Mallorca is one of the classic cycling islands of the Mediterranean — a place where pro teams go for winter training camps, and where a single loop can take in turquoise coves, Roman salt flats, cave systems, medieval fortress towns and one of the most celebrated climbs in road cycling, the Sa Calobra descent through the Sierra de Tramuntana. This guide covers our two self-guided tours around the island: the same classic route, ridden at two different paces. Browse the full cycling tours in Spain if you'd rather compare Mallorca against the mainland.
The Route: A Full Loop of Mallorca
Both tours in this guide trace the same nine-day loop from Palma de Mallorca, starting and finishing in the beach resort of Ca'n Pastilla. From there the route turns inland through almond groves and windmill country to Colonia de Sant Jordi, passing the long white beach of Es Trenc and the former Roman salt mines at Ses Salines. It continues along a quiet, largely undeveloped stretch of coast to Porto Cristo, home to the underground lake of the Cuevas del Drac, then on past the sea caves of Cuevas de Artà to the resort of Cala Ratjada below the medieval castle of Capdepera.
From there the route crosses the wide Bahía de Alcúdia, past the birdlife reserve of Parc Natural de S'Albufera and the Roman ruins of Alcúdia, to Port de Pollénça — the base for a dedicated day out to the Cape de Formentor lighthouse, one of the island's most photographed rides, along cliffs that drop straight into the sea. The final stretch climbs into the Sierra de Tramuntana past the monastery of Lluc and the legendary Sa Calobra descent, through the hillside villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix, and past Deià and Valldemossa — once home to Robert Graves and to Chopin and George Sand respectively — before a coastal run back to Palma.
Choose Your Pace: Cycling Tour or Road Bike Tour
The two tours follow the same nine-day route and the same hotels, but at a different intensity, so the choice comes down to how much distance and climbing you want each day.
Mallorca Cycling Tour: the relaxed pace
The standard Mallorca Cycling Tour keeps daily distances moderate — from 29 km on the short Formentor day up to 76 km on the longer stages — with trekking, road, gravel and e-bike options, hotel-to-hotel luggage transfer and route notes throughout. It suits riders who want to see everything on the itinerary without racing the clock.
Mallorca Road Bike: the full distance
Mallorca Road Bike rides the same loop on a dedicated road bike route with longer daily distances, up to 130 km on the biggest stage, aimed at riders who want the island the way training groups and cycling clubs do — full days in the saddle, the complete Sierra de Tramuntana crossing, and the option to both descend and climb back out of Sa Calobra.
Highlights Along the Way
A handful of moments define a Mallorca cycling trip. The Sa Calobra descent drops through a series of hairpins carved into the mountainside to a cove accessible only by this road or by boat — riding it one way means earning the climb back out, one of the most celebrated ascents in road cycling. The Cape de Formentor lighthouse sits at the end of a narrow ridge road along cliffs that fall straight into deep blue water, usually ridden as a there-and-back day trip from Port de Pollénça. Inland, the Cuevas del Drac near Porto Cristo hide an underground lake, while the hillside villages of the Tramuntana — Fornalutx, Biniaraix, Deià and Valldemossa — offer some of the most scenic, and shaded, riding on the island.
When to Cycle Mallorca
Mallorca has one of the longest cycling seasons in the Mediterranean, which is exactly why professional teams train there over winter. March to May and September to October are the classic windows — mild temperatures, quiet roads and almond blossom in early spring. June to August is hot and considerably busier, especially on the coast, though the mountain villages of the Tramuntana stay cooler. Even January and February are ridable on the flatter coastal stretches, which is part of why the island draws cyclists nearly year-round.
Practical Tips and Getting There
Palma de Mallorca airport is served by direct flights from across Europe and sits close to Ca'n Pastilla, the start and end point of both tours. Both itineraries are self-guided, with route notes and daily luggage transfer between hotels, so you ride with just a day bag. Road bikes suit the Road Bike version well; trekking, gravel and e-bikes are all available on the standard Cycling Tour, which is the better choice for a family or a mixed-ability group riding together. Book ahead for the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, when demand on the island is highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two Mallorca tours?
Same nine-day loop, same hotels, different intensity. The Mallorca Cycling Tour keeps daily distances shorter (29–76 km) with a choice of bikes; the Mallorca Road Bike tour covers the same route on longer road-bike stages, up to 130 km a day.
Do I need to be a strong cyclist for Mallorca?
Not for the standard Cycling Tour, which is a moderate, self-guided route suited to regular cyclists. The Road Bike version, with its longer stages and full Sierra de Tramuntana crossing, suits a fitter, more experienced rider.
Is the Sa Calobra climb included?
Both tours ride the descent to Sa Calobra; a return boat to Port de Sóller is possible sea conditions permitting, or you can ride back up the climb yourself.
When is the best time to cycle Mallorca?
March to May and September to October offer the best combination of mild weather and quieter roads. Summer is busier and hotter but still ridable, especially in the mountains.
Ready to Ride Mallorca?
From the salt flats of Es Trenc to the hairpins of Sa Calobra and the cliffs of Cape Formentor, a loop of Mallorca packs an extraordinary range of landscape into nine days. Browse all our cycling holidays in Spain to compare dates and prices, or talk to a consultant about which pace suits you best.
