Mallorca: Road Bike tour.

From Ca'n Pastilla, we head south-east along the cycle path of the beautiful Bahía de Palma. Then the route turns inland and we ride through the Mallorcan countryside with narrow lanes, windmills and almond trees. An ascent takes us to the Santuari de Cura with tremendous panoramic views. Towns of Lluccmayor and Porreres, followed by another ascent to the Santuari de Monti-Sion. Then it's back to the coast and the beach resort of Colonia de Sant Jordi at the end of the magnificent Es Trenc beach.  84 km

First we pass Ses Salines, where the Romans extracted salt. A short tour takes us to the lighthouse set on beautiful coastline. Then to the picturesque village of Santanyí, close to the Parc Natural de Mondragó with its rich birdlife and pretty beach of Cala Mondragó. From here we head inland and from Felanitx, two beautiful climbs lead to the Castell de Santueri and the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Sant Salvador. Porto Cristo is a charming little resort with the famous Cuevas del Drac nearby. The caves are well worth a visit to enjoy a concert and a unique boat trip on the underground lake.  106 or 65 km

Another delightful ride to the charming resort of Cala Ratjada. An inland loop leads to Manacor, home to the Rafael Nadal Academy and Museum Xperience.  Back along the coast we have the Cuevas de Artà, with the entrance to the cave overlooking the sea and huge chambers with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. There is a beautiful beach at nearby Canyamel and then the impressive castle of Capdepera. In Cala Ratjada we can spend time at the beach of Cala Agulla or Cala Mesquida or take the road to Cala Gat and the lighthouse of Capdepera with views over to Menorca. 115 or 82 km 

Artà is a charming village of narrow medieval streets, cafés and a fine 15th century fortress. A beautiful extension takes us to the Ermita de Betlem monastery, with the most spectacular views across the sea towards Alcúdia and Formentor. Then the huge extense of the Bahía de Alcúdia with the birdlife of the Parc Natural de S'Albufera and the fantastic beach of Playa del Muro, Next is the village of Alcúdia with its medieval walls and Roman ruins of Pollentia, the spectacular bay of Pollença and our hotel in Port de Pollença. 130 or 97 km

Today's ride is somewhat shorter than usual and takes us out to the Cape of Formentor lighthouse. This is one of the most famous routes on the island and is truly spectacular riding with the impressive cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea. A shorter version take us out to the beach of Platja de Formentor. Alternatively, take a short ride to the beautiful village of Pollença, or just enjoy a free day on the seafront at Pollença with its beautiful promenade lined with pine trees, cafés and restaurants. 40 km 

The mountains of Sierra de Tramuntana have some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. The first ascent leads to Lluc and its famous monastery. Then the famous descent of Sa Calobra. It's one way, so if we descend then we have the pleasure of doing one of the most famous climbs in the world back up to the top. It is possible to take a boat from the bottom to Port de Sóller (sea conditions permitting - recommended to book beforehand). The land route leads through the beautiful villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix before reaching Sóller and Port de Sóller.  88 or 64 km

Day Eight – Port de Sóller to Palma de Mallorca to Can Pastilla

Our final ride takes us through more spectacular scenery of the Sierra de Tramuntana. Deià is one of the prettiest villages of the sierra and once home to the writer Robert Graves. Valldemossa was home to Chopin and the novelist George Sands. The stunning coastline and olive trees, oranges and lemons and almond trees finally lead us to Palma de Mallorca and then along the coastal cycle path to return to Can Pastilla to reflect on a marvellous tour and to start making plans for our next visit to this beautiful island 102 km or 73 km 

Depart from Can Pastilla, or maybe take an extra day or two just to relax and enjoy this lovely city.