Mallorca for cycling enthusiasts | Rückenwind bike holidays

Day 1: Arrival

After a short flight, I arrive in Mallorca. I'm particularly enjoying everything because it's my first summer holiday abroad after three long years of coronavirus! The sun is shining outside at a marvellous 23° and there's a nice breeze, brilliant. The private transfer (included in the price) is already waiting for me and a 45-minute drive takes me directly to Cala Millor to my location - Hotel Sabina.

Do you know that feeling? You enter a place and immediately feel AT HOME! After a friendly check-in, I receive my travel folder with everything I need for cycling (route book with directions and maps). I can then move into my room straight away and am delighted with my modern room with balcony and sea view.

On my first exploratory walk, I like everything: a great sun terrace with an inviting pool, the roof terrace with a whirlpool and a view over the long sandy beach and the sea. I immediately feel at home here.

After a short stroll around the town and a walk along the promenade, I head to dinner (half board included). All expectations are exceeded by far: a large selection of seasonal and very fresh main courses, most of them prepared directly at the buffet, lots of delicious and lovingly decorated starters, something for every taste. And to top it all off, a dessert buffet that is second to none.

A perfect day comes to an end.

2nd day excursion Cap des Pinar, approx. 20 km

After a delicious breakfast, I'm off on my first bike ride. My hire bike is already waiting for me in the hotel bike room this morning, ready to go (electric bike with 8-speed/coaster, handlebar and pannier bag). I've brought my helmet with me, as it's compulsory to wear a helmet outside the towns on Mallorca (hardly anyone sticks to it)!

Thanks to the APP on tour, which customers receive for download before the trip, I am well prepared. It provides orientation on the cycle routes with maps, sights and various places to stop for refreshments

Today I have chosen the shortest stage to familiarise myself with the route, the excursion to Cap des Pinar. I set off in the direction of Cala Bona, on the well-maintained cycle path and always along the water. Many small cafés, restaurants and shops line the path and for May there are already quite a few guests on the way, mostly on foot of course. The cycle path is easy to cycle on and I make good progress. I cycle towards Costa del Pins via Cala Bona. After a short time, I pass Port Verd with a settlement of holiday homes. Here you have good views of the sea again and a small bay with a beach invites you to linger. A little further on to the left is the chic Son Servera Golf Club. Straight ahead, on the Avenida del Pinar, a real climb begins for me, which leads up to the Cap des Pinar viewpoint - I wouldn't have made it without my electric bike. Once I reach the top, I have a fantastic panoramic view. Hundreds of padlocks, the keys to which have all been thrown into the sea, hang from the railings as a symbol of eternal love.

The way back is of course downhill, wonderful. I stop off at the harbour in Cala Bona and enjoy the sunny weather with a cappuccino. Today has got off to a good start!

Day 3 Excursion Arta, approx. 40 km

Today's tour leads through the flat hinterland via the small village of Sant Llorenc to Arta and back to Cala Millor via Son Servera. Olive trees dominate the picturesque landscape everywhere and the fruit trees are full of fruit: oranges and lemons glow in wonderfully fresh colours - a magical sight. There are a few hills on the route with no gradients worth mentioning and you cycle mainly on quiet country roads. The first stage is Arta, a very interesting medieval town with a beautiful centre. The pilgrimage church of Sant Salvador is the main attraction and certainly worth a visit. On the way to Son Servera, you will see the stone walls, olive groves and isolated farmsteads that are typical of Mallorca. The village itself is elevated, very idyllic and offers a panoramic view as far as Capdepera. The well-known weekly market is held here on Friday mornings, which is a good idea on a bike-free day (Cala Millor - Son Servera - Cala Millor, approx. 10 km). On the last stretch to the hotel, you pass Port Vell and Cala Bona again and cycle along the promenade.

