Road cycling in Mallorca
An adventure playground for cyclists, Mallorca's perfect roads and stunning scenery provide the ideal environment for all levels of rider.
Find out why Mallorca is one of the world's greatest cycling destinations.
As the off-season training destination of choice for pro teams such as Team Sky, Mallorca has established itself as one of the top cycling destinations in the world, earning a well-deserved reputation as a road cyclist's paradise.
With endless, long, winding, smooth, and mostly traffic-free roads, and perfect cycling temperatures in winter, spring, and autumn, Mallorca offers the ideal environment for cycling.
The Island has adopted a cycling culture, and in many areas, you will be riding quiet country lanes. It will all inspire you to cover more miles and enjoy more of Mallorca. It is one of the few places in the world where there are traffic signs specifically for cyclists.
The Tramuntana mountain range is a big draw, with breathtaking climbs including the daunting gradients of the Coll de Sóller, the famous bends of Sa Calobra and Puig Major, the highest point on the island.
GUIDE TO ROAD CYCLING IN MALLORCA
When you ride the endless smooth roads of Mallorca, you will be in the tracks of cycling legends such as Sean Kelly, Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton. Mallorca has long been a winter home for Team Sky, who base themselves in Puerto Alcúdia which is relatively close to Sa Calobra.
Bradley Wiggins described Mallorca as a “Scalextric set for cyclists”, his love for the island being well known.
Other pro teams often use Mallorca for training sessions, and it is common to see cycling greats training on the island in the off-season. Teams such as RadioShack-Leopard, Cannondale, Etixx - Quick-Step, and Lotto-Belisol tend to use the northern towns of Pollença and Alcúdia in particular. They take advantage of iconic climbs and routes such as Puig Major, Sa Calobra and Cap Formentor to cycle further and faster and gauge their current performance levels for the upcoming season.
Mallorca is blessed with challenging climbs and long descents. Breathtaking views and vibrant towns and markets are everywhere. It also has the perfect climate for cycling in spring and winter. Temperatures fall to only 14°C in February and can reach 30°C in spring and October. It also has 300 days of sunshine a year.
FAMOUS MALLORCA CLIMBS
The Tramuntana mountain range is the main draw for many cyclists, and it is riding these mountains that will make you realise why Mallorca is a cycling paradise. It spans the north-west coast of Mallorca and has a whole range of gradients.
Coll de Sóller
The Coll de Sóller features 24 hairpin bends and gradients of up to 17% during the 6.8km climb. Depending on the side you approach it; you have two very different riding experiences. The south side incidentally, is considered the easiest.
Sa Calobra
Another stellar climb is Sa Calobra which features long and winding roads, 26 hairpin bends, and 668 metres of vertical gain. To climb it you need to descend to the base at sea level which sounds strange, but the only road to the village is the climb itself. After you have ridden it, you will no doubt realise how good professional cyclists are!
Puig Major
If you are feeling adventurous, Puig Major is the highest climb on the island. You will experience a 14 km ride to the top, with an average 6% gradient, gaining 854 metres in height. The views are spectacular, the roads smooth, and the coffee stop in the town of Fornalutx is welcome if you don’t want to achieve a personal best on the climb. Once reaching the top, many cyclists take a break to take in the view and assess their achievement.
Cap de Formentor
The lighthouse at Cap de Formentor is a destination many cyclists aspire to reach. Built in 1863 the lighthouse stands tall on the most northern point of the island and d is known locally as the meeting point of the winds. The route across the northern peninsula to the lighthouse is a 40km ride which features around 1,000 metres of climbing.
WHY CHOOSE MALLORCA?
The people of Mallorca have realised that cycling tourism is a boost to the local economy, and have geared the island’s infrastructure accordingly. Cycle lanes have been developed to help you ride Mallorca’s long, endless, and winding roads. Often, they are bereft of motorised traffic and seeing cyclists rather than drivers is the norm. When you are riding on public roads with motorised traffic, the drivers are far more courteous than most, giving you plenty of room as they overtake. Mallorca’s reputation for being a cycling paradise is well deserved.
Mallorca isn’t just about climbing cols and long descents. It has plenty of flat roads and easy gradients. No matter what fitness level you may be, Mallorca has a road for you to ride. It is not uncommon to see people who haven’t been on their bikes for 20 years cycling in Mallorca, choosing it as the best way to ease them back in the saddle. Pensioners, too, are often seen pedalling from one place to another. Given the great roads, the climate, the welcoming atmosphere, not to mention the great sights and cuisine, who can blame them?
It's not all about the climbs
This beautiful island isn't just exceptional if you want to perfect your cycling skills, but has a vibrant culture all of its own. Palma, in the south, offers an excellent shopping experience, as does Alcúdia in the north. Across the entire island is a network of villages and towns with their traditions which are waiting to be explored. It is also blessed with beaches from Alcúdia in the north, to Colonia de Sant Jordi in the south.
Beautiful views across Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca has something for everyone, regardless of whether you want to improve your cycling skills or simply experience a stunning island.
TOP 5 EXPERIENCES
1. Sa Calobra and the Tramuntana mountain range
The mountain range is world famous in cycling and it is truly an amazing spot to perfect your descending and climbing skills.
2. Cap de Formentor
The lighthouse at Cap Formentor was built in 1863 and every cyclist aspires to reach it as they take their first steps to becoming better. It's one of the most spectacular cycling routes on Mallorca.
3. Alcúdia
The north of the island is the most picturesque part and it is close to the Tramuntana mountain range. Puerto Alcúdia and Puerto Pollença have excellent shopping and nightlife, golden beaches, and beachfront hotels. After a day’s cycling, stretching on the beach is the perfect way to unwind.
4. Mallorca 312 Sportive
Ride Europe’s longest sportive and test your limits riding the Tramuntana mountain range in a peloton of 3,500 people. The routes, 312 kms, 232 kms, or 167 kms take you to the most scenic and challenging parts of the island riding on closed roads.
5. Puig Major
Ride one of the most iconic mountains in Mallorca and reach the highest point on the island. Puig Major is 14 kms of continuous ascent with an average gradient of 6%.
WHEN TO VISIT
Best times to go:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
The best times to cycle on Mallorca are February to May and late September to October.
In these months the temperatures are perfect for cycling as they are never too hot or too cold.
In the summer months, the temperatures are arguably too high, and you are sharing the roads with crowds of holidaymakers.
RELATED TRIPS
We've brought together a selection of relevant trips chosen from our partners - select a trip for further details...