Bike Tour: Mallorca cycling - 8 days

Today you follow some of Mallorca´s most classic cycling routes, on quiet inland road and slightly hilly terrain, in the area around Sineu, Sant Joan and Petra. Shortly after the start you have the option to take a shortcut on dirt/gravel roads, but even if you follow the tamarc standard route the total of 36km is perfectly doable. If you want to extend the route to visit the etnographic museum Els Calderers and make a detour via Vilafranca de Bonany, mainly through vast farming areas. But again it´s possible to shorten this route extension by skipping the steep ascent (there-and-back) to the Santuari de Bonay, but the you will miss some superb views!

Challenge:

OPTION 1 36,2 km, ascent 442m, descent 443m

OPTION 2  route extension via Vilafranca de Bonany of 32,9 km, 69 km in total. Ascent 350m, descent 380m

Pleasant cycling route with gentle ascents and descents, mostly along local bike routes. The optional shortcut via wine estate Finca Biniagual makes your route just 45 km long ( versus 66 km for the complete circuit), avoiding one gradual ascent of 100m. There are plenty of villages along the way where you can stop for a drink or a meal at the Plaça and inmerse in village life.

Challenge:

OPTION 1 66km, ascent 569m, descent 568m

OPTION 2  shortcut via 45 km.

The standard route is relatively easy and very enjoyable as you follow mainly interior tarmac lanes with little traffic through the softly ondulating countryside. The overal ascent is similar to the last two days. However, the optional side-excursion for today to the three hermitages of Randa is very challenging but the views from Puig de Randa are truly spectacular.

Challenge:

OPTION 1 51 km / 32 mill, 456 / 457m ascent and descent

OPTION 2  extra 9,5km / 6 mill,  245m ascent/descent . Total 60,5km

Relatively short and easy route, mainly downhill ( except for a few hilltop villages you´ll have to traverse). After you pass Campanet, you peddle into a quiet valley, among carob and almonds orchards. And just one short section on a busier main road.

Challenge: 37,3km / 23mi, 391m ascent , 473m descent.

The cycling route has long flat sections, with just a few short ascents at the beginning plus a detour to the hilltop village of Muró. The roads are quiet, with the exception of one 2,5km section on a busy road (M13A, with wide shoulder). There is no way to avoid this busy section due to restricted access by private landowners. You also have a 4,5 km section on dirt tracks through the wetlands at S´Albufera Natural Park. Please remember that this is a birdwatchers' paradise. Be quiet and respect pedestrians ( walk your bike if necessary). The total route is 54km long with 2 possible shortcuts:

Challenge: 54km, 461m ascent and descent

Shortcut 1: 17km less ( total distance: 37km)

Shortcut 2: 20km less ( 34km in total)

On this cycling route you will have a chance to visit one/several lovely beaches as you cycle among farmed fields and along the coast. The minimum distance is 15,5 km ( if you just cycle from Pollença to Port Pollença) The maximum is 44km if you decide to explore the Alcudia peninsula and add the loop to Cala Sant Vicenç at the end. Optional ascent (on foot) to peak 'Talaia de Alcudia'. 

Challenge:

OPTION 1: 15,5km

OPTON 2:  44km, 443m ascent, 443m descent

Your cycling trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure from the island or extra nights in the capital, Palma de Mallorca