Mallorca cycling holiday: the best routes, seasons and where to base yourself

Mallorca has been one of Europe’s most popular road cycling destinations for decades and is also a favourite among the German cycling community. Since the 1990s, professional teams and amateur cyclists have been coming to the island to train in ideal conditions. While January and February are primarily shaped by professional winter training camps, the period from March to May is considered the peak of the amateur road cycling season. Around 1,250 kilometres of well-maintained roads, a respectful driving culture and a mild climate make Mallorca an almost year-round destination for road cyclists, with the exception of the hot months of July and August. The island offers three particularly popular cycling regions: the Serra de Tramuntana with its legendary climbs, the gentle lowlands of the Pla de Mallorca and the quiet rolling roads along the east coast. With a wide selection of holiday homes in Mallorca, Casapilot offers suitable accommodation in the regions that are particularly popular with cyclists.

Tramuntana climbs

The Serra de Tramuntana is the heart of many road cycling tours in Mallorca and offers some of the island’s most famous climbs. The ultimate classic is Sa Calobra (Coll dels Reis), at 9.5 kilometres long, with 668 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of around 7 percent. With twelve spectacular hairpin bends, the route climbs from sea level to the mountain pass and is considered one of the most impressive challenges for experienced riders. The Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest mountain at 1,436 metres, is also a staple of many Tramuntana loop rides and one of the island’s best-known climbs. The climb to Cap de Formentor covers around 20 kilometres and combines spectacular sea views with approximately 500 metres of elevation gain and technically demanding descents. The route is particularly recommended early in the morning, before 10 am, to avoid excursion buses and heavier traffic. For those looking for a slightly more moderate introduction, the Coll de sa Batalla, with its 8-kilometre climb and gradients of 4 to 6 percent, is an ideal option. Pollença, Port de Pollença and Alcúdia are particularly well suited as starting points for these rides. If you would also like to experience the impressive landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana away from the bike, our guide to a road trip along Mallorca’s west coast features more highlights of the region.

Inland loops

Away from the mountains, Mallorca reveals a quieter side that is particularly well suited to easy rides and relaxed training days. The roads through the Pla de Mallorca pass agricultural landscapes, wine-growing villages and traditional towns such as Petra, Sineu, Sencelles and Sa Pobla. Depending on the route, rides of between 80 and 120 kilometres are possible, usually with significantly less elevation gain than in the Tramuntana. The gentle terrain and quiet roads make this region ideal for recovery days or for cyclists who prefer a steady pace. Good starting points for these routes include Petra, Muro and Inca.

East and south coast

The coastal roads in eastern and southern Mallorca offer varied rides with less traffic than many routes in the north. Loop rides of 60 to 100 kilometres lead through Cala d’Or, Portocolom and Cala Ratjada, passing fishing ports, small coves and Mediterranean landscapes along the way. In spring, however, it is worth taking the influence of the westerly wind into account, as it can make some sections more challenging. Popular starting points for this region include Santanyí, Cala d’Or and Capdepera.

Mallorca offers good conditions for road cyclists almost all year round, with each season having its own character. February and March are part of the professional training camp season: with pleasant temperatures of 15 to 20°C, clear days and less traffic away from the well-known cycling hotels, conditions are ideal for intensive training. From April to May, the amateur road cycling season reaches its peak. Temperatures between 18 and 24°C, occasional rain showers, the impressive almond blossom in April and longer days make these months particularly popular, so accommodation should be booked well in advance. The summer months from June to August, with temperatures above 30°C, are too hot for many cyclists and are generally only suitable for rides in the early morning. September and October are considered a “second spring”, with pleasant temperatures of 20 to 26°C, quieter roads and harvest season in the island’s interior. Holiday homes also often offer very good value for money during this period. November and December are also suitable for relaxed rides, with mild temperatures, occasional showers and fewer visitors. Cyclists should be aware of the Tramuntana north wind, which can create more challenging conditions, particularly in the north of the island between November and March.

Pollença and Port de Pollença

In northern Mallorca, Pollença and Port de Pollença are among the most popular starting points for road cyclists. Their location is ideal for exploring the legendary routes of the Serra de Tramuntana: the start of the famous Cap de Formentor climb is only around 5 kilometres from Port de Pollença, while the route to Sa Calobra is approximately 40 kilometres and can easily be incorporated into a longer loop ride. Port de Pollença offers the perfect combination of proximity to the coast and the island’s best-known cycling routes, while the old town of Pollença impresses with charming streets, excellent restaurants and a more peaceful atmosphere. Our holiday homes in the Pollença region offer the perfect base for anyone looking to explore the classic Tramuntana climbs with comfort and flexibility.

