The Complete Guide to Cycling Mallorca

Sun, sea, and switchbacks. Mallorca has all the ingredients of a cyclist’s paradise. It’s no wonder the island has become a mecca for riders of every level, from Tour de France pros to weekend adventurers. Our complete guide to cycling in Mallorca shows you how to experience it all.

Topography

​​Mallorca, the crown jewel of the Balearic Islands, is set in the sparkling Mediterranean just east of mainland Spain. Its landscape is remarkably varied, from the rugged peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana in the northwest to the gentle, fertile plains of the central Es Pla region. Along the coast, you’ll find golden sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs, while inland is a tapestry of olive groves, almond orchards, and rolling farmland.

The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the island’s most iconic climbs, including Sa Calobra and the winding road to Cap de Formentor. These routes have earned Mallorca a place on the training calendars of professional cyclists from around the world.

Beyond the mountains, the terrain opens up to flatter, quieter roads that pass through charming villages and coastal towns like Port de Pollença, Cala Ratjada, and Colonia de Sant Jordi. Whether you seek the challenge of steep ascents or relaxed rides along the shoreline, cycling in Mallorca is a gratifying experience for every style and pace.

Climate

Warm, dry summers and soft, cooler winters give Mallorca a Mediterranean climate perfect for year-round cycling adventures. Sunshine is abundant, with more than 300 sunny days annually, and the island’s varied landscapes mean microclimates can shift subtly from one region to another.

Summer temperatures typically range from 27 to 33 °C (81 to 91 °F) in July and August, with the central plains often feeling warmer than the breezier coastal areas. Spring and autumn offer comfortably warm conditions, ideal for long rides through the countryside or along the coast.

The Tramuntana Mountains in the northwest can influence local weather, bringing cooler temperatures and occasional rain to higher elevations, while the lowlands and southern coast remain sunnier and drier. Winds like the embat, a gentle sea breeze, can be a welcome relief on hot days, though stronger gusts can occasionally add challenge while cycling Mallorca.

Rainfall is modest and mostly concentrated in autumn and early spring, with winter bringing cooler but still mild days, especially along the coast. Almond blossoms brighten the island in January and February, while the peak beach and cycling season runs from late April through October, with autumn grape harvests adding another layer of seasonal charm.

Flora and Fauna

Mallorca’s landscapes are a tapestry of Mediterranean plant life, shaped by its varied terrain and mild climate. From the sun-drenched coasts lined with Aleppo pines to the terraced olive groves of the Tramuntana Mountains, the island’s flora changes dramatically as you ride from one region to another.

The island is especially famous for its centuries-old olive trees, some with twisted trunks that have stood for over a thousand years. In late winter, almond trees blanket the countryside in clouds of pink and white blossoms, creating a fleeting but spectacular display. Wild herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and fennel grow freely in the rocky hillsides, their scent often carried along with the warm breeze. Coastal zones feature hardy shrubs and sea lavender, while inland valleys are dotted with citrus orchards, vineyards, and carob trees.

Mallorca’s diverse habitats also support a wealth of wildlife. Birdwatchers will find the wetlands of S’Albufera Natural Park alive with herons, egrets, and migratory species like ospreys. The Serra de Tramuntana is home to the endemic Balearic warbler and Eleonora’s falcon, which nests along the rugged cliffs. In quieter rural stretches, cyclists might spot rabbits darting across the road, the occasional hedgehog, or lizards sunning themselves on stone walls.

When cycling in Mallorca along coastal roads or climbing into pine-shaded mountain passes, the island’s blend of plant life and wildlife offers a constant connection to its natural rhythms.

Economy

Tourism, agriculture, and traditional crafts form the backbone of Mallorca’s economy, each shaped by the island’s landscapes and seasonal cycles. As the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, it draws millions of visitors each year for its beaches, cycling routes, mountain trails, and cultural heritage, making tourism the single biggest economic driver. Coastal towns like Port de Pollença and Port de Sóller thrive during the high season, with hotels, restaurants, and outdoor activity providers catering to travelers from across the world.

