A test ride around Mallorca on two wheels

With our focus on the upcoming adventure of cycling across New Zealand from north to south (considering that neither of us had any idea what to expect from cycling several kilometers a day with extra weight on our bikes), we planned a few test rides to get an idea of how it’s going to be.

We rented two bikes, packed our sense of adventure and just enough optimism to ignore the weather forecast, and hit the road around Calvià and the southeast coast of Mallorca.

Here’s how it went – sweaty climbs, beachside lunches, cave discoveries and unforgettable scenery.

08/04/2025 – First turns: Bendinat to Port Adriano

Ready to pedal, we set off from Bendinat, following the twists and turns of the coast towards Port Adriano. The route took us through Cala Cap Falcò and the dreamy turquoise waters of Portals Vells, where we stopped for lunch at a nice “chiringuito” (Spanish term for restaurants right on the beach), and discovered some caves hidden along the cliffs just a few meters from the beach.

In the Middle Ages, workers cut three huge gate-like holes in the rock. The sandstone from inside was transported to Palma to build the cathedral and the palaces of rich merchant families. Inside the cave is an altar that, according to legend, was built by Genoese sailors in the 15th century to honor the Virgin Mary for arriving safely after a storm.

We reached Port Adriano in the soft afternoon light and looped back to Bendinat with the feeling that the journey had truly begun.

The hills were short but sharp – just enough to make you change gears, refocus and catch your breath.

Distance: 38.3 km

Ascent: 401 m

 10/04/2025 – Sweaty climb: Bendinat to San Telm via Es Capdellà, Andratx, S’Arracó

This was the first ride that really tested our legs. Slowly leaving the coast, we climbed steadily inland, following serpentines through Es Capdellà, where the terrain became steeper and more rugged.

Andratx brought a short descent, but the road turned again and pushed our legs back up the hill towards s’Arracó.

The final roll to San Telm was smooth and peaceful, it really felt like a huge relief to just let our bikes roll down the hill.The town nestled into the hills, its calm waters almost catching the last hints of light.

The return took a detour we hadn’t planned: it was getting dark, and a gravel road between San Telm and s’Arracó opened up ahead of us, testing our concentration and patience.

It was bumpy and rough, but beautiful in its own way. By the time we made it home, the stars were out and the ride had become something far more memorable than the map suggested.

Distance: 59.9 km

Ascent: 801 m

14/04/2025 – A long ride: Bendinat to Cala Figuera

Our trip started with a rainy day, but we put on our raincoats and decided to ride anyway (what’s wrong with a little rain, right?).

We cycled along the coast past s’Arenal, where the beaches were quiet and the air fresh with a salty smell. The way inland towards Llucmajor was mostly flat and on even terrain, which made it a bit easier considering the rain.

In Llucmajor we took a break. A nice lunch to recharge our batteries and a chance to dry off. And as we got back on our bikes, the clouds parted and the sun slowly started to show up. From there, the road opened wide. We passed through the serene beauty of Ses Salines, where fields stretched out in vibrant tones. The final approach to Cala Figuera came with the sun on our backs and the unmistakable feeling that the day had turned.

 

We arrived tired, but with a deep sense of accomplishment!

 

The day ended with a spectacular sunset that turned the cliffs of Cala Santany amber and gold. And in the silence of the next morning, we caught the first rays of sunrise over the horizon – soft, slow, unforgettable and simply magical.

Distance: 72.1 km

Ascent: 283 m

15/04/2025 – Slowing down: Cala Figuera to Cala d’Or

After the long ride the day before and the changing skies, this ride felt like a great reward.We left Cala Figuera slowly, with no rush in our legs, just a quiet and steady sense of movement.

The road to Cala d’Or greeted us with wide open fields and harmonious scenery, offering small climbs and gentle descents that required little effort.

It was a short ride, but it was intentional. Not every day has to be a test. Some are meant to look around, to let the mind wander. Cala d’Or presented itself with soft light and calm waters. The pace slowed naturally: a cold beer at the marina, a walk along the shore, and a well-deserved rest.

Distance: 14.65 km

Ascent: 117 m

16/04/2025 – Further north: Cala d’Or to Portocristo

Once in Portocristo, we let the charm of the small coastal town carry us away and wandered around the port area as the day slowly faded into the afternoon and our legs regained strength.

Distance: 27.84 km

Ascent: 338 m

17/04/2025 – Underground wonders: Portocristo to Coves d’Artà and Cala Ratjada

After a slow start in the morning, we got on our two wheels and headed towards Cala Ratjada, stopping at the “Coves d’Artà” on the way.

The morning air was still cool, and the ride took us through open fields and some gentle climbs that gradually increased until we reached Canyamel. The road led us to the entrance of the caves (luckily just in time for the last entrance!), where we entered a completely different world. The caves opened wide before us, carved over centuries, filled with towering columns formed by millions of continuous drips that have stitched time together beneath the surface, creating spectacular chambers that showcase the magic of Mother Nature.

For a moment, the ride felt far away – left behind on the surface.

The final stretch to Cala Ratjada passed with little effort, rolling along the coastline with quiet and light movements.

In the evening we reached the port just as the sky was turning golden. The water shimmered between the boats and the day exhaled around us as we watched the sunset from a beautiful terrace at the port.

The next morning we climbed again (this time on foot) to the lighthouse above the bay. The drone rose with the first light of the day, capturing the edge of the island as it slowly awakened, every rooftop and wave bathed in that soft, shy light that only sunrise can give.

Distance: 34.4 km

Ascent: 222 m

18/04/2025 – The last push: Cala Ratjada to Bendinat via Manacor

The last day started slowly after a majestic sunrise. It was a short night, so we were exhausted (also from the last days). We started pedaling without rushing, heading to the next town to have a nice breakfast.

No dramatic climbs ahead and with a full stomach we continued. Concentrating only on the soft crunch of gravel as we joined the Via Verde, an old railroad line turned bike path that winds gently through the heart of the island. It was a quiet, steady ride through fields, sleepy villages and old train stations.

When we reached Manacor, we hopped on the train to Palma, bikes and all. It was strange how quickly the landscape passed by from a train seat after days of seeing it all at bike speed.

Back in Palma, the last stretch to Bendinat felt almost automatic. The roads were familiar now, like riding home.

Distance: 47.43 km

Ascent: 416 m

Final thoughts – Just us and the island

What started out as a simple test ride turned into something much more meaningful. We didn’t just cover ground – we got to know the island to the rhythm of the road. Some days were tough, others were pure flow, but every stretch gave us something new: a view, a moment, a pause.

When we rolled back into Bendinat, a little sunburned and a lot more grounded, it was clear that this was more than just a bike ride. It was a journey we’ll carry with us, mile by mile, memory by memory.