1. Cap Formentor Loop
Key Stats
Length 36km
Ascent: 995m
Average Gradient 3.7%
Ask most cyclists who have ridden in Mallorca and they will tell you their favourite route is Cap Formentor. Whilst it's becoming more popular and therefore busier, Cap Formentor is a must for anyone looking to ride the best cycling routes in Mallorca. Most road riders stay in Port Pollensa or Port Alcudia and so it is often the first ride that they will experience on the island.
The route out to Cap Formentor is an epic road ride of 40km from Port Pollensa and back. It's one of Mallorca's most famous routes as it twists and turns across the peninsular before delivering you out to the Capr Formentor lighthouse. The views are incredible. They vary from limestone rock, sheer drops into the sea and of course, the famous Cap Formentor tunnels. The climbs are short and punchy whilst the descents can be really technical. Due to its popularity, you need to ride this route early in the morning. Ride it too late and you will be battling traffic and busses. The local government has a summer ban on all vehicular traffic in the early morning and late afternoon so it's perfectly possible to enjoy some of the finest road riding with only other cyclists for company.
2. Andratx to Pollensa
Key Stats
Length 120km
Ascent: 2,996m
Average Gradient 4%
Make no mistake about it, the Andratx to Pollensa cycling route might be the toughest cycling route in Mallorca. It takes you from the south of the island to the north, crossing wild terrain, mountain roads and epic climbs. Very few cycling routes in Mallorca can offer such an incredible amount of climbing and this route is not for the feint hearted. If you are a really strong rider, you can also add in some more climbing by riding the Port Valldemossa climb, the Coll de Soller and Sa Calobra. Put any of these on to your route and you would be hard pushed to find a tougher day on the bike anywhere else in Europe!
Starting from Port Andratx, the ride traverses across the mountains taking in the beauty of the coastal road passing through Estellencs and out into Valldemossa. From there you continue north before riding to Soller, and up the epic Puig Major, one of the toughest climbs on the island. From here, it's down the back of the Coll de Femenia to Pollensa.
3. The Best Climbs in the Tramuntana Mountains
Key Stats
Length 98.5km
Ascent: 2,319m
Average Gradient 4.2%
If you want the best climbing in Mallorca, then look no further than the Tramuntana mountains. Home to Puig Major, Sa Calobra and a myriad of other climbs, you can't fail to be seduced on this Mallorca cycling route. This ride takes in all the big climbs with the option of adding Sa Calobra to it if you feel strong enough.
The Climbs
You will ride out from Port Pollensa and enjoy some relatively flat riding until you head to the southern most part of the Tramuntana, bordering on the flatlands. It's here that the ride starts to climb. First up is the Coll d'Orient followed by the Coll d'Honor. You will ride these two together as by the time you have ascended the Coll d'Orient, you will be halfway up the Coll d'Honor. From here you will descend to Bunyola having ridden through peaceful tranquil villages.
The route then pitches up as you climb the southern ascent of the Coll de Soller. The south side is the easier climb but trust us, you need plenty of energy and power in your legs to summit, with Puig Major coming at you thick and fast. Ride down to Soller (or Port Soller to rack up extra mileage and a bit of climbing on the way back) before the toughest ride of the day. You will ride the southern ascent of Puig Major before the awesome descent down the Coll de Femenia. Throw in Sa Calobra if you have the legs before riding back to Pollensa. Grab a beer and relax having just completed arguably the toughest route in Mallorca, taking on the most famous climbs that Mallorca has to offer.