Agriculture still plays a vital role, particularly in the rural interior. The island is renowned for its olive oil, much of it produced from centuries-old groves in the Tramuntana foothills. Almond farming is another mainstay, with blossoms in late winter signaling the start of the agricultural year. Vineyards flourish in regions like Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, producing distinctive wines that have earned protected designation of origin (DO) status. Citrus orchards, carob trees, and vegetable farms add to Mallorca’s agricultural output, supplying both local markets and export trade.

Small-scale artisanal industries help preserve the island’s heritage. Traditional shoemaking in Inca, handwoven textiles, pottery, and glassblowing remain important to the local economy, often supported by tourism. Coastal fishing communities, such as those near Cala Ratjada and Colònia de Sant Jordi, maintain a modest but steady livelihood from the sea, supplying fresh seafood to markets and restaurants.

Mallorca’s year-round appeal means its economy benefits from both peak summer tourism and off-season visitors, particularly cyclists and hikers who come in spring and autumn for the mild weather. This blend of tourism, agriculture, and craft traditions gives the island both a modern international presence and a deeply rooted local identity.

1. Landscapes Where The Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea Meet

Mallorca offers some of the most diverse cycling terrain in the Mediterranean. The UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana range runs along the northwest with winding mountain roads, dramatic sea cliffs, and shaded pine forests. The interior is a patchwork of almond orchards, vineyards, and rolling farmland, while the coast alternates between sandy beaches, hidden rocky coves, and traditional fishing harbours.

Rides in the east pass the fortified town of Capdepera and the quiet coves of Cala Ratjada, while in the west, the route to Port de Sóller offers a breathtaking descent to a sheltered bay. Whether you are climbing to high mountain passes or riding along gentle coastal flatlands, the scenery shifts constantly and keeps every route fresh.

2. Mouth-watering Mediterranean Delicacies, Sourced Fresh From the Land and the Sea

The island’s culinary traditions are deeply connected to its land and sea. Local specialties include pa amb oli, a rustic bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil, freshly caught seafood, and rich sobrassada sausage. Markets in towns such as Sóller, Inca, and Pollença are filled with seasonal produce, almonds, olives, and figs. Many cycling routes pass near vineyards producing wines from native grapes like Manto Negro and Callet, offering scenic tasting stops along the way. In spring, the citrus groves of the Sóller Valley fill the air with fragrance, and cafés along the Port de Pollença promenade make ideal post-ride stops to enjoy the sea views with a glass of fresh orange juice.

3. Stories in Stone and Time

Mallorca’s roads lead through a living timeline of cultures and architecture. Walled towns such as Alcúdia preserve their medieval gates and Roman ruins, while Pollença’s cobbled streets open into sunlit plazas lined with cafés. Historic monasteries like Lluc and Sant Salvador crown hilltops with sweeping views of the island. Traditional stone terraces, dry-stone walls, and windmills are scattered across the countryside, telling stories of centuries of agricultural life. Coastal rides often pass small fishing villages that still follow age-old maritime traditions, making for charming, authentic breaks along the way.

4. An Island Built for the Ride

Smooth roads, excellent signage, and infrastructure make cycling Mallorca a celebrated riding experience. The mild Mediterranean climate allows for a long riding season, with warm springs, sunny autumns, and comfortable mornings in summer. Legendary climbs such as Sa Calobra and Puig Major test seasoned cyclists, while coastal paths near Port de Pollença and rural lanes through the central plain offer relaxed rides for beginners. With varied terrain, stunning scenery, and plenty of cafés for rest stops, the island is as welcoming to casual riders as it is to professional athletes.

1. Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is one of Mallorca’s most legendary climbs, a 26-hairpin serpentine road carved into limestone cliffs that drops down to a secluded harbor before demanding the climb back up. At its base lies a small pebbled beach and a tiny café where many riders pause before the ascent. The ride is physically demanding, with gradients that challenge even experienced cyclists, but each switchback offers a new and spectacular view over the turquoise sea and jagged peaks of the Tramuntana. Many combine it with the Coll de Sóller, a classic mountain pass with gentle gradients and sweeping bends through pine forests, or Puig Major, the highest peak on the island with a sustained climb that rewards you with vast views over the mountains and the Mediterranean.

2. Port de Pollença and Cap de Formentor

From the laid-back seaside town of Port de Pollença, the road to Cap de Formentor is one of the most photogenic rides in Mallorca. It hugs cliffs that plunge into the sea, cuts through fragrant pine forests, and climbs to viewpoints where you can see the entire northern coastline. The final stretch to the lighthouse offers sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean and the craggy headland. Early mornings are ideal here, when the light turns the sea silver and the traffic is almost nonexistent. Cyclists often linger in Port de Pollença afterward to enjoy a beachside meal or a coffee with mountain views.

3. Port de Sóller

Port de Sóller, nestled between the Tramuntana mountains and the sea, is a perfect base for both coastal rides and mountain ascents. The approach from Palma via the Coll de Sóller is a classic climb with steady gradients and hairpins that keep the ride engaging. From the harbor, you can explore rugged coastal roads toward Deià and Valldemossa or tackle the higher passes toward Puig Major. The town itself is postcard-pretty, with a crescent-shaped bay, a historic tram, and orange groves that scent the air in spring. Many cyclists finish their rides with fresh seafood and a sunset over the water.

4. Alcúdia to Cap de Pollença

This route combines cultural heritage with gentle cycling through open landscapes and coastline. Beginning in the medieval walled town of Alcúdia, with its narrow cobbled streets and lively market, the road rolls past quiet beaches and fishing villages. As you head toward Cap de Pollença, the terrain offers a comfortable mix of flats and gentle inclines, making it ideal for riders looking for scenic variety without intense climbs. Along the way, you can stop at small cafés or take detours to lesser-known coves for a refreshing dip in the sea.

5. Porto Cristo and the Caves

On Mallorca’s calmer eastern shore, Porto Cristo offers a slower-paced cycling experience perfect for exploring the island’s maritime charm. Routes here take you past secluded coves, working fishing harbors, and the renowned Cuevas del Drach. These underground caves, with their vast stalactites and illuminated lake, make for an unforgettable off-the-bike excursion. The surrounding roads are smooth and relatively flat, winding through farmland dotted with almond and olive trees. Riders often combine the area with coastal detours to Cala Millor or Sa Coma for a varied day in the saddle.

6. Cala Ratjada

Located on the island’s northeast tip, Cala Ratjada blends coastal beauty with an authentic fishing-village atmosphere. Cycling routes from here often trace the shoreline toward Capdepera Lighthouse, where the views stretch across to Menorca on clear days. Inland, quiet country roads wind through pine forests and rolling hills, offering a mix of moderate climbs and relaxed stretches. The waterfront promenade is a pleasant spot to rest post-ride, with plenty of cafés serving fresh seafood and the local speciality, tumbet, a vegetable dish perfect for refuelling.

7. Colònia de Sant Jordi and Es Trenc

Colònia de Sant Jordi is a tranquil starting point for cycling Mallorca’s sunlit south. The route toward Es Trenc beach passes shimmering salt flats, open meadows, and coastal trails where the air smells faintly of sea and rosemary. Es Trenc itself is a pristine stretch of white sand lapped by clear, shallow waters, inviting you to cool off after your ride. This is cycling at its most leisurely, with time to stop for a swim, enjoy a seafood lunch by the harbor, or watch the flamingos that gather in the salt ponds during migration season.

