So you’re trying to work out where to stay on your next cycling holiday in Mallorca. We have 1 very simple question to ask yourself. What do you want to get out of your time cycling in Mallorca. If you want to hit the biggest and best climbs that the island has to offer, you simply have to stay in Port Pollensa, or deep in the Tramuntana mountain range itself. If you want some good climbing interspersed with some leg spinning flat options, pretty much anywhere from Port Pollensa to Can Picafort would suit you. However, if you want rural Mallorca, flat riding, quiet roads and a bit more off the beaten track experience, it has to be a boutique finca in somewhere like Sineu or Sa Pobla.
Choosing the right place to stay on the island can make all the difference in your cycling holiday experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to stay in Mallorca for a cycling holiday, whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively town with plenty of amenities.
The North
Port Pollensa
It’s difficult to look past Port Pollensa as the go to place for Mallorca cycling holidays. There is a reason that in 2022, we sent over 5,000 riders to the town. Quite simply, it’s a cycling haven with the mountains on your doorstep and the stunning bay stretching out in front of you.
The town’s location at the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains provides cyclists with easy access to some of the island’s most scenic and challenging routes. Most riders will want to tick off some bucket list climbs such as Sa Calobra or Cap Formentor and the port couldn’t be better positioned for this. You can be on the Cap Formentor route inside 3km from the port, whilst the mountains, albeit a little bit further away than that, can allow you some truly epic days in the saddle, riding from the port.
The town also has a bustling cycling scene with plenty of bike rental shops, repair services, and cycling cafes. A golden sandy beach overlooking Pollensa bay also hits the spot after a day of cycling in the Tramuntana mountains!
Alcudia
Alcudia is another northern town that caters towards cyclists. It’s further down the coast than Port Pollensa and so further from the mountains, but it’s also superbly positioned for a bit more exploration into Mallorca’s north eastern rugged coast, and the flatlands due south.
In addition to its cycling opportunities, Alcudia also has a rich cultural heritage. The town’s old town, surrounded by ancient walls dating back to the 14th century, is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and beautiful squares. The town also has a weekly market that is popular among tourists and locals alike, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s worth taking spending some time in the authentic Alcudia old town.
Playa de Muro
The West and the Mountains
The Hilltop Villages
The Tramuntana mountains are known the world over and the cycling routes are to die for. Each town is beautiful, authentic and there are few more picture perfect than Deia, Orient and Valdemossa. If it’s a romantic break you’re after, or even just a bit more of a boutique experience, pick a converted finca in one of these hilltop towns and enjoy absolute tranquilitiy. Be aware though that the towns are really small and so going out for a meal or a drink, especially off season, will mean you might be sitting on your own!
To experience the mountains but also get the buzz of a town, there’s really no place like Port Soller.
Port Soller
The town’s scenic setting is one of its biggest draws, nestled between the mountains and the sea. The cycling routes here offer some of the island’s most breathtaking views, with winding roads that take you through lush olive groves, past orange and lemon trees, and up to the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a challenge or a leisurely rider seeking a scenic route, Port de Sóller has something for everyone.
Beyond the cycling, the town itself has plenty to offer. Its beautiful promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, perfect for a post-ride refuel. There are also art galleries, museums, and historical landmarks to explore, including the 13th-century Torre Picada watchtower and the Art Nouveau-inspired Can Prunera Museum of Modernism.
For those looking to unwind after a long day of cycling, Port de Sóller also has a beautiful sandy beach where you can soak up the sun and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. With its stunning scenery, cultural offerings, and relaxed atmosphere, Port de Sóller is a perfect destination for a cycling holiday.
The Flatlands
Llucmajor
Llucmajor is a great place to stay in Mallorca for those looking for a more authentic and rural experience. It’s just 30km outside of Palma but you will feel as though you’ve entered a completely different world. The surrounding countryside boasts beautiful scenery, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves but its the rural nature of the roads that can be so appealing. There’s virtually nothing but local traffic making it perfect for less confident riders and families. It’s also within a 30km round trip of some of Mallorca’s most beautiful southern beaches.
Manacaor
Manacor is a charming town with a rich history and cultural heritage, known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery and furniture making. However it hides a secret that most families and beginner cyclists will want to know, which is what makes it so appealing. Just a few hundred metres out of town is the Arta Greenway, also known as the Via Verde. It is a former railway line that has been converted into a 29 km long, traffic-free path that takes you through beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings, all the way to Arta.
Starting in Manacor, the path snakes its way through rolling farmland, past San Llorenc and towards the west coast. It doubles back in itself before heading north up into Arta for the most perfect, rural Mallorca experience, without a single piece of traffic troubling you on your route. Bliss!
Sineu
Sineu is located about as centrally as possible in Mallorca. That makes it perfect to explore the flatlands, the foothills of the Tramuntana, and even the slightly lesser known climbs such as the Coll d’Honor. Lnown for its historical significance, traditional charm, and agricultural heritage, Sineu is one of the island’s hidden gems, and it attracts visitors who are interested in experiencing authentic Mallorcan culture and lifestyle.
Off the bike, Sineu holds a weekly market, which takes place every Wednesday and is considered one of the island’s oldest and largest markets. The market is a bustling affair, with locals and tourists alike coming to buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. The market also features livestock auctions, where farmers bring their animals to be sold.
Sineu is also a haven for historical landmarks and buildings that are worth exploring. The town’s Gothic church, Sant Joan Baptista, is one of its most notable structures and features a stunning 15th-century altarpiece. Another highlight is the 14th-century Convent de Sant Francesc, which now serves as a cultural center and hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma in Mallorca is not the top pick for most cyclists but you can still indulge in some fantastic cycling experiences by incorporating them into a cultural trip to Mallorca’s capital. Even if you only have a couple of days to spare and don’t want to spend time traveling to north, we’ve got you covered with some of the island’s most varied and awe-inspiring routes. So, don’t let the limited time hold you back from exploring the beauty of Mallorca on two wheels.
Palma North
The key to accessing the mountains in Mallorca lies in staying further north in the city. Even the southern Tramuntana range is easily reachable, and for the more experienced riders, a 1020/130km day will take you to Sa Calobra.
Starting from the north of Palma, you can embark on a journey through the flatlands, scaling the Coll d’Honor and visiting the quaint and charming village of Orient nestled amidst the mountains. Another unmissable route is the stunning Mallorcan loop, which includes the famous Coll de Soller before descending to Port de Soller. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, take on the highest climb in Mallorca between Soller and the Port, culminating in the conquest of Puig Major at the Monnaber tunnel. With these routes, you’re in for an exhilarating ride through the breathtaking landscape of Mallorca.
Palma West
If you’re planning to stay to the west of Palma, a visit to Port d’Andratx is an absolute must. This charming town situated on the southwestern coast of Mallorca boasts picturesque landscapes, crystalline waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists. The ride down to the port is a treat for the senses, whether you opt for the Puigpunyent route if you’re located further north in Palma, or the Calvia route if you’re positioned towards the southwest. Either way, the journey promises breathtaking views and a memorable cycling experience.
Palma East
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rural charm of Mallorca and indulge in some flatland cycling, we recommend staying in the east of Palma. Any location to the east of the port, or even close to it, is a great option as it allows you to easily access the roads that run parallel to the motorway and head towards the flatlands. While the road may not be aesthetically pleasing, it’s perfectly safe, and within a mere 10 kilometers, you’ll find yourself exiting onto tranquil country lanes surrounded by picturesque vistas of the flatlands.
Read all about the best places to stay in Palma here.