Overview🔗

Cycling in Mallorca has become synonymous with world-class training camps, challenging climbs, and perfect riding conditions. This Mediterranean island off Spain's east coast offers over 1,200 km of paved roads, ranging from the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains to gentle coastal routes and rolling interior plains. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and mild winters, you'll find professional WorldTour teams training here from January through March, alongside thousands of recreational cyclists seeking the perfect cycling holiday.

The island's varied terrain caters to every ability level. The UNESCO-listed Tramuntana range delivers serious climbing with gradients regularly hitting 10-12%, while the central plains around Sineu and Petra offer flatter routes perfect for tempo work or recovery rides. Coastal roads provide stunning sea views with moderate elevation gain, and the entire network features well-maintained surfaces with clearly marked routes that have made Mallorca the go-to European cycling destination.

What sets Mallorca apart is the cycling infrastructure: dedicated bike lanes on many roads, hundreds of bike-friendly hotels with secure storage and workshop facilities, rental shops stocking the latest carbon bikes, and a local culture that genuinely welcomes cyclists. The island's compact size means you can ride from your base to world-famous climbs like Sa Calobra or Puig Major and back in a single morning, with time for a café stop overlooking the Mediterranean.

Best Routes & Regions🔗

Serra de Tramuntana🔗

The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range stretches 90 km along Mallorca's northwest coast and contains the island's most iconic cycling roads. The Ma-10 coastal highway threads through this dramatic limestone landscape, connecting traditional stone villages like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller while serving up relentless climbs and breathtaking descents.

The classic Tramuntana loop from Port de Pollença heads south on the Ma-10, tackling the Coll de sa Batalla (5.8 km at 5.2% average) before the dramatic descent into Sa Calobra. The return journey via Coll dels Reis (Puig Major) and Coll de Sóller delivers approximately 2,200 meters of elevation gain over 120 km. Expect narrow sections with limited shoulders on some stretches, particularly around the Sa Calobra turn-off, though traffic is generally light before 10 AM.

For a shorter Tramuntana experience, the out-and-back to Orient from Alaró (22 km round trip, 500m elevation) offers stunning valley views with manageable gradients averaging 4-5%. This route sees less traffic and provides an excellent introduction to Mallorcan mountain riding without the commitment of a full-day epic.

Cap de Formentor🔗

The 20 km ride from Port de Pollença to the Formentor lighthouse ranks among Mallorca's most scenic routes. The initial climb over Coll de la Creueta delivers 7 km at 4-5% gradient, followed by an exhilarating descent and undulating coastal road carved into cliffsides 200 meters above the sea. The final lighthouse section features several short, punchy climbs with gradients touching 8-9%.

This route is best ridden early morning or late afternoon to avoid tourist traffic, which can be heavy during peak season. The road is relatively narrow with minimal shoulder, but the stunning views across Pollença Bay and the chance to spot the Talaia d'Albercutx watchtower perched on a clifftop make this a must-ride. Total elevation gain is approximately 400 meters for the round trip from Port de Pollença.

Central Plains🔗

Mallorca's interior plains between Inca, Sineu, and Manacor provide essential variety for cycling trips focused on the mountains. These rolling agricultural roads rarely exceed 3-4% gradient and offer perfect terrain for tempo rides, group spinning, or active recovery between big climbing days. The villages of Petra, Ariany, and Maria de la Salut connect via quiet back roads through vineyards and almond groves.

A popular plains loop from Alcúdia heads south through Sa Pobla to Sineu, then east to Petra before returning north via Santa Margalida. This 70 km circuit gains just 400 meters and typically offers favorable wind conditions with tree-lined sections providing shelter. The plains are particularly valuable during windy conditions when the mountains become challenging, and several routes connect to the east coast for coffee stops in coastal towns like Artà or Cala Ratjada.

Southeast Coastal Routes🔗

The southeast coastline from Porto Cristo to Santanyí delivers undulating coastal riding with short climbs, stunning cove views, and less traffic than the northwest. The roads through Cala d'Or, Portopetro, and Cala Figuera feature gentle gradients of 3-5% with excellent surfaces and regular opportunities for beach stops at hidden calas.

