Cycling Tour in Mallorca

Gem of the Mediterranean, Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearics, an archipelago off the Catalonian coast. Less raucous than its southern sister, Ibiza, Mallorca is a cyclist’s paradise. The fact that the pros train here during the shoulder months (February-April and October-November) has led to a culture of reverence for the bicycle and even a local economy around the sport!

This tour covers much of the northwestern part of the island. We’ll pedal glorious roads into and out of charming towns, both along the coast and inland, as well as cross through the UNESCO site of Serra de Tramuntana. Everywhere we go and all along the way, we’ll savor the best of island food and wine. Mallorquin cuisine is decidedly Spanish, but through visits with local producers, we’ll come to learn and taste what makes this island so special.

About the Mallorca Island

The name Mallorca derives from the Classical Latin insula maior or “larger island”, which morphed in medieval times into Maiorica, “the larger one”. Palma de Mallorca is the capital for the archipelago, which has been an autonomous region since 1983. Given its proximity to Catalonia, it is no surprise that the co-official languages of the islands are Catalan and Spanish.

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Mallorca’s medieval history mirrors that of much of the Mediterranean. First came the Phoenicians in the eighth century, then the Carthaginians. After the Second Punic War, the island fell to the Romans. Under Roman rule, Mallorca began to flourish. (Modern-day Alcúdia, Pollença and Palma, both of which we’ll visit, were founded in this period.) The local economy was largely driven by olives, wine, and salt. And Roman legions prized their Mallorcan soldiers who were famed for their skill as slingers. The Moors arrived at the turn of the tenth century and catalyzed a new period of prosperity for Mallorca. Palma was expanded, and became known as Medina Mayurqa. Moorish leaders improved island agriculture through the introduction of sophisticated irrigation systems.

After the end of the caliphate in the eleventh century, Mallorca was briefly an independent Taifa (Muslim-ruled principality). However, expeditions of new conquerors wreaked havoc and led to the siege of Palma. The invaders shortly retreated, motivated by other concerns back in their homelands, but it ushered in a tumultuous time for Mallorca. The island changed hands again and again until 1229 when King James I of Aragon launched an invasion, successfully annexing the island to the Crown.

During the Spanish Civil War, Mallorca was a nationalist stronghold. Republicans attacked in August 1936, in what would become known as the Battle of Majorca. They heavily outnumbered their opponents, but superior Nationalist air power, provided by Fascist Italy, forced them back. Since the 1950s, tourism has transformed Mallorca. In this century, urban redevelopment, under the so-called Pla Mirall or “Mirror Plan” has attracted immigrant workers from outside the EU, especially those coming from Africa and South America.

Offering quintessential Mediterranean climate, and some of the most celebrated cycling in the world, Mallorca is a must-see. Or as we like to say, a must-ride! Te estamos esperando! (We are waiting for you!) Nos vemos pronto! (See you soon!)

Cycling Tour in Mallorca

Dates & Pricing

Minimum of 6 participants, maximum of 16, with a maximum guide-to-guest ratio of 1 to 8

DATES (7 days)

April 23-29, 2023 | October 22-28, 2023 (sold out) | April 21-27, 2024 | October 20-26, 2024

For more info and availability please contact us.

TOUR PRICE

Per person in double occupancy: from $4,190 | from 4,290 in 2024

Single Supplement: $690

For travel in 2021 and beyond, your tour is carbon neutral! In addition, we donate more than 1% of your trip price to food-literacy and environmental non-profits that share our values. (Details here)

Tour Highlights

Discover wine, Jamon (ham), and olive oil over delectable meals, visits and tastings that demonstrate the best of Mallorca culinary heritage
Exposure to local culture and history with bilingual and experienced Tour Leaders
Elegant and traditional accommodation in mostly 4- and 5-star hotels
Exhilarating rides and opportunities to improve your cycling skills with your Tour Leaders
Unforgettable meals featuring the local cuisine
Discover the must-see towns of Alcudia, Palma de Mallorca, and the villages of Deià, Valldemossa, Soller, and Llucmajor
Traditional, local recipes to bring home with you!