Alcúdia

Just a few kilometres away, Alcúdia offers a versatile alternative for cyclists who want to combine their cycling holiday with time at the beach and relaxation. The region also provides quick access to Cap de Formentor and Sa Calobra, while offering plenty of restaurants, shops and leisure activities for non-cycling companions. After a ride, the best beaches in Mallorca around Alcúdia provide the perfect opportunity to unwind by the sea. Playa de Muro, just south of Alcúdia, is particularly popular as a cycling destination and is regularly used by German road cyclists and professional teams as a training base. Our holiday homes in Alcúdia are therefore particularly well suited to families or mixed groups where everyone wants to enjoy their holiday in their own way.

Sóller and the Tramuntana Valley

Sóller lies in a green valley filled with orange groves in the Serra de Tramuntana and is one of the best bases for a cycling holiday in Mallorca. Challenging mountain rides start right on the doorstep, including the climb to Puig Major, the highest paved road on the island. The spectacular scenery and its location right in the heart of the mountains make Sóller particularly appealing to experienced cyclists who want to avoid long approaches to the major climbs. Holiday homes in Sóller offer a peaceful base surrounded by mountains, nature and Mediterranean charm.

Alaró and the Interior

At the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, Alaró is a quieter and often underrated base for cyclists in Mallorca. From here, challenging mountain climbs can easily be combined with flatter rides through the Pla de Mallorca and peaceful villages in the island’s interior. Compared with many coastal resorts, the area is particularly relaxed in April and May and is also known for its excellent local cuisine. Places such as Petra and Consell are also good alternatives for those looking for an authentic setting away from the better-known coastal resorts. Holiday homes in the island’s interior offer an ideal base for independent cyclists who want to combine challenging mountain rides with relaxed recovery rides.

The southeast: Santanyí and Cala d’Or

The southeast of Mallorca is less well known for the major road cycling classics of the Tramuntana, but it offers particularly attractive conditions for a cycling holiday during the off-season. Around Santanyí and Cala d’Or, cyclists can enjoy quiet coastal roads, gentle rolling routes and varied rides between fishing harbours and Mediterranean landscapes. The region is particularly well suited to trips in late autumn or early spring, when the north can be more challenging due to the Tramuntana wind. Our holiday homes in Santanyí are a great choice for anyone who prefers flatter routes, a mild climate and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Each region of Mallorca has its own advantages, from the legendary climbs of the Serra de Tramuntana to the quiet coastal roads in the southeast. If you are still unsure which area is best suited to your cycling holiday, our guide to the best areas to stay in Mallorca provides further information.

Good preparation can make all the difference to a successful cycling holiday in Mallorca. Those who do not want to bring their own bike will find an excellent selection of bike rental shops on the island, offering high-quality road bikes from brands such as Cannondale and Trek. Many providers offer race-level models for around €120–180 per week, making renting a worthwhile option for many holidaymakers compared with transportation costs and the risk of damaging their own bike. The easiest way to arrive is via Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), from where the main cycling regions can usually be reached by car within 30 to 90 minutes. Those who prefer not to rent a car can, for example, take a taxi to Port de Pollença, which costs around €90 each way. However, a rental car offers additional flexibility, particularly on rest days, allowing you to explore more of the island’s sights. You can find more inspiration in our guide to the best sights and attractions in Mallorca. Mallorca’s cycling café culture is also part of the experience: places such as Sineu, Consell, Sencelles and Selva offer popular stops for good coffee and typical snacks such as tortilla. On the road, remember to keep to the right, ride in single file and show the same respect to drivers that you expect from them. Especially on descents such as Sa Calobra, you should always check the weather forecast before setting off, as wet roads can quickly become dangerous.

For a road cycling holiday, a holiday home often offers more flexibility than a traditional cycling hotel. Several bikes can be stored securely, a private washing machine makes cleaning cycling kit easier, and a fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals according to your individual training schedule. For groups of four to six people in particular, a holiday home is often the more cost-effective option, as the costs can be shared while still providing more space and privacy. After a long ride, a private pool offers the perfect way to relax and recover. Depending on your preferred region, you can find suitable accommodation around Pollença, Alaró or Petra as a convenient base for your rides. Discover our holiday homes with pools in Mallorca and enjoy peace and relaxation after an active day on the road.

The first coffee in the early morning, the first quiet kilometres on Mallorca’s roads and the sight of the sun rising over the Serra de Tramuntana are among the special moments of a cycling holiday on the island. From impressive mountain passes and Mediterranean landscapes to peaceful coastal roads, Mallorca offers incredible variety for road cyclists. After your ride, your own private retreat awaits, where you can relax your legs by the pool and unwind at the end of the day. Discover our holiday homes in Mallorca for your cycling holiday and find the perfect accommodation for your next ride.