Mallorca North—the home of cycling

Mallorca is widely regarded as cycling’s most popular island—a go-to destination for anyone looking for sunshine, smooth roads and an exhilarating variety of terrain. While the whole island caters for the sport, most enthusiasts will make a bee-line to Pollensa and Alcudia in Mallorca North which offers some of the best of cycling routes on the island.

Best cycling routes in Mallorca North

Sitting at the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the Mallorca North region boasts a wide variety of climbs throughout the mountains as well as plenty of flat roads along the coast and undulating country routes to enjoy, too.

As the popularity of competitive cycling as grown, Mallorca North has become home to training bases for top teams including Team Sky as well as plenty of amateur cycling clubs.

While avoiding the midday heat of the summer months, cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year but a highlight of the seasons is springtime--specifically between February and April–when the countryside is covered with blossoms and wild flowers.

The most famous cycling routes in Mallorca North

Sa Calobra is probably the most famous ascent on the island. A road to nowhere except for the small beach with a couple of cafes, the 9.5km climb has an average gradient of seven per cent with an array of sweeping hairpin bends towards the top. Read more about the Sa Calobra route here.

Cap de Formentor is typically considered as a “recovery day ride”—but don’t be under the impression that it’s a flat ride. It starts with a 3.7km climb Coll de sa Creuta followed by a descent and then a gradual rise to the lighthouse that overlooks Formentor—the most northerly tip of the island. Take care on the road in high season as you’ll be competing for space with coach loads of tourists.

Petra Social riders will enjoy the ride from Puerto Pollensa or Puerto Alcudia to Petra as it consists of plenty of undulating and flat roads. Petra is a quiet village but nearby is Sineu which has an outdoor velodrome which is open to the public 24/7 for those who want to burn off more energy.

Pollensa Sa Batalla loop

Starting anywhere on the coast between Alucida and Pollensa, following quiet cycle routes through the villages of Campanet, Selva and Caimari before ascending the Coll de sa Batalla, going past the famous monastery at Llluc before descending the Coll de Femenia towards Pollensa.

Cycling events in Mallorca North

Some of the up-and-coming cycling events in 2019 include:

APRIL 2019: Mallorca Cycling Xperience (Sunday, April 14 & 21) in Playa Muro

An annual ride that takes place in April each year. When it began, it circumnavigated the coastline but the route has since changed to allow for closed roads.

APRIL 2019: Mallorca 321—International cycle tourist tour of Mallorca covering 312km and with an altitude gain of 5,050m, the race begins and ends in Playa de Muro. (April 27)

MAY 2019: Ironman 70.3 (May 11)—an annual triathlon based in Mallorca North which involves swimming in the waters of Puerto Alcudia, cycling in the Tramuntana Mountains and running along the Bay of Alcudia.

OCTOBER 2019: Long Course Weekend Mallorca (From October 26th – 28th) in Alcudia

OUR RECOMMENDATION

If you want the perfect cycling experience we highly recommend Bikefriends-Schon based in the hotel Zafiro Palace in Puerto Alcudia. Brilliant bikes, brilliant service, an enthusiastic, warm hearted team willing to go that bit further for you. Become one of their family you will have a lot of fun.

Call +34 654 681 112, call in at the station or visit their web https://www.bikefriends-schon.de/en/ (English, Spanish and German spoken).