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Discover Mallorca by bike with these 3 routes

written by Es Princep / October 07, 2019

Sustainable, healthy, and enjoyable.

Bikes, contrary to what the movie title suggests, are not just for summer. In Mallorca, bikes are for the 300 days of sunshine we enjoy and for the nearly 1,250 kilometers of roads and paths that will let us explore the island by bike while discovering exceptional landscapes. Winding roads and paths, cliffs that quicken the pulse and lead us to the sea, hidden and unexplored corners, the treasure of the Tramuntana, and the sensation of flying over the asphalt thanks to our legs, offering a different perspective of the island.

Every year, when the heat takes a break, thousands of cyclists—both professionals and enthusiasts—arrive ready to take on the cycling routes that dissect the island. Six of Spain’s ten famous cycling routes are located in Mallorca, making our 700 secondary roads the perfect backdrop to make the bike our best ally.

Routes range from the simplest, like Alaró–Orient–Bunyola–Alaró, to some of the toughest: Port de Sóller–Sa Calobra (not suitable for cyclists with a fear of heights).

Here at Es Príncep, we’ve picked three routes for you to choose from, depending on your level and your legs:

mallorca en bicicleta

1. Playa de Muro - Ca’n Picafort - Ermita de Betlem - Artà

  • Type of bike: Road
  • Circular: No
  • Starting point: Playa de Muro
  • Ending point: Artà
  • Points of interest: Finca Son Real, Ca’n Picafort, Mirador de la Ermita de Betlem
  • Distance: 72 km
  • Elevation gain: 1,033 m
  • Difficulty: Medium-High
  • With only 72 kilometers, this route lets us enjoy a spectacular landscape where the sea is always present. Its level of challenge is medium-high. The route starts at Playa de Muro, the nerve center of cycling in Mallorca, which offers various services for bike enthusiasts. It then crosses almost the entire bay of Alcúdia, passing through Ca’n Picafort, Santa Margalida, and Son Serra de Marina. Due to its gentle slope, this section is not too difficult and allows for magnificent views of the port of Alcúdia. Plus, a refreshing sea breeze will accompany us.

    Before starting the climb to the Ermita de Betlem in Santa Margalida, we can recharge at the public Finca Son Real, which invites us to admire landscapes with dune formations and archaeological sites. The climb to Ermita de Betlem, with slopes reaching 9%, requires some preparation and is the biggest challenge of the route. A narrow, steep, and winding path that, despite its difficulty, is worth it, as the views at this stage are excellent. The Ermita de Betlem is a great place to take a breather and enjoy a panoramic view of the bay of Alcúdia before starting the descent to Artà. To return to the starting point, we can take the Ma-12 road toward Ca’n Picafort.

    2. Palma - Esporles - Puigpunyent - Calvià - Palma

  • Type of bike: Road
  • Circular: Yes
  • Starting point: Palma
  • Points of interest: Galilea, Granja de Esporles, Reserva Puig des Galatzó
  • Distance: 60.48 km
  • Elevation gain: 1,149 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • With only 60 km, this route allows us to discover some of the most iconic places in the Tramuntana Mountains. The route begins by leaving Palma on the Ma 1040 road toward Esporles, a charming village where cyclists and hikers stop to have a drink in the lively Passeig. Leaving Esporles, we face a short ascent under the shade of lush vegetation, following the torrent. When we reach the Granja de Esporles, a beautiful estate from the 10th century, we should detour toward Puigpunyent. The pleasant path winds through pine forests, olive groves, and almond trees—a typically Mediterranean landscape. Plus, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Puigpunyent valley, crowned by the legendary Puig des Galatzó.

    Upon reaching Puigpunyent, we must ascend a narrow, winding road toward the village of Galilea, located at 500 meters above sea level. The tough climb will be compensated by the fresh air and beautiful mountainous scenery. It’s a good spot to catch your breath and enjoy incredible views before heading toward Capdeià and then Calvià. Part of the descent will offer beautiful views of the Calvià coastline. Once at this point, we just have the final stretch of road back to Palma.

    3. Port de Sóller - Puig Major (Sóller) - Coll dels Reis - Sa Calobra - Puig Major (Monnàber Tunnel) - Port de Sóller

  • Type of bike: Road
  • Circular: Yes
  • Starting point: Port de Sóller
  • Points of interest: Mirador de ses Barques, Gorg Blau, Cúber, Sa Calobra
  • Distance: 77.1 km
  • Elevation gain: 2,341 m
  • Difficulty: High
  • This is one of Mallorca’s most emblematic cycling routes and consists of two of the toughest climbs. More than 2,340 meters of accumulated elevation and just over 77 kilometers make this route a true challenge. The journey begins by leaving Port de Sóller toward Puig Major. After passing through the Monnàber Tunnel, the reservoirs of Cúber and Gorg Blau offer stunning views. We can enjoy this reward while taking a breather.

    Leaving behind the reservoirs and Coll dels Reis, we’ll discover the crown jewel: a 720-meter descent down a winding road that leads to the charming cove of Sa Calobra. The steep descent winds through ravines, towering rocky cliffs, goats, tunnels, pine forests, and unforgettable views. This route offers a unique opportunity to get up close to the typically mountainous Mallorcan landscape.

    We then begin the tough climb to return to Coll dels Reis, descend again to the Monnàber Tunnel, and finally return to Port de Sóller.

    The combination of routes and paths that allow us to discover Mallorca by bike is endless. From Es Príncep, we can only guarantee that in all of them, you will enjoy a reward that will make you feel that every effort was worth it.

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