Cycling Level 3 – Antipasto, Primo and Secondo (Entrée)

What's Included

6 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels
6 breakfasts and 3 lunches
4 dinners with either a 3- or 4-course menu
Walk in Palma with your tour leaders
Explore Port d’Alcudia, Alcudia, Valldemossa, Deià, Soller and other small villages
Exhilarating rides in a cyclists’ paradise!
1 visit and tasting to a local winery
1 visit and tasting to an olive oil producer
1 picnic featuring Jamon (ham) and sobrasada cured meat amongst other delicacies
1 cooking demo with a local recipe
Bike rental (see more info here) and Garmin Touring Edge unit (if you have one, bring yours and we’ll upload the routes onto your unit)
Comfortable transportation and assistance by 9-seat van for all travel on tour as cited in the itinerary
Refreshments, snacks, fruits and other local delicacies during our rides
Two bilingual, professional Tour Leaders
One group transfer from/to Palma airport at the beginning and one at the end of tour
Local taxes and gratuities for luggage porters and restaurant servers during tour

What's Not Included

3 lunches and 2 dinners on your own
Alcoholic beverages at group meals (including wine, beer and spirits)
Round-trip airfare and expenses to/from the tour
E-bike, upon request and availability, with $150-250 surcharge depending on the type (see more info here)
Trip cancellation, baggage loss or travel delay insurance (this optional coverage is highly recommended. See more info here)
Gratuities for your Tour Leaders
Personal expenses, such as, but not limited to, phone calls, laundry, emails, snacks, gifts

Itinerary

Optional Pre-Tour Night near Llucmajor
Day 1 & 2 – Llucmajor Area and Palma de Mallorca

Cycling Route Info on Day 1: Main Route: 15mi/800ft of elevation gain | Extra loop adds: 7mi/1100ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 2: Main Route 34mi/900ft | Extra loop adds: 14mi/600ft

In the morning catch our 20-mins group transfer from Palma airport to your hotel in Llucmajor. After meeting your guides for an introductory meeting over a delicious light lunch, we take a nice ride inland to start our exploration of the island. For the following two nights, we enjoy the unique atmosphere of a former villa, a renovated facility surrounded by agricultural land that makes it feel like a country ranch with all the amenities you might need. A cooking demo featuring a local dish followed by a delicious dinner will surely be also a great introduction to the Mallorquin cuisine.

Our second ride of the tour loops us into the eastern section of the island where we can explore the quiet and rolling countryside. In the afternoon we transfer to Palma where we are able to visit the capital of Mallorca and enjoy a delectable dinner in one of the most renowned restaurants in town, featuring the Mallorquin cuisine

Palma was founded by the Romans before enduring centuries of conquest, siege, and destruction as the Balearic Islands changed hands. Here, we visit its historic center, and we also explore the cathedral. Adored architect of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Antoni Gaudí was invited to take over a restoration here in 1901. (While traces of his contributions remain, unfortunately he abandoned the project thirteen years later after an argument with the contractor.)
Day 3 & 4 – Port d'Alcudia and Cap Formentor

Cycling Route Info on Day 3: Main Route 39mi/1630ft | Extra loop adds: 15mi/540ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 4: Main Route 31mi/3000ft | Extra loop adds: 11mi/300ft

On our third day, we head to picture-perfect Alcúdia, and the resort town of Port d'Alcúdia near the sea. Also founded under Roman rule, the Alcúdia of today is known for its beaches, including the busy Platja d’Alcúdia and Platja de Muro, which punctuate the sweeping Alcúdia Bay. Recently restored medieval walls encircle an impressively preserved town of narrow streets, buildings, and Roman ruins that we explore.

Over our two days here, we explore the surrounding country and coast. One ride carries us inland through the little villages of Santa Maria del Camí and Campanet; the other to Cap de Formentor, the northernmost peninsular tip of the island, and its lighthouse. Here we’re afforded incredible views of the sparkling Mediterranean all around us. Other off-bike highlights include visits to an olive-oil producer and a wine-maker to meet the artisans and taste their creations. Here, we also find an opportunity to savor the world-famous (and revered) jamon Iberico and sobrasada over a picnic lunch.
Day 5 & 6 – Deià, Valldemossa and the Serra de Tramuntana

Cycling Route Info on Day 5: Main Route 49mi/4800ft | Extra loop adds: 16mi/2700ft

Cycling Route Info on Day 6: Main Route 28mi/2870ft | Extra loop adds: 9mi/1200ft

Our fifth day, we head west to Deià, a coastal village tucked in the UNESCO site of Serra de Tramuntana, which comprises the northern ridge of Mallorca. Our route to Deià wends through the mountain range, providing ample time to soak in the scenery. An extra loop on the way to Deià features a famous twisting descent to the seaside village of Sa Calobra, as well as a satisfying climb back up.

For our final ride of the tour in the Serra de Tramuntana, we loop inland to Esporles and possibly to the coast if you want to take an extra loop to Banyalbufar. Lunch today is on your own in the must-see village of Valldemossa where Chopin spent many years.

This last ride surely serves to round out our 6-day exploration of Mallorquin history and tradition, before our final dinner together to celebrate our tour.
Day 7 – Palma de Mallorca Airport

To request the itinerary as a PDF or to ask us any questions please contact us today!