Cycling in Mallorca: Best Routes, Tips & What to Expect

At the end of September, I finally ticked a big dream off my bucket list: my first proper cycling trip to Mallorca. And guys, although I did not have any expectations It blew my mind.

We were a group of 21 cyclists altogether and I didn’t really know anyone at the start. But that’s the beautiful thing about cycling; it brings people together. By the end of the trip, some new cycling friendships were made!

Why Is Mallorca Perfect for Road Cycling

I know, everyone says Mallorca is a dream for cyclists. I hear that too. But hear me out, it genuinely is. The main roads are usually in excellent condition with smooth tarmac, but once you head onto smaller backroads, you might encounter the occasional pothole, so it’s good to stay alert. In the inland areas, many roads are bordered by stone walls, which can limit your visibility when cornering.

Traffic is generally light across most of the island and drivers tend to be respectful, especially when passing larger groups of cyclists. However, popular spots can get busy with other riders, cars, tour buses, and motorhomes, so it’s worth keeping that in mind (we faced that when cycling to the Cap de Formentor).

We were based in Pollença, which turned out to be the perfect starting point. From there, you can easily reach countless iconic routes and famous climbs. But, Mallorca is relatively small island, so it is not that important where you are based at.

I knew it would be quite intense, as I never cycled that much in my life before, especially almost every day. And I managed to do two new personal records:

• My longest ride ever: 180 km in one day
• My biggest climb: 2,400 meters of elevation gain, finishing on the stunning Fornalutx climb

Bike Rental in Pollença – Pollensa Cycling Review

Since we didn’t bring our own bikes, we decided it would be better and logistically easier for a group of 21 cyclists to rent them. We rented from Pollensa Cycling, and I can’t recommend them enough. Their customer service was great from start to finish.

The staff was friendly, helpful and really knowledgeable. They took time to make sure every bike fit us nicely and made adjustments on the spot. I had bad luck and blew my tyre at the middle of our trip and they asap changed it (no extra charge – gracias!). The bikes themselves were in excellent condition too!

If you’re staying in or around Pollença, Pollensa Cycling is definitely a top choice for rentals. They made the whole process easy, stress-free and genuinely enjoyable.

Best Cycling Routes in Mallorca

If I had to choose just one ride from the entire week, it would be the loop from Pollença → Alaró → Sóller via Fornalutx → Lluc → back to Pollença.

The climb up to Fornalutx was both breathtaking and also, for me quite hard. As it was around 14km climbing and I forgot to bring jacket with me as it got a bit colder at the top. So a little tip: bring hand warmers or light jacket with you if you go cycling passes, as it gets foggy and a bit chillier.

However, for me that was truly an unforgettable loop.

#CAP DE FORMENTOR

Cap Formentor was another huge bucket-list ride for me.

We rolled out straight from our villa in Pollença on a beautifully sunny morning, heading toward the start of the Tramuntana foothills. The climbing begins almost immediately, with a steady 7-plus-kilometre ascent that brings you higher and higher toward Coll de Femenia. As the road rises, the views open up and you get mountains, coastline, cliffs. And the best part? You get to enjoy it twice, because the road eventually leads into a dead end and the return is just as stunning.

The final climb toward the lighthouse was really enjoyable. The weather was perfect, the sea was bright blue below us, and the cliffs and mountains made the scenery pretty impressive. The last few kilometres go by quickly, taking you down almost to sea level before the short final push up to the Cap Formentor lighthouse.

Challenging? Definitely. But with sunshine, incredible views, and endless climbing, it was one of the most memorable rides of the entire trip.

The Best Cycling Coffee Shop in Mallorca

When it comes to coffee stops, one place on the island really stood out for me: Cycling Planet. It’s easily one of the most iconic cycling cafés in Mallorca, and for good reason. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by cycling vibes, great energy, and walls full of memorabilia.

But what impressed me was the food. They serve amazing sandwiches, each one named after different cyclists, which is such a fun touch! And yup, they were reeeally tasty. And of course, the coffee… I’m totally obsessed with coffee and theirs was genuinely delicious. Smooth, rich, and exactly what you want mid-ride or after a big climb.

Cycling Planet is definitely worth a visit! Check their Instagram.

Mallorca’s Cycling Culture Is Next-Level

What amazed me most was just how huge the cycling scene is in Mallorca. I knew it was popular, but seeing it in person is something else. ,

And with such a massive cycling culture comes an equally impressive number of cycling shops. On our last day in Palma, we had to stop by a few of them — partly out of curiosity, partly because it just felt like the perfect way to end the trip. Each shop had its own vibe, but all of them reflected how passionate and knowledgeable the cycling community is on the island.

One place that really stood out was the Rapha Mallorca store. The staff was super friendly, the selection was spot-on for the terrain, and the whole atmosphere made it obvious why so many cyclists consider it a must-visit. It’s the kind of shop where you walk in “just to look” and somehow leave with something you didn’t plan to buy.

Visiting those shops made me appreciate Mallorca’s cycling scene even more. It’s not just a destination for riding, it’s a full cycling ecosystem, built by people who genuinely love the sport.

So… Should You Go Cycling in Mallorca?

If you’ve ever even thought about doing a cycling trip, even just once in your life, let me tell you:
Mallorca is 100% worth it.

It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with cycling all over again. The perfect roads, the respectful traffic, the endless sunshine, the stunning climbs, the cozy cafés — it’s unlike anywhere else.

And it works for everyone: whether you want easy coastal rides, challenging mountain loops, or something in between. Plus, with countless rental options and cycling-friendly hotels, the logistics are simple and stress-free.

FAQ: Cycling in Mallorca

When is the best time to cycle in Mallorca?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October) offer ideal temperatures and fewer tourists.

Is Mallorca good for beginner cyclists?
Yes, especially around Pollença and coastal areas.

Do you need to bring your own bike to Mallorca?
No, there are excellent rental options like Pollensa Cycling.

How busy is Cap de Formentor?
It can be crowded during peak season and weekends.