Mallorca is an Eldorado for cycling aficionados almost all year round. Challenging climbs on countless serpentines, long-distance tours with amazing places to take a break, or leisure rides through picturesque scenery. The island has it all. But if you are looking for something special, here is a choice of the best cycling tours on Mallorca. Including the island’s signature rides and exciting stop-overs en route as well as a few lesser known destinations.
Signature Rides
A masterpiece of road construction by the engineer Antonio Parietti is the 10 km descent to the bay of Sa Calobra. With a dozen of fancy hairpin bends, the famous Nudo de la Corbata, a 270-degree tie knot curve, and lots of narrow passes. And stunning views of the wide valley and the sea all along. In case you don’t feel like climbing the same way back up, the ships of Barcos Azules will take you and your bike to Port de Sóller (except for December and January).
Undoubtedly, Cap de Formentor is another one of the most iconic cycling tours on Mallorca. The road to the famous lighthouse was closed for a couple of months. Now you can again enjoy the ride up and down through wild and rugged landscape. Running all the way to the northernmost point on the island. A spectacular place that feels like the end of the world. But if you crave a coffee, just check the the lighthouse café.
A challenging yet rewarding ascent on the MA-10 leads from either Sóller or Pollença straight into the heart of the Tramuntana. And towards Puig Major, the highest mountain on Mallorca. Passing the Cúber and Gorg Blau, Mallorca’s precious water reservoirs that lie between high mountain tops like giant sapphires. A short stop at the mirador next the Monnaber Tunnel is mandatory, the view of the Sóller valley is simply breathtaking.
En Route
A trip to Orient sounds like a far away journey and indeed, time seems to have forgotten this beautiful protected village on a high plateau in the Tramuntana. A picturesque place for a short break and a chat with fellow cyclists. If you continue further towards Alaró, there’s a fab descent waiting ahead of you. The street leads in wide curves midway through the two signature mountains.
An exciting stop-over in the heart of the Tramuntana is the Coll de Sa Batalla. The road leads through scented pine forest and along sweeping switchbacks. The restaurant of the same name is just as popular and always busy with an international crowd of cyclists. From there it is only a small yet worthwhile detour to the Santuari de Lluc, a well-known destination for hikers and pilgrims.
Another great climb is the Coll de Sóller. While most drivers to and from Sóller use the tunnel, cyclists zigzag up to the pass. Enjoying the many perfect hairpin turns and the great views of the Bay of Palma and the orange valley of Sóller. For those who love to take a little break on the top of the pass, Café Ca’n Topa offers delicious homemade snacks, cakes and coffee.
Highlights Along the Way
Apart from the Tramuntana there are a few smaller peaks that are fun climbs. Since some of the hills stand alone in the plains they offer even more stunning views. One of this little highlights along the way is Sant Salvador near Felanitx. Only little known but certainly among the best cycling tours on Mallorca. A road of beautifully curved serpentines leads up to the santuari. At the end, 510 meters above sea level, the Cristo Rei Monument proudly overlooks the entire southeast of Mallorca.
To the northwest and more in the centre of the island, Inca’s local mountain Puig de Santa Magdalena beckons. It’s only a short, nonetheless rather steep ascent to the top. But the panoramic view from the terrace of the medieval monastery is amazing. From Puig de Galatzó to Puig Major to the bay of Pollença overlooking both Mallorca’s northern and southern coast.
And yet another monastery hill, Puig de Randa, is a popular destination for cyclists. No less than three sanctuaries are nestled against the slope along the road from Randa to the Santuari de Cura. The elevation is the highest point in the center of the island and attracts attention from afar with its distinctive radar sphere. Looks like somebody had teed up a gigantic golf ball. 
