The Spanish island of Mallorca, part of the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca) has been popular for years with cyclists from all over Europe and actually far beyond. Many racing cyclists, but now also gravel riders know how to find Mallorca. The infrastructure is fully equipped for this, and the mountains are there for the taking. You can easily hire a bike from one of the many rental companies and you'll stumble across holiday providers and bike hotels. So what more could you want? We give you some tips and explanations about this island.
By: Sander Kolsloot
Where to climb: Serra de Tramuntana
The absolute highlight of this cycling mecca is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain ridge, which runs roughly from the north-west side to the north-east side of the island. This stretch of UNESCO World Heritage Site is unimpressive in terms of altitude. The highest peak, the Puig Major is only 1445m high and you can't even climb all 1445 of it. This is because the summit is military territory, so for most, the climb stops around 900m.
But the variety of nature, the good roads and (not unimportantly) the locals who are used to cyclists make for a perfect environment for making altitude metres and that too in the sun!
Mallorca's defining climb: Sa Calobra
If you ride bikes on Mallorca says, then Sa Calobra is the second thing mentioned by cyclists. And rightly so. This calf-biter has made many an amateur sweat before it even started. The beauty of this climb: you first have to descend it to get up it. In fact, the climb starts at the coastal town of Sa Calobra and then goes up for 10km at 7% average. Perhaps the descent is nicer than the climb, because you literally go down like an idiot through narrow hairpins, rock tunnels and blind corners. You have little room to really look around. A pity, because the scenery is stunning. It is hard work because there is an outlier to 10%, but everything else is constant. So keep pedalling. The fastest time? Just under 25 minutes.... Go get 'm boy!
Ideal base and training climb: Coll de Soller
Another nice training climb is the Coll de Soller (pronunciation: So-jer). From Soller, you have to go up 10km 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.
Also nice: Sobremunt
While everyone talks about Sa Calobra, Sobremunt is sometimes forgotten. This climb is more on the western side of Tramuntana, just above the capital Palma. Not very long, but painfully steep, this climb of almost 6km. Average 7.6% but with sections of 18% and a km at 14% average does mean you have to have the right gear along, otherwise it will be raking or walking.
Cap Formentor
One of the very best roads on the island is the winding up-and-down road to the very northern, north-eastern tip, the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor. From Port de Pollenca, there is only one route and it starts with a nice 4-5km climb up to the Coll de sa Creueta. Then it's downhill for a while (nice curvy section) before continuing undulating again. Nowhere does it get really steep, everything stays under the 10% and therefore you have enough (breathing) space and time to look around right from the start. Certainly even the first stretch from Port Pollenca offers plenty of nice views over the bay. After that, it only gets more beautiful as you cycle along clear blue water, past beautiful rock formations with the lighthouse as dessert. Beware though, you might also come across a mountain goat here. No joke.
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.
Also cool
Of course, we can't count everything out here because, first of all, 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 rolling, but nice weather.
The south of the island also offers those opportunities, 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.
Practicalities
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.
Hotels
Hotels equipped for cyclists abound and there are also many villa rental options. Bike Villas Travel is a well-known player and also Fred Rompelberg and Clips Mallorca are Dutch parties with a lot of experience on the island. You can choose complete holidays or just bike rental/stay. Furthermore, the island is popular with English and British people, so you will find plenty of offers for those as well.
Rent a bike
Should you wish to hire your own bike, there is a huge choice. The island is particularly popular with Germans and English. Huerzeler is a well-known rental company, but personally we have very good experience with Pro Cycle Hire Mallorca in Pollenca. You can also choose to hire a bike through the aforementioned Fred Rompelberg.
The best time to cycle on Mallorca
Mallorca is very hot and mega busy in the summer months. Many German, English and Dutch youngsters flock to the island for a sun, sea, booze holiday. Places to avoid: EL ARENAL and MAGALUF. So when do you go cycling in Mallorca? We particularly recommend the early and late season. Winter can still be very chilly at times, but especially from the beginning of March it's lovely.
Cycling routes on Mallorca
Herewith our link to beautiful routes in Mallorca.
