WanderlustThe ultimate guide to road cycling in Mallorca

Blessed with a combination of flat terrain, jagged mountains and hairpin bends, Mallorca is perfect for exploring on two wheels. Used by Sir Bradley Wiggins’ as his training destination of choice in the run-up to his Tour de France victory in 2012; if you’re partial to a scenic bike ride, saddle up and head for the cycling routes of the Balearics’ largest island.

When to go

Mallorca benefits from glorious weather most of the year although it’s best to avoid the peak heat of June to August, when the island is at its busiest too. The optimum time for cyclists is between March and May when temperatures hover between 17°C and 22°C or from September to November when they peak at 23°C. 

Where to stay

There are plenty of scenic places to stay on your road cycling holiday in Mallorca, although it’s best to eschew the busy coastal resorts of the south in favour of the quieter north and west. Here the Tramuntana Mountains dominate the landscape and present the most rewarding cycling challenges.

The pretty coastal town of Port de Sóller in the northwest sits at the foot of the mountains and has three climbing options around the nearby Coll de Sóller mountain pass. Surrounding an attractive harbour, with gorgeous sunset views, this town is one of the island’s most picturesque locales. Located on the Port de Sóller clifftops, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa is the ideal base for your road cycling Mallorca holiday.

If you want to take on Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest mountain, or brave the Sa Calobra climb, make Pollença your base. This scenic village at the eastern end of the Tramuntana range is full of honey hued historical houses with an abundance of sleepy, rustic charm. 

Nestled at the southern slopes of the Tramuntana mountains, Alaró delivers an authentic slice of Mediterranean life and provides easy access to climbs of the Coll d'Orient and Coll d'Honor. 

Scenic but sedate cycling routes 

Coll de Sóller

Distance: 6km

With relatively easy inclines and zig-zag hairpin bends, the Coll de Sóller mountain pass up Highway 11A offers an unchallenging but spectacular ride. Take in the views of the northern coastline as you pass dry stone walls and olive groves.

Cap de Formentor

Distance: 40km (return)

Cap de Formentor is a much-loved cycling route along Highway 2210 that takes you to Mallorca’s northernmost tip, the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor. Start at Port de Pollença and set out along the peninsula over undulating hills, admiring the sweeping Mediterranean vistas along the way.

Steep and serious cycling routes

Puig Major

Distance: 14.2km

For a major test of your endurance, Puig Major is a tough yet rewarding ride. Set off from Port de Sóller eastwards along Highway 10 and snake your way up to the mountain’s dizzying peak. Stop off halfway at the town of Fornalutx for a well-deserved break.

Sa Calobra

Distance: 9.5km

What the Sa Calobra lacks in length, it makes up for with its intense inclines and spectacular scenery. The ascent along Highway 2141 takes you from the ride’s tiny namesake village to Coll dels Reis around tight bends and nail-biting corners.

Mallorca’s best cycling routes are all within easy reach of Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa.