where to stay
Mallorca is cycling heaven. Smooth roads, respectful drivers, and no shortage of sunshine. But one of the most common questions I get asked, especially by people planning their first trip, is: Where’s the best base on the island?
The answer depends entirely on what kind of riding you want, how much climbing you're after, and whether you want peace and quiet, or something a bit more lively. Below is a no-nonsense breakdown of the main areas to stay - based on personal experience, local insight (I live in Port de Pollença), and what I’ve seen over the years.
Port de Pollença & Alcúdia – The Obvious Choice for a Reason
This is home for me, so I’ll try to keep it balanced - but if you’re coming to Mallorca specifically to ride your bike, it’s hard to beat.
Pros:
Direct access to the island’s most famous climbs: Formentor lighthouse, Sa Calobra, Puig Major.
Amazing infrastructure for cyclists - hire shops, bike-friendly hotels, massage, cafés, and mechanics who actually know what they’re doing.
Loads of like-minded people around, especially in spring and autumn. You’ll never feel out of place showing up to dinner in bib shorts.
Cons:
It’s a fair distance from the airport (about 45–60 minutes), so you’ll need a transfer or hire car.
You’re a long way from the south-west of the island, where some of the very best riding happens (think Estellencs, Andratx, Port des Canonge).
If you're not climbing every day, your options are more limited - most routes include at least some elevation.
My take: It’s the most cycling-friendly corner of the island. You’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep. Perfect for focused riding weeks and first-timers.
Palma – City Vibes, Southern Roads
The capital often gets overlooked by visiting cyclists, which is a shame—because the access to the southern end of the MA10 is brilliant, and the riding down there is arguably even better than the north.
Pros:
Close to the airport - easy arrival and departure.
Immediate access to quieter, lesser-ridden climbs and some truly stunning coastal roads around Banyalbufar and Estellencs.
Great for group rides - shops like Rapha and Pas Normal Studios run regular meet-ups.
Full-blown city: amazing restaurants, shops, beaches and culture.
Cons:
You’re far from Sa Calobra and the lighthouse - but so is everywhere unless you're based in the north.
You’ll need to ride through the city to get out, but it’s not too bad. Dedicated bike paths help.
My take: Palma’s great if you want your trip to feel like more than just riding. It's not my top pick (obviously), but the southern roads are incredible, and it makes logistics simple if you’re flying in for a long weekend.
Sóller & Port de Sóller – Straight into the Action
This area is probably the most scenic base you could choose. Mountains rise in every direction, and you’re in the thick of the best riding from the minute you clip in.
Pros:
Access to legendary climbs - Femenia, Puig Major, Coll de Sóller, Galilea, and more.
You can ride north or south with ease. Great for route variety if you’re staying for a while.
Sóller town itself is beautiful—proper historic charm, lots of decent restaurants and cafés.
Cons:
Flat rides? Not a thing here. Even a “coffee spin” starts with a 30-minute climb.
Fewer rental options than the north, so book well in advance.
Port de Sóller is quieter, but pricier and more resort-like.
My take: Great for experienced riders who want to maximise climbing and don’t mind a bit of suffering on the daily. It’s visually stunning, but a bit more effort when it comes to logistics.
Alaró – Quiet, Central, Versatile
Alaró doesn’t get talked about much, but it’s genuinely one of the best bases if you want to mix things up. Positioned just outside the mountains, it gives you quick access to climbs and flatter terrain.
Pros:
Super central - ride north one day, south the next.
Peaceful, non-touristy vibe.
Great if you want to do your own thing and avoid the crowds.
Cons:
Fewer bike shops and cafés geared towards cyclists.
No beach to cool off in post-ride.
Not much nightlife or atmosphere compared to coastal towns.
My take: Alaró is a smart pick if you’re here for two weeks and want to explore all corners of the island. Just be aware you’ll need to be a bit more self-sufficient.
The East Coast – Best for the Casual Cyclist
Think Cala d’Or, Cala Millor, Porto Cristo - places known more for sunbeds than saddles. But if you’re here with family and just want to get some rides in, it’s not a bad shout.
Pros:
Flatter terrain with the occasional punchy climb (Sant Salvador, Randa).
Good infrastructure, especially for families or non-cyclists.
Easy to spin out a few scenic recovery rides.
Cons:
A long way from the “proper” riding. If you want to do Sa Calobra or the MA10, it’s a long day.
Virtually no rental shops - pick up a bike in Palma or Pollença and bring it with you.
The roads are OK but not as well-kept or inspiring as the mountains.
My take: Don’t make this your base if you’re here for a big week on the bike. But if you want a mix of beach time and a couple of scenic spins, it’s perfectly fine.
So... Where Should You Stay?
If it’s your first time: Port de Pollença or Alcúdia.
If you want variety and less touristy vibes: Alaró.
If you want a real challenge and big views: Sóller.
If you’re bringing family or want more of a “holiday with bikes” feel: East Coast.
If you’re after cool cafés, hidden climbs and group rides: Palma.
That said, there are loads of other brilliant spots - Deià, Valldemossa, Andratx - that offer their own spin on the island experience. And if you’re renting a car, you’ve got the freedom to explore no matter where you stay.
Where’s your favourite base for cycling in Mallorca? Drop it in the comments below - I always love hearing where people end up.
If you want more guides, route tips or behind-the-scenes stuff, check out my YouTube channel.
See you out there.
