Alternative Cycling Routes in Mallorca

Most road cyclists in Mallorca have heard of Sa Calobra or Puig Major but there are hundreds of alternative cycling routes in Mallorca that are just waiting to be discovered. The 9.5km route up Sa Calobra, or a loop through the Tramuntana mountains draws road cyclists like a magnet but if you only ride the collection of iconic climbs, you’re missing out on so much more.

Choose a point on nearly any road in Mallorca and we guarantee picturesque scenery, a charming town or sparkling coastline. Epic cycling routes in Mallorca include the wild north east, the traditional and agricultural flatlands and the south east coast where probably the most stunning beach in Mallorca, Es Trenc, sits.

Check out our 5 favourite alternative cycling routes in Mallorca.

1. The Western Coast

Mallorca’s Western coast is especially beautiful, laced with undulating terrain and coastal cliff-top tarmac roads. Situated in the South West of the island is the stylish Port Andratx, where fishermen still haul in fresh fish.

Because Port Andratx is easily accessible to the Ma-10 coastal road, it makes for an ideal starting point. The Ma-10 will take you 60km North to Deia, a gorgeous hilltop town known for being home to artists. Nearly all of the Ma-10 looks out onto the deep blue Balearic Sea, crashing against rugged cliff faces.

Along with the awe inspiring coast to keep you company, typical Mallorcan towns are also dotted throughout the route. Our two favourite towns are Banyalbufar and Valledmossa. Quaint and rich in history, Banyalbufar is nestled between mountains overlooking the sea. It offers spectacular coastal views and you will ride through Estellencs if you take the coastal route. It’s absolutely stunning although there is still some significant climbing around this area.

Valledmossa is equally gorgeous. Stop here amongst the rustic buildings for a coffee and Coca de Patata pastry, the town’s delicacy. If you have the legs for it, ride down to Valldemossa port and the climb back up it. It’s a hidden gem and not a famous Mallorca climb but it’s known locally as the mini Sa Calobra. The views are beautiful, the switchbacks are tough and you can normally ride it without seeing another soul. Check out a review of the Port Valldemossa route here or below for the GPX file of the route.

2. Mallorca’s Heartlands

Away from bustling tourist hotspots, the heart of Mallorca takes you closer to the traditional towns and lifestyles of locals. If you’re looking for alternative cycling routes in Mallorca, look to the flatlands.

The terrain is also a lot flatter than the neighbouring Tramuntana Mountains, attracting families and cycling novices. Because the island’s centre is predominantly countryside, you can explore small, quiet roads amongst a patchwork of vineyards and orange groves. Rustic windmills are also dotted about the landscape, making for some very picturesque scenes.

It is possible to cycle through Mallorca’s heart in 1 day within 60-70km, travelling from Llucmajor to Campanet. However, if you’d like to spend more time wandering around the beautiful towns en route, break it into 2-3 days. Sineu, an old Roman town features stunning architecture and the most popular market in Mallorca every Wednesday between 8am-1pm. Similarly, Muro is full of sandstone buildings, dating back to 1232. In particular the 17th century gothic church of Església de Sant Joan Baptista can be seen far across the plain. Another fascinating town, Sa Pobla, is full of lively events, such as the Potato Festival in May and Jazz Festival in August.

The Campanet Caves

One of our favourite places to visit is Campanet. Located in the foothills of the Tramuntana, you can ride really easy distances out to the east, or up into the famous Mallorcan climbs to the west.

There’s also a hidden place to visit, the Campanet caves. Dating back millions of years, the caves of Campanet were discovered by a farmer shortly after the second world war. You can visit them and explore a myriad of tunnels and caves that date back to the dawn of time. Check out a very easy route through Sa Pobla passing by the Campanet caves on our GPX file below.

3. The Coll De Randa

The Coll de Randa is not as tough as any climb in the Tramuntana. It’s not as long as not as well known as others. We do however rate it as the seventh best climb on the island and it’s one you do not want to miss.

The Coll de Randa is completely isolated as a climb, sitting as it does in the middle of the flatlands. The views that you get from the top are awe inspiring. You can see for miles with mountains to the west and the glittering Mediterranean to the south. It is also a mystical climb with the 13th century Santuari de Cura monastery sitting proudly atop it. The monastery has a stunning stone courtyard where you can enjoy the views, and it’s been converted into a fabulous restaurant. This is Mallorca culture and heritage.

The climb itself starts from Randa, a small village just north of Llucmajor. You will approach it through the rural flatlands riding through orange groves and almond blossoms. The official Strava segment starts with a sign showing the route to the monastery of Santuari de Randa.

The first part of the climb is the toughest with ramps of up to 5%. The quiet flatlands have been left behind by this point and you will be riding through pine forests before you reach a narrow switchback where the road opens to the valley. When you spot the radar station tower you will be close to the top and you can ride to the stone entrance of the famous monastery of Santuari de Cura.

4. The Eastern Coast

For the beach hunters, this Mallorca cycling route is for you. Think golden sands, crystal clear water and hidden coves where nobody goes. If you start in the south you can also ride through Es Trenc, a stretch of coastline with no buildings, just golden sands and turquoise waters.

The total route distance is around 70km starting in Santanyi and ending in Arta. You can either choose to ride at a leisurely pace and stop overnight in coastal towns, or kick up some speed. After all, whilst the terrain is undulating, ascents rarely top 100m. Even if you’re a speed demon, we recommend spending an hour relaxing on the beach!

Cala d’Or is an especially loved area for gorgeous beaches, with 5 stretching out along the coastline. Surrounded by pine forests and sheltered coves, each one is unique yet all are just as picturesque as the other. Further along the coast sits Cala Millor, which boasts a large promenade overlooking the golden sands and sea. If you don’t have the chance to visit Cala d’Or’s beaches, or discover a cove for yourself, definitely take a pit stop at Cala Millor. Your final destination, Arta, is a medieval gem tucked into a valley amongst the Llevant Natural Park. Here, you can wander around the Santuari de Sant Salvador, a medieval fortress or the Arta to Ses Paisses, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement.

5. The Best Climbs In Mallorca

Of course, no list of Mallorca cycling routes is complete without the Tramuntana Mountain range. If you’re looking for an alternative route of climbs, we highly recommend a Mallorca cycling route which takes in some of the lesser known climbs. Ride the Coll d’Honor or the Coll d’Orient as part of your day and you will experience climbing in Mallorca away from the hustle and bustle of Sa Calobra. Also it’s good to know that cycling the Coll de Soller from the south side is much quieter than approaching from the north. Due to the South side sitting in the sun for longer, it tends to be slightly hotter, deterring some cyclists. Therefore, especially in the morning you’ll find that Coll de Soller can be just as quiet as Mallorca’s flatlands.

Whilst Sa Calobra and Cap de Formentor are Mallorca’s poster climbs (and rightly so), Coll de Soller is just as exhilarating. 5km of hairpin heaven never goes amiss in our books, particularly when it leads to a summit cafe serving up cake. Base yourself in Port Pollensa, which has easy access to all of the Tramuntana’s iconic climbs. From here, the route to the South side of Soller is 70km – not for the less experienced! Descend into Port de Soller, a small town with unwavering beauty. Before the Soller tunnel opened in 1997, the town was virtually untouched by the commercialism seeping into other major towns. Consequently, there is an atmosphere of authenticity in Port de Soller, which makes the climb there (and back) worth it.

Check out our route of what we think is the best Mallorca cycling route which takes in some of the quieter climbs.

Mallorca Cycling Holidays

For more information about other exciting cycling experiences we offer, visit our Mallorca cycling holidays page.