Date of publication 27/02/2026
Cycling guide to Mallorca: routes, tips, and the perfect place to recharge
Mallorca’s hotels and cycling tourism have shared a natural bond for more than a century. The island’s first recorded bicycle arrived in 1869, purchased in France by Mallorcan banker Ernesto Canut. What began as a curiosity soon sparked a quiet revolution, as other pioneers embraced a sport that would become part of the island’s identity.
Over time, the Balearic Islands not only witnessed cycling’s evolution but also actively shaped it. From early fascination to lasting passion, the sport grew in followers and meaning, eventually becoming a way of life. For travelers who want to experience Mallorca from the saddle, this cycling guide brings together inspiring routes, practical advice, and the best cycling-friendly hotels where recovery is just as rewarding as the ride itself.
Why Mallorca is Europe’s cycling paradise
Climate and terrain: an island for 365 days a year
In certain destinations, climate and terrain come together to create exceptional conditions for cycling tourism. Mallorca is one of them. Its roads and ever-changing landscapes, especially in the north, offer a wide variety of cycling routes for every level, which are explored in the following section. Palma, the island’s capital, features more than 45 miles of bike lanes, several velodromes, and a deeply rooted cycling culture. Esteemed clubs and associations trace their origins to the Palma Velocipedist Association, founded in 1888 during the 19th-century cycling boom and later established as the Balearic Cycling Federation.
The Mediterranean climate elevates the experience even further. With an average annual temperature of around 72°F and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Mallorca is an ideal destination for combining travel and time in the saddle. Warm summers and mild winters make outdoor activity possible year-round, while cycling-friendly hotels across the island provide the comfort and services needed to round out each ride.
Must-ride routes: from mountains to flatlands
The challenge of the Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range shapes Mallorca’slandscape, lined with Mediterranean forests and aromatic plants along the roadside. Beyond its remarkable biodiversity, it is home to small villages such as Alaró, Orient, Valldemossa, and Esporles, rural enclaves well worth reaching by bike. Arriving and departing on two wheels adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
Cycling, the most sustainable mode of transportation, allows for a conscious and respectful exploration of this part of the island and its inhabitants, including wild goats, the Balearic midwife toad, and birds such as eagles, falcons, and owls. The roads connecting these discoveries often follow the routes of former mountain paths that once traced the peaks and now offer a peaceful haven for riders.
This plan fits seamlessly into an active getaway at 5-star hotels in Mallorca, such as Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, which features an on-site cycling station for bike rentals, storage, and repairs.
The legendary Sa Calobra: the “tie knot” curve
The road to Sa Calobra, a serene and striking setting that contrasts with Mallorca’s livelier hotel areas, is considered by cyclists to be one of the most spectacular routes in the world. Surrounded by towering stone cliffs and dramatic curves, it leads to two coves embraced by rugged rock formations. The most iconic section, known as the “tie knot,” loops back on itself in a distinctive spiral, turning every climb into a reward of sweeping panoramic views.
The road was designed by engineer Antoni Parietti Coll, who in 1899 envisioned building a funicular to Puig Major and constructing an astronomical observatory, ski slope, and restaurant at the summit that would surely have become one of the island’s most romantic destinations.
At the finish line awaits a coveted beach in a remote location, surrounded by steep and rugged peaks. Reaching it via the MA-2141 mountain road is always an achievement, whether climbing Coll dels Reis or approaching from Cala Tuent.
Routes through the Pla: miles for steady riders and beginners
Cycling through the Pla region is one of those Mallorca experiences that stays with you long after the journey ends. With routes suited to both seasoned riders and beginners, the option that finishes at the picturesque Sanctuary of Cura stands out for its balance of natural beauty and physical challenge. The climb up Puig de Randa is considered moderate in difficulty and calls for solid fitness, but the views at the top make the effort worthwhile. For those looking to extend the ride, continuing on to Algaida for a meal at one of its well-known local restaurants before heading back adds a memorable finishing touch.
For cyclists just starting out, flatter and faster routes such as María de la Salut and Sineu offer a more accessible introduction. The time trial in Porreres, on the other hand, is best left to more experienced riders seeking an extra test of endurance.
Cap de Formentor: a sunset on two wheels
Cap de Formentor, at the island’s northeastern tip, combines raw landscapes with a sense of quiet introspection that turns every ride into something memorable. Here, the sea glows in deep shades of blue, the wind carves the cliffs, and waves break steadily against the rocks. This striking setting frames one of Mallorca’s most iconic cycling routes, featuring a steady climb that becomes achievable with a bit of training.
