Cycling Tourism – The Best Cycle Routes on Majorca
Cycling Tourism – The Best Cycle Routes on Majorca
Majorca Cycling
We’ve previously written in detail about visiting Majorca for cycle tourism, and so it’s now time to share in detail a few of our favourite rides on this epic and quite beautiful island. Majorca is somewhere that ought to be on every cyclist’s bucket list, and many of the world’s top cycling teams use it as a training base – for good reason. We’ve been coming here for many years, and there’s definitely a few roads that we believe you ought to ride. Sit back then and enjoy our own top 5 rides for Majorca.
- Port de Pollensa to Cap de Formentor
Cap de Fermentor holds mystical status within the cycling community, and there’s a good reason why. Endless looping roads, blue skies and sunshine, along with simply beautiful views all day long, as the tough climbs challenge you and also reward you; it’s a ride that will stay with you forever, as you reach the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor and look out across the sea.
The ride, there and back is some 35 km and has approximately 1000 metre of climbing involved, including numerous hairpins which require your attention on the descent. This route begins on the edge of Port de Pollensa, climbing steeply on the Coll d’en Vela, before summitting near the coast at Penya del Migyia. A short descent then leads to the real challenge, as twisting roads climb endlessly to El Coconet, before you begin the short and sweeping descent to the lighthouse, taking on a series of tight hairpins. Then, enjoy the views, take a coffee at the Cafeteria Far Formentor and contemplate reversing the ride back to Port de Pollensa.
- Northern Loop – Sóller, Deià and Port de Vall de Mossa
The town of Soller is one of the most magical and beautiful in Majorca, with history and culture oozing out of every street. The valley is famed for its citrus groves, and is dominated by the d landmark, Sant Bartomeu church. There’s also a quaint tram that links the town and nearby port.
This route climbs for a short while, before dropping you along the coast roads, then climbing steeply to Can Costa, where you’ll thankfully find refreshments. We’ve added a short detour to sea level and Port de Valldemossa, for the epic views and opportunity to sit by the sea with a drink. Take care descending the narrow and tight switchbacks, which whilst being extremely picturesque, require some attention and excellent climbing skills on the return. It’s definitely a deter that you’ll enjoy though.
Once suitable refreshed at Vall de Mossa before climbing steeply back onto the loop. There’s now a long and sweeping descent into the valley, before you get ready to ascend the Coll de Soller and the views across the island landscape. All that now awaits is a superb descent at speed, back into Soller and a welcome rest. Sa Calobra has become synonymous with cycling on Mallorca, and its climb is one of the toughest on the island. But it’s the iconic hairpin turns that loop through the breath-taking landscape that make this route a must-do for cyclists.
- Port de Soller to Sa Calobra
It’s time to tackle Majorca’s most famous climb – Sa Calobra. This mythical series of hairpins and steep tarmac is 11km long and rises from sea level to just over 700m, and has an average gradient at just under 7%. Starting at the scenic Port de Soller, this cycling route takes on the famed steep mountain roads of Majorca, weaving their way inland, where they follow the flow of the hills on the way to the epic and sublime ribbon of road that descends to the coastal hamlet at Sa Calobra. Take care on the descent and make the most of your break and the views out to sea, as on arrival at the tiny cove and turn-around point, you’ve got this legendary climb and the 26 hairpins that you’ve just descended, to take on in your quest for cycling glory.
Once tackled however, the roads skirt around Puig Major, Majorca’s highest peak, giving spectacular scenery and a chance to rest and take it easy. Thankfully, before too long, it’s a case of taking on the technical 15 km descent back to the coast and Port de Soller for a well-earned rest. The narrow roads and high-season traffic can be tricky on the steeper sections, and an early start is well-recommended. You can also grab refreshments along the way at the Cafe Escorca, which is located right on the turn-off before the start of the main climb. Enjoy!
- The Col D’Orient Loop
This is a short and relaxing ride, taking in some breath-taking scenery, exploring the inland areas of Majorca. Known locally as the Orient loop, this 34km cycling route starts at the small town of Bunand takes in three of the island’s prettiest villages, with some superb photo opportunities along the way. It has mainly relaxed gradients to ride, allowing you a respite from the steep and challenging Balearic climbs, with just the Coll d’Orient to take on. As you ride in the sun, you’ll pass through pine forests, two dramatic mountain passes and across the unique scenery of the Majorcan volcanic plains, providing you with a chance to simply cycle and take it all in. When you’re done, you can eat well in the quaint square at Bunyola.
- Majorca, north east Coastal Ride
This is another exploratory ride for you to get to know more about magical Majorca. Starting in the beautiful and historic town of Pollenca, the roads take you to the coast and the old town of Alcudia and its port, before riding along the coast road to the cove at Mirador de Es Colomer. Take a break here, as you’ve earned it, tackling the only real climb on the ride – a 4 km toughie, that’s worth all the sweat and gears.
Form here, you simply descend back to the loop and head to yet another small cove and the picturesque hamlet of Cala St Vincenc. Take in the ambience with a cool drink, before climbing easily back to the finish at Pollenca and a rest before a sunset meal and sangria!
Cycle Tourism with Bike Box Alan
We don’t just make the best bike boxes in the world – we use them ourselves, to travel to amazing places. The Balearic Island of Majorca is one of our favourite cycling vacation locations, and we wanted to share it with you. Over the next few months, we’ll be bringing you lots more road cycling and mountain biking holiday ideas. For now, click the links below and get set for your own cycling travels – with Bike Box Alan!
This blog was written by Robert Thorpe & Larisa Chinces
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