Top 5 Bike Rides in Mallorca

It’s no surprise that Mallorca is one of the most popular cycling destinations for recreational and professional cyclists alike. While the climbs of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range will challenge even the most experienced cyclists, the dramatic mountaintops against the bright blue Mediterranean Sea are well worth the effort.

With its superb cuisine, temperate climate, stunning hotels and pedal-perfect roads, it makes sense that Mallorca is a top destination for Backroads enthusiasts. With so much incredible biking on the island, choosing the “best” routes is no easy task.

Read on for our top 5 bike rides in Mallorca, then make sure to check out our Mallorca Bike and Multi-Adventure tours, where we cycle some of these routes and many more.

5. Bunyola, Orient, Alaró Loop

This is a great warm-up ride that takes you through the charming Mallorcan towns of Bunyola, Orient and Alaró. We recommend starting this 23-mile-loop (with 1,800 feet of elevation gain) in Bunyola, where you can enjoy a cortado (espresso “cut” with a bit of milk) and ensaimada (traditional sweet pastry from Mallorca) in the plaza. It’s a steep but short climb out of town as you follow the bike route signs to Orient. The majority of the elevation is early on in the ride as you summit Coll d’ Honor, where the gradient is above 5 percent.

After you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a steep downhill. Next, arrive at the charming small town of Orient (population is less than 30) followed by one of the best downhill segments in Mallorca. Enjoy the views of the limestone mountains as you coast into Alaró. Browse cycling jerseys and grab some lunch or a smoothie at Cycling Planet before taking the back roads back to Bunyola.

4. Andratx Coastal Loop

This 39-mile-loop with 4,650 feet of elevation gain is a challenging yet rewarding ride. Begin the route in the town of Andratx, where you head inland and ride up narrow and winding roads towards Es Capdellá. Take a left turn towards Galilea and onward to Puigpunyent. You’ll pass the stunning Castell Son Claret, one of the premiere hotels on our Mallorca Multi-Adventure Tour.

Next head toward the coast, where all the climbing pays off with a gorgeous ride along the Mediterranean through the towns of Banyalbufar and Estellencs. Stop for a drink or lunch at Es Grau to soak up the views. The last climb of the day is a big one, but you’ll enjoy a thrilling downhill as you ride home into Andratx!

3. Alcudia to Port Andratx

If you’re looking for a challenge, this 81-mile-ride with 8,875 feet of elevation gain through the Tramuntana mountain range is the route for you. This ride takes you along the entire coast through the most iconic towns including Pollença, Sóller, Deia, Valldemossa and Andratx. The second half of this ride mirrors the coastal path described in the Andratx Coastal Loop (see #4). You’ll bike along stunning cliffsides and through dense forests and coastal villages with plenty of places to stop and take in the panoramic vistas.

2. Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is one of the most alluring bike routes in Europe. This thrilling roller coaster of 26 hairpin turns plummeting 3,000 feet to the sea is a cyclist's paradise, but it’s no easy feat. We offer lots of options on our trips so that everyone of all levels can enjoy this segment of riding. If the downhill sounds more appealing than the uphill, have no fear!—that’s what our shuttles are for!

One option to experience Sa Calobra is to begin in Sóller or Port de Sóller and climb through the picturesque town of Fornalutx. Take a minute to explore the plaza and stop for a fresh jugo de naranja (orange juice). Get ready for a challenging 4-mile climb to the top of Puig Major (the tallest peak in Mallorca) before coasting downhill past the Cúber reservoir. Afterward, turn toward Sa Calobra, where there’s another climb before the epic downhill that makes this route so iconic. Enjoy the ocean views and maybe even take a dip in the crystal blue water at the end to celebrate! You can climb back up or take the ferry back to Port de Sóller.

1. Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor is perhaps the most popular cycling destination on the island. With ocean views on your left and right for many segments, this ride along the northeastern coast of the peninsula is a worthwhile climb that ends at the impressive lighthouse at the tip of the island. There, you can grab an espresso, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the breeze before heading back.

There are many options from where to start this ride, but the shortest distance is an out-and-back starting and ending in Pollença that’s 23 miles with 2,772 feet of elevation gain. We recommend heading out early in the morning to beat the heat and to experience the roads with less traffic.

Click the link here for the full details of our Mallorca Biking, Multi-Adventure, and Walking & Hiking tours.