Best Cycling Routes Mallorca: Sa Calobra & Formentor & more

Mallorca has become Europe’s winter cycling capital for a reason. Quiet roads, long Tramuntana climbs and coastal routes that feel built for the bike. From the famous switchbacks of Sa Calobra to the lighthouse road at Cap de Formentor, the island packs an unusual number of great rides into a small area.

This guide covers five routes cyclists plan their Mallorca trips around: the Sa Calobra loop, the Formentor ride, the long ascent of Puig Major, a sweeping Tramuntana coastal loop and easy spins across the island’s plains.

The 5 best cycling routes in Mallorca

Sa Calobra Loop: The island’s most famous climb with dramatic switchbacks and a tough return ascent.
Cap de Formentor: A spectacular coastal ride to the island’s northern lighthouse.
Puig Major: Mallorca’s longest sustained climb and a favourite training route.
Tramuntana Coastal Loop: Sweeping mountain roads through Banyalbufar, Estellencs and Andratx.
Mallorca Plains Routes: Flat rides around Alcúdia, S’Albufera and Palma ideal for beginners.

Sa Calobra loop

Why ride it: Sa Calobra (Coll dels Reis) is Mallorca’s most famous climb — tight hairpins, perfect tarmac and a finale that makes you want to high-five your bike. But it’s not a quick “do the hill” job: Sa Calobra almost always sits inside a longer loop because you descend into the cove first and then have to climb the famous switchbacks back out.

Typical route options: start in Port de Pollença or Pollença and head west into the Tramuntana. Common approaches include Coll de sa Batalla → Sa Calobra (classic), or Coll de Femenia → Sa Calobra if you’re coming from the east. If you’re on a Big Day, add Coll d’Orient or Puig Major earlier in the loop.

Distance: plan 80–140 km depending on approach and additions (routes commonly 83–138 km).
Climbing: the Sa Calobra climb itself ≈ 9.4 km at ~7% average; whole-loop climbing often 1,000–2,600 m depending on starts (expect ~1,900 m+ on full versions).
Best start town: Port de Pollença, Pollença or Sóller for Sa Calobra finish in the cove.

Key points and tips: start early — coaches and cars fill the road from mid-morning and the descent to the cove is fun but narrow. There’s no bailout once you’re at the bottom unless you take the ferry from Sa Calobra to Port Sóller (seasonal). The restaurants at the bottom open from mid-February; they’re worth the stop.

Cyclists climbing the winding hairpins of Sa Calobra, Mallorca — the iconic Coll dels Reis ascent with steep limestone walls and tight switchbacks — The famous switchbacks of Sa Calobra — arrive early for quiet roads and clear views.

Cap de Formentor ride

Why ride it: short, stunning and seafront for much of the run — Cap de Formentor is the postcard ride. The road snakes out to a lighthouse with sheer coastal drops, a short tunnel and a final coastal ramp that particularly rewards an early morning effort.

Distance: roughly 38–89 km round-trip depending on where you start and whether you include the bay loop.
Elevation: rolling — expect ~500–1,500 m depending on additions; the main Formentor approach has sustained undulations rather than steep ramps.
Best start town: Port de Pollença (makes for the straight shot to the Formentor lighthouse).

How to ride it: most people set off from Port de Pollença, hit the main climb within the first 8–12 km and then enjoy the headlands. If you want less traffic, leave before sunrise — the peninsula gets coach traffic and day tourists later in the morning. Combine with a Bay of Pollença loop if you want a longer day that still finishes with a swim.

“
Ride Formentor before the buses. The lighthouse looks very different without forty coaches in the car park.
— theKlub Editorial Team

Puig Major — the island’s heavyweight climb

Why ride it: Puig Major is the highest road-access climb on the island and features in the hardest loops and the Sa Calobra club’s ‘Queen Stage’. It’s long and steady — the sort of climb that eats intervals and leaves you with a proper day in the legs.

