The unique landscape and great road conditions make Mallorca an Eldorado for cycling aficionados almost all year round. You can go all the way across the Tramuntana. From Andratx in the southwest to Pollença in the far north. Following the Ma-10 on countless serpentines along a spectacular coastal scenery, past small villages and lofty passes. And that’s only one of numerous trips on the island. Let me introduce you to the best cycling routes on Mallorca, the Top 10 tours for road bikes.
Actually, the southwest is the perfect region to start the new cycling season. It is sheltered from the Mistral and gets the most sun so nature is already in full bloom. I love the ride via sleepy Es Capdellà to Galilea. Steadily winding upwards you are treated with an even more fabulous vista et each curve. And don’t forget to stop by at the church square of the highest mountain village on Mallorca.
Another great climb is Coll de Sóller. While most traffic goes through the tunnel, cyclists are zigzagging up to the pass. Enjoying the many perfect hairpins plus the great views over the bay of Palma and the orange valley of Sóller. For those who love to relish the coll a little longer, Café Ca’n Topa serves fantastic homemade snacks, cakes and coffee.
From Sóller there is a challenging yet rewarding ascent into the heart of the Tramuntana. Following the Ma-10 towards 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 right before the Monnaber Tunnel is mandatory, the view of the Sóller valley from there is simply breathtaking.
A masterpiece of road construction the 10 km descent to Sa Calobra is one of the most exciting cycling experiences on Mallorca. With a dozen of fancy hairpin bends, the famous Nudo de la Corbata, a 270-degree tie knot curve, lots of narrow passes and stunning views over the wide valley and the sea. If you don’t feel like climbing all the way back up, the ships of Barcos Azules will take you and your bike to Port de Sóller.
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. If you continue further towards Alaró, there’s another sensational descent waiting ahead of you. The street leads in wide curves midway through the two signature mountains. A true joyride.
A destination that has lost none of its appeal for centuries is the monastery of Lluc. While pilgrims and hikers favor a visit of the santuari, cyclists usually head for the Coll de Sa Batalla. A small detour to the monastery though is definitely worthwhile. And if only for a refreshment in one of the cafes on the plaça.
Formentor, the name alone makes the hearts of cyclists beat faster. And not only because of the steep climbs. The road through the wild and rugged landscape is uniquely beautiful. It ends at the lighthouse, the northernmost point of the island. But you almost feel like you’re at the end of the world. Simply spectacular.
Still an insider tip is the road between Artà and the Ermita de Betlem via the Coll des Pescadors. However, it is so narrow that you should set off early. Because some rental car drivers are a bit overwhelmed on the serpentines here. The wild landscape of the Natural Park de Llevant may be lesser known than the Tramuntana but nature is amazing and of stunning beauty.
Surprisingly, many cycling aficionados have not yet been to the Santuari de Sant Salvador either. From the highest point in the southeast of Mallorca you overlook almost the entire island. A road of beautifully curved serpentines is leading up, pure joy for any cyclist. Maybe even more so on the downhill.
And yet another cloister mountain is a popular destination for cyclists. No less than three monasteries are nestled against the mountain along the street from Randa to the Santuari de Cura. Puig de Randa in the center of the island attracts attention from afar with its distinctive radar sphere. Looks like somebody had teed up a gigantic golf ball.
And then there is Petra. Several different bike tours converge in the sleepy small town. That’s why cyclists from all over the island meet here in the central square. And Petra’s cafés and restaurants have long since adapted to the cravings of their sporty guests. My favorite place is right next to the bike store. To exchange experiences. And ideas for the next bike tour or trip. 
