For an active break in the sun, there are few better options than Majorca cycling holidays, which combine excellent riding, year-round sunshine and easy access from the UK. In this guide, we’ll highlight why Majorca is great for amateur and pro cyclists alike, and explore everything you need to make your next break a success.
Why are cycling holidays in Majorca so popular?
Good weather, great food and drink, enjoyable and testing routes both on-road and off-road, plenty of activities away from the bike: Majorca really does tick every box for a great cycling holiday. It’s easy to get to from the UK, too: flights are plentiful from all of the main low-cost airlines, and flights generally take between two and two-and-a-half hours.
Which are the best cycling routes?
Majorca is full of excellent routes, testing climbs that tend to be short and sharp rather than long grinds, and stunning views everywhere you look. You’ll find most of the best routes towards the north of the island in and around the Tramuntana mountains. Our personal favourites are the coastal route towards the town of Andratx, and the famous run up Sa Calobra, including the loop-de-loop where the road passes underneath itself.
Where should you stay?
Where best to stay depends on the type of trip you’ve got in mind. If you’re thinking of a more intensive trip focused fully on cycling, then we recommend staying on the outskirts of the capital, Palma de Mallorca, as it allows easy access to the bigger mountains. But if you want to combine your riding with some rest and relaxation, then try the more tourist-oriented resorts such as Alcudia, which is still close enough to the hills for them to be accessible.
When is the best time of year to go?
Many professional cycling teams use the Balearic and Canary Islands for pre-season training camps in January and February, and with good reason. The weather tends to be consistently sunny and warm, without being too hot to be debilitating, and these conditions make winter just as beneficial for amateur and tourist riders, too. Winter time also tends to be a much cheaper time of year to get flights and accommodation, as it avoids the traditional tourist season. We recommend any time in January and February (before school half-term) as the best-value time to visit.
Key considerations for Majorca cycling holidays
The more planning you can do before you go, the better use you can make of your time in Majorca and the more mileage you can cover. You can explore the most important elements in more detail here, but answering these five questions can help you determine what your ideal cycling holiday in Majorca can look like:
Guided or self-guided?
If you haven’t been to Majorca before, then hiring the use of an experienced guide can help you get the most out of your trip. There are plenty available on the island and they can help you explore all the best roads and trails on the most time-efficient route. Alternatively, if you prefer to do your own thing or take it day-by-day, then you’re free to make your own plans – although researching routes on Strava before you go can give you some ideas and inspiration.
Take a bike or hire one?
This choice comes down to your finances and your personal preferences. There are many bike hire companies in Majorca, offering top-quality bikes set up to your specifications, and they can drop off and pick up the bikes at your accommodation at your preferred time. Of course, you’re more likely to feel comfortable on your own bike, but booking your bike onto a flight can be expensive, requires a bike box, and comes with a risk of damage in transit. For shorter breaks in particular, bike hire is often no more expensive than travelling with your own. For more information, check out this guide on taking your bike on holiday.
What kit do you need?
It’s best to treat each ride like an unsupported touring ride: that is to say, cover as many eventualities as you can without weighing yourself down too much. Spare tubes, a pump and a multitool are a must, along with enough snacks and water for the day. A map can also come in handy, in case your bike computer or smartphone map can’t pick up any signal in the countryside. You may also want to consider a basic first aid kit in case of any accidents, along with all the information you need about how to contact the emergency services or call for help
What time of day will you ride?
This depends largely on the time of year you’re visiting. If during the winter months, then you will most likely have the freedom to ride at any time of day, and fit your other activities around your ride. But in the summer months, it will be much hotter in the middle of the day, and there will be much more tourist traffic around, so the earlier in the morning you can ride, the better.
Are you taking your family with you?
If you or your riding buddies are bringing your partner and children with you, then make sure you choose accommodation that’s close to other amenities and activities. While it might compromise the ease of riding out to the best climbs and trails, it ensures they have plenty to keep them occupied while you’re out on your bike.
Get cycle insurance with SportsCover Direct
If you’re planning cycling holidays in Majorca, then making sure you and your bike are fully covered with insurance is absolutely essential. At SportsCover Direct, we offer a wide range of policies for overseas cycling trips, giving you peace of mind in the event your bike is lost, stolen or damaged, and giving you full medical cover in case of an accident.
Explore our cycling insurance, and start planning your cycling holiday to Majorca with confidence.