Travel story Majorca | Eurobike Cycling Blog

Palma & his Playa

Since we arrive in the evening, we take a whole day to discover Palma and the Playa de Palma. The hotels are almost all in Can Pastilla, a really good starting point. The airport is only a few minutes away, the capital Palma is accessible via a very beautiful coastal path and those who want to look at the tourist hot spots, can do so from a safe distance.

We hop onto our bikes early in the morning and head in the direction of Palma. The path is perfectly developed for cyclists and pedestrians. First, we travel through a beautiful conservation area, then it is busier as we cycle along pretty rows of houses. Again and again we pass a small bay, beach or harbour then we see the mighty cathedral La Seu of Palma in the distance. A photo stop is a must. When we arrive we stroll through the alleys of this beautiful city and enjoy our first tapas restaurant – that’s how you imagine a relaxing holiday! Yes, now we have arrived!

We cycle back towards Playa and the bike is exchanged for a beach towel. It is a bit windy, but at least we are on the beach in mid-October! Since we are already here, we have to do the full programme. So in the evening we head to a tourist area! We observe the hustle and bustle and a short stop off for a beer couldn’t be missed. But after a long day that was enough and we fell sleepily into our bed!

The next day at 9 o’clock we take part in the meeting to receive tour information. Ricardo was waiting for us. He explains the Eurobike travel documents, the route and also informs us about the organisational issues we need to consider. Afterwards, the other guests get their rental bikes and each one of us sets off.

Cliffs vs. beach

After a short climb, we leave the hustle and bustle behind. At a lookout point on the cliff we have a nice view over the whole bay! The weather is good today and we cycle in the bright morning sun. Off the coast, we travel a few kilometres on the road. But that is quite normal in Majorca and we are not alone – many athletes, amateur athletes and holiday cyclists join us. Soon we turn off again and cycle on quiet side roads. At the excavations of Capocorb Vell we take a short coffee break – we order ‘café solo’!

Martin in front of the lighthouse in Colònia de Sant Jordi

We drive back to the coast and stop at the bay of Cala Pi with a beautiful view of the cliffs. Our next destination is one of the most beautiful beaches in Majorca – Playa de es Tranc or in Catalan Platja des Trenc! This beautiful, white sandy beach is located in a nature reserve and is definitely worth a stop. We cannot wait to take a dip in the clear turquoise water.

Behind the beach there are salt mines for sea salt production, which we pass on our way to the holiday village Colònia Sant Jordi! The next morning salt is still a big feature. We pass through the village of Ses Salines, which is the capital if this salt-rich region!

Although it may seem tempting to shorten the route in Santanyí – I would not recommend it. The path is worthwhile and you get to see the impressive cliff formation ‘Es Pontas’ on the steep coast.

Auch wenn es vielleicht verlockend erscheint, die Strecke in Santanyí abzukürzen - ich würde es nicht empfehlen. Der Weg lohnt sich und man bekommt an der Steilküste die beeindruckende Felsformation "Es Pontas" zu sehen.

Meli and Martin at the ‘Es Pontas’ rock formation

Eurobike bike in front of the Son Negre church

From east to north

In the morning the weather is mixed and we decide to start later. The cycle path leads through the countryside to Manacor, the second largest city in Majorca! In the busy streets around the church we want to take a short break. But a downpour throws a spanner in the works! So we have to go, we don’t want to miss our lunch ‘Pa amb oli’ in Petra.

We brave the rain and continue cycling until we leave the clouds behind. The route leads us through a beautiful, quiet valley and over to the region ‘Es Pla’, the granary of Majorca.

We receive a warm welcome and friendly service in the restaurant Can Salom. Joan recommends almond cake for dessert, which is baked according to his mum’s recipe – just delicious!

Strengthened we start again, the way to Can Picafort is not far. Before we go to dinner in the evening, we throw ourselves into the water. The sea and beach belong to us alone!

Today we are cycle alongside the fruit and vegetable plantations of Es Pla. We make our way through the tranquil villages of Muro and Llubí. Before long we are at the meeting point in Inca. Ricardo is waiting for us on time and we are looking forward to the next trip highlight – a trip over the Tramunana mountains. He skilfully drives with a bus and trailer up the winding roads to the Lluc monastery! After a small tour and coffee break the journey continues.

White sandy beach and turquoise sea near Colònia de Sant Jordi

It unfortunately starts raining, so we have virtually no view. Cycling is no fun here so we drive to the restaurant Es Turo with Ricardo! We are spoiled with delicious appetisers, a huge pan of paella and a slice of almond cake to finish. With a bottle of very good house wine the bad weather is quickly forgotten!

Luckily it’s not far to Port de Sóller and we make the trip with only a short, if heavy, downpour! In the evening we stroll along the promenade of the beautiful bay with a harbour, lighthouse, traditional houses and welcoming pubs. Even if we can’t eat anything after the paella, a small cocktail completes the eventful day!

Palma and the centre of the island

We don’t need the bike today. In the morning we take the old tram from Port de Sóller to Sóller. We use the time before we head to Palma for a little exploration. Then we enjoy the train ride. It winds over the mountains and through many tunnels. You can almost touch the lemon and orange trees as you pass!

After arriving in Palma, we are greeted by our city guide Pavel. It is a city tour with a difference – it starts with information about the founding of the over 2000-year-old city. Then we make a detour to the market. We also have time to taste something called ‘Tapas Variados” and I’d definitely recommend it. We take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the old town, past beautiful courtyards to the former water tower of the city. Today you’ll find the oldest chocolatería, where you have to try the hot chocolate and ensaïmadas. The cathedral of St. Mary is one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe ends the day and Pavel brings us to the meeting point with Ricardo.

Usually the wheels are handed back over and you cycle the last leg back to the Playa. But we have the honour of visiting the local station, which is also the home of Ricardo! We are warmly welcomed by Edith and the children They have built up the finca and added a small farm. We relax and review the past season.

Our last cycle tour is dedicated to the centre of the island and part of the "Majorca Fincatour - based in two hotels"-tour! We cycle from one beautiful accommodation to the next – across the island from Campanet to Porreres. On the way we come to Sineu, the geographical centre of the island. One of the best weekly markets is held here on a Wednesday. On lonely secondary roads we cycle to Porreres. The hotel is a bit out of the way, very quiet and idyllic – perfect to unwind and relax. We enjoy our last evening by the pool and with an excellent dinner! Then it is time to sleep – tomorrow we have to get up early because for us it’s “Adiós Majorca, hasta luego!”