With its breath-taking landscapes and diverse terrain, the Balearic Island of Mallorca has long been a popular holiday destination, and over recent years, it has seriously upped its game when it comes to luxury. Home to a host of lavish hotels and high-end restaurants, quieter and more sophisticated resorts attract an affluent crowd, and are a far cry from party resorts like Magaluf – but the island has also emerged as an active holiday seeker’s paradise, with a particular appeal for seasoned cyclists.
While cycling holidays might not immediately seem synonymous with luxury, a growing number of visitors to the island are seeking the perfect blend of both, and with an appealing combination of natural beauty and challenging cycling routes that take you along scenic coastal roads, Mallorca really is the best of both worlds.
The island’s world-class cycling infrastructure has undoubtedly set it apart from other European destinations, and places it streets ahead of the neighbouring Balearic Islands of Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera when it comes to this type of getaway. Here’s why it has truly become a haven for the avid cyclist who isn’t prepared to compromise on the finer things in life.
A cyclist’s paradise
When it comes to spectacular scenery and stunning stretches of coastline, few do it better than Mallorca, with the island offering a picturesque blend of clifftop trails overlooking golden, sandy beaches and azure waters, juxtaposed with rolling green hills and passing quaint, white-washed towns along the way. It’s just about as idyllic a setting as you can get, and for the seasoned cyclist, there are plenty of challenging mountain climbs, as well as gentler routes that even the most casual of cyclists will enjoy.
The island’s comprehensive network of well-maintained roads have made it safe and accessible for riders of all abilities to navigate the various routes on offer, and gives them maximum freedom to explore and enjoy the landscapes at leisure. And with so many different routes available, you could easily while away a good few weeks trying them all out.
Mallorca 312: The ultimate challenge
For those seeking the ultimate test of endurance, the island’s annual Mallorca 312 Challenge is even more of a draw to this sun-soaked destination, and takes cyclists on a scenic 312 kilometre tour of the island. It’s certainly not one for the faint hearted, but for the seasoned pro, it’s an attractive opportunity to uncover the island’s hidden gems on two wheels, with something to show for it at the end of the journey, passing through verdant countryside and charming villages, and with awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean along the way.
The challenge isn’t just for pros though, and attracts a combination of experienced and amateur cyclists each year. The infrastructure – which includes a network of support stations along the way, is second to none, making it possible for anyone to participate at their own pace, and the celebrations at the finish line alone are worth the effort.
Luxury accommodation
Of course, for the luxury loving cyclist, the perfect holiday means plenty of indulgent experiences when not on two wheels, too, and it all starts with an opulent place to stay in Mallorca. The island is awash with lavish five-star hotels and resorts that make for the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day out on your bike, and boast infinity pools, spas and in some cases, even Michelin-starred restaurants where you can enjoy a world class dining experience each evening.
The Belmond La Residencia, nestled in the picturesque village of Deiá, is up there with the best of them, and makes for a serene retreat when you’re looking to take a break from the action. With mesmerising views down over the Mediterranean and of course, those all-important bike storage facilities available to all guests, the resort can also arrange cycling tours for guests, and is the perfect place to start a two-wheeled journey around the island from.
And the Jumeirah Port de Sollér, which overlooks the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, is set in a small port town, where opulent facilities are guaranteed and there’s a great selection of high-end restaurants to enjoy nearby, too, if you fancy getting out and about.
But these, of course, are just a taster of the high-end resorts the island has to offer, and you’ll have no trouble locating one if you’re planning a luxury holiday to the island this year.
The bottom line
When it comes to active adventures and the utmost in luxury, few destinations combine the two quite as effortlessly as sunny Mallorca, so if you’re seeking an action-packed and thoroughly opulent getaway this summer, then look no further. The island’s natural beauty, excellent cycling infrastructure and sumptuous hotels and resorts make it the perfect choice for those looking for the best of both worlds, and we promise, it won’t disappoint.