The climb to the Santuari de Sant Salvador near Felanitx provides a challenging diversion from coastal riding: 5 km at 7.5% average gradient with ramps to 11%, delivering panoramic views across the island from the 509-meter summit. This area sees fewer international cyclists, offering a quieter alternative to the busy northern routes while still providing quality riding with approximately 800 meters of climbing across a 60 km coastal loop.

Classic Climbs🔗

Sa Calobra🔗

Sa Calobra stands as Mallorca's most famous cycling challenge and one of Europe's most photographed climbs. The Ma-2141 descends 9.5 km from the Ma-10 junction to sea level, dropping 682 meters through a series of dramatic hairpin bends including the iconic Nus de Corbata (Tie Knot) - a 270-degree loop built into the cliff face. Most cyclists ride this as a descent-then-climb, meaning the tough work comes at the end.

The climbing statistics: 9.5 km at 7.1% average gradient, with the steepest sections hitting 10-11% in the first 3 km from the beach. The narrow road features minimal shoulder and blind corners, requiring constant attention despite the temptation to admire the scenery. Tour buses share the route, particularly from 10 AM onwards, making an early start essential. The Port de Sa Calobra beach café at the bottom offers coffee and snacks before the ascent, though expect tourist crowds during high season.

Timing tip: Start from Port de Pollença or Alcúdia by 7:30 AM to reach Sa Calobra before 9:30 AM, avoiding both the heat and the tour bus convoy. [VERIFY: Tour bus schedule - typically first buses arrive around 10:00 AM in high season]

Puig Major (Coll dels Reis)🔗

The road over Puig Major, known to cyclists as Coll dels Reis, reaches 682 meters at the Túnel de Monnàber and represents the highest paved road in Mallorca. The northern approach from the Sa Calobra junction climbs 14.3 km at 4.3% average gradient, making it more of an endurance test than a steep challenge. The gradient rarely exceeds 7%, allowing you to settle into a rhythm as the road carves through the Puig Major massif.

The southern side from Sóller is shorter but steeper: 8 km at 5.8% average with sections touching 9% near the top. This side sees more shade from overhanging cliffs and passes the Gorg Blau reservoir, a popular photo stop. Combined with Sa Calobra and Coll de Sóller, the Puig Major forms part of the classic 'triple climb' Tramuntana loop that tests professional training camps and ambitious recreational riders alike.

Note that the actual Puig Major summit (1,445 meters) is closed to public access due to military installations, so cyclists stop at the tunnel entrance where the road begins its descent toward Sóller.

Coll de Sóller🔗

The Coll de Sóller links Palma to the Sóller valley via a 6.5 km climb that averages 5% but features variable gradients throughout. The southern approach from Bunyola includes several steep ramps of 8-10% interspersed with gentler recovery sections, making pacing tricky. The 496-meter summit offers views back toward Palma and forward into the Sóller valley framed by the Tramuntana peaks.

While not as famous as Sa Calobra or Puig Major, the Coll de Sóller forms a crucial link in most Tramuntana loops and provides good climbing without the extreme gradients of other Mallorcan ascents. The road surface is excellent, with a dedicated cycle lane on portions of the descent into Sóller. The descent features 26 hairpin bends - count them as you drop into the picturesque valley town known for its orange groves and Art Nouveau architecture.

Orient Climbs🔗

The village of Orient sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by climbs that receive less attention than the headline Tramuntana routes but deliver excellent riding. From Alaró, the Ma-2100 climbs 11 km at 4.5% average to Orient, passing through almond groves and offering views of the Castell d'Alaró perched on its rocky outcrop.

From Orient, you can continue north to Coll d'Orient (553m), a 5.6 km climb at 6.2% that connects to the main Ma-10 highway. Alternatively, head southwest over Coll de sa Batalla from Orient's other side for a completely different climbing experience. The quiet roads and authentic village atmosphere make Orient an excellent choice when seeking quality climbing away from the more crowded northern routes. Several cafés in Orient village cater specifically to cyclists with bike parking and hearty post-ride meals.

