Cycling in Mallorca: Full guide for your cycling getaway

In Mallorca, every season has its own special flair, but we will not lie to you... there are two key seasons in which cycling around the island is simply magical: spring and autumn. Both are mild times of the year, with pleasant weather, less trafficked roads and several international cycling events.

Spring: the best time for your cycling getaway 

March, April and May are the months of every cyclist’s dream. Temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, the days get longer and flowers bloom on every plant and tree on the island, transforming every route into a magnificent visual spectacular. 
 
Cycling events include the Mallorca 312, one of the most important cycling events in Europe: three routes measuring 167 km, 225 km and 312 km that are challenging challenges and scenery that will take your breath away. In May, the Commonwealth of Pla de Mallorca a road cycling event for amateurs with 4 stages between different villages in the interior. the Bolais organised , which, although not a traditional competition, is an exclusive event that allows cyclists to climb the highest point in Mallorca, traveling through routes normally closed to the public. 
 
Autumn: the perfect time of year to ride among golden landscapes

September and October are also perfect if you prefer to avoid the tourist hustle and bustle in summer. The temperatures in these months are still pleasant and the autumn colors add a sensation of unique beauty to the landscape. And be careful! Around the same time, the International Masters Cycling Week, one of the longest cycling events in Mallorca, with two events: the European Cup for Masters and the Tour of Mallorca Challenge for Masters. So if you are here to compete or just enjoy the cycling experience, these months are definitely the best months for you.

Deportivo’s Runediahas all the cycling races organized on the island. Take a look! 

One of the things that makes cycling in Mallorca so special is its variety of cycling routes: along the coast, through mountains, exploring charming villages and hidden coves... Here are some options depending on your level, including stops at iconic locations or dining venues that will allow you to enjoy the camino even more.

Route Palma - Playa de Palma - El Arenal (friendly level)
Perfect for beginners, this 30km route runs mostly along bike paths and alongside the sea. An accessible and practically flat round-trip route, ideal for a stop on one of the terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. A relaxing experience that is not very demanding.
Estimated time: between 1.5 and 2 hours (depending on your pace and stops).

Route Sineu - Petra - Ariany (friendly level)
If you are the type of cyclist who is passionate about discovering the heart of the destination, this route allows you to explore the rural interior of Mallorca by bike. This is an easily accessible route along secondary roads with little traffic and rural country roads, surrounded by agriculture, almond trees and charming small villages. This is a highly recommended route if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, far from the coastal hustle and bustle, but full of Mallorcan authenticity.
Estimated time: between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Route Andratx - Estellencs - Banyalbufar - Valldemossa (intermediate)
For people who do not know it, the Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northeast of the island that offer challenging routes with spectacular views. A landscape that combines sea, mountains, winding roads and villages clinging to the rocks in perfect harmony. A genuine visual and sensory gift as it takes you on a tour of the highest part of the mountains. 

The route starts in Andratx, with gentle climbs and panoramic curves, passing through the Coll de Sa Gramola and the Ricardo Roca viewpoint, Estellencs, a lovely small town nestled between the mountains and the sea, and then Banyalbufar, popular for its countryside and views of the cliffs, ending in Valldemossa, another of the greatest treasures on the island of Mallorca. Although this is not particularly steep, the slopes and curves require a certain amount of resistance.
Estimated time: 3 or 4 hours.

Route Alcudia - Pollença - Lluc - Sa Calobra (intermediate)
If you already have some experience on bikes and fancy an adventure with a little more slopes and mountain scenery, this route is for you. Starting in Puerto de Alcudia, this route will take you through some of the most iconic stages for cycling in Mallorca, passing through Pollença (beautiful!), Coll de Femenia, Lluc Monastery, s'Entreforc and Coll dels Reis and ending with the famous descent (and ascent) to Cala Sa Calobra, better known as the “tie knot”. An ideal route for intermediate cyclists who want to try something more demanding, taking in hairpin bends and a challenging climb.
Estimated time: between 4.5 and 6 hours.

Valldemossa - Deià route (intermediate)
Paved with sharp curves and narrow sections, the bike route between Valldemossa and Deià on the Ma-10 road is one of the most picturesque routes in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Although the distance between the two villages is approximately 10km, the 400-metre difference in altitude and steep curves make the route more difficult. So, your experience and physical condition are really important here. Of course! Get ready to admire spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the mountainous Tramuntana mountains. And both Valldemossa and Deià are also famous for their charm and cultural wealth, so it’s worth making a stop and enjoying the local cuisine.
Estimated time: between 1 and 1.5 hours (one way).

Port de Pollença - Cap de Formentor Lighthouse (high level)
The route to Cap de Formentor is one of the most spectacular and challenging in Mallorca, but make no mistake! Only 40 km long and with a slope of more than 1,200 metres. Considered one of the jewels of European cycling, this route combines challenging slopes, dizzying views and a destination that seems to reach the very heavens: the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse. It’s not for beginners, but if you are physically prepared, it is an unforgettable experience. Narch roads, infinite curves and viewpoints such as Es Colomer will more than reward every effort you make.
Estimated time: between 3.5 to 5 hours.

Full route to Mallorca by bike (high level)
A classic route of around 375km that goes around the island in about four different stages to fully enjoy the scenery and avoid exhaustion, especially in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. A challenge you will never forget on a route that includes demanding ports such as Sa Calobra, Puig Major or Coll de Sóller that require physical and technical levels. If you don’t feel like it, you can always choose other alternatives such as taking a partial tour of the south or east of the island, which is much more flat and accessible. So, if you’re in shape and want to enjoy the island to the full, this tour has it all: coast, mountains and interior.
Estimated time: 3 to 6 days.

To make your routes as safe as possible, here are some applications that will help you make the most of your cycling holiday in Mallorca. There are so many! Wikiloc, Relive, Cyclemeter... but we would like to highlight the following:

• Komoot: Plan your routes according to the type of terrain, slopes and altitude. You can download prepared routes, offline maps, it has intuitive voice-guided navigation and is ideal for mountain areas.
• Strava: A community with more than 40 different types of sport to help you stay motivated, measure your progress, set goals and analyze your training. You can also share your routes and compete (even virtually) with other cyclists.
• Ride with GPS: Very good for planning, navigating and discovering routes around the world with real-time monitoring. It also has voice navigation and visual directions even when the screen is locked.
• Bike Map: It offers routes taken by other users and alerts you about difficult areas or points of interest for cyclists. You will be able to get real-time instructions on your device using the turn-by-turn navigation.

As for practical advice before you start your cycling holiday in Mallorca, here are some tips that may be useful:

1. Plan your route: Use the mentioned applications to find routes that are best for you and choose routes that are really adapted to your physical and technical level. Although the distance is short, the slopes and curves are factors to take into account when deciding on one hike or the other. Make sure you check the weather forecast so you’re better prepared.
2. Check your equipment: Make sure your bike is in perfect condition before every ride. Always wear a helmet and, if you decide to ride in low light conditions or at night, carry lights.
3. Enjoy being well hydrated and well nourished: Don't forget to take enough water and energy snacks with you to keep up your performance during your routes. The weather can get quite hot on the island at times, so it can affect you even more.
4. Respect traffic rules: Although some routes are on secondary roads, many of the routes also pass through main roads and villages, so it’s very important to follow the traffic rules to guarantee your safety.