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Travel story: The Grand Majorca Loop Tour – Sporty Edition

Majorca like you’ve never seen it – our sporty two-wheeled island adventure
Cyclist gazes into the distance in Banyalbufar, Mallorca

This year, I wanted to take on a little challenge during my Team Member on Tour adventure. I chose our sporty cycling loop tour on Majorca, and my mom is joining me. Our self-guided tour kicks off in Salzburg at the airport, from where we fly straight to the popular Balearic island. The weather forecast looks promising, excitement is high, and we’re ready to see the beautiful island of Majorca from a completely new perspective.

Cyclist gazes into the distance in Banyalbufar, Mallorca

Perfectly Organized, and Now We’re Off

After a hearty breakfast at our comfy hotel, our first day begins with a short yet thorough briefing from our station manager, Edith - complete with helpful tips and the handover of our rental bikes. We had chosen e-bikes in advance, ready to effortlessly carry us across the island.

From Playa de Palma to Porto Cristo – 100 Varied Kilometers

The first cycling route begins at Playa de Palma. The promenade is still quiet as we swing into the saddle and set off on the first stage. The route starts flat, leading us away from the tourist bustle. A gentle climb gradually takes us inland, past fields, grazing sheep, and old windmills. Most of the path follows marked bike lanes along the main road or lightly trafficked side streets - perfect for a safe and relaxed start.

Our first stop is Cala Pi. We descend to the viewpoint at Torre de Cala Pi, a historic watchtower offering postcard-perfect views over the turquoise bay. Here, we pause for our first breather, letting our eyes roam and soaking in the stunning scenery. By midday, we reach the town of Santanyí, just as the market bustle begins to wind down. Small stalls display jewelry, clothing, and classic Majorcan specialties. After a short stroll and a quick snack, we continue eastward.

The final kilometers demand our full attention, but soon we arrive in Porto Cristo. This charming harbor town greets us with Mediterranean flair and the excitement of the next stage ahead.

Cyclist in Torre de Cala Pi

From the East Coast Up to the North

Today, the handy Eurobike and Eurohike on Tour app guides us inland, away from the coast, all the way up to the north—our destination: Port d’Alcúdia. This stage offers a mix of scenic variety, physical challenges, and culinary delights. At first, the route alternates between climbs and short descents, keeping us on our toes. Along the way, we pass typical Majorcan towns like Manacor, Ariany, and Santa Margalida, each surprising us with quiet streets and local charm.

A special stop awaits in Petra. The traditional stone houses and narrow, winding streets immediately capture our attention. On Plaça Ramon Llull, we enjoy a typical Majorcan snack, already included in the day’s itinerary - a well-earned treat. After Petra, the route eases into flatter terrain. We cycle past expansive vegetable fields, almond trees, and quaint fincas, accompanied by the scent of the island and the warm wind on our faces. The final kilometers bring us back to the coast, where we arrive in Port d’Alcúdia in the late afternoon - a lively town with a long promenade, the perfect setting to unwind after a sporty day.

Cyclist in the garden near the church in Ariany

Culinary Island Moments

After a long day in the saddle and many kilometers covered, the choice is an easy one: we dive into the hotel’s extensive buffet, conveniently available with half-board. Without hesitation, we sample the abundant and colorful offerings, from fresh salads and pizza to pasta and local specialties. But Majorca’s culinary delights extend far beyond the hotel walls.

In small, charming restaurants, we experience Majorcan cuisine in its purest form: tender grilled fish, flavorful seafood, and, of course, the classic paella - all served with stunning views of the turquoise sea. Before the main meal arrives, almost every place offers a thoughtful little starter from the kitchen: fresh olives, crispy breadsticks, and a zesty aioli that instantly conjures the holiday spirit. In every bite, Majorca reveals itself at its best - uncomplicated, authentic, and utterly delicious.

Cuisine in Mallorca – Seafood with roasted vegetables
Through the Tramuntana Mountains

The morning in Port d’Alcúdia begins quietly, and we take a short stroll through the historic old town. We walk our bikes through the narrow, still-empty streets before setting off. The first kilometers toward Pollença are flat and easy, rolling along quiet paved side roads past fields, orchards, and the occasional grazing sheep. Pollença greets us with Mediterranean charm and a rich sense of history. Those with the energy can tackle the famous 365 steps of Calvari Hill - rewarded at the top with a breathtaking view over the rooftops of the town and all the way to the Tramuntana Mountains.

The Monestir de Sant Domingo, the church of Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, and the stone bridge on the outskirts of town stand as quiet witnesses to the area’s rich past - perfect stops before the route grows truly challenging. From here, a steady, long climb begins, winding up to the Lluc Monastery. The mountain road snakes through dense pine forests and past rugged cliffs, opening suddenly to the deep blue Gorg Blau and the Cúber Reservoir. At nearly 900 meters above sea level, Majorca feels wild and almost Alpine. What follows is a long, twisty descent through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, bringing us all the way down to the harbor town of Port de Sóller.

Heat, Heights, and Breathtaking Views

Today’s route is a true highlight - and a real sporty challenge. From Port de Sóller, we follow one of Majorca’s most stunning coastal roads. The road clings to the cliffs, winds through olive groves, and repeatedly opens up to jaw-dropping views of the sea. The blue seems almost electric today—perhaps because it’s the hottest day of the week.

The route alternates between steep climbs and flowing descents. The wind on our faces brings refreshing bursts of energy - a welcome relief in the heat. We pass through the artists’ village of Deià, stop in the charming town of Valldemossa, and later ride through the terraced villages of Banyalbufar and Estellencs. Each of these places feels like a page from a picture book - quiet, traditional, and full of character. By the time we reach Port d’Andratx, we know this coastal stage will linger in our memories for a long time.

View of Deia with mountains in the background

From Port d’Andratx Back to Playa de Palma

Our final stage begins with the knowledge that today we’ll return to the starting point of our original tour. Long, sometimes steep climbs challenge us one last time as the narrow mountain road winds impressively through forests and rugged terrain. The calm of nature and the crisp morning air accompany us uphill - a perfect conclusion to this sporty tour. After the last pass, we enjoy a long, scenic descent into Esporles and continue through the village of Establiments.

From there, the route becomes more urban. A well-marked bike path guides us safely through the traffic in Palma. It’s louder, busier - but we still savor that special moment when we pause at the famous La Seu Cathedral. It’s hard to believe we’ve cycled around the entire island in just five days.

Cyclist in front of the cathedral in Palma
A finca on the coast of Mallorca

Conclusion

This cycling tour around the island offers everything a cyclist could hope for: breathtaking views, varied stages with challenging climbs, long descents, scenic coastal roads, and charming inland villages. There’s a constant interplay between mountains and sea, culture and nature, activity and relaxation. Despite the physical demands, there’s plenty of time to catch your breath - whether it’s a dip in the pool, a peaceful moment on the beach, or a delicious dinner while watching the sunset.

My favorite spot

Just past Banyalbufar, during a refreshing descent, the Torre del Verger rises from a cliff - a small historic tower dating back to the 17th century. At the viewpoint, we pause, and I climb the narrow iron staircase to the top. From there, an incredible panorama opens up over the open sea and the rugged coastline. This quiet, peaceful spot invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and feel the fresh sea breeze - a perfect place to recharge and fully appreciate the beauty of nature.

Cyclist enjoys the view at Torre del Verger
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