Cycling Tourism – The Island of Majorca
Cycling Tourism – The Island of Mallorca
Introducing Mallorca – Perfect for Cycling
There are some places that always spring to mind when cyclists talk about travelling. Top of many riders’ lists is Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. It’s known for its beach resorts, superb sheltered coves, limestone mountains, Roman and Moorish remains – and some truly epic roads. Situated just off the Spanish coast and not too far from Valencia and Barcelona, it’s a firm favourite with many of the world’s top cycling teams, who regularly train here. We love travelling to the island so much, that we frequently attend cycling events here, meeting old friends, riding and enjoying the sunshine and ambience.
In terms of size then, and what Majorca has to offer cyclists, it covers an area of approximately 3640 square kilometres and at its widest point it’s 100km wide from west to east and 75km long from north to south. Importantly though, in terms of road length (being cyclists), the longest road length is around 312 km, which runs in a loop, taking you all around the island. If you’re after the climbs, then you’re also well catered for, as it has two mountainous regions to choose from, each about 80 km in length and occupying the western and eastern thirds of the island.
Travelling to Mallorca
In between these mountains is a lowland area that finishes at the island capital of Palma in the south, and at Alcudia and Pollensa Bays on the northern coast – handy for building an airport 😉. As you probably already know, Majorca has flights coming in from all around the world on a daily basis, making it easily accessible from anywhere. All you need is a passport, a thirst for cycling adventure and of course… a Bike Box Alan! Flights from the U.K., from either London or the East Midlands, take a mere 2 hours 15 minutes, from Dusseldorf it’s about the same flying time, a mere 1 hour 45 minutes from Paris, and 4 hours if you’re flying from either Hungary, the Czech Republic or Romania. In only a few short hours, you can leave behind the winter or the rain and be unpacking your Bike Box Alan and preparing to ride out into the sun. If you’re travelling from mainland Spain, you can also take one of 10 ferry routes to Palma, including from Barcelona itself.
Where to Stay
There are ample accommodation options for cyclists and their families and friends, staying on Majorca. From hotels at all price points, to villas and Airbnb accommodation, the choice is simply endless. In terms of locations, Palma is an obvious one, being the island capital, full of nightlife and close to the airport. However, there are some excellent towns and villages elsewhere, especially in the north of the island, where the Tramuntana Mountains are situated, running the entire length of the north-west coastline, with some of the most picturesque and dramatic views in Europe.
The towns of Port Pollensa and Alcudia are popular with cyclists, and it’s easy to see why, with their history, culture and nearby scenery. Other great locations for cyclists are: Port de Soller, South Tramuntana, Alaro, Selva and Can Picafort in the north, and Porto Cristo, Porto Colom and Cales De Mallorca in the east and south-east.
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
With spectacular scenery and seemingly endless miles of cycle friendly roads, Majorca truly is a cyclist’s paradise. We’ll be writing more in depth about our favourite road cycling routes, but for now, here’s a few favourites to whet your appetite. It has to include the mythical Cap du Fermentor, from Port de Pollensa, with a series of awesome hairpins to negotiate along the way. We’ve also included a ride to the historic old town of Alcudia, with its medieval walls, narrow streets and quiet squares. Then of course, there’s the now quite famous and epic climb to Sa Calobra, as the toughest road cycling climb on the island. Starting off this ride from the scenic Port de Soller, you ride through breath-taking scenery, passing Majorca’s highest peak, Puig Major along the way before your breath is literally taken from you by the steep gradients of Sa Calobra.
We’ve written a more in-depth blog, listing these and other rides for you, to make it easier when planning your own cycling vacation in the sun. Simply click the link at the foot of this page, and let’s start exploring the beautiful Balearic Island of Majorca together by bike – with Bike Box Alan!
This blog was written by Robert Thorpe & Larisa Chinces
About author
