If you’re looking for a destination to provide jaw-dropping scenery, perfect tarmac, great food and a pleasant vacation with your partner, you can bank on booing a trip to Mallorca.
After countless of bike trips with my better half, we’ve gotten quite good at organising good bike holidays.
This time a lot of things came together for a great trip.
Here is an overview of our cycling routes and what made our bike trip to Mallorca stand out.
Cycling routes Mallorca day 1 // Sunset ride to Cap de Formentor // 52 km
Wow.
I had already heard a lot about this sunset ride. Yet, it exceeded my expectations.
We arrived at our resort in the afternoon and quickly decided we couldn’t wait until morning to take our bikes for a spin. Just made it to Cap de Formentor during the golden hour, which made for a stunningly beautiful experience.
Easily on the top-10 routes I’ve ever ridden.
Cycling routes Mallorca day 2 // Sa Pobla spin // 49 km
Due to non-existing training base, we needed a short and flat route.
Rode south and inland to Sa Pobla before returning to the coast. Somewhat less exiting than last night, but still some nice scenery with lush fields and small towns along the way.
Highlight of the ride was lunch at our favorite place, Negre, in Alcudia. Have yet to not have a great meal here, the vibe is cool and the staff pleasant.
Day 3 // Lluc loop // 74 km
What a great ride. Our loop against the clock via Lluc started with a climb of 400 vertical meters that was gentle enough for two pale and unfit Norwegians to enjoy.
At the top, you’ll meet a huge crowd of cyclists at the gas station, doing either the same route or on their way to or from Sa Calobra. The descent from Lluc was majestic.
We were pleased with our decision to cut back east from Caimari, which took us along some quite and picturesque roads back to the coast.
Day 5 // Sunrise ride to Cap de Formentor // 51 km
We loved this ride so much we decided to do it at sunrise.
So we departed at 07:30 and got to enjoy the sunset while cruising along the beach to Port de Pollença. Getting out this early meant we had the entire road to ourselves.
When we approached the climb from Port de Pollença on our return, we ran into an endless stream of cyclists, cars and motorcycles. Totally satisfied with our decision to get up a few hours ahead of the bunch.
We stopped by Holibikes in Port de Pollença for lunch and coffee on our way home. You know those authentic cycling joints, made by athletes for athletes, with notoriously good food and coffee. This is one of them.
Stamp of approval was the fact that an Ineos Grenadiers rider Ben Swift stopped by for coffee.
Day 6 // Sa Calobra // 102 km
I could not leave the island without checking out the climb you’ve heard so much about.
Pretty flat from 5 days of riding off of zero training base, I made the ride no easier by forgetting my credit card. So I had to make due on 180 grams of Haribo, one banana and water.
So much for my attempt at a decent time up the coveted climb. Flat battery after 500 meters on RPE 5/10. But what a scenery.
Again, I started my ride at 07:30. Which turned out a good call. I descended Sa Calobra meeting only a handful of cyclists. By the time I was 2/3 up again, there was a long line of buses and cars rolling down the hill in the opposite direction.
So get there early – you won’t regret it.
Here is the route I rode on Strava
A few more decisive factors for a great bike trip
Beyond the amazing bike rides, a few more good calls ensured we had one of our best bike trips ever to Mallorca.
These included:
- staying in close proximity to great riding
- great choice of bike-friendly resort
- smooth airport transfer
For more details on the above, visit the descriptions in my recent Youtube video from the trip.
Enjoy your trip to Mallorca!
– Martin
PS! For more travel inspiration, check out this blog from another great cycling destination.