The Parts of Mallorca You Haven't Discovered Yet
Beyond Sa Calobra, the famous Lighthouse and the usual cycling hotspots. There's a whole other side to Mallorca waiting to be explored.
Mallorca has become one of Europe's most popular road cycling destinations, and it's not hard to see why. Smooth roads, spectacular mountain scenery, famous climbs and sunshine make it a pretty special place to ride. But spend a little more time exploring the island and you'll realise there's so much more to Mallorca than Sa Calobra, Cap de Formentor and the usual cycling hotspots.
After years of riding here, and three back-to-back weeks exploring the island recently, we've got to know its quieter corners pretty well. Think winding backroads, lesser-known climbs, rolling countryside, traditional villages, tucked-away cafés and beautiful coastal spots that don't usually make it onto the usual cycling routes.
It's these places, and the variety of riding and experiences across the island, that make Mallorca somewhere we keep coming back to.
Beyond the Famous Cycling Routes
There's no denying that the Serra de Tramuntana is spectacular. Stretching along Mallorca's northwest coast, this mountain range is home to some of the island's most famous cycling roads, including Sa Calobra, Puig Major and Cap de Formentor. They're iconic for a reason, and definitely worth experiencing. But we'd argue that some of Mallorca's best riding happens away from the headline climbs.
Head inland and the landscape changes completely. Quiet country roads wind through olive groves, almond orchards and rolling farmland, connecting traditional stone villages and little towns that feel a world away from the busy coast. There are lesser-known climbs to discover, beautiful sweeping descents and plenty of roads where you can ride for miles without seeing another cyclist.
And that's one of the things we love most about Mallorca. You can spend one day tackling a big mountain climb (we tested the Canyon Aeroad across a few!) and the next exploring the countryside on a flatter, more relaxed loop. There's no shortage of variety, and you certainly don't need to spend every day chasing elevation to enjoy the island.
The Villages, Cafés and Little Places Worth Stopping For
The island is dotted with beautiful villages, each with its own character, little squares, traditional architecture and cafés that make very good excuses to stop riding for a while.
Sineu, Petra, Algaida and Santa Maria are just a few worth getting to know. Away from the bigger resorts, you'll find a slower pace of life, local markets, traditional bakeries and plenty of places to settle in for a coffee.
And that's something we'd always recommend building into your rides. Don't just plan a route around the distance and elevation. Leave a little room for an unplanned coffee stop, a wander around a village or a long lunch in the sunshine. We've spent plenty of time finding the places we love, and knowing where to stop can make all the difference to a day on the bike.
Mallorca Isn't Just About the Mountains
One of the biggest surprises for anyone visiting Mallorca for the first time is just how beautiful the coastline is. Beyond the mountain roads, there are little harbours, turquoise water, rocky coves and stretches of coastline that are well worth exploring. And because we're on road bikes, getting to some of these spots is all part of the fun.
There are beautiful coastal stretches to ride, little detours to discover and some stunning places to stop along the way. A post-ride swim in one of Mallorca's beautiful coves is a pretty good way to finish a day in the saddle. Bib dips are often the best part of the day!
When's the Best Time to Cycle in Mallorca?
Mallorca is a year-round cycling destination, but spring and autumn are generally the best times for a dedicated cycling trip.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a brilliant time to visit. Temperatures are warming up, the countryside is looking particularly lovely and almond blossom brings a little extra colour to the island. It's a popular time for cyclists, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable conditions for longer rides. We've got two trips in April next year which is the PERFECT time in our opinion!
Autumn (September-October)
Another favourite. The summer crowds begin to thin, the sea is still warm enough for swimming and the temperatures are generally much more comfortable for big days on the bike.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings plenty of sunshine, but it can get seriously hot, particularly when you're climbing in the mountains. Early starts, plenty of water and a little flexibility with your routes are essential.
For us, spring and autumn are the sweet spots. You get the best of the riding, lovely conditions and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything else the island has to offer.
Where to Stay: Finding a Different Side of Mallorca
Where you base yourself can completely change the kind of Mallorca you experience.
The northern cycling hubs and coastal resorts are popular for good reason, but staying somewhere a little further inland opens up a different side of the island.
Sineu, right in the heart of Mallorca, is a great example. Surrounded by countryside, traditional villages and quiet roads, it offers a brilliant base for exploring in different directions. It's also where we've chosen to make ourselves at home for our Mallorca Escapes.
Our base is a beautiful traditional countryside villa near Sineu, away from the busier resorts and well-known cycling hubs. With gorgeous ensuite bedrooms, an infinity pool and plenty of outdoor space, it's somewhere to properly switch off between rides. There's also an in-house chef preparing dinners using fresh, local ingredients, served together in the garden overlooking the mountains and olive fields.
It's a different way to experience Mallorca: a little more countryside, much less touristy and plenty of time to enjoy the island beyond the bike.
Experience a Mallorca Cycling Holiday
There are plenty of ways to come to Mallorca for a cycling holiday. But knowing where to ride makes all the difference. We've spent years exploring the island, finding the quiet backroads, lesser-known climbs, beautiful countryside loops and little coastal detours that don't always make it onto the usual cycling routes. These are the places we keep coming back to, and a huge part of why makes the Moloko Mallorca Escape different from others. Riding through stunning villages, discovering roads you'd never have found on your own and stopping at cafés you might otherwise have cycled straight past. All well away from the usual tourist hotspots.
These are the Mallorca gems worth riding now, before everyone else catches on. 😉
And because a great escape is about more than just the miles, we've taken care of the details around the riding, too. Experienced Moloko Ride Leaders, groups to suit different paces, delicious local food, time to relax and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island off the bike. You can even rent a Canyon bike through us if you don't fancy bringing your own. We've put a lot of time into finding the routes and places that make this island so special. Now we'd love to show you.
Come and discover a different side of Mallorca with us.
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