From early autumn to late spring the island belongs to cyclists.
Especially from winter into the spring period cyclists can enjoy the green landscape of Mallorca.
The cyclists enjoy an excellent, well-signposted cycle network of 1,250 kilometres in total, with about 20 percent of the roads formed from mountain ranges and almost 700 kilometres secondary roads and paths with little traffic.
For a long time the island has been a popular destination for training for professional teams. But for all other needs and desires, there are suitable paths and routes. Four of the best tours of all different levels of difficulty are presented here:
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Over the countryside to the monastery of Randa
A moderately difficult, slightly hilly tour through the island’s interior, which is currently in the winter, when the almond trees are in bloom, is a dream. We start at the north-eastern end of the town of Arenal, take the roundabout towards Cala Pi / Estanyol and cycle along the cliffs of Llucmajor through different villages: Son Veri Nou until Es Tolleric.
From then on you travel past dry stone walls along to Cap Blanc. At the ‘white cape’ you should take a small stop: the sea view is fantastic and in good weather you can see as far as the island of Cabrera. Continuing inland you reach the prehistoric settlement Capocorb Vell. At the crossing in the direction of Llucmajor (the restaurant Buso), you turn into the Cami de Cala Pi. Through green fields a marked bike path marks the road to Llucmajor. From the ring road at the second roundabout, the newly built road then runs up to Porreres. Gorgeous untouched and rural land lies here, and by the time you reach the pedestrianised town square of Porreres you should take another a break.
The urbanization of Son Veri Nou has a cycle route, which makes the beginning of the route comfortable.
Next you step in the direction of Montuïri. At the next roundabout, turn past the church of Santa Creu in the little side street Cami de Banyeres from the old road to Porreres, which winds its way past old farm buildings over remote land. At the junction in the direction of Puig de Randa you have a choice: Those feeling fit, pedal up Mallorca’s single table mountain, the Puig de Randa, with its three monasteries. At the top of the Sanctuary of Nostra Senyora de Cura monastery, your effort is rewarded with a stunning near-panoramic view of the island. However you have to deal with three miles of four to five percent slope over a good 250 metres.
The view of Randa is fantastic, as is the view from Puig de Randa over the surrounding countryside.
If that’s too much, you can either go in the village to the cosy ‘Celler de Randa’ or head towards Algaida with its good restaurants. The Algaida bicycle path then leads along the Manacor expressway towards Son Ferriol. At Casa Blanca turn in the direction of Sant Jordi and from there back to Arenal. Overall, you travel just under 100 kilometres. Not bad!
The Tramuntana Tour
If you want to take a coastal classic ride along the Serra de Tramuntana of over 100 kilometres, you need to cycle well. A good road bike or mountain bike and a good condition is a basic requirement for this.
A classic bike route leads past the beautiful coastal town of Banyalbufar.
The bike tour starts in Port d’Andratx and continues north to the Coll de sa Gramola through a mountainous area that has been hit by the worst forest fires in recent years and which is now reforested. For 30 km it is often uphill then downhill to the coastal town of Banyalbufar, which translates as “small vineyard by the sea”. The sea views are as enchanting as the place itself. Next you travel quickly uphill, up the Coll de Claret, and further to the artists’ village of Deià. Relax and enjoy the surroundings!
From here you follow a dream route with sea views up to the orange and lemon trees of Sóller, which is especially nice this time of year. Also in Sóller it is worth stopping for a deserved break. Those who wish can now turn around and enjoy the view of the way back. But if you have not had enough, you can continue up to the monastery of Lluc. For this, you go up the 1445 metres of the highest rocky mountain of Majorca, the Puig Major! The beauty of mountain scenery makes all the effort to go up it worthwhile. You can now either return by driving back (downhill!) – or cycle (also downhill and very curvy)- to Port Pollença and get picked up here.
Exploring the Southwest
A popular, more relaxing tour of about 50 kilometres: you start in Santa Ponsa, or in the industrial area Son Bugadelles and cycle into the hilly scenery of Calvià. This bike ride offers both the beautiful island’s interior, almond blossoms and sea views.
On the quiet side street Cami de Son Pillo you go along the road towards Capdella on the western outskirts of Calvià. After passing through this romantic area, cycle up a small hill along the Coll de n’Esteve and then pass onto a wooded winding road down to Andratx. Now continue on S’Arracó and at the roundabout turn towards Port d’Andratx.
A good place to pause is the port of Puerto de Andratx.
Those able to resist the little cafes in the last places have now earned a break in the picturesque harbour. Because from now on it is initially two kilometres uphill and then downhill to Camp de Mar. The uphill effort is rewarded above Camp de Mar with a dream view of the bay of Peguera. Therefore, the next destination is also Peguera, where you can relax a bit. More than half of the route is now done. You leave the bustling coastal town again in a northerly direction towards Capdella, where ou must face the final challenge over the hill of Coll of Moli. The home straight promises a reward: from Capdella it is downhill, over Calvià to Santa Ponsa.
Palma Bike Ride along the Ocean
This is a simple but very beautiful and varied route, which is also suitable for children. Good and cheap bikes for this trip can be rented (e.g. in Arenal or in Can Pastilla). Exploring the Bay of Palma with the wheel makes for the utmost fun and inspires all:
Head to the marina of Arenal and on a super bike path along the sea, along the famous Playa towards Palma: passing the bays of Cala Estancia Can Pastilla and always with a view of the sea, along the foothills of the beautifully landscaped Palma airport.
The route along the Playa de Palma is a recommended trip for the whole family.
The route passes through the beautiful bays and small ports of Cala Gamba, El Molinar and Portixol and reaches the Paseo Marítimo, and the Cathedral. Cycle between a palm alley on the right and the small fishing boats, sail boats and super yachts on the left to the Club de Mar, where the cycle path ends and turn back.
Along the way, it is wonderful to take a break because the track is lined with many small cafes, bars and restaurants. In the warmer season s you can take a bath to refresh at Palma’s city beach or in one of the coves in the suburbs, e.g. on the beach of Ciutat Jardí. A nice alternative in winter: leave behind the bike at the Cathedral and explore the historic city.