Three cyclists riding along a coastal bike path in Pollensa, Mallorca

Port Pollensa: Mallorca’s Epic Base for Cycling

Located on the bay below Mallorca’s northernmost tip, Port Pollensa is hugged by turquoise sea, picturesque countryside and Tramuntana mountains. Because Mallorca is a small island, you’ll be in Port Pollensa within 45 minutes of leaving Palma airport. It's the heart of Mallorcan cycling culture and where pretty much most cyclists that want to ride Mallorca's best climbs, base themselves.

There ia a reason so many riders base themselves here. From the proximity to some of the best cycling in Europe, to the golden beach and horseshoe bay, this is where we would recommend you stay to get the most out of your Mallorca cycling holiday.

Cap Formentor and Sa Calobra are some of the most iconic climbs and rides in Europe, and guess what? They're just around the corner from Port Pollensa.

Routes

Cap Formentor Lighthouse

Jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea sits the iconic Cap de Formentor Lighthouse, a magnet for all keen cyclists. Crystal water crashes against rock on one side and the grit of limestone peaks rises over the road on the other. As atmosphere’s go, the ride to Cap de Formentor is truly dramatic and mesmerising. If that’s not enough, look out for the rugged mountain goats tiptoeing across craggy cliffs!

The route is only 20km from Port Pollensa, which is why it has become so attractive to cyclists. An out and back spin from the port will only be 40km but it will see you climb over 1,000m in elevation, so it's certainly a tough enough ride in its own right.

We have a whole guide dedicated to the ligthouse ride so if you want to know more, click here.

Sa Calobra Climb

The route to Sa Calobra and the epic climb itself, is without a doubt, one of the best cycle routes you can tackle. From the pristine tarmac to the winding switchbacks overlooking incredible scenery, Sa Calobra is made of every road cyclist’s dream. Originally built to ferry tourists to the small Port de Sa Calobra, the climb is now peppered with cyclists posting their time against the KOM held by Tom Pidcock.

What goes down must go up is certainly the case with this climb. You first climb 685m to the top of Sa Calobra via the Coll de Femenia, then downhill to the coast. The actual Sa Colabra climb begins here, and takes you 9.5km at a hardy 7% average gradient, over the infamous tie know and a short burst to the Coll de Reis sign between the rocks. Make sure to set off early if you’d like to climb Sa Calobra when it’s less crowded and if you want an in depth look at Sa Calobra, check out our Sa Calobra guide.

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Whether you're a keen road cyclist, enjoy riding an e-bike or hybrid bike, or want to get your family more active, we have the perfect cycling holiday for you.

Ride The Flatlands

*In contrast to the gorgeous coast, and the tempting Tramuntana mountains, the Mallorcan flatlands offer a picturesque solitude. Cycle into orange and almond grove paradise and explore the authentic heart of Mallorca. Along the way you’ll stumble across villages and towns such as Campanet, Inca and Sa Pobla. Occasionally these towns will have quaint markets open to buy fresh produce and handicrafts that we couldn’t recommend visiting more!

One of our most popular loop rides from Port Pollensa circles for 82km with 700m of ascent, yet is rolling, rather than mountainous. The maximum height for a climb is only 200m, meaning the route is ideal for winding down the legs after a day in the mountains. After setting off from Port Pollensa, you can cycle via Alcudia towards Llubi and Inca on quiet country roads. On your way home make sure to grab a coffee in Caimari at cycling themed cafe, Sa Ruta Verda.

Coll De Soller Climb

We’re back in the Tramuntana mountains again, and this time, let us introduce you to Coll de Soller. Jam packed with switchbacks and breathtaking views, along with little traffic, the climb has won the hearts of many cyclists.

If you’re a thrill seeker, Soller is right up your street, with a gnarly 20km winding descent into Soller port. The port itself is more secluded than Port Pollensa, as the only way in is by weaving through the mountains. Once there, admire the view out to sea, with colourful anchored boats lolling peacefully and treat yourself to a seafood dinner.

To conquer Coll de Soller from Port Pollensa, you’ll be looking at a 147km ride with nearly 3000m of climbing. We recommend tackling Soller from the North side, after refuelling in Port Soller, as you’ll need the energy for your ride home. It’s also more challenging, and we love a good sufferfest! Although the gradient is a pretty steady 5.7%, there is another 6.4km climb at a similar gradient afterwards.

We have a whole guide dedicated to the Coll de Soller or see our blog if you want to know what the 10 best climbs in Mallorca are.

Read about Sa Calobra

Read about Cap Formentor

Read about Coll de sa Batalla

Read about Sobremunt

Read about Puig Major

Read about Port De Valldemossa

Read about Coll de Randa

Read about Coll d'Honor

Read about Coll de Soller

Read about Coll de Femenia

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