Cycling Routes Dan Recommends
All distances are measured from Palma Cathedral
Easy ride, 4.93km, +863m of climbing. Leave Palma over the Coll Sa Creu, known to most as ‘military hill’ as it passes an army base. (MA-1043), turn right towards Puigpunyent (MA-1016&1043), Dan’s recommended coffee stop is the recently renovated Bar Restaurante Es Pont on the crossroads in the village, there is a drinking water tap by the bridge to top up your water bottles. Then follow the stunningly pretty MA-1101 Es Grau through the winding climbs and past the vineyards to Esporles (MA-1040) and back to Palma via Establiments.
Medium ride. 80.1km, +1547m of climbing. Leave Palma following the MA-1040 towards Establiments and MA-1100 to Esporles, through the village and onto the legendary MA-10 coast road towards Banyalbufar and the stunning coastal ride of the Southern Tramuntana. Take care in the winter months on the shaded corners as the roads can be slippery. Take time to have a look around the stunningly pretty stone village of Estellencs, and perhaps a coffee on the sea view terrace at Cafe Vall Hermos. Follow the MA-10 towards Andratx, at the top of the climb the road passes a short tunnel with a few steps up to a historic watchtower, and the Restaurante Es Grau with surely some of the best views on the island, it’s usually closed in the winter though. Descend into Andratx and take a left MA-1031) towards Es Capdella, (MA-1015) Calvia, through the village towards military hill (MA-1016 & 1043) and back to Palma.
Tough Ride. 160km, +2841m climbing. You’ll want to leave all day for this one as you head to the iconic Sa Calobra, a bucket list climb for riders the world over. From Palma head for Santa Maria (MA13A) then tick off Consell, Binissalem and Inca. Follow the signs to the Lluc monastery (M-2130), pass through Selva and its imposing church. Dan recommends a stop at the restaurant in the olive oil works Oli Caimari, then up the prettiest climb on the island, the Coll de Sa Bataia. Left at the iconic gas station (MA-10) and when you pass under the historic aqueduct next to the fresh orange juice stall head right for the Coll de Reis climb and prepare to be gobsmacked as Sa Calobra opens up in front of you. It’s a long way down, and even longer way back up the way you came.Then head for home, but there is still plenty to come. Pass the two reservoirs Gorg Blau and Cuber, and down the longest descent on the island to the pretty Soller Valley. You’ll be glad of a seat in front of the Hotel Esplendido for a refined coffee and cake right on the waterfront in the port. From there the only way is up, over the apparently endless hairpin turns of the Coll de Soller and down the other side, (MA11A). You’ll likely get this almost free of traffic as the tunnel takes most of the motor vehicles off this amazing road. Then it’s a flat straight blast back to the island’s capital. Shower, beer, collapse, enjoy.