When to Visit🔗

Mallorca's cycling season effectively runs year-round, but conditions vary dramatically by month. The prime seasons are February through May and September through November, when temperatures sit comfortably between 15-25°C and roads are quieter.

January-March: Peak training camp season when professional WorldTour teams occupy the island's best hotels. You'll encounter large groups on the roads, particularly around Alcúdia and Port de Pollença. Temperatures average 12-18°C - cool enough to require arm warmers and a gilet for early starts, but perfect for hard efforts on the climbs. Rain is possible but infrequent, and snow occasionally closes the high mountain passes for a day or two. Book accommodation well in advance as cycling hotels fill quickly.

April-May: Arguably the best months for cycling Mallorca. Spring flowers blanket the hillsides, temperatures reach 18-24°C, and the island hasn't yet switched to summer tourist mode. The professional teams depart after March, reducing peloton traffic on popular routes. Wind can be a factor in April - the prevailing northwesterly Tramontana wind sometimes makes coastal rides challenging. May sees settled weather with long daylight hours ideal for big ride days.

June-August: Summer heat makes July and August challenging for serious riding. Temperatures regularly exceed 32°C, and mountain climbs become punishing in the midday heat. Tourist traffic peaks, filling coastal roads with rental cars and beaches with sunbathers. If you must ride in high summer, start at dawn (6:00-6:30 AM) to complete climbs before temperatures soar. Many cycling hotels close or reduce services during August.

September-November: Autumn rivals spring for ideal conditions. September carries summer warmth (24-28°C) without the crowds as schools resume and package tourism drops. October delivers perfect cycling weather with 20-24°C temperatures and minimal rain. [VERIFY: Average October rainfall in Mallorca typically under 70mm] November sees cooler conditions (16-20°C) and increased rain risk, but remains rideable with proper kit. Many consider October the single best month for cycling Mallorca.

December: Quiet and cool (12-16°C) with shorter days. Some cycling-specific services reduce hours or close, but the island remains rideable for those seeking winter training miles in better conditions than northern Europe offers.

Where to Stay🔗

Your base significantly impacts your Mallorca cycling experience. The northern towns of Alcúdia and Port de Pollença dominate cycling tourism for good reasons: central location for Tramuntana rides, flat roads for warm-up spins, and dozens of bike-friendly hotels with proper facilities.

Alcúdia: The most popular cycling base, this walled medieval town and its port area (Port d'Alcúdia) offer extensive accommodation from budget hostals to luxury bike hotels. You're 45 km from Sa Calobra, 20 km from Cap de Formentor, and have direct access to flat plains routes. The bay area can feel crowded during peak season, and restaurant prices reflect the tourist traffic. Essential facilities include multiple bike shops, rental outlets, and the famous Velo Club Café for post-ride recovery.

Port de Pollença: Quieter and more upmarket than Alcúdia, this harbor town attracts serious cyclists and professional teams. The promenade offers excellent cafés for post-ride coffee, and accommodation skews toward cycling-specific hotels with bike washing facilities, mechanics on-site, and group ride coordination. You're 5 km closer to Formentor than from Alcúdia and benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere. The Cycling Friendly Pollença program ensures most businesses understand cyclists' needs.

Palma: The island's capital suits cyclists who want urban amenities alongside riding. You're closest to the Coll de Sóller and western Tramuntana routes but face 60+ km rides to reach northern classics like Sa Calobra. Palma excels for cultural activities on rest days, with excellent restaurants, historic sites, and the best bike shops on the island. The city traffic requires care when navigating to open roads, but dedicated cycle paths help exit the urban zone.

Alternative bases: Sóller provides a picturesque mountain town base with immediate access to Tramuntana climbs but limited accommodation. Cala Millor on the east coast works for those combining cycling with family beach time, though you're further from the premier mountain routes. Inland towns like Inca offer authentic Mallorcan atmosphere but fewer cycling-specific services.

Getting There & Around🔗

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) serves as the island's sole commercial airport, receiving direct flights from across Europe year-round with expanded summer schedules. Major carriers include Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, and numerous charter airlines. Flight time from London is approximately 2.5 hours, from Berlin 2 hours, making Mallorca accessible for long weekend trips.

