Tramuntana Tours - Adventure holidays in Mallorca

35 miles (56 km)

Leaving Soller, take the MA-10 (the old C710) towards Valldemossa. The first 4 kilometres involve a small climb until you reach the recently restored Hotel Son Bleda. From here the road heads down along the coast until the village of Llucalcari and onto Deia.
Once in Deia you can stop and take a look around at the artisan shops or, if feeling fit, ride down to Cala Deia, a beautiful cove over 200 metres below.
From Deia, continue along the MA-10 to Valldemossa. This is a demanding climb, but worth the effort for the beautiful sea views.
The viewpoint at Sa Foradada (a rocky outcrop jutting into the sea) makes a good stop, if needed.
With 14 miles on the clock you'll ride into Valldemossa, an attractive town perched 440 metres above sea level.
Here, you can visit the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where the composer Fredrick Chopin once stayed, or sit back and relax in one of the town's many bars and restaurants.
Back on the bike, continue along the same winding road, now descending rapidly towards Palma.
When the road levels out, you will soon see a sign for s'Esgleieta.
Take a left here and after a couple of miles you will reach the roundabout at Palmanyola, turn left again on to the MA-11 (the old C711). This area is famous for its almond groves and if you are here in early spring then you will be surrounded by beautiful white blossom.
A further 4 miles along the MA-11, the road splits at the entrance to the Soller tunnel. Here you will find the well-maintained Gardens of Alfabia, well worth a visit, before beginning the ascent of the mountain pass known as the Coll de Soller.
This used to be the main road between Soller and Palma before the tunnel was built in the 1990s. Now it is mainly used by cyclists.
At the summit, 497 metres above sea level, you can see down to the Bay of Palma. The views descending the other side are equally impressive as you make your way back down to Soller, via numerous hairpin bends.