Magnificent Mallorca

For Joan Miró, Mallorca's pure Mediterranean light was the draw. The surrealist artist was captivated by the island as muse and haven, drawing inspiration from the radiant sunshine, almond blossom and formidable limestone mountains. As a holiday resort for Europeans, the island has long been a paradise of golden beaches and azure seas.

But when it comes to cycling, the island really sings. Hilltop monasteries, reached via perfect snaking roads and lyrical landscapes offer widescreen views before thrilling descents. We couldn't be more excited to introduce you to this new destination, just a short hop from Barcelona or Madrid.

ISLAND PARADISE

Basking in the sunshine of the Balearic Sea, Mallorca is a solid rock of solid gold cycling. From the Moorish beauty of Palma to the west all the way to famous lighthouse at Cap de Formentor, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers an incredible canvas for the greatest cycling adventures.

Boasting golden sunshine, enigmatic climbs and wonderful roads, this Mediterranean island and it’s friendly locals have created a haven for cyclists. Never far from a gorgeous sunset, exquisite tapas and revitalising wines, we can’t get enough of Mallorca.

ROADS FOR CYCLING

With scant traffic and considerate drivers, there isnt a part of the island that shouldn’t be explored by bike. The key attraction of the island is the Tramuntana Mountains - the highest point of which is the tip of Puig Major. The area also promises flat roads along the coast and some undulating countryside routes that meander along walled lanes between idyllic small holdings.

BAYS OF DELIGHT

The picturesque harbour setting of Port de Pollença sits at the bottom of the famous 'lighthouse ride' to Formentor, which itself is just along from the historical 14th century walls of Alcudia.

Further down the coast is the busy town of Port Soller, bustling with restaurants and nightlife and boasting the amazing Col de Soller climb. At 74km long and 6% average gradient, with winding switchbacks leading to stunning views.

SNAKING CLIMBS

Sa Calobra might well be the most famous climb on the sailed. A road to the sea where you have to turn around to climb back up, the 9.5km climb snakes around the coastal cliffs like an Alpine col. The Snake, as the was built solely for tourism. It was intended to be a thing of beauty as much it was a means of access to a coastal town.

AMPITHEATRE OF GIANTS

Heading further down the coast we find the climb to Valldemossa – an easy 5km climb at 5%, that rewards with views of vineyards and large country homes. The village itself is dotted with blonde stone houses set into the steep inclines of the valley, that are typical of the Balearic islands. Author George Sand described this scene as ‘like an amphitheatre for battles between giants’.

ISLAND PARADISE

The mix of great roads, stunning views and challenging climbs makes Mallorca the perfect venue for a cycling camp. The character of the roads varies across this small island, giving each day its own personality. On Mallorca you can experience so much variety in just week. A true island cycling paradise.