Spain Self Guided Biking / Mallorca

Alcúdia is the most picturesque of the towns in this region. It has less of a resort-feel to it than some of the other destinations further along the coast. Dramatic past events have left their mark everywhere in Alcúdia. First inhabited by the Phoenicians and Greeks, then established in 123 B.C. as the Roman settlement, it was subsequently attacked by Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs, before being conquered by Catalan Christians. The conquerors left their cultural heritage behind, and it is still visible in the town’s small alleyways. You’ll be spending 2 nights in a lovely inn within the historical center of the town. This afternoon, you will receive your rental bikes and tour maps and route notes. If you arrive late, we’ll arrange the bike fitting the following morning.

The route today is one of the most famous cycling roads in Spain. You follow the hilly course along the Formentor peninsula to the lighthouse at the Cap de Formentor. After returning along the peninsula, there is the option to extend the ride to Cala Sant Vicenç. Tour de France champion in 2012, Bradley Wiggins, owns a house along this route and holds the unofficial record out and back along the peninsula – timed at just under one hour… don’t worry if it takes you quite a bit longer!

You will ride through the interior of the island on undulating terrain seeing some of the lovely agricultural regions that are a bit off the tourist path. You’ll finish your ride in Selva , a small village with historical significance, set in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains. The ancient architecture and narrow cobbled streets create a traditional charm.

You’ll ride into the heart of the Tramuntana mountains. When you reach the intersection with a road that takes you to the small port of Cala de Sa Calobra, you’ll need to make a choice. The road to Sa Calobra is a world famous downhill on serpentine switchbacks that are positively amazing! We suggest riding down the switchbacks and then taking the boat to Port de Soller. And, if you are seeking the ultimate challenge, you can ride back up the switchbacks and continue along a gorgeous route past Puig Major, the highest mountain on the island through a short tunnel and then downhill to Port de Soller.

Your ride follows the scenic coastal road to the villages of Deia and Valldemossa. These are often referred to as classic Mallorcan villages; however, even this is down-playing the charm and beauty of the area. The villages are home to a variety of rock stars and painters, and are wonderfully secluded within the mountains. You’ll continue along the coast to your lodging tonight in the small hamlet of Banyalbufar where you will spend 2 nights.

The finBanyalbufar loop,al day in the saddle varies in length depending on how far you wish to cycle. You can follow the scenic coastal road to Estellencs or Andtrax and return the same way, or there is a long and difficult loop ride you could choose to do. Return to your hotel in Banyalbufar.