Cycling in Mallorca has been a dream for cyclists from all over Europe for years. The Balearic Islands' largest island combines sun, sea and challenging routes to become one of the continent's most popular cycling destinations. Whether you are planning a training week for the first time or are a seasoned rider looking to hone your form: Cycling in Mallorca offers basically everything you are looking for. Think iconic climbs like Sa Calobra, kilometres of coastal roads and hidden gravel routes inland. Because of its surface area and variety, you can literally go in any direction.
Why go cycling here in particular? Mallorca is fully equipped for cyclists and specifically for cyclists. The road network is tightly paved and traffic-safe, with countless bike-friendly hotels, cafés and bike rentals scattered around the island. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, you can ride almost all year round, although spring and autumn (February-May and September-November) are the perfect seasons. No scorching heat, but sunshine, dry roads and ideal conditions to enjoy everything this cycling paradise has to offer.
By: Sander Kolsloot
Cycling routes Mallorca: where to go?
Serra de Tramuntana
The absolute must for anyone coming to cycle in Mallorca is the Serra de Tramuntana. This impressive mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches along the north-west coast and offers countless climbs, descents and breathtaking views. The roads are well-maintained and thanks to the cycling-friendly locals, this is a cyclist's paradise.
Sa Calobra: the island's most famous climb
No visit to Mallorca Cycling without the mythical climb to Sa Calobra. To ride this 10km climb (7% average), you first have to descend. That makes it unique: you MUST go back up it. With 26 hairpin bends, rock tunnels and sections above 10%, this is a climb you won't soon forget. The views over the bay and the winding road are legendary.
Ideal base and training climb: Coll de Soller
Another great training climb is the Coll de Soller (pronunciation: So-jer). From Soller, you have to climb up 7.5km at 5%. This climb is ideal as a training climb. In addition, it is car-free because the cars all go through the tunnel. Cyclists are not allowed through the tunnel. Every disadvantage has its advantage, a great philosopher once said. If you ride the climb both there and back, you can then enjoy delicious local (fish) dishes in Soller harbour. It is always atmospheric there. You can also combine the Coll de Soller from Soller with a round trip via Alaro and Orient. Fine route, with little traffic and as a bonus you pick up the beautiful Coll d'Honor.
Coll de Soller, Sóller, Spain
- Distance: 7.4 km, Elevation difference: 417 m, Average slope: 5.7 %
Sobremunt: tough slopes
A lesser-known but tough climb is Sobremunt, west of Palma. The 6-kilometre climb has an average of 7.6%, with peaks of up to 18%. In comparison, this climb is steeper and more challenging than Sa Calobra. Perfect for those who like steep and technical, but who also want to avoid the craziness of Sa Calobra.
Sa Fita des Ram Sobremunt, Puigpunyent, Spain
- Distance: 6.6 km, Elevation difference: 585 m, Average slope: 9.8 %
Cap de Formentor: cycling to the lighthouse
One of the island's most beautiful routes is the road to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse. From Port de Pollença, you first climb to the Coll de sa Creueta (4 km), after which you drive along an undulating, panoramic route past cliffs and coves to the very tip. This route is never really steep, but offers a unique driving experience.
The way back is just as beautiful and because the climb is not steep, you won't break down completely. Which is nice when you park your bike at the beach of Port de Pollenca at the end. This village is not particularly attractive, but its beachfront location makes up for it. For a really atmospheric Majorcan village, go to Pollenca itself. There, you can also exercise your legs by taking the 100-plus steps up to El Calvari for some much-needed blessings. Other cake.
Other stunning climbs and routes
Of course, we can't count everything out here, for one thing the island is very big and very varied. For cyclists who just want to do kilometres in the sun, the base Palma or just below is very suitable. Nice and long along the coast, occasionally hilly, but nice weather. The south of the island also offers those possibilities, where you can still tick off some tough climbs, such as Castell de Santueri. The roads here are slightly narrower than in the north, so be careful with cars.
Majorca cycling tips
Best travel time
Avoid the summer months of July and August: it is hot and crowded. The best periods for cycling in Mallorca are March to early June and September to mid-November. Then the temperatures are mild and the roads are quieter.
Mallorca bike rental
There are numerous bike rental companies on the island. Well-known names are Huerzeler, Pro Cycle Hire (Pollenca), Fred Rompelberg and Clips Mallorca. Rent in time, especially in spring, as it is wildly popular then. I myself have rented from Pro Cycle Hire several times and can heartily recommend it. Just be aware that they are British, so the brakes may be the opposite of the EU standard.
Cycling hotels and cycling holidays
From complete holidays to individual stays with bike rental: if you search for bike hotels in Mallorca, you will find it all. There are well-known Dutch providers such as Fred Rompelberg and Bike Villas Travel offer tailor-made holidays. Below, we have made a selection of well-known cycling hotels in Mallorca that you could choose from for your next cycling adventure.
- El Vicenç de la Mar: Located on the north coast near Cala Molins, this boutique hotel combines natural beauty with luxury facilities, including a 24-hour gym and a fully equipped cycling centre.
- PortBlue Club Pollentia Resort & Spa: Strategically located between the Bay of Pollença and the Albufereta Natural Park, this resort offers an extensive bike centre with storage, laundry, workshop and changing rooms. It also features a 25-metre pool and a spa.
- Aparthotel VIVA Blue & Spa: Located next to the s'Albufera Natural Park in Playa de Muro, this hotel features several swimming pools, spacious rooms and a specialised cycling centre, ideal for both professional and recreational cyclists.
- Hotel Hoposa Villaconcha: This aparthotel in Puerto de Pollença offers facilities such as a semi-Olympic heated outdoor pool, a large fitness centre, spa and hypoxia room, specially designed for athletes who want to train at altitude.
- Helios Hotel Mallorca: a well-known offering of cycling hotels. The Mallorca location is a favourite with many cyclists. This one is in Palma de Mallorca.
These hotels are just a few examples of the many cycling-friendly hotels and accommodation on Mallorca. The island is an ideal destination for both recreational and serious cyclists. Below you have a handy map where you can choose from hotels on the island
Transport on the island
Most cyclists fly to Palma de Mallorca. From there, you can hire a car or use a transfer to your accommodation. Want to take your own bike and car? Then you can take the ferry via Barcelona.
Mallorca has a mega airport and that is really the only real option to get there. Unless you like to ride your own bike and car to Barcelona and then take the boat. A cool road trip, though. But otherwise, it's by plane to the airport and rent a car there or arrange transport with your hotel.
Cycling routes on Mallorca
Here is the link to the most beautiful cycling routes on Mallorca. With our own experiences and tips from editors Ruben and Sander.