Bike transport: Most European airlines accommodate bikes, though policies vary significantly. Budget carriers typically charge €40-60 each way and require advance booking. Remove pedals and turn handlebars parallel to the frame - check your specific airline's requirements as box, bag, and weight limits differ. Some cyclists use bike rental services to avoid airline hassles entirely, with premium carbon road bikes available from €200-300 per week.

Airport to accommodation: Palma airport lies 50 km south of Alcúdia/Port de Pollença, approximately one hour by car. Shuttle buses run regularly but don't accommodate boxed bikes well. Pre-book a bike-friendly transfer service through your accommodation or companies like Cycle Mallorca Transfers - expect to pay €50-80 for direct service to northern bases. Many cycling hotels coordinate group transfers on standard changeover days (typically Saturdays).

Getting around: Once established in your base, you'll ride everywhere - that's the point of a cycling trip. For rest day activities or reaching distant start points, rental cars are cheap (from €25/day) and useful for accessing different areas. Taxis can transport bikes but confirm when booking. The island's public bus system (TIB) connects major towns but isn't practical for cyclists with bikes.

Bike assembly: Most accommodation offers bike assembly areas, tools, and track pumps. If you're uncomfortable assembling your bike after flight, many rental shops provide assembly services for €20-30. Reverse the process before departure - hotels typically provide boxes for guests who need them.

Practical Information🔗

Bike rental: Numerous shops rent high-quality road bikes, with fleet bikes typically replaced annually. Expect to pay €150-250 per week for a carbon frame with Shimano 105 or Ultegra groupset. Premium options (€300+) include latest-model bikes with electronic shifting. Rental includes pedals (bring your own cleats), helmet, pump, and basic tools. Book months ahead for peak season (February-March, April-May). Major rental companies include Pro Cycle Hire, Bike Sensations, and Mallorca Bike Hire, all with excellent reputations.

Bike shops: Alcúdia and Port de Pollença host multiple bike shops with English-speaking staff familiar with common touring issues. Stock includes tubes, tires, chains, brake pads, and most common spare parts. Shops like BikeServiceMallorca in Alcúdia offer same-day wheel truing, derailleur adjustment, and minor repairs. Emergency roadside service operates during peak season - several shops offer phone support and will collect stranded riders.

Group rides: Many hotels organize daily group rides with varying pace groups. The Saturday morning Port de Pollença 'coffee ride' attracts 100+ cyclists in peak season - roll out around 8:30 AM for 80-100 km at social pace. Local cycling clubs welcome visitors on weekend rides. Check shop windows or ask at your accommodation for current schedules.

Café stops: Cycling café culture thrives in Mallorca. Essential stops include Café Tramuntana in Coll de sa Batalla, Bar Es Forn in Orient, and countless seafront options in Port de Pollença and Alcúdia. Most cafés open by 8:00 AM for pre-ride coffee and offer cyclist-friendly food: bocadillos (filled rolls), ensaimadas (local sweet pastries), and strong café con leche. Carry cash as many smaller establishments don't accept cards.

Weather: Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally wet winters. Check wind forecasts - strong Tramontana (northwest) winds can make coastal riding miserable. The mountains create microclimates; Sóller valley receives more rain than Alcúdia. Pack a lightweight rain jacket even in summer as mountain weather changes quickly. Wind is typically calmest in early morning.

Safety: Mallorca is generally safe for cycling, but ride defensively. Narrow mountain roads have blind corners - stay right and avoid the center line on descents. Tour buses require caution on Sa Calobra and Formentor. Spanish traffic law requires reflective vests at night (rarely enforced but carry one). Emergency number is 112. Most cyclists experience no issues beyond the occasional puncture or minor mechanical.

What to bring: Your cycling computer and power meter if you train with data - Strava segments abound on every climb. Multiple water bottles for mountain days as fountain availability is limited. Sunscreen (year-round necessity) and quality sunglasses. Arm and leg warmers for winter/spring riding. A basic tool kit and spare tube, though bike shops are never far away. Navigation is straightforward - most routes follow numbered Ma-roads, and phone signal is reliable except in deep valleys.