Mallorca’s most iconic climbs and stunning roads for cycling

Mallorca is one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling destinations, not only for its smooth roads, dramatic scenery, and traditional villages, but also for some of its legendary ascents that make every ride memorable. This article gives you a detailed look at the most famous and iconic cycling climbs on Mallorca, including some bonus material at the end of the story, just because you'll love these amazing roads.

Puig Major: Mallorca’s longest climb

Distance: 14.3 km
Elevation Gain: 834 m
Average Gradient: 5.9%
Maximum Gradient: ±9-10%

What makes Puig Major a must-ride for cyclists arriving on Mallorca? This climb is the longest continuous ascent on the island and takes riders high into the rugged Serra de Tramuntana. The gradient stays remarkably steady, allowing riders to find a rhythm and simply enjoy the scenery of steep limestone ridges, forested slopes, and distant valley views. The road surface is excellent, and although the terrain feels alpine, the grade never becomes extreme — ideal for climbers of many abilities. The top is marked by a tunnel near the Cúber reservoir, after which you can continue on scenic loops to Sa Calobra and Pollença or descend back toward Sóller. 

This climb often features in our Velosa Cycling camps as part of a larger day trip into the Tramuntana, linking villages and mountain passes with quiet countryside roads.

Sa Calobra (Coll dels Reis): Mallorca's most iconic climb

Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 708 m
Average Gradient: 7%
Maximum Gradient: ±11-12%

Sa Calobra is world-renowned for its unique profile: first you descend into the valley, then you climb back up through a series of hairpin turns, including the iconic “tie-knot” loop engineered by Antonio Parietti in 1933. 

Cyclists love it for a lot of reasons, but a couple of them are:

• The experience itself: no other climb in Mallorca combines technical switchbacks with such a dramatic setting, sheer rock faces, shaded ravines, and the quiet of a road carved into the mountain.

• The story: because you must descend to sea level before you start climbing, Sa Calobra is as much about the journey as the ascent.

• The true cycling community vibe: everyone knows this legendary road and it must be on your list when coming to Mallorca. 

In Velosa Cycling camps, Sa Calobra is usually part of a scenic mountain loop, connecting with other ascents in the Serra de Tramuntana rather than a standalone segment. This will be one for the longest of days in the saddle during our camps.

Coll de Sóller: countless hairpins through olive groves

Distance: 8.9 km (north side from Sóller), 7.5 km (south side from Bunyola)
Elevation Gain: 473m (from Sóller),  327 km (from Bunyola)
Average Gradient: 5.3% (from Sóller), 4.4% (from Bunyola)
Maximum Gradient: ±10% (form Sóller), ±8% (from Bunyola)

Coll de Sóller is a classic Mallorca pass, famous for its dozens of hairpin bends through olive groves and terraced slopes. 

Why cyclists love it:

• The rhythm of the corners makes it engaging even for recreational cyclists, there’s always something to focus on as the road twists.

• The scenery transitions from village rooftops to forested hillsides, giving a rich variety of landscapes in one climb.

• At the top, many riders stop in Sóller village or continue to the coastal port, perfect for a relaxed lunch or coffee break.

From Osa Major, this climb is easily incorporated into longer rides into the Tramuntana. It is a beautiful gateway to the Southwestern part of the island (which is our true favourite).

Coll de sa Batalla: the perfect introduction to the Tramuntana

Distance: 9.2 km
Elevation gain: 435 m
Average gradient: 4.7%
Maximum gradient: ±9%

Coll de sa Batalla is one of Mallorca’s most popular climbs because it delivers a true mountain experience without extreme difficulty. Starting near Caimari, the road rises gradually through pine forest and open slopes, with a series of flowing turns that make the climb feel like it was made for cyclists. The steady gradient allows you to settle into a comfortable rhythm and really enjoy the surroundings.

Cyclists love this climb for its quiet, high-quality road surface, changing scenery, and its position as a gateway into the heart of the Tramuntana. From the summit, routes open toward Sa Calobra, Lluc, Pollença and Puig Major, making it a natural meeting point for longer scenic loops. On top, you also find the Repsol gas station where you'll encounter dozens of other cyclists refueling or just having a nice coffee stop.

During our Velosa camps, Coll de sa Batalla fits perfectly into longer endurance and climbing rides, combining inland countryside, forested mountain roads, and relaxed café stops into one beautifully balanced Mallorca cycling day.

