Why Cyclists Love Mallorca

Flew there for a cycling camp three years ago. Understood the hype within the first hour. Perfect roads, varied terrain, weather that cooperates — Mallorca earns its reputation as a cycling destination. Here’s what makes it work.

The Roads

Spanish road maintenance on this island is excellent. Smooth surfaces, clear markings, drivers who expect cyclists. Probably should have led with this — the roads alone justify the trip.

Bike lanes exist on busy routes. Quiet roads connect villages through countryside. Coastal roads offer views that make climbing feel worthwhile. Infrastructure here assumes cyclists exist and matter.

The Climbs

Sa Calobra

The famous one. Descend through 26 hairpins to a tiny beach, then climb back out. About 10km, 700 meters of elevation. The road twists through cliffs — engineering as impressive as the scenery.

Go early. Tour buses use this road too, and meeting one in a hairpin is less fun than it sounds.

Cap de Formentor

Coastal route to a lighthouse on the island’s northern tip. Less steep than Sa Calobra but longer. Views of the Mediterranean that stick with you.

Coll de Soller

The traditional climb before they built the tunnel. About 50 hairpins, steady gradient. Locals use it for training; tourists use it for the views from the top.

When to Go

March through May is ideal. Teams train here in February, and recreational cyclists follow. Weather is warm but not hot, roads are dry, and tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet.

September and October work well too. Summer is hot — you can ride, but early morning only. Winter is mild but wet.

Getting Bikes There

Rental is easier than bringing your own. Several shops in Palma and Port de Pollenca have good bikes — carbon road bikes, decent components, proper fitting. Book ahead during peak season.

If you bring your own, most airlines accommodate bike bags for a fee. Taxi from Palma airport handles bike boxes fine. Hotels are used to storing bikes.

Where to Stay

Port de Pollenca is the cycling hub. Flat, coastal, central to the best routes. Many hotels cater specifically to cyclists — bike storage, early breakfast, route advice. Some have their own mechanics.

Alcudia works too. Slightly more town, slightly less cyclist-focused. Good access to eastern routes.

Culture Notes

Spanish coffee and pastries fuel morning rides. Lunch is late — plan your ride timing accordingly. Tap water is drinkable. Drivers are generally patient but don’t expect perfection.

Cash is still useful in small cafes. Some credit cards don’t work everywhere. Learn enough Spanish for basic politeness — the locals appreciate the effort.

The Reality

Mallorca isn’t cheap, but it’s not absurd either. A week of riding here costs less than a week at many domestic training camps. The combination of weather, roads, and scenery is hard to match elsewhere in Europe.

Worth the trip if you can make it work.