5 Best Cycling Routes in Mallorca for an Unforgettable Ride

The Best Cycling Routes in Mallorca for an Unforgettable Ride

Smooth roads, mountain switchbacks, coastal views and plenty of café stops: Mallorca has everything a road cyclist could want in one compact island. Whether you are planning a dedicated cycling holiday or taking your bike on a warmer-weather escape, the variety makes riding here memorable.

The best cycling routes in Mallorca range from famous climbs in the Serra de Tramuntana to quieter roads through olive groves and stone villages. Here are five rides worth adding to your list.

The figures below are useful planning estimates for the routes shown. Your exact distance, elevation and riding time will depend on your accommodation, chosen roads, stops and pace. Difficulty is scored from 1/5 (relaxed) to 5/5 (very demanding).

1. Sa Calobra: Mallorca’s most iconic cycling climb

If there is one road that defines cycling in Mallorca, it is Sa Calobra. The Ma-2141 drops dramatically towards the sea through a sequence of tight bends, including the famous Nus de sa Corbata—the “tie knot”, where the road loops beneath itself.

The descent is spectacular, but the real challenge begins at the bottom. From Sa Calobra, the same road is your way back up, making the climb a true Mallorca cycling rite of passage.

Sa Calobra is usually part of a much longer ride from Port de Pollença, Alcúdia or Sóller, so check the day’s total distance and elevation. Start early if possible, before coaches and day visitors make the road busier.

Best for: Experienced cyclists looking for an iconic Mallorca cycling climb.

2. Cap de Formentor: lighthouse roads and Mediterranean views

Cap de Formentor cycling combines rolling climbs, sea views and a memorable finish at the lighthouse on Mallorca’s northern tip. From Port de Pollença, the road rises towards the Es Colomer viewpoint before continuing across the peninsula.

Rather than one continuous climb, the route changes rhythm through short ascents, flowing descents and exposed sections. Do not underestimate the wind on the return. The cliffs and turquoise bays make this one of the most photogenic Mallorca bike routes.

Traffic access on the Formentor road is seasonally regulated. The rules and times can change, so check the latest official information before your ride, even if you are travelling by bicycle.

Best for: Riders who want dramatic coastal scenery without committing to Sa Calobra.

3. Coll de Sóller and the Orient Valley: switchbacks with a quieter feel

For classic hairpins and mountain scenery, combine Coll de Sóller with the peaceful Orient Valley. As most motor traffic uses the tunnel below, the old pass can feel calmer than Mallorca’s biggest-name roads.

The climb winds through repeated bends as views open across the valley. Continue towards Bunyola, Alaró and Orient for narrow roads framed by woodland, olive trees and limestone peaks.

This route delivers plenty of climbing, but it also reveals a quieter side of Serra de Tramuntana cycling. The small village of Orient makes a natural place to pause and refuel.

Best for: Cyclists who enjoy steady climbing, traditional villages and quieter roads.

4. The Ma-10 through Deià, Valldemossa and Banyalbufar

The Ma-10 traces Mallorca’s mountainous north-west coast and links some of its most beautiful villages. A ride through Deià, Valldemossa and Banyalbufar brings sea views, rolling elevation and plenty of reasons to stop for photographs.

The climbing accumulates throughout the day, but so do the rewards: pine forest, stone terraces, coastal viewpoints and elegant villages.

Choose a section that suits your starting point and experience. Covering too much of the Ma-10 can quickly turn a scenic ride into a very demanding day.

Best for: Strong riders who value scenery and a full day of exploration.

This version is point-to-point, so arrange a bike shuttle or return transport before setting off.

5. Pollença, Campanet and the Mallorca countryside

Not every ride needs to lead into the mountains. The lanes around Pollença, Campanet and the Raiguer countryside offer a gentler alternative to the major Mallorca cycling climbs.

Expect stone walls, farmland and small villages where you can settle into a comfortable pace. The terrain is rolling rather than completely flat, and the route can extend towards Selva, Moscari or Muro.

It is ideal for testing a hire bike, recovering between mountain days or riding with a mixed-ability group.

Best for: Recovery rides, mixed groups and cyclists who want to see rural Mallorca.

What is the best season for cycling in Mallorca?

March to May and September to November are generally the best periods for cycling in Mallorca. Temperatures are more comfortable than in midsummer, and the main cycling areas are well set up for visiting riders.

Winter can also bring beautiful riding days, although mountain conditions are less predictable.

If you visit in summer, start early and plan around both the heat and tourist traffic. In every season, check the mountain forecast rather than relying only on conditions at the coast.

Before you ride: useful Mallorca cycling tips

• Check the complete route: The famous climb may be only a small part of your total distance and elevation.
• Inspect a hire bike carefully: Confirm the brake-lever setup before your first descent. It may be the reverse of the usual UK arrangement. Check your gearing, tyres and saddle position too.
• Download the route offline: Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in the mountains.
• Carry food and two bottles: Seasonal cafés and water stops may not always be open.
• Check current access information: Temporary closures and seasonal arrangements can affect popular roads, particularly Cap de Formentor.
• Save something for the return: Coastal wind and repeated short climbs can make the ride home harder than the outward leg suggests.

A route worth remembering

The best Mallorca cycling route is not necessarily the hardest one. It might be your first mountain climb, a sunrise ride to the lighthouse or a quiet road shared with friends.

Long after the numbers disappear down your Strava feed, the shape of the route can bring the whole day back.

With ZEW Studio, you can connect your Strava activity, choose your Mallorca ride and turn it into personalised wall art. Customise the colours, wording and ride details, preview your design, then choose a digital, printed or framed poster made around the route you experienced.

Ready to keep your Mallorca ride visible?