Coll de Femenia: gateway into the Tramuntana

Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 446 m
Average Gradient: 5%
Maximum Gradient: ±10%

Coll de Femenia is the gentle gateway into Mallorca’s northern mountains from Pollença. It is a beautiful road leading to amazing views up top. The gradual ascent makes it a very nice climb to warm up, test your limits, or just enjoy climbing without emptying the tank.

What makes it so worthwhile:

• It has open views to the plains and mountains, making it one of the best introductory ascents for riders beginning their day in the Tramuntana.

• The road is broad and well paved, ideal for maintaining a relaxed pace and enjoying the environment.

During our Velosa camps we will definitely experience this beautiful part of Mallorca. Either combined with a ride to the Formentor lighthouse, or as a descent after Coll de sa Batalla.

Puig de Randa/Santuari de Cura: central Mallorca’s panoramic hill

Distance: 4.7 km
Elevation Gain: 254
Average Gradient: 5.5%
Maximum Gradient: ±10%

Unlike the Tramuntana giants, Puig de Randa rises from Mallorca’s central plains, giving riders a different kind of climb. It is shorter but very rewarding because views nearly stretch to every corner of the island from the summit. The gradual incline of the road and low number of cars makes it a very good climb to do training sessions. That's why there is a good chance that you'll come across some pro cyclists early in the season.

Cyclists appreciate it because:

• It’s an accessible challenge that can be done on any ride, even if you want a break from mountain loops.

• You’re rewarded with 360-degree views and a summit historical site (a centuries-old monastery), combining culture with cycling.

This makes it an ideal route on “recovery” or mixed terrain days.

 

Sant Salvador Monastery: historic vistas in the southeast

Distance: 4.9 km
Elevation Gain: 345 m
Average Gradient: 7.0%
Maximum Gradient: ±10%

The climb to Sant Salvador Monastery sits in eastern Mallorca and is beloved for its combination of steady climbing and panoramic rewards. 

Cyclists like this climb because:

• The scenic views from the top stretch across vineyards, olive groves, and the Mediterranean, and there’s a monastery café where riders gather.

• Cultural significance and historical context (medieval monastery and pil­grimage site) lend this climb more than just physical reward.

From Osa Major, this beautiful climb is part of medium long rolling loops that explore Mallorca’s quieter southeast countryside.

BONUS: Es Verger, Alaró

Distance: 4.3 km
Elevation Gain: 342
Average Gradient: 8%
Maximum Gradient: ~14–16%

The Es Verger climb near Alaró features tight switchbacks and a steeper profile, giving riders a more engaging ascent with strong gradients and a classic hilltop restaurant at the top. 

Why cyclists like it:

• The technical nature, steeper parts and multiple hairpins make it feel more “alpine” than many Mallorcan climbs.

• The reward at the summit: panoramic views over the valley and a popular rest stop add social and scenic value.

This climb is a favourite on days when riders want a more compact but memorable ascent.

BONUS: Betlem monastery/Coll des Pescadors: quiet eastern ridge and coastal views

Distance: 7.2 km
Elevation Gain: 362 m
Average Gradient: 5%
Maximum Gradient: ±10%

The Ermita de Betlem climb rises from near Artà to a hilltop chapel and is loved for its peaceful roads and magnificent sea and bay views in the North East. 

Why cyclists like it:

• It’s less crowded than the Tramuntana passes, but not less enjoyable.

• The climb offers sweeping panoramas over Alcúdia Bay and the Serra de Tramuntana horizon.

For Velosa Cycling guests, Betlem may form part of an extended day exploring the eastern plains of Mallorca, balancing flats with a beautiful climb to a cultural highlight.

Experience cycling these epic climbs with Velosa Cycling

Velosa Cycling’s Mallorca cycling camps are designed for riders who value beautiful terrain and unforgettable experiences. Based from the peaceful central base of Osa Major, our camps link iconic climbs with scenic loops, cultural stops, and low-traffic cycling routes all over the island.

Velosa Cycling’s Mallorca cycling camps are designed around beautiful riding experiences, not rigid interval schedules. From our Osa Major base, riders enjoy:

• Effortlessly linking famous climbs like Puig Major and Sa Calobra into scenic loops

• Exploring the island’s contrasting landscapes — mountain towering ranges and gentle eastern hills

• Resting in charming villages and cafés at the summit or midway through each ride

• Riding low-traffic roads through vineyards, olive groves, and coastal plains

Whether it’s the classic switchbacks of Sa Calobra, the panoramic ascent to Sant Salvador, or the quieter beauty of the Betlem climb, every route offers its own blend of challenge, beauty, and local colour.