Day 4 Excursion Manacor, approx. 50 km

I set off early in the morning, as this is the day with the most kilometres to cover. From the coast, the cycle tour takes me far inland through rural landscapes and small villages, mostly on flat country lanes. I first reach San Carrio and take my first short break. The delicacies from the local bakeries are recommended here, such as ensaimades, an airy pastry. Enjoy the view of the church of St Michael as you eat. Strengthened, the route continues through very lonely areas, characterised by a dry landscape with almond, fig and carob trees. After another 10 kilometres or so, I reach Manacor, the second largest town in Mallorca and known for its pearl production and ceramics industry. There are no sights worth mentioning in Manacor and after visiting a pearl shop I want to cycle back, as the town has no particular charm.

My next destination is San Llorenc, an easy 12 km cycle. A magical place, surrounded by windmills and beautiful countryside. Here you will find typical Mallorcan architecture, excellent gastronomy and a truly idyllic setting. I would like to stay, but I still have to cover the last few kilometres to Cala Millor.

Day 5 Bike-free day - Cala Ratjada

I have already spent several holidays in Cala Ratjada and have many fond memories of the place. That's why I want to go there today and decide to take a glass-bottomed catamaran trip along the enchanting coast.

The boat departs twice in the morning from Cala Millor (duration approx. 45 minutes, cost €25 per person return) and twice again in the afternoon. An absolutely worthwhile excursion (of course you can also cycle there, approx. 50 km).

Day 6 Excursion Porto Cristo, approx. 40 km

I cycle along the promenade and on the cycle path via Sa Coma with its beautiful, long sandy beach to S'Illot. Many restaurants, cafés and small shops line the path, where many tourists also take a stroll. From here, the route slowly heads inland again and for many kilometres you will only see a few small farms and hardly any people. Silence, fields and olive groves are my companions through a typical Mallorcan landscape.

But soon Porto Cristo is in sight, famous for its natural harbour and sandy bay, surrounded by many hotels, boats, yachts and restaurants - a pretty sight. The dragon caves, not far away, are also worth a visit. I already know them and use the time for an extended stroll through the small old town.

The tour returns via S'Illot and Sa Coma to the starting point in Cala Millor.

Day 7 Excursion to the caves of Arta (Coves d'Arta) and Cap Vermell, approx. 40 km

I deliberately make this excursion on the last day of the trip as it is to be the highlight of the week. I really want to experience the Coves d Arta, the largest stalactite caves in Mallorca. Firstly, the route leads via Cala Bona to Capdepera (slightly hilly route). From there I enjoy a marvellous view over Cala Ratjada and the sea. The route continues to Canyamel, a tourist settlement. Beautifully situated on a sandy bay and surrounded by pine trees, it's the perfect place to enjoy a nice drink before heading up the coast to Cap Vermell and the caves.

Once at the top, the marvellous view over the bay of Canyamel and the cliffs makes up for the previous efforts.

During a 30-minute, multilingual guided tour, visitors learn everything they need to know on a 300-metre circular route. The very high stalactite halls consist of imposing, bizarre stone formations and immediately cast a spell over you. Even in summer, the temperature here is a pleasant 18 degrees. From the Sky Hall, visitors descend into the cave, traversing atmospherically lit corridors and tunnels. Natural wonders, stalagmites and stalactites hang from the ceilings or grow up from the floor. Lights in different colours illuminate the beauties and enchant visitors. Take a look for yourself: www.cuevasdearta.com/de

On the way back, I stop off again in Canyamel - feasting is part of a holiday and is always allowed! As I had hoped, it was the best day of my holiday and I'm sad that the week went by so quickly.

Day 8 Departure

Unfortunately, I'm already heading back today. It was a wonderful week with lots of lasting impressions: the best weather, a great hotel, ‘my’ reliable electric bike, very well-planned daily stages to destinations worth seeing, balanced daily kilometres of 40 - 60 km, a great app as a companion and supporting printed maps/route book.

The tour is highly recommended: relaxation, culinary delights and exercise go hand in hand and form an unforgettable symbiosis on this tour.