Autumn is one of the best times for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy Majorca, and is a bucket list destination for cyclists thanks to its mountainous landscape, pleasant Mediterranean climate and extensive infrastructure which has been designed especially to meet the diverse demands of cyclists. This infrastructure as implemented by the Majorcan Government, called the “Cycle Path Plan”, classifies roads and paths as either “non-recommended”, “suitable” or “preferential” routes according to their degree of safety and the level of nearby traffic. Based on these classifications, the Government of Majorca has drawn up several itineraries which vary in difficulty in terms of the distance and unevenness of terrain, resulting in a network of sixteen routes which cover 1,732 km of the island. These itineraries connect the main towns and points of interest in Majorca such as its lighthouses, chapels and the great mountain system that is the Serra de Tramuntana.
Find out more about the Majorca Tourism Foundation’s top four routes for tourists visiting the island from the Formentor Lighthouse, Road of Sa Calobra, Andratx to the Son Carrió and why they are so special.
Formentor Lighthouse
The Formentor Lighthouse route (A2), with a medium difficulty level, takes cyclists to the spectacular Formentor lighthouse, located on the northernmost cliff of the island. Riders begin their journey in the town of Alcudia and travel towards Puerto de Pollença , bordering the coast of the bay of Pollença and the Natural Reserve of s’Albufereta. From the port it goes to the Formentor Lighthouse through one of the most panoramic roads of the island. At the top, there is a chance for cyclists to take in the view, 210 metres above sea level, and have a quick coffee and delicious pastry to celebrate their achievement. The itinerary continues along the Campanet Old Town path, that includes the Ses Fonts Ufanes Natural Monument, the Campanet caves and the Sant Miquel oratory.
Road of Sa Calobra
The route of Sa Calobra (A4), with a very high level of difficulty, is only suitable for trained sportsmen and is a goal for thousands of European cyclists to achieve. The route reaches one of the famous scenes of the Serra de Tramuntana, the Sa Calobra road, which is nicknamed “The Snake” by locals. Alcudia is the starting point and after leaving behind the town of Pollença, begins the ascent of the first mountain pass, Coll de Femenia. The climb continues through Escorca and the Coll de Cals Reis, which leads to a dizzying descent to the port of Sa Calobra, located next to the natural landmark of the Torrent de Pareis.
Andratx
The Andratx route (C1), with an easy level of difficulty, is an accessible route for all visitors, and is especially of interest for those who are passionate about architecture. The journey connects the coast of Calvià with the Majorcan villages of s’Arracó with its modernist architecture and the villages of Calvià and Capdellà, with examples of traditional architecture, demonstrating the island’s diverse urban landscape. The ride take cyclists along the coast, allowing them to connect with cosmopolitan tourist areas such as the port of Andratx, Peguera and Santa Ponça.
Son Carrió
Through the Son Carrió route (M3), with an high level of difficulty allows expert cyclists to enjoy two of the most breath-taking viewpoints on the island located in the Levante Mountains, the Betlem Hermitage (Artà) and the Sant Salvador Sanctuary (Felanitx). The route starts in Cala Millor and reaches the Betlem Hermitage through the villages of Son Servera and Artà after passing a small mountain pass, Coll des Pescadors. The route continues along secondary roads with low traffic, continuing through Manacor and Felanitx, where the 5km climb to Sant Salvador begins, with a gradient of 7%. The return is via roads near the eastern coast, passing through Porto Cristo, one of the main tourist attractions on the island due to the famous Drac caves.
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