Mallorca has earned its reputation as Europe’s premier cycling destination for good reason. The island’s combination of perfect weather, smooth roads, challenging climbs, and cyclist-friendly infrastructure makes it a true two-wheeled paradise. This 4-day itinerary takes you through the legendary Serra de Tramuntana mountain range—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the route that professional teams choose year after year for their training camps.
Why Mallorca is cycling heaven
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, minimal rainfall outside winter, and temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C even in January, Mallorca offers near-perfect cycling conditions. Add in well-maintained roads, respectful drivers, and a culture that embraces cycling, and you have the recipe for cycling perfection.
Day 1: Port de Pollença to Sóller (60km/37mi with 1,500m elevation)
Starting point: Port de Pollença
Begin your adventure in Port de Pollença, a cyclist’s hub on the island’s northern coast. This relaxed resort town offers an excellent base with numerous bike rental shops, cafés, and cycle-friendly accommodation.
Cyclist Hub: Visit Tolos Cycling for any last-minute gear or route advice from local cycling experts who know every road on the island.
The route: The Legendary Sa Calobra
Today features the island’s most famous climb—the legendary Sa Calobra (officially Coll dels Reis):
- Pollença – Ride through this charming historic town
- Coll de Femenia (7.6km at 6%) – A perfect warm-up climb
- Sa Calobra (9.4km at 7%) – The iconic descent followed by the climb back up
- Coll de Sóller – A beautifully engineered descent with 26 hairpin bends
The unique aspect of Sa Calobra is that you must first descend to the sea before climbing back up—there’s no way out except the way you came in. This distinctive “climb from zero” has attracted pros and enthusiasts alike.
Pro Cyclist Connection: Bradley Wiggins famously used Sa Calobra as a key training climb before his Tour de France victory, reportedly setting the unofficial record at just over 22 minutes.
Evening destination: Sóller
End your day in the charming town of Sóller, nestled in a valley of orange groves and surrounded by mountains. The town’s beautiful main square offers the perfect place to refuel and refresh.
Where to Stay: Hotel El Guía offers cyclist-friendly accommodation in a renovated 19th-century mansion. Their secure bike room, cyclist menus, and early breakfast options make it a favorite among cycling groups.
Check availability at Hotel El Guía
Day 2: Sóller to Port d’Andratx (65km/40mi with 1,200m elevation)
The scenic southwest
Today’s route follows the spectacular western coastline with breathtaking Mediterranean views and picturesque villages:
- Deià – An artist’s village perched dramatically on a hillside
- Valldemossa – Where Chopin and George Sand famously spent a winter
- Banyalbufar – Known for its terraced hillsides and coastal views
- Estellencs – A perfect coffee stop with panoramic sea vistas
This section of the Tramuntana offers constantly changing scenery with pine forests, olive groves, and the deep blue Mediterranean always in view.
Cultural Stop: In Valldemossa, visit the Royal Carthusian Monastery where Chopin composed many of his famous preludes.
Evening destination: Port d’Andratx
Complete your day in the sophisticated Port d’Andratx, with its beautiful natural harbor lined with excellent restaurants. The resort offers a perfect setting to relax after a day in the saddle.
Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Italia provides elegant accommodation overlooking the harbor. Their “Cyclist’s Recovery Package” includes secure bike storage, massage services, and protein-rich menu options.
Book your stay at Hotel Villa Italia
Day 3: Port d’Andratx to Artà (110km/68mi with 1,800m elevation)
Crossing the island
The longest day takes you across the heart of Mallorca, showcasing the island’s diverse landscapes from mountains to plains:
- Calvià – Rolling terrain through this inland region
- Bunyola – Gateway to the mountains
- Orient Valley – One of the island’s most picturesque hidden corners
- Coll d’Honor (5km at 5%) – A steady climb with stunning valley views
- Alaró – A traditional Mallorcan town perfect for lunch
- Sineu – The geographic center of the island
The route transitions from the mountainous west to the flatter central plains, offering a change of pace and scenery.
Local Delicacy: Stop for lunch at Es Verger near Alaró, famous for its slow-roasted lamb and popular with cyclists.
Evening destination: Artà
End your day in the authentic town of Artà in Mallorca’s northeast. This off-the-beaten-track town offers a glimpse of traditional Mallorcan life away from the tourist centers.
Where to Stay: Hotel Palacio Sant Salvador occupies a restored 17th-century palace in the heart of town. Their cyclist-friendly services include secure bike storage, late checkout options, and nutritionist-designed menus.
Reserve a room at Hotel Palacio Sant Salvador
Day 4: Artà to Port de Pollença via Cap de Formentor (90km/56mi with 1,300m elevation)
The grand finale
Complete your Mallorcan adventure with the iconic lighthouse ride to Cap de Formentor:
- Alcúdia – A historic walled town with Roman ruins
- Port de Pollença – Return to your starting point
- Cap de Formentor (20km return) – The dramatic peninsula ride to the lighthouse
The Formentor Peninsula ride is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, with spectacular cliffs, switchbacks, and viewpoints. The lighthouse at the tip offers a perfect symbolic end to your Mallorcan cycling adventure.
Cycling Legend: The Formentor Peninsula was a favorite training ground of local cycling hero Rafael Nadal (yes, the tennis player), who often cycles this route during the off-season.
Celebration: Port de Pollença
Return to Port de Pollença where you can celebrate your achievement at one of the town’s excellent seafront restaurants. Stay at Tolo’s Restaurant has become an unofficial cyclist’s hub, with memorabilia from professional teams who have visited over the years.
Where to Stay: Hotel Illa d’Or offers elegant accommodation on the Pine Walk waterfront. Their spa facilities and recovery menus provide the perfect end to your cycling adventure.
Treat yourself at Hotel Illa d’Or
Planning Your Mallorca Cycling Adventure
When to go
The prime cycling seasons are:
- February to May – Professional teams’ favorite time, with perfect temperatures and blooming almond trees
- September to November – Warm seas for swimming and quieter roads
Summer (June-August) brings higher temperatures and tourist traffic, while December-January can see occasional rainfall but remains mild.
Bike rental vs. Bringing your own
Mallorca offers excellent rental options with top-quality carbon road bikes. Recommended providers include:
- Pro Cycle Hire – Premium carbon bikes with delivery service
- Pollença Cycling – Wide range of models with excellent service
Bringing your own bike is also straightforward with most airlines serving Palma offering reasonable bicycle carriage options.
Essential gear
- Lightweight climbing gear (compact chainset recommended)
- Wind/rain jacket (conditions can change quickly in the mountains)
- Sun protection (the Mediterranean sun is stronger than you think)
- 2-3 water bottles (fills available in all villages)
Getting there
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is well-served by flights from across Europe. Transfer services specializing in cyclists include:
- Cycle Transfer Mallorca – Bike-friendly transportation to Port de Pollença
Ready to experience cycling paradise?
This carefully crafted 4-day itinerary showcases the best of Mallorca’s legendary cycling terrain. From the challenging climbs of the Tramuntana to the scenic coastal roads and picturesque villages, this route delivers the quintessential Mallorcan cycling experience.
Book Your Mallorca Cycling Package
Our exclusive package includes accommodation at handpicked cyclist-friendly hotels, airport transfers, route navigation, vehicle support, and guided options. Experience why Mallorca has become the cycling capital of Europe with The Klub.
Have you cycled in Mallorca? Share your favorite climbs and routes in the comments below!
