Sa Roqueta: A Rapha Guide to Mallorca
Everything you need to know about Europe's finest training destination.
There is a specific kind of silence found only on the upper reaches of the Serra de Tramuntana. Quiet punctuated by the metallic chime of goat bells and, very often, by the click of a gear or the buzz of a freewheel. For decades, Mallorca has existed as a curious duality: a sun-drenched escape for the masses and a spartan winter dojo for the pro peloton. But for centuries, and millennia, long before the first asphalt was laid, Mallorca’s identity was forged in the Neolithic era, leaving a landscape still guarded by ancient stone watchtowers and the enduring spirit of the Mallorquí people. Those of us who arrive with a bike box are merely the latest visitors to traverse a land whose rugged limestone peaks have been home to shepherds and stonemasons for thousands of years.
Why Mallorca?
Geographically ideal is the largest of the Balearics, that it feels less like a place to ride and more like a place designed for riding. The infrastructure makes it easy to arrive and roll without much else to think about, with smooth, meticulously maintained roads that seem to disappear into the Mediterranean at every turn. Whether you are finding your legs in the early spring sun or testing your limits during Mallorca 312, the island offers a physical, sensory and cultural immersion that few other locations can match.
“Whatever you're looking for, you’ll find it in Mallorca. The island is a masterpiece, one ride along the coast will leave you speechless.”
Daniel Martorell. Floor Lead, Rapha Mallorca.
The Essentials
- Optimal Windows: You can ride in Mallorca 12 months of the year, but for quiet roads and milder temperatures, aim for the shoulder season: March to May or September to October.
- The Terrain: A perfect split of geography. The western backbone is dominated by the Tramuntana range, while the Pla or central plain provides a rolling sanctuary for recovery days.
- Climate: Expect a temperate 18°C to 25°C during those ideal shoulder months, dipping into the low teens in the winter and up to the mid-thirties in the high summer.
Mallorca’s Best Cycling Routes
The Legend: Sa Calobra (Coll dels Reis)
Architect Antonio Parietti’s masterpiece is a road that seems to exist purely for the challenge and spectacular vistas. It leads to two small Calas - sheltered coves, descending to the sea so that you might earn the right to climb back out. The Nus de sa Corbata is the highlight, a 270-degree hairpin that loops under itself. It is a 10km theatre of suffering with 26 hairpins and a steady 7% gradient that demands a measured effort.
The Coastal Epic: Andratx to Pollença
This is the island’s challenging traverse. Crossing the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana from south to north is a test of both stamina and spirit. It is a jagged profile of constant climbing and descending, passing through the stone-built beauty of Valldemossa and Deià. On a clear day, the contrast between the grey limestone and the deep turquoise of the Balearic Sea is as sharp as the shadows cast by the pines.
The Recovery Loop: The Windmills of Sineu
The "Pla" is where the island breathes. Away from the verticality of the coast, the central flatlands are a maze of narrow Camis lined with dry-stone walls. Head toward Sineu, where the horizon is dotted with the sails of ancient stone windmills. This is where you find the soul of the island, far removed from the beachfront resorts.
“The MA-10 will leave you speechless; its newly resurfaced asphalt and the Balearic Sea beside you are the perfect combination. Over 100 dreamlike kilometers where you won't need to look at your GPS the entire way, as it's impossible to get lost, and you won't want to miss a single bit.”
Mario Caballero, Community Lead, Rapha Mallorca.
Tips for the Road
Every city, town, and village on the island will offer a square with a cafe serving local staples that are ideal mid-ride fuel. There’s nothing quite like the hit of an Entrepà de Truita amb Formatge to prepare you for the second half of a long day. If a dedicated coffee stop is what you’re after, Cycling Planet in Alaró is a classic, with a floor made from the old velodrome wood. Mercat de Tramuntana in Puigpunyent is another gem, within easy reach of Palma, nestled in the foothills leading to the longer climbs.
Mallorca is a shared space. On the narrow, twisting climbs of the Tramuntana, drivers will give you plenty of space and are more patient than in lots of places, but it’s no guarantee, and riding single file is the polite thing to do. Most importantly, embrace the Saludo. A simple nod or a “Bon dia" to passing riders is the thread that connects the international cycling community on these roads.
What to Pack
The Mallorcan microclimate can throw up all kinds of conditions. You can work up a sweat up a climb in the valley and find a shivering mist at the summits of the Serras.
- The Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket:
-The Pro Team Jersey II
-The Pro Team Cargo Bib Shorts
The Rapha Clubhouse, Palma
Located in the heart of the charming old town of Palma, Rapha Mallorca offers a wide selection of Rapha products, alongside serving fine food and drink. Visitors to Rapha Mallorca can expect a packed agenda of rides, special events, and live race coverage. Whether you are joining us for a pre-ride espresso, seeking advice on the best island riding or prepping for a big day out like the 312 Mallorca, the doors are open for visitors.