Distance (common loop): expect 120–140 km if you’re combining Puig Major with other cols.
Climb profile: common figures show Puig Major climbs of around 14.2 km at ~6% on some approaches; full loops can include 2,400–2,640 m of vertical. (Use the Gorg Blau approach for a sustained effort.)
Start points: Gorg Blau / Sóller / Port de Pollença depending on route; base yourself in Port de Pollença for north-coast loops.

How to plan it: this is a ride for fit riders or those on training blocks. Give yourself fuel stops — there are long stretches without services at higher altitudes. Combine Puig Major with Coll de Sóller, Coll d’Honor and Coll d’Orient for a proper Tramuntana day. If you’re short on time, do Puig Major as a focused climb day and skip the extras.

Tramuntana coastal loop (Esporles → Andratx and Deia → Valldemossa stretches)

Why ride it: the coastal roads on the southern Tramuntana (Esporles to Andratx) are wide, beautifully surfaced and sweeping — a more relaxed kind of mountain day with villages, sea views and long fun descents.

Suggested loop: Esporles → Banyalbufar → Estellencs → Andratx → return via inland lanes to Esporles. Total distance around 60–75 km depending on variations; climbing roughly 700–1,200 m.

Short coastal stretch: Deia → Valldemossa (MA-10) — about 20 km of rolling coast road with gentle gradients. You can tack this onto other rides or do it as a lunch-and-views half-day.

Cyclists riding along the MA-10 coastal road between Deià and Valldemossa with the Mediterranean on one side and cliffs on the other — smooth tarmac and rolling terrain — The MA-10 between Deià and Valldemossa — easy gradients, big views and quiet stretches if you go early.

Beginner-friendly routes on the plains

Not every ride in Mallorca needs 2,400 metres of climbing. Mallorca’s centre and bays offer flat, smooth roads and traffic-free paths perfect for families, recovery rides or learning to ride on holiday.

S’Albufera Natural Park: traffic-free paths, 12 km of easy riding through wetlands — great for wildlife and a calm warm-up.
Port de Pollença → Alcúdia bay loop: roughly 42 km with minor undulations; major stretches on protected paths and quiet roads.
Palma → Arenal coastal cycle path: ~15 km of complete flat, suitable for kids and easy days.

Tips for beginners: stick to the bike paths where possible; avoid mid-day in July/August; wear sunscreen and carry water — the sun takes energy out of you faster than the kilometers do.

Logistics: where to base, bike hire and season planning

Where to stay: Port de Pollença is the island’s cycling hub and the most popular base for a cycling holiday in Mallorca. Alcúdia and Sóller are good alternatives depending on which rides you prioritise.

Discover the best cycling hotels in Mallorca

Bike hire: established shops in Port de Pollença include Pro Cycle Hire, Bike Island and Huerzeler; Palma and Alcúdia also have multiple options (Pinarello Experience, Nano Bikes, Bicimed). Book ahead in March–May.
Best months to ride: March–May for quiet roads and reliable weather; avoid mid-July and August for heat and traffic; winter is quiet but some services may be closed and higher roads can get chilly or even snowy in rare events.
Safety & etiquette: check hire brake set-up, carry ID and insurance details, be careful on descents and watch for coaches around Sa Calobra and Formentor.

Route-ready checklist

1.Set off early: aim to be on Formentor or Sa Calobra approaches before 8am in busy months.
2.Bring nutrition: long climbs and exposed coastal sections have limited shops — pack 2–3 bottles and snacks.
3.Spare parts: inner tube, CO2/pump, multi-tool; phone and a power bank if you’re using GPS.
4.Respect the island: use bins in villages, avoid littering on climbs and obey local traffic rules.

Mallorca delivers the kind of riding cyclists remember. The drama of Sa Calobra, the coastline of Formentor, the long effort of Puig Major and the quiet rhythm of the Tramuntana roads. Choose the ride that fits the day and the island will do the rest.

Best Cycling Routes in Mallorca: Sa Calobra, Formentor, Puig Major and more