Though removed from alone in carrying the title ‘biking capital of Europe’, with its serpentine sierra roads, beautiful surroundings and bike-friendly stays, Mallorca is beginning to break free from the pack.
Along with a Lycra-clad increase in velo-tourism, the Balearic isle has change into a Tour de France coaching floor for the professionals, too. Be part of us as we get on our bike to pedal round its greatest biking routes.
VALLDEMOSSA TO SÓLLER
Greatest recognized for a sure Polish pianist holing up in its monastery over a soggy winter, Valldemossa additionally sits among the many most eye-pleasing of all of the island’s mountain villages. The charming city of Sóller isn’t far behind, set in a coastal valley basin scattered with orchards cultivating what first put this city on the map – a number of the world’s sweetest oranges.
The 30 kilometres between them is considered one of Mallorca’s hottest cycle routes, largely due to the Col de Soller. It’s a wonderful climb and descent with at least 50 hairpin turns that take you thru a ridiculously scenic mountain go. You may also loop again via one other well-known magnificence, the village of Deià, for a four-hour spherical journey.
The place to remain Being set simply exterior the gorgeous mountain city, staying on the Mirabó de Valldemossa makes for a number of the greatest vistas over it. Mirabó that means ‘good view’ can be a clue. The one downside is tearing your self away from it to set off in your cycle. If you happen to do make it, L’Avenida in Sóller provides the city’s snazziest hideaway. Designed by considered one of Gaudi’s protégés, this former service provider’s mansion has baggage of zhuzh only a leafy stroll from the city centre and the chime of passing classic trams.
PALMA TO ES TRENC
Utilizing Palma as a base for a day or two not solely means you get to discover this fascinating metropolis however provides entry to some first rate biking routes. Be part of the coastal cycle path anyplace alongside the Mallorcan capital and swoosh alongside the seafront, previous the mighty Gothic cathedral and with the shimmering sweep of Palma Bay at your aspect.
The bike-friendly path stretches all the best way to S’Arenal resort earlier than chopping into Mallorcan campo and its aromatic patchwork of vineyards, citrus orchards and olive groves. After three hours of pedal-pumping you’re handled to the wonderful sight of Es Trenc, an extended stretch of golden sand that would simply go for the Caribbean.
The place to remain Not solely can El Llorenç Parc de la Mar declare the one rooftop infinity pool in Palma, simply wait till you see the views – a broad horizon of shimmering sea-meets-sky blue. You’re additionally simply throughout the street from the beginning of the route. For a spectacular keep on the loop, Cap Rocat is a formidable former fortress and solely considered one of a handful of inns that may compete with El Llorence for Palma Bay vistas.
ANDRATX TO POLLENÇA
The Mallorca 312 is the Balearic’s largest, and longest, biking race that loops across the island nearly coast to coast. At 194 miles it’s not likely the stuff of biking holidays, nonetheless the Andratx to Pollença part of it’s each manageable and luxurious.
At over 70 miles it’s nonetheless a little bit of a slog, however most of it’s via the spectacular Tramuntana Sierra surroundings flanked by lengthy stretches of glowing water, vertiginous valleys and sheer cliffs. What’s extra, you’ve the fairly beautiful city of Pollença to stretch your legs in whenever you arrive.
The place to remain Only a brief cycle from Pollença city is the artfully restored Jesuit monastery of Son Brull. A protracted driveway lined with lush vineyards, peppery lavender and lemon groves ends at an elegantly restored 18th-century retreat absolutely geared in the direction of relaxation and rest. An oh-so-chic spa provides a world of limb-rejuvenating prospects, plus each room offers a bubble-tub for extra personal pampering.
PORT DE SOLLER TO SA CALOBRA
Ask a seasoned Mallorca bicycle owner to call their favorite spot, and chances are high they’ll go misty-eyed over Sa Calobra. This spaghetti squiggle of a stretch, nonetheless, is as punishing as it’s picturesque, looping via a very steep slice of sierra earlier than descending to a stunning cove set in a hovering limestone canyon.
A 3-hour cycle away, the charming Port de Sóller makes for the proper place to begin. Time it proper and you may hop on a ship again round – solely the hardiest try the return on two wheels.
The place to remain If you happen to’ve nonetheless obtained it in you for one more winding climb, a path cross-crosses up the encircling Sóller valley to C’as Xorc. Gasp-worthy views sweep over the pine-bristling mountains and out to a shimmering strip of sea from this resort’s lofty perch. Youngster-free serenity is assured from wherever you’re consuming it in, whether or not soaking within the sea-view infinity pool or sipping cava Aperol on the shade-dappled eating terrace – you’ve earned this.
SANTANYÍ TO ARTA
If you happen to’d fairly avoid all these energy-sapping inclines, head to the south-east of the island and begin your cycle in sleepy Santanyí. An hour or so in, the city of Felanitx makes for a very fairly pit cease, however make sure to skirt the unlovely Manacor subsequent alongside.
From right here you possibly can be a part of the Vias Verdes, former railroads transformed right into a cycle route in 2015. It cuts via degree panorama all the best way to Artà, alternating between broad plains and wild forests, with the occasional former station recycled right into a relaxation cease.
The place to remain One motive to hit this route is that it’s bookended by two of the best inns on the island. Within the centre of Santanyí, Can Ferrereta has been piled with a humiliation of reward since opening in 2021. This sighingly stylish hideaway is a flawlessly restored Seventeenth-century farmstead steeped in understated luxe. And on the different finish, Es Racó D’Artà melds rustic-chic with Zen-infused serenity and elevated actions corresponding to aware mountaineering, stargazing and pottery workshops.
CALA VINCENC TO CAP FORMENTOR
Have you ever even cycled in Mallorca if you happen to haven’t cycled as much as Cap de Formentor? Peak-cycle-season crowds right here attest to this as one of many two-wheel must-dos. From the bijou seaside resort of Cala Vincenc, you swoop round a verdant valley, previous the favored Port de Pollença, and begin your climb.
After a couple of bushy hairpins, it’s value a cease on the Es Colomer for a breather-with-views. The route then winds alongside the finger-like peninsula (Mallorca’s longest) to the long-lasting Formentor lighthouse, full with café and surprisingly good cheesecake.
The place to remain The prospect of returning to El Vicenç de la Mar will definitely add some tailwind as you loop again alongside the peninsula. It’s the extra laid-back beachier brother to El Llorenç, with a equally smooth design, first-class options and sea views. Admittedly, the hovering jagged cliffs make for a extra spectacular vista as you float about on this one’s rooftop swimming pool.
From saddles to surfboards, strirrups and 5 irons: uncover our greatest inns for out of doors pursuits
