In the month of February 2023 Ruben Hoogland on the cycling island of Mallorca. A beautiful destination with so many beautiful climbs, 'backroads' and views, you must have been there. We therefore have a short, three-part series in which we show you Ruben's cycling routes on Mallorca. With the accompanying pictures, we can say: 'the hype is totally justified'.
Text and photos: Ruben Hoogland
Favourite cycling routes
Although Mallorca can be quite touristy, I fell in love with this island because of its variety and many different cycling routes. The people are almost all very friendly and the overall atmosphere on the island is fantastic. The island is a cycling paradise, we can now say. All the more reason to share with you my favourite routes containing the island's biggest highlights from my perspective in this article.
Two monasteries
This route starts and ends in Sineu and takes you through the Majorcan countryside. It is a completely different experience from the mountainous part of the island, although of course it is never really flat here. This part of the island is often forgotten, as all cyclists focus on the Serra de Tramuntana and the stunning climbs such as Sa Calobra.
OK, back to this route. You navigate from village to village and meanwhile you climb the Monasterio San Salvador, really the only real climb in this region. It is a beautiful climb and at the top you will be rewarded with fantastic views. Important detail: in the monastery you will find cycling jerseys of multiple track cycling champion Guillem Timoner.
Rafa's place
After this climb, head east and pass the town of Manacor, the birth and home of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. You might be able to spot him as you drive past his tennis academy. It is a bit more flat here and you can see the next villages in the distance. From Manacor, continue east towards the town of Artá. This town is best avoided on Tuesdays, when there is a market.
Betlem
From Artà, you can make the climb to the monastery of Betlem. This one is also well worth the effort. The route is extremely quiet, the road is narrow and winds up like a real viper. You can go up it and then also down it, all the way to the lighthouse by the sea. We've been there before, as here read.
Back home
Then ride along the north coast for a bit before returning to Sineu through the countryside. And don't forget to visit the cycling café Sa Mola 13. A very nice place and the coffee is sublime.
Read also:
