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 favourite routes on Mallorca. With the accompanying pictures, we can say: 'the hype is totally justified'.
Text and photos: Ruben Hoogland
Favourite routes
Although Mallorca can be quite touristy, which is not really my thing, I fell in love with this island because of its diversity of options. A big plus is the fact that people are generally very friendly and the overall atmosphere on the island is fantastic. The island is more than cycling-friendly. All the more reason to share with you my favourite routes containing the island's biggest highlights from my perspective in this article.
Cafeteria Café del Rosario, Inca, MallorcaSelva - Sa Calobra - Soller Serious climbing
This route starts in the idyllic village of Selva, where you might want to start with coffee and some sweets at Cafeteria Sa Duana, run by a charming Italian duo. You start this route right away with the Coll de Sa Batalla, a well-run and very nice climb, and then you cross to the famous descent of Sa Calobra. First descend, then climb again. Enjoy it, it is breathtakingly beautiful with stunning views!
Puig Major - Coll de Sóller
You then just catch the tail end of Puig Major, the highest peak on Mallorca. The descent towards Soller is really lovely and the tarmac insanely good! You can really attack this descent. After the descent, you finish in the town of Sóller, where you could stop for lunch or coffee (by the water). From Soller, it's time to climb again. So get ready for lots of hairpin bends while climbing the Col de Sóller, from the 'better' side. After all, descending this one means new brake pads. As a climb, it is wonderful for the puncheur and the route is relatively car-free. In fact, the through road to Palma runs through a tunnel, which you are not/can't enter as a cyclist.
Long straight
Once you're down in Bunyola, drive on to Santa María del Camí. Are you really hungry? Then stop for delicious bocadillos at Can Pulit Cafeteria. Here you can rest in the picturesque courtyard and recover from what you have just seen and done. After that, it's relatively flat back to the starting point.
Ruben's routes on Mallorca
Below is the link to the described route. There is also an option to add an extra loop to this route. The corner with the climb to Orient is one you don't want to miss! A lovely gentle climb, but where the tarmac can be a bit disappointing.
Want even more routes and inspiration about this fantastic cycling island? Then check out our 'diary Mallorca' where you will find great routes and tips about this cycling paradise.