There are several starting points for the ride to the lighthouse that crowns the peninsula. This demanding route can begin in Alcúdia, Playa de Muro, Ca’n Picafort, or Pollença, following a road that winds between dramatic drop-offs and offers uninterrupted sea views, especially captivating at sunset. On the other side, framed by pine forests, lies Formentor Beach, considered one of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches, divided into three sections: L’Espigó, La Veranda, and Platjamar.
Logistical tips for planning a cycling trip
Bring your bike or rent one on the island?
Bike transport logistics have evolved to the point where leaving equipment at home is no longer necessary. Bike travel cases are available for every preference and budget, from popular B-Twin models to more professional options by brands such as Merida, Polaris, or Bikebox, all designed to ensure that both frame and wheels arrive in perfect condition. Airline policies have also become more flexible. Some carriers, including SWISS and Finnair, do not charge additional fees provided weight limits are respected, making it easier to travel with a personal bike.
For those who prefer to travel light, especially when a suitcase already holds a swimsuit, cycling gear, and helmet, staying at hotels in Mallorca that offer bike rental services, such as those provided by Iberostar, is a practical alternative. The island also benefits from a well-developed cycling infrastructure, with rental shops in nearly every tourist town. Tourism of Mallorca lists around 50 rental establishments across the island, and the city of Palma operates a public bike-sharing service, Bicipalma, with affordable rates that are also available to non-residents through its website.
The best time of year to avoid traffic and heat
Mallorca’s geography combines long flat stretches with challenging climbs, crossed by approximately 775 miles of roads, 435 of which are lightly trafficked. These conditions allow cycling to find its own small paradise here. To avoid peak-season traffic, which coincides with summer and key holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Mediterranean shoulder seasons are ideal: April and May in spring, and September and October in fall.
During these months, temperatures are mild and flight and hotel rates are often more favorable. Consider 4-star hotels in Mallorca with a sustainable cycling spirit, such as Iberostar Waves Cristina, located just five minutes from Playa de Palma.
Road rules and coexistence on Mallorca’s roads
Once everything is in place, it’s time to open the map and set out to discover the island’s most celebrated routes, blending sport and exploration while staying at Mallorca hotels designed for an active lifestyle.
To ensure a smooth experience, local traffic laws and road etiquette must be respected. Cyclists are required to ride on the right shoulder, or on the right side of the road when no shoulder is available. Groups may ride two abreast but must allow vehicles to pass safely. Helmets are mandatory on interurban roads, and front and rear lights are required at night. Riding on sidewalks and highways is prohibited unless signage clearly states otherwise.
Extra care should be taken when cycling through protected natural areas. Thanks to its varied landscapes and bike-friendly paths, Albufera Natural Park in Alcúdia is especially well suited to exploring on two wheels. Lagoons, small dikes, wooden bridges, marshlands, and dunes are linked by easy, low-difficulty trails, making it an ideal setting for family rides, including with children.
Where to stay: the importance of choosing a cycling-friendly hotel
After a long ride, recovery and enjoyment naturally take center stage. Mallorca’s cycling culture runs so deep that even Rapha, the renowned café brand for cyclists, has opened a branch in Palma’s Plaça del Rosari, the Rapha Mallorca Club House, known for its standout brunch offerings. Beyond post-ride conversations and comparing Strava stats, many Iberostar properties across the island provide dedicated services for cycling enthusiasts, from secure, adapted bike garages to rentals of mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes.
Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro is one of those cycling-friendly hotels in Mallorca that invites repeat visits with family or friends. Located beachfront on the award-winning Playa de Muro, it blends an immersive philosophy with wellness experiences and evening entertainment.
Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park, another inspiring cycling-friendly resort by the sea in this area and especially recommended for families, redefines active travel with its All-Inclusive offering, an unforgettable rooftop, and bright, contemporary spaces.
Local cuisine to refuel
Staying at All-Inclusive hotels in Mallorca means enjoying the best of local cuisine to restore energy after time on the bike. Fresh, seasonal ingredients shape traditional dishes such as pa amb oli, coca de trampó, tumbet, and the Mallorcan variat, along with vegetable-based specialties, homemade cured meats like sobrasada, and local goat cheeses. For dessert, the classic ensaimada is essential. A visit to the spa afterward completes the recovery.
Prepare the pedals to discover the island
Mallorca’s best-kept secrets reveal themselves between one ride and the next. Beyond discovering striking landscapes at your own pace, some of which would otherwise remain out of reach, the island also hosts a highly professional calendar of races and cycling events where competition and atmosphere go hand in hand.
Among the most notable are Challenge Mallorca, which brings together some of the world’s leading cyclists, and Mallorca 312, a demanding long-distance event of international prestige in which participants have 14 hours to complete 194 miles across the northern half of the island. Securing a stay early at one of the best hotels in Mallorca ensures every moment can be fully enjoyed.
