Mallorca's mountains have a lot of fun to offer to motorcyclists. We're talking about the Tramuntana mountains, a mountain range of about 150km in length with it's highest peak of 1400m. The wellknown coastal road ma-10 from Andratx in the south to Pollenca in the north (with detours to Sa Calobra and Cap the Formentor) is worldfamous, beautiful and the most obvious to plan into your motorcycle routes on Mallorca but there is so much more.
So here we go: three switchback roads that will seriously challenge your turning skills. Countless hairpin bends on steep inclines, sometimes even harder on the way down. It can be daunting but with the appropiate motorcycle it is so much fun. These roads are all paved but don't expect immaculate condition like the ma-10 south. Make sure your bike is not too heavy, preferably one or 2 cilinder for good torque in the low revs, and being able to comfortably put both feet on the ground if this is all new to you is a must. If you need a suggestion: The Royal Enfield Himalayan ;-) (a lowered one is also available as well). It's made for this type of adventure!
1. Puigpunyent to Coll des Grau
The road from Puigpunyent to Coll des Grau is one of Mallorca’s best-kept hidden rides. Beginning just outside the quiet town of Puigpunyent, the route winds gently through farmland and olive groves before the landscape quickly changes as the climb enters dense pine forest.
From there, the road tightens into a series of sharp, technical hairpins as it rises toward the summit at around 480 metres above sea level. The tarmac is narrow in places and visibility can be limited through some corners, so staying disciplined with your line is important — especially with cyclists often using the climb.
What makes this road special is the sense of isolation. Traffic is usually very light, there are no centre lines for much of the route, and it often feels like you have the entire mountain to yourself. The locals know these roads well and tend to move quickly, so the chance of getting stuck behind four-wheelers is minimal.
The descent toward Esporles is longer, faster and noticeably less steep, with only a fewer tight corners and a more flowing rhythm. Including this road in a route for another day but then in the opposite direction is worth it as well since it offers a total different experience. Tight hairpins downhill appears to more challenging for some than uphill.
2. Port de Valldemossa
The ride down to Port de Valldemossa is one of the most dramatic coastal roads on the island. Starting near the historic village of Valldemossa, the route twists sharply downhill toward the Mediterranean through a narrow ribbon of pavement sometimes literally carved into the mountainside.
From around 400 metres elevation, the road drops rapidly toward sea level over a relatively short distance. The corners are tighter and more technical than many other Tramuntana roads, giving the entire route an old-school mountain pass feel.
For motorcyclists, this road is all about atmosphere. The combination of cliffside views, stone walls and glimpses of the sea creates an almost cinematic ride. Many corners stack directly above one another, and as you descend you can often see several switchbacks below waiting ahead.
The road surface can vary slightly in places, especially after hotter weather or winter rain, so smooth throttle control and careful corner entry are important. But ridden at the right pace, it is one of Mallorca’s most satisfying roads.
At the bottom, the tiny fishing port provides the perfect stop for a coffee beside the water before tackling the climb back uphill — arguably the best part of the entire experience.
3. Coll de Sóller
Coll de Sóller is probaly the best immersion in hairpin haven. It's the a mini Before a tunnel was built in the late 1990s, this was the main route between Palma and Sóller. Today, almost all of the traffic except for cyclists, bypasses the old mountain road, leaving the climb and descent consisting of 50 hairpins an ideal playground.
The summit rises to just over 500 metres, but the altitude is only part of the appeal. What truly defines Coll de Sóller is its endless rhythm of corners and the views back all the way to Palma. It's a realtively wide road and visibility through the bends is generally good so overtaking cyclists is easy.
The scenery on the south side is dry with tons of centenary olive trees. It's worth stopping in one of the restaurants on top, one more formal, the other for something simple. Going down the northern side you'll notice that it's greener with lots of shade provided by pine trees while be treated to panoramic views toward Sóller, the Puig Mayor (the highest peak of the island) and the distant sea.
If you do this road from Soller make sure not to miss the exit to the "coll". It's counterintuively an exit to your left, right before the tunnel!
The Perfect Mallorca Riding Experience
These three roads are good examples of why motorcycling is so much fun on Mallorca. Coll des Grau delivers solitude, Port de Valldemossa offers dramatic coastal riding, and Coll de Sóller provides an endless hairpin experience. And there is so much more.
If you want to discover Mallorca on a motorcycle just contact us. Rent your Royal Enfield Himalayan; you'll receive the best routes, with these special roads included. If you rather have some company and prefer to follow a guide that knows the area well instead of navigating with a phone app, check out our private Mallorca motorbike tours.
