Cycling in Mallorca - Routes, Tips & Rentals

Among cyclists, Mallorca is considered one of the best cycling destinations in all of Europe. No wonder: cycling in Mallorca combines stunning landscapes, well-maintained roads and a mild climate that makes training possible almost all year round. Whether you are a road racing pro, an ambitious amateur or a relaxed touring cyclist, the island has the right route for you. In this guide you will learn which routes are most rewarding, where to rent a bike and what to keep in mind when planning.

Why Mallorca is a mecca for road cyclists

Every year from January to April, thousands of professional and amateur cyclists flock to the island. Teams like the former Team Sky (now INEOS Grenadiers) discovered Mallorca as a training camp long ago. There are several reasons:

Mild temperatures even in winter (10-18 degrees Celsius, 50-64 Fahrenheit) allow year-round outdoor training
Quiet country roads with good surfaces outside the high season
The Serra de Tramuntana offers classic mountain passes over comparatively short distances
Excellent infrastructure with bike shops, workshops and cycling hotels in Palma and Alcúdia
Short transfers from beach to mountain - within an hour you can completely change the character of your ride

But even if you do not bring a road bike and just want to explore the island, cycling in Mallorca has plenty to offer.

The best road cycling routes in Mallorca

Sa Calobra - the undisputed classic

If you think of cycling in Mallorca, you think of Sa Calobra. The climb from Sóller to almost 700 meters of elevation, followed by the descent to the coast on the legendary "necktie road" (Carretera de Sa Calobra), is one of the most iconic road cycling routes in the world. The climb covers about 9.5 km at an average gradient of 7.1 percent. The hairpins and tunnel passages are unforgettable. After the descent, a small cove with turquoise water awaits as your reward.

Difficulty: demanding Length: approx. 40-60 km (depending on starting point) Elevation gain: approx. 1,200 m

Col de Sóller - a green Tramuntana experience

The Col de Sóller connects Palma with the Sóller valley and is a classic Tramuntana climb. The ascent from Palma takes about 1.5 hours at a normal pace. At the top, you either ride through a tunnel or take the far more scenic old pass road down into the green Sóller valley with its orange groves. For the return, simply take the same way back or make a bigger loop via Valldemossa.

Difficulty: moderate Length: approx. 50 km (loop from Palma) Elevation gain: approx. 800 m

The east coast route to Artà

If you prefer flatter terrain, ride along the east coast from Palma to Artà or Cala Ratjada. The route leads through almond groves and small villages, past coves and through the Llevant nature reserve. The section between Cala d'Or and Porto Colom is especially beautiful. This route also suits leisure cyclists and older road bikes.

Difficulty: easy to moderate Length: approx. 80-100 km Elevation gain: approx. 400-600 m

Tip: Starting early pays off

In the summer months, start your road rides before 8 in the morning. The heat is bearable until 11, after which the asphalt mountain roads get very hot very quickly. In spring and fall you can plan more freely - then start times up to 9 or 10 are no problem.

Renting a bike in Palma - your options

If you do not want to bring your own bike, Palma offers a wide range of rental stations. Bike rental in Palma is very professionally organized these days, especially for road bikes:

Intersport Rent (several branches in Palma): Large selection of road bikes and mountain bikes, bookable by the hour or day, helmets included
Mallorca Cycling Tours (Palma): Specialized in high-quality road bikes (Specialized, Trek), daily booking, personal route advice
Bimont Cycle (Palma old town): Well-known local workshop with a good rental range, e-bikes also available
BiciPalma (public bike-share system): For short city rides in Palma, cheap and practical for trips between the old town and the beach

Prices for a decent road bike are around 25-45 euros per day, depending on model and equipment. E-bikes usually cost a bit more, from about 35-60 euros per day.

Note: Check helmet rules and insurance

In Spain, wearing a helmet is required by law when cycling outside built-up areas. When renting a bike in Palma, a helmet is usually included - but check in advance whether liability coverage for damage to the rental bike is part of the deal. On high-end carbon bikes, even a small dent can get expensive.

Cycling the Tramuntana - tips for the mountain passes

Cycling in the Tramuntana makes different demands than coastal rides. A few important pointers:

Keep an eye on the weather: In the Tramuntana, conditions can change quickly. Gusts and rain often arrive without warning. A light wind jacket in your jersey pocket is never a bad idea.
Carry enough supplies: There are hardly any supermarkets on the passes. Refill your bottles in villages like Esporles, Banyalbufar or Estellencs.
Check your brake pads: The long descents - especially after Sa Calobra - put enormous strain on the brakes. Riding down with worn pads is dangerous.
Group rides: In high season (February to April), many team support vehicles are on the roads. Keep right and ride predictably.

For more tips on sport and leisure activities on the island, see our guide to leisure and sport on Mallorca, which gives a good overview of all outdoor activities.

Mountain biking and gravel riding in Mallorca

Beyond the road routes, Mallorca offers exciting options for MTB and gravel riders too. The Tramuntana has numerous unpaved paths and old mule tracks (camins de ferradura) that are great for gravel bikes. The section of the GR 221 between Andratx and Estellencs in particular rides very well on a wide-tired gravel bike.

For mountain bikers, there are easier trails in the south of the island, around Cala d'Or and in the hills near Felanitx. If you are looking for demanding singletrack, the Tramuntana delivers, but you should have good local knowledge or use an app like Komoot.

The leisure and sport guide has more information on guided bike tours and outdoor experiences on the island.

Conclusion: cycling in Mallorca is worth it for everyone

Mallorca rightly ranks among Europe's most popular cycling destinations. Cycling in Mallorca wins you over with varied routes, professional infrastructure and a climate that allows sport almost all year round. Whether you climb the Tramuntana on a road bike, roll leisurely along the east coast or rent a bike in Palma for a city tour, the island has the right ride for every level.

The best months for your cycling trips are February to May or September to November. Temperatures are ideal, the roads are not crowded and the light is unbeatable for photos. With the right bike, a bit of preparation and this guide, nothing stands in the way of your cycling adventure on Mallorca. If you prefer guided tours, check the offers on GetYourGuide, where you will find rides for all levels.