Best Season: March to June and September to October

Spring and early summer are among the most popular times for cycling in Mallorca. Between March and June, the island bursts into color with blooming almond trees, wildflowers along rural roads, and citrus groves heavy with fruit. The Tramuntana mountains are lush and green, and coastal rides offer bright blue sea views under warm, clear skies. Daytime temperatures typically range from 17 to 27°C (62 to 80°F), making climbs like Sa Calobra and Puig Major more comfortable before the peak summer heat.

September and October are equally rewarding, with long, golden afternoons, quieter roads after the summer rush, and warm sea breezes that take the edge off hill climbs. Vineyards begin their grape harvest, olive groves prepare for picking, and the countryside glows in autumn light. It’s a great time to enjoy both high-mountain routes and leisurely coastal spins without heavy tourist traffic.

Shoulder Season: February and November

February is famous for Mallorca’s almond blossom season, when the island’s fields turn pink and white, creating spectacular backdrops for rides through rural villages. The weather is mild but can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so layering is key. November brings cooler days, with averages between 14 and 20°C (57 and 68°F), and a quieter, more local rhythm. This is the time for peaceful rides along empty lanes, exploring historic towns like Alcúdia or Sóller, and lingering over hearty Mallorcan meals after your ride.

Off-Season: December to January

Winter in Mallorca is generally mild compared to mainland Europe, with daytime highs often between 12 and 17°C (53 and 62°F). The lower valleys and coastal routes remain pleasant, but higher mountain passes can be chilly or occasionally wet. Some tourist services scale back, but the trade-off is near-empty roads and tranquil landscapes. For cyclists who don’t mind dressing for the season, this is a chance to see Mallorca stripped back to its authentic, slow-paced winter beauty.

1. Pa amb Oli

This simple yet deeply satisfying dish is a staple of Mallorcan tables. Rustic bread is rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled generously with local olive oil, and often topped with cured ham, cheese, or anchovies. Eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a light evening meal, pa amb oli embodies the island’s love for fresh, unpretentious flavors. Many cyclists stop at roadside cafés to enjoy it alongside a strong cortado. .

2. Tumbet

Often compared to ratatouille, tumbet is a layered vegetable dish made with slices of potato, eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers, all slowly cooked in olive oil and finished with a rich tomato sauce. Served either warm or at room temperature, it is a summer favorite that makes the most of Mallorca’s sun-ripened produce. It pairs perfectly with grilled fish or a simple salad after a long ride.

3. Sobrassada

This soft, spreadable cured sausage is one of Mallorca’s most iconic foods. Made from pork, paprika, and spices, sobrassada has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that is irresistible on crusty bread. It is often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey, creating a balance of savory and sweet. Cyclists might encounter it at traditional markets or rural eateries where it has been made the same way for generations.

4. Ensaimada

Perhaps Mallorca’s most famous pastry, the ensaimada is a spiral-shaped sweet bread made with lard, giving it an airy, tender texture. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar or filled with cream, pumpkin jam, or chocolate, it is a popular breakfast treat. Locals often pair it with hot chocolate or coffee, making it a comforting indulgence before setting out to cycling Mallorca.

5. Local Wines of Binissalem and Pla i Llevant

Mallorca’s wine regions, especially Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, produce elegant reds, crisp whites, and refreshing rosés from indigenous grape varieties like Manto Negro and Prensal Blanc. Many vineyards welcome cyclists for tastings, offering a chance to enjoy a glass while looking out over the rolling countryside. After a day on the bike, sampling a local vintage is a perfect way to connect with the island’s agricultural traditions.

Explore cycling in Mallorca with a bike tour that takes you through dramatic coastal routes, quiet inland lanes, and charming stone villages. Cycling here offers a rare mix of Mediterranean landscapes, rich history, and the laid-back island lifestyle.

Art of Bicycle Trips, with over a decade of expertise in creating memorable cycling holidays, offers carefully designed tours that showcase the very best of Mallorca. Ride with the ease of knowing that every detail is taken care of, from expert tour leaders and handpicked boutique stays to authentic local food experiences and a dedicated support vehicle every step of the way.