Vuelta a Mallorca Bike Ride

3 1/2 days cycling in the Mecca of cycling

Various daily route options

Full support crew

Itinerary

Mallorca, Spain’s largest island, is about 110km in length and roughly 76km wide from north to south with 550kms of coastline. The north west coast is made up of the Tramuntana mountain range (also the name for the strong winds that can hit the island), which provides the water for the entire island. Because of these mountains, Mallorca has become a biking mecca and the off season training ground for all the major national teams – the Vuelta Ciclista a Mallorca is held every year in February . We have included the spectacular Sa Calobra ride for those that feel the need as well as Col de Soller.

Mileage and Elevation Overview

Day 1 – Warm up loop  59kms  420m ascent

Arrive UK flight to Palma, Mallorca. Transfer Palma airport to Pollensa 45 mins. Set up of bikes, have lunch and a briefing. We head along the coast and then inland on quiet undulating roads reaching a maximum height of about 100m. The roads are rarely used and well off the beaten track taking us past small holdings, farms and orchards as well as a few small typical villages including that of Muro.

Day 2 – Alcudia to Estellencs – 164k, 2029m or 132k, 1504m

Leaving the hotel behind us we make our way inland with the objective of crossing the island and reaching the far south west coast and the Tramuntana mountains. Soon we leave the flatlands of the centre of the island behind us, and we head up into the foothills on the south eastern side of the Tramuntana range. We pick up the fabulous road that takes us over the Col d’Honour and through the lovely village of Orient. We are briefly aware of an increase in traffic as we skirt around Palma and then once more join roads that wind their way up through fragrant pine woods and through remote countryside. The 100 mile option is a loop in this wonderful hilly wooded area and the decision for everyone of whether to do it or not, is ¾ of the way through the day.

Day 3 – Estellencs to Port Soller  123k, 2648m or 81k,  1463m

This is a stunning day with everything you would expect from a mountainous Mediterranean island – stunning inland routes, amazing coastal roads, short sharp hills and long demanding ones, forests, cliff tops and all of it topped by an azure sky. We head off southwards on the winding coast road we arrived on the day before then head further south to the very picturesque and upmarket resort of Port Andratx before heading back up on Mallorca’s most beautiful inland road. We then head north on the coast road before it dips to the south to pick up the climb over the Coll de Soller at 497m. This route is now even more impressive as a new tunnel takes all the traffic away from the 24 hairpins (more than Alpe d’Huez!). Accommodationin Puerto Soller.

Day 4 Port Soller to Cap Formentor 98k, 1848m or 98k, 1848m

After such a spectacular day on day 3 it is hard to imagine the route could get any better – but it does. Day 4 is the climax of 4 days riding. The route out of Port Soller is a steady uphill of over 1000m climbing with the Coll de Soller in the distance behind you. At the top you bomb along the road with cliffs and spectacular views in every direction as you pass the reservoirs that are the life source of Mallorca. For those that feel the need for hairpins, the mega road (down) to Sa Calobra beckons. The descent is beyond description – 12kms of hairpins, switchbacks, 360 degree turns through tunnels, fast straights and chicanes with a descent and consequent ascent of 800m. It’s a straight up and back.

As the road dips and rises along the contours of the Tramuntana mountain range you pass the famous Lluc monastery, continue to the bustling town of Pollenca before finally arriving at the lovely seaside resort of Port Pollenca. At Port Pollenca we join the road that will take us along the Formentor peninsula to our finish hotel.

Day 5

Free day to enjoy the beach until transfer to the airport.