Top 10 descents, mallorca
If you’ve spent any time on a bike in Mallorca, you’ll know it’s a cycling paradise. Most people talk about the climbs - and don’t get me wrong, the climbs are the real stars - but the descents? Fast, flowy, scenic, and sometimes just downright wild, they’re the reason you grin all the way down and dream about the next ride up.
Originally, I planned to make this a Top 5 Mallorca descents list. But that felt criminal. There are too many good ones to leave half of them out, so here we are — my definitive list of the top 10 cycling descents in Mallorca. This is based on a mix of fun factor, surface quality, road visibility, traffic, and, yes, a bit of personal bias from hours spent chasing thrills on these roads.
Let’s get into it.
10. Coll de sa Bastida
Esporles → Banyalbufar | 3km | -200m
We’re kicking things off with a short but sweet drop down to the coastal town of Banyalbufar. Don’t let the 3km length fool you - this one packs a serious punch. Wide lanes, seven dreamy corners, and a road surface so smooth you’ll think it was laid yesterday. The corners here are long, sweeping arcs - no tight hairpins, no white-knuckle braking. Just pure, flowy fun.
And then there’s the view. The terraced olive groves, the flowers climbing stone walls, and the Mediterranean stretching out in front of you. If you’re riding the MA-10 north to south, this descent is one of the highlights. Pure joy, start to finish.
9. Coll d’Orient
Orient → Alaró | 6km | -274m
This one’s all about speed and simplicity. Tucked inland in the heart of the Tramuntana, the Coll d’Orient descent is a gem of gentle curves and wide-open sightlines. You’ll start high in the forest, hugging the edge of the mountain, and end with a clear run into the valley town of Alaró, flanked by the twin peaks of Puig d’Alaró and Puig de s’Alcadena.
Only a handful of corners require serious braking, so you can really open it up. It’s not the most technical or dramatic, but if you’re looking for a descent that lets you fly without worry, this one’s for you.
8. Coll de Sa Gramola (Andratx side)
5km | 5% average gradient
Situated near Andratx, this descent is your classic Mallorcan roller - consistent grade, generous corners, and recently resurfaced tarmac that just begs for speed. It’s fast without being sketchy, and offers a masterclass in choosing your line and building rhythm.
As you drop into the valley, you’ll pass orange and almond groves and sweeping vistas that stretch far beyond the coast. It’s also a satisfying way to end the coast-to-coast MA-10 route if you’re riding north to south — the perfect final act.
7. Es Grau Coastal Section
Short, sharp, stunning
Okay, this one might be cheating a little. It’s barely a descent, and it’s barely a climb. But the coastal section near Es Grau, just before you reach Coll de Sa Gramola, might be the most beautiful road on the entire island.
Smooth, twisty tarmac hugs the cliffs, sea breeze in your hair, and every turn opens up another postcard-worthy view. You’ll ride through rocky corridors, dip through flowing bends, and end at a tunnel that peeks in and out of the cliffs like shutters on a reel of film. It’s not long, but it’s unforgettable.
6. Coll d’en Claret
Valldemossa → Esporles | 4km
This descent has a bit more bite. From the charming town of Valldemossa, the road snakes down 4km of tight turns and scenic drops towards Esporles. The views are top-tier - on a clear day, you can spot Palma in the distance - but don’t get too distracted.
The road is narrow, the rock faces are close, and debris isn’t uncommon. A few corners are blind, and this is definitely one of those descents where local knowledge helps. Ride smart, stay alert, and you’ll find it’s one of the most rewarding drops on the island.
5. Sa Calobra
10km | Iconic, but chaotic
Yes, it’s on the list. Yes, it’s only number five. Why? Because while Sa Calobra is jaw-droppingly beautiful and packed with legendary corners (hello, 26 hairpins and a 270° loop), it’s almost never traffic-free.
Tour buses, hire cars, wandering goats, and unpredictable surface conditions can all turn this descent from thrilling to terrifying. But — and this is a big but — catch it early in the morning or in the off-season, and it becomes a next-level experience. Know the road, trust the bike, and you’ll see why this rollercoaster of a descent earns its place.
Bonus: It’s set to be fully resurfaced in September 2025, so better times are coming!
4. Coll de Sa Batalla
Lluc → Caimari | 9km | -435m
A long-time local favourite, the Sa Batalla descent ticks every box. It’s long, scenic, winding, and layered with corners that are technical enough to be interesting but wide enough to stay fast.
You’ll start near the Repsol garage with gentle bends, then hit 17 classic switchbacks, and finally reach a fast, sweeping final section into the valley. Visibility is generally good, but watch for traffic and — of course — goats. Great for honing your skills, building confidence, or just enjoying one of Mallorca’s best-known rides.
3. Coll de la Creueta (Formentor Beach side)
3.5km | 6% | Coastal dream
I may be biased here — I’ve ridden this descent more times than I can count — but it’s just so good. Heading down towards Formentor Beach, this 3.5km stretch combines technical switchbacks, flowing bends, and that magical rollercoaster sensation of transitioning from one corner to the next without pause.
You’ll get incredible views of Es Colomer island, a few sections with limited visibility that reward trust in your line, and that one moment where it feels like you’re flying. If it’s your first time, take it easy. The surface can be dodgy in parts, and traffic is a real thing here. But hit it right, and it’s pure cycling joy.
2. Puig Major
14km | Longest descent on the island
This one’s all about length, speed, and flow. Starting near the Monnaber tunnel, the Puig Major descent is 14km of sweeping corners and wide lanes that feel made for descending. You’ll fly through forests, open valleys, and past rocky outcrops as the views slowly unfold toward Sóller.
It’s fast — dangerously fast if you’re not paying attention — so keep your wits about you. The lower section is my personal favourite, with tighter corners that still let you hold speed. This is a descent that makes you feel like a superhero... just remember to layer up. It can get chilly.
1. Coll de Femenia
Lluc → Pollença | 9km | 5% | Peak perfection
Here it is — the best descent in Mallorca, hands down. The Coll de Femenia offers the perfect mix of everything: fast straights, swooping corners, incredible grip, and panoramic views towards Pollensa Bay.
You can see your line, pick your apex, and carry speed through the whole descent. Some of the corners feel tailor-made for cyclists — like the road is inviting you to lean in, trust your tyres, and let the gradient pull you home.
It’s also relatively quiet, beautifully surfaced, and the scenery is top-tier. This is the one I dream about. If you only have time for one descent on your Mallorca trip — make it this.
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