Cycling in Mallorca: tips to get the most out of the island

El ciclismo en Mallorca es una manera única de descubrir la belleza de este paraíso balear. El terreno de la isla es muy variado y abarca desde las altas montañas de la Serra de Tramuntana, hasta las mejores rutas en bici para toda la familia, por las llanuras de las largas playas y humedales del sur. ¡Cada ciclista encontrará su recorrido perfecto!

Desde ROIG queremos ayudarte a conocer Mallorca de la mejor manera, para que tus vacaciones no sean una escapada más, sino que se conviertan en una auténtica experiencia que querrás recordar toda la vida. ¡Acompáñanos a descubrir las mejores rutas de ciclismo en Mallorca!

The best cycling routes in Mallorca

Enjoy cycling in Mallorca! The Balearic Islands are a destination known worldwide for its beaches and relaxing holidays. However, in recent years, the island of Majorca has also positioned itself as a tourist destination for cyclists. 

In this section we are going to introduce you to some of the best cycling trails in Mallorca, so that you can choose the ones that best suit what you are looking for.

Sa Calobra

Without a doubt, this is one of the best cycling routes in Majorca, although it is quite demanding, so it is only recommended for the most experienced and fit cyclists. The entire route runs along the road and is impressive in itself, but there is one very peculiar point, and that is its curve in the shape of a “tie knot”. Calobra means snake, so you can get an idea of what the route will be like.

From Muro beach to Betlem

This cycle touring route in Mallorca will take you around the entire bay of Alcudia, to reach the coast of Artà. You will also cross the villages of Colonia de Sant Pere and Betlem, as well as visiting the Son Real public estate and its prehistoric necropolis. The good thing about this route is that everyone can choose the distance they want to cover, to adapt it to their cycling abilities.

The promenade of Palma de Mallorca

Here is a low-difficulty route that you can do with the whole family: Palma de Mallorca’s seafront promenade. The route starts in the Parc del Mar and goes to the Coll de’n Rabassa, a space that has been declared a Natural Area of Special Interest. During the route you will pass by the Real Club Nàutic de Palma and some monuments of interest. It could be one of the best ways of sightseeing in the capital of Mallorca!

Puig Major

Puig Major is the highest peak of all the Balearic Islands, at 1,445 metres. It is located in the Serra de Tramuntana and climbing it is a real treat for experienced cyclists. The refreshing breeze from the summit and the spectacular views will make the effort to reach it worthwhile. 

If you start from Sóller, the route is only 23 kilometres, so on the way back you can add some points of interest such as Escorca, Coll de Sa Bataia, Inca or Consell. 

Coll de Sóller

You can do the Coll de Sóller from Palma and you will find a road with many hairpin bends. The ascent is not too demanding, as it does not have a high percentage gradient, but the route will make you feel like a real professional cyclist, especially at points such as the Stelvio Pass or the Coll de la Gallina.

This road has little traffic, thanks to the tunnel that was opened in 1997 and which diverts all vehicles.

From Muro beach to Cala Sant Vicenç

This is a perfect cycling route for those who want to enjoy a full day of cycling in Mallorca, without too much difficulty. This bike ride runs along spectacular and very quiet roads, which will allow you to get to know the area of s’Albufereta through the “old road” of Cala Sant Vicenç. Don’t forget to take your swimming costume to enjoy a nice swim at the beach on arrival!

From Binissalem to Biniagual

This is a pleasant asphalted road between Binissalem and Biniagual. The route starts with a short tricky spot, but then the terrain levels out, so you don’t have to do too much pedalling. All along the route you will come across beautiful rural landscapes, with fields of crops and farm animals. When you reach Binigual, after about an hour, don’t forget to visit its beautiful gardens.

Itinerary between Banyalbufar and Andratx

The route between Banyalbufar and Andratx is a coastal route with narrow and uneven asphalt at some points. If you are a cycling lover, you cannot miss this true spectacle of nature, as the views will take your breath away.

From Playa de Muro to Lluc

We continue our selection of cycling trails in Mallorca with a proposal of high difficulty, only reserved for the most expert cyclists. The ascent to the Sa Batalla pass often exceeds a gradient of 5%. This route takes you into the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the island’s greatest jewel. This is a circular route, as to return you will have to take the detour to Port de Pollença.

Greenway from Artà to Manacor

As we love greenways, these practically flat paths are only for bicycles and hikers. The Vía Verda from Artà to Manacor follows the route of the old railway line that was in operation until 1977. It is 29 kilometres long and along the way you will soak up the most rural essence of the island of Mallorca.

Best time of the year to go cycling in Mallorca

The weather in Mallorca allows cycling in almost any time of the year, but it is true that in summer the temperatures are very high and the winter is quite cold. Therefore, it is normal that the question of when to go cycling in Mallorca arises. 

The best seasons for cycling in Mallorca are spring and autumn. In these seasons, the mornings are usually quite cool, which will work in your favour on the bike. However, the afternoons still average 28ºC, a perfect temperature for a refreshing swim on the beach after a successful cycling trip.

The conditions for cycling in spring and autumn are ideal, with mild temperatures and fewer people than you might find in summer. This means that the roads will be emptier, so you won’t have to worry about the danger posed by cars. The locals are also in a more relaxed mood as the tourists have left, so be prepared to make friends wherever you go!

Top cycling events in Mallorca

If you are a professional cyclist or your level is very high and you are looking for new challenges, cycling events in Mallorca are the best way to test your skills on the pedals. However, if you are just a cycling enthusiast and like to enjoy the races and competitions as a spectator, you can attend all these events without participating:

Mallorca 312

This is the most special race you can experience through the most beautiful Mallorcan landscapes: the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the north of Mallorca, also known for its beaches, natural parks and traditions. You can choose between the full course, which gives the race its name, and which is no less than 312 kilometres long, the second course is 225 kilometres long, and the third, but no less tough, is 167 kilometres long. 

Kill the Hill

This competition offers you the unique opportunity to crown the peak of Mallorca: Puig Major, with its 1436 metres of altitude. It is a 95km route, where the final 7km of ascent will be timed (with an average gradient of 9% and sections of 13%). This is a very exclusive and unique event in Mallorca, as the final stretch is closed all year round as it is a military zone.

Marabans Mountain Bike Marathon

This is a 2 man team race, which consists of a maximum number of laps in a circuit over a minimum time of 3 hours, of approximately 10 km in length. This is one of the most acclaimed cycling events in Mallorca, for which you will need to book your entry.

The Calvia Trophy

The Trofeu Calviá is a professional cycling race held in the municipality of Calvià, on the island of Mallorca. The race is part of the Challenge Vuelta a Mallorca, the first cycling race of the season in Spain, and takes place at the beginning of February.

Now you know some of the best tips for getting the most out of the island by cycling in Mallorca. At ROIG we want you to get everywhere, and for that, in addition to your bike, you’ll need a good car that meets your requirements. Visit our website and discover your rental car at the best price on the island of Mallorca.