MALLORCA RIDING GUIDE
ISLAND CYCLING PARADISE
Mallorca’s reputation as a cycling mecca is built on solid rock. Literally. From the Coll Se Creu just 40 minutes’ ride from the Café du Cycliste shop in Palma to the Cap de Formentor at the opposite end of the island the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range is where cycling gold is to be found.
Sunshine, solid climbs, perfectly engineered roads, the Mediterranean and a local community tuned into the needs of the visiting cyclist. And for those who like to be alternative there is a network of lanes and double tracks across the agricultural lands and historic villages that lie to the south of the mountains.
Being an island, it’s always easy to find a spot for a sunset, tapas and refreshments over which to pick the next day’s parcours. This is Mallorca.
CAFÉ DU CYCLISTE is based on Plaça Rosari in Palma where you can find the full men and women’s collections, bikes to rent, rides to join, quality coffee and racing on the tv.
ROAD RIDES
Pre-prepared rides to lock and load on to your computer, illustrated with visual references to inspire and navigate you to the best bits of The Island. From the must-do’s, the lesser knowns to the true alternatives, click and select a different daily ride.
THE ISLAND’S CLIMBS & COLLS
From a distance the jagged peaks of the Island’s northern mountains look almost insurmountable. That the original constructors managed to lay any roads is impressive, that they did it so beautifully is a feat of engineering. Sa Calobra may grab the limelight but Puig Major, Coll de Soller and the lower Femenia and Sa Creu all deserve celebration.
PUIG MAJOR
To the tunnel. The Island’s highest climb with billiard table smooth tarmac, a gradual gradient, big views and a military installation and lake at the top.
VIEW THE CLIMB
COLL DE SOLLER
A gateway from the southern plains into the Valley of Gold. Reserved almost exclusively for cyclists thanks to the tunnel below, Soller is stacked with switchbacks and decorated by olive trees.
VIEW THE CLIMB
CAP DE FORMENTOR
Antoni Pairetti’s road engineering pièce de resistance. It’s a climb, but not as you know it.
VIEW THE CLIMB
COLL DE SA BATALLA
A picture perfect mix of forests, hairpins and rocky ridges. And with a café at the Coll, there’s a reason this is an Island favourite.
VIEW THE CLIMB
COLL DE FEMENIA
Too often overlooked as being simply the way to Sa Calobra, Coll de Femenia deserves its own spotlight. Its panoramas are the perfect introduction to the beauty of the Tramuntana peaks and ridgelines.
VIEW THE CLIMBCOLS ON FILM
Sa Calobra is the toughest climb on the island, measuring 9.4kms in length with an average gradient of 7% and serving up no less than 26 hairpins between the sea and the famous 270 degree neck tie bend before the top.
DUE SOUTH
To The Island, under your own steam. Discover the shop-to-shop DIY Audax adventure from one riding paradise to another and perhaps be inspired to create your own.
1 - THE STORE
Located in Palma's Plaça del Rosari, our Mallorca store is 15 minutes’ drive from the airport and 40 minutes’ ride from the Coll de Sa Creu. Find the full collection in-store plus a quality coffee, racing on the big screen and friendly faces to recommend rides and restaurants alike.
2 - RENT AND RIDE
Travel light and book your bike. You can choose from a selection 2 premium bikes - the COLNAGOS V3RS for on road adventures and the STAJVELO ROCCA for exploring paths off the beaten track.
3 - CAPITAL GAINS
Palma is the anchor of Mallorcan history and culture. Old town streets, seaside paths, and that cathedral.
Complete your Mallorcan cycling holiday with a visit to the capital.
All Island life is here.
how to arrive
With flights from around 30 different countries, it is easy to fly to Mallorca. Situated only 8km from Palma city, getting into town by bus or taxi is simple and fast.
For those on a road trip or adverse to flying, there are daily ferries from Barcelona to the Island.
where to stay
Where to base your cycling holiday is a question of choice and practicality. Thankfully the island has both. Whether it’s the traditional streets of Soller, the big city lights of Palma or the proximity of Pollença, you can find bike friendly places in every corner. For more information on where to stay, see the Mallorcan Tourist Board website.
