycling in Mallorca: part II
- Mallorca cycling diary Part III - Cap de Formentor
- Mallorca diary: Day IV
- Mallorca diary: the final
Trust
Seen from above, the road seems to crawl through the landscape like a snake. On the bike, it's not crawling but really diving down. When I rode down Sa Calobra the first time, it was insane and bizarre at the same time. I was happy with the powerful brakes on my bike, but I also had a feeling of elation. How fat this was! When at one point you have to steer through a rock tunnel with a blind curve behind it, relying on your senses is all you can do. Enjoy.
Up again
Once arrived in the town of Port de Sa Calobra, it's recovery from the descent (or afterglow for the real enthusiasts) and turning around for the way back. The climb up, because to get back home there is only one way...back up. The winding roads you shot down over are now going to hurt you. Because the sign at the bottom of the climb speaks volumes: 9.5 kilometres at 7%.
When I (Sander) first started cycling in Mallorca and rode up Sa Calobra, for a moment I didn't know what was happening to me. It was raking, absolutely raking. The climb is relatively irregular. Additional disadvantage: because you have first descended and usually go straight up again, it hurts the legs extra. Thereby, the toughest part is saved for the last two kilometres.
Uphill is never really enjoyable. All the times (3 times in total) I never enjoyed looking around. Very strange, because that is exactly what you should be doing. But then again, those legs.
Almost upstairs
So the wonderful thing about this climb is its many loops and snake-like location against the mountain. The architect of this piece of infrastructure should have a statue. Especially when you are almost at the top, because then you turn 270 degrees again and you have to give the last push on the pedals for the photo at the sign. When you finally do the short descent to the terrace, you are a happy man.
Descent anxiety
Sa Calobra is not for people with a fear of going down. Then you won't get there (unless, of course, you take the boat to the port and then go up, but yeah...then the fun is gone). It will also be no fun for less experienced cyclists. But if you have a bit of legs and you dare to cut the corners well, this is one to enjoy for a very long time.
In his peak days, this was also one of Bradley Wiggins' training climbs. Back then, he rode up them in 26 minutes. These days it will be more the other way round. As a tour winner, he can afford it. These days, the KOM on Strava is held by Sebastian Henao, who coasted to the top in just under 25 minutes. A certain Emma Pooley is the fastest lady of all time, with just over half an hour on the clock (30:23).
Recommended route
If you want to ride this classic, your starting point will probably be in Sollèr or in Pollença. We made a nice route from the port of Sollèr, where you can settle down afterwards for a drink and certainly a good bite. You deserve that!
