Cycling in Mallorca
The original spring training island
Best time to ride
Best months
February to May, September to November
Temperature
12-26 C across the riding season
Rainfall
Very dry from May through September; winter storms can close mountain passes briefly
The riding
Mallorca set the template for the European cycling camp. Every February, thousands of riders from northern Europe descend on the island to escape the dark and log volume on wide, well-surfaced roads with almost no traffic outside Palma. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range that runs along the northwest coast provides the drama: a 90 km spine of twisting cliff roads, deep descents, and cols that would not look out of place in a Grand Tour.
The central plain (Es Pla) offers flatter, faster riding for recovery days or tempo work, with long straight roads cutting through almond orchards and small farming villages. The east coast and southeast are rolling, with punchy climbs of 2-5 km that suit interval work. Whichever direction you ride, the road quality is excellent and drivers are used to cyclists.
The island is compact enough that you can design a ride from Palma in almost any direction and make it back without retracing. A 100 km loop might include flat motorway-adjacent bike paths, a col in the Tramuntana, a coastal descent, and a recovery stretch across the plain. That density of variety is what brings the pro teams here every year.
Key climbs & routes
- Sa Calobra (9.5 km, avg 7%) — the iconic island climb with 26 hairpins descending to a remote cove; most riders do it in reverse, climbing out
- Puig Major via Coll dels Reis (14 km, avg 6.2%) — the highest accessible road on the island, spectacular views of the Cuber and Gorg Blau reservoirs
- Coll de Soller (4.8 km, avg 7.5%) — a short, sharp climb from the Palma side with an old-school feel and a fast descent into Soller
- Cap de Formentor (5 km, avg 4%) — the photogenic lighthouse road with sheer drops and coastal views, more about the scenery than the gradient
- Orient from Bunyola (5 km, avg 5.5%) — a hidden gem in the interior, punchy and quiet
Practical info
Getting there
Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is one of the best-connected airports in Europe with direct flights from most major cities. It is 10 km from the city centre.
Bike hire
Bike hire is a mature industry here. Mallorca Cycling Center, Papillon Cycling, and Pro Cycle Hire all stock top-end frames. Most deliver to your hotel. Book at least a month ahead for February-April.
Where to stay
Palma is the best base for variety. Port de Pollenca and Alcudia in the north put you closer to the Tramuntana climbs. Many riders stay in dedicated cycling hotels (with bike storage, workshops, laundry) throughout the island.
Frequently asked questions
Why do so many cyclists go to Mallorca?
Mallorca combines warm weather, excellent road surfaces, low traffic outside Palma, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in a compact island format. It is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe, has a mature cycling tourism industry with bike hire and cycling hotels, and offers everything from flat recovery spins to serious mountain stages.
When is the best time to cycle in Mallorca?
February to May is peak season: the almond blossom is out, temperatures are 14-22 C, and the island is set up for cyclists. September to November is equally good with warmer sea temperatures. June through August can exceed 35 C, making midday riding uncomfortable. Winter (December-January) is cool but rideable.
Is Sa Calobra as hard as people say?
Sa Calobra is 9.5 km at an average of 7% with 26 hairpins and some sections above 10%. It is a hard climb but the real challenge is the return ride up from the cove since most riders descend first. The road surface and engineering are superb. Allow 40-50 minutes for a strong amateur ascent.
Can beginners cycle in Mallorca?
Absolutely. The central plain and east coast offer flat to gently rolling terrain with well-surfaced roads. You can easily plan routes that avoid the Tramuntana climbs entirely. Many cycling hotels cater specifically to mixed-ability groups with guided rides at different levels.
How do I get around Mallorca by bike?
The island is only about 75 km wide. Most riders base themselves in one location and ride loops. Palma gives the most route variety; Port de Pollenca is closest to the big climbs. The Ma-10 mountain road is the main cycling artery through the Tramuntana.
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