Discover Mallorca by bike with these 3 routes

Sustainable, healthy and enjoyable.

The title of a Spanish play by author Fernando Fernán Gómez claims that bicycles are only for summer. On Mallorca, we don't really agree with that. Here, bikes are for the 300 days of sunshine we enjoy, and also for the almost 1,250 kilometres of roads and paths that allow us to explore Mallorca by bike, discovering extraordinary 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 feeling of flying over the asphalt with every pedal stroke to get a different perspective of the island.

Every year, when the heat subsides, thousands upon thousands of cyclists - both professionals and amateurs - arrive, ready to take to the cycle paths that criss-cross the island. Six of Spain's ten most famous cycling routes are on Mallorca, so our 700 byways are the perfect setting to make the bike our best ally.

The routes range from the easiest, such as Alaró-Orient-Bunyola-Alaró, to some of the most complicated: Port de Sóller-Sa Calobra (not suitable for cyclists with altitude sickness).

From Es Príncep we leave you with three routes so you can choose the one that best suits your level and legs:

1. Playa de Muro - Betlem: Amateur

• Bike type: Road bike
• Circular route: No
• Departure: Playa de Muro
• Arrival: Artà
• Points of interest: Finca Son Real, Ca'n Picafort, viewpoint from the Ermita de Betlem.
• Length: 72 km
• Positive slope: 1,033 m.
• Difficulty: Moderate

With a length of 72 kilometres, this route allows us to enjoy spectacular landscapes where the sea is always present. The level of difficulty is medium. The route begins at Playa de Muro, the centre of cycling in Mallorca, where various services are offered to lovers of the sport. It then runs almost along the entire bay of Alcudia, passing through Can Picafort, Santa Margalida and Son Serra de Marina. Due to the low elevation gain, this section is not too difficult and offers magnificent views of the port of Alcúdia. In addition, we are accompanied by a refreshing sea breeze.

Before tackling the climb to the Betlem hermitage in Santa Margalida, you can take some refreshment at the Son Real public estate, which invites you to contemplate landscapes of dune formations and archaeological sites. The climb to the Betlem hermitage, with slopes of up to 9%, requires some preparation and is the most challenging part of the route. A narrow, steep and winding path that, despite its difficulty, is worth the effort as the views along this route are outstanding. The Betlem hermitage is a good place to take a break and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Bay of Alcúdia before beginning the descent to Artà. To return to the starting point, we can take the Ma-12 road towards Ca'n Picafort.

2. Palma - Esporles - Puigpunyent - Calvià - Palma

• Bike type: Road bike
• Circular route: Yes
• Starting point: Palma
• Points of interest: Galilea, Granja de Esporles, Puig des Galatzó nature reserve.
• Length: 60.48 km
• Positive slope: 1,149 m
• Difficulty: medium

This route, only 60 km long, allows you to discover some of the most emblematic places in the Tramuntana mountain range. The route starts in Palma on the Ma-1040 road towards Esporles, a charming village where cyclists and hikers take the opportunity to stop and have a drink on the lively Passeig (promenade). After Esporles, a short climb awaits us in the shade of the lush vegetation on the edge of the stream. At the Granja de Esporles, a beautiful 10th century estate, we turn towards Puigpunyent. The pleasant path leads through pine, olive and almond tree forests, a typical Mediterranean landscape. We can also enjoy the magnificent views of the Puigpunyent valley, crowned by the mythical Puig des Galatzó.

When we reach Puigpunyent, we have to go up a narrow, winding road to the village of Galilea, located at an altitude of 500 metres. The strenuous climb is rewarded again thanks to the fresh air and the beautiful mountain scenery. It is a good place to take a break and enjoy the incredible views before heading towards Capdeià and then Calvià. Part of the descent is accompanied by beautiful views of the Calvià coast. Once we reach this point, all that remains is the last stretch, the road that separates us from Palma.

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

• Type of bike: Road bike
• Circular route: No
• Starting point: Port de Sóller
• Points of interest: Ses Barques viewpoint, Gorg Blau, Cúber, Sa Calobra.
• Length: 77.1 km
• Positive slope: 2,341 m
• Difficulty: high

This is one of the most emblematic cycling routes in Mallorca, crossing two of the most difficult mountain passes. More than 2,340 metres in altitude and just over 77 kilometres make this route a real challenge. The route starts at the port of Sóller in the direction of Puig Major. After crossing the Monnàber tunnel, the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs offer beautiful views. We can enjoy this reward while taking the opportunity to catch our breath.

After leaving the reservoirs and the Coll dels Reis behind, we discover the jewel in the crown: a descent on a serpentine road that takes us 720 metres down to a charming cove, Sa Calobra. The steep descent runs between ravines, imposing cliffs, goats, tunnels, pine forests and unforgettable views. This route is a unique opportunity to get to know the typical Majorcan mountain landscape up close.

Then begins the arduous climb back up to Coll dels Reis and the descent to the Monnàber tunnel and finally to the port of Sóller.

The combination of routes and paths that allow us to discover Mallorca by bike is endless. From Es Príncep, we can only assure you that in all of these places you will receive a reward that will make you think it was worth the effort.