The 5 best days cycling in Mallorca

Cycling in Mallorca Twice a Year: Our Experience
We go cycling in Mallorca at least twice a year. Our group is made up of riders with varying abilities, ages ranging from 27 to 55. Over the years, our experience has taught us exactly what we want to do—no wasting time or energy. We now feel we achieve the 5 best cycling days possible in Mallorca. March 2024 will mark the 17th or 18th trip for most of us!

Why We Choose Port de Pollença for Our Cycling Base

Staying in Port de Pollença is ideal because it’s perfectly located near great cycling routes, with excellent cycling services, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, scenic coastal walks, and a wide range of accommodation options. We often stay at Club Pollentia, Fergus Pollensa Park, Hoposa Daina, Hoposa Uyal, or Villa Concha, depending on price and availability. All of these hotels offer excellent facilities, are used to catering to cyclists, and provide everything we need for a comfortable stay. While we’ve enjoyed other places like Palma, Alaró, Caimari, and Port d’Alcudia, Port de Pollença has it all and is easily accessible.

Our 5 Best Cycling Days in Mallorca

For our 5 days of cycling in Mallorca, we typically have three big days and two easier days. We usually start early to avoid the bulk of the other cyclists and to ensure we get the best cake options along the way!

Bike Rescue: A Must for Peace of Mind

We always take out bike rescue. Things can go wrong on the road, and I, for one, am not willing to waste time waiting for help just because I was too tight to spend €20 for 5 days of bike and body breakdown cover. As our group has gotten older, our mechanical knowledge has grown, but so have our aches! From broken spokes and small spills to sore knees and backs, we’ve encountered it all. Fortunately, the rescue team is fantastic at picking up the rider with the issue, allowing the rest of the group to keep going.

Reliable Transfers with Mallorca Cycle Shuttle

We always use Mallorca Cycle Shuttle for our airport transfers and Andratx trip. The team is professional and friendly. The owners, managers, and most of the drivers are cyclists themselves, which makes a huge difference. While we’ve tried other services (some slightly cheaper, others more expensive), Mallorca Cycle Shuttle is by far the most accommodating and understanding for cyclists.

The 5 Best Cycling Days in Mallorca: A Memorable Cycling Journey

Day 1: The Bay of Pollensa Route

We begin with the Bay of Pollensa route, heading out to Cap Formentor, then back through the port, past the old town of Alcudia, and onto La Victoria to the start of the military base. This route offers stunning views of the bay from both sides and takes us through beautiful landscapes with numerous scenic spots to enjoy along the way.

Day 2: Andratx to Port Pollenca via Port Valldemossa

On Day 2, we cycle from Andratx back to Port de Pollenca, adding in the brilliant climb up Port Valldemossa. We return via the Col de Sa Bataia and Caimari, making a stop at the charming Sa Ruta Verda café for fresh juices and bagels. The route then continues through the lanes back to Port de Pollenca. This is rightly considered one of the best cycling routes in Mallorca.
This route is the highlight of our trip, and we prefer to do it early in the week to leave room to reschedule it in case of bad weather and while our legs are still fresh!

Day 3: Puig de Randa

Day 3 is a gentler ride to Puig de Randa. The route features undulating roads with the highlight being the excellent climb to the monastery. From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of the entire island. This is a more relaxed day after the previous two challenging rides.

Day 4: Sa Calobra Day

Sa Calobra day is always a favorite. This year, we’re taking the Sa Calobra Express for two reasons: first, we aim to beat our personal best on the infamous climb, and secondly, we plan to extend the day by taking in the Cala Tuent section. From there, we head up the short side of Puig Major, descend into Sóller for an incredible 15 km downhill on the new road surface, then climb and descend the Col de Sóller (stopping at the Café C’an Topa for homemade cake at the summit). The day ends with a ride through the Orient Valley before returning to Port Pollenca via the quiet lanes.

Day 5: Santa Margalida Loop

On our last day of riding, we take a big loop that includes the peaceful climb of Santa Margalida and passes through the charming towns of Muro, Petra, and Sineu. This route takes us through car-free lanes, making it the perfect way to enjoy our last day in Mallorca.

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Why Cycling in Mallorca is Unbeatable
After spending time cycling in France and Italy, we can confidently say that nothing compares to cycling in Mallorca. The island offers an unbeatable combination of cycling routes, challenging climbs, smooth road surfaces, fantastic weather, courteous drivers, car-free roads, and a wide range of excellent services for cyclists. It’s a paradise for cycling enthusiasts.

Peter Jones. London. 15th December 2018. (Updated for 2024).