Andratx to Pollença — The Grand Traverse
About this Route
← Mallorca Cycling GuideThe ultimate Mallorcan diagonal — a 146-kilometre point-to-point epic from Andratx in the southwest to Port de Pollença in the north, crossing the full breadth of the island through its most celebrated landscapes.
The route opens with one of the finest stretches of road on the island: the Ma-10 coastal road, hugging the cliffs above the Mediterranean with views that rival anything in European cycling. Through the famous villages of Estellencs and Banyalbufar — their ancient terraces dropping to the sea — and on through Valldemossa and Deià, where the roads wind through olive groves past some of the most coveted real estate on the island.
From Sóller the route tackles Coll de Sóller — fifty-plus hairpin bends climbing above the valley, with virtually no traffic since all heavy vehicles use the tunnel. The views from the top stretch south across the Palma plain and north back into the Tramuntana. After the descent into Bunyola, the terrain flattens and the route crosses the heart of the island through lush agricultural land towards Inca — perfect for settling into the aero position and making time. The final stretch follows the Camí Vell de Campanet: quiet, narrow lanes flanked by dry stone walls, almond trees and grazing sheep — the hidden Mallorca that most cyclists never find. Port de Pollença and the seafront promenade await at the finish.
We took the shuttle bus from Port de Pollença to Andratx early in the morning — about an hour, a comfortable start to a big day. A good way to get some variety into the week.
The coastal road from Andratx northward along the Ma-10 is one of the finest stretches of road I have ridden anywhere. The Mediterranean drops away to the left, the road clings to the cliffs, and the views are relentless. Several short climbs punctuate the first section — nothing brutal, but enough to keep the legs working. Through Estellencs and Banyalbufar, the ancient terraced villages hanging above the sea, and on through Valldemossa and Deià.
Then Col de Sóller. I lost count of the hairpins — somewhere above fifty, winding up through the trees with almost no traffic since everything uses the tunnel. A perfect climb. At the top, we stopped at the restaurant and ate properly before the descent. Worth it.
The descent into the Sóller valley is fast and flowing. After the bottom we followed quiet roads through the valley and inland — via Inca and Campanet — a completely different side of Mallorca. Flat, open agricultural land where you can settle into the aero position and make time.
The final stretch follows narrow lanes through the hidden interior before Port de Pollença and the seafront appear. A point-to-point that crosses an entire island — one of those days that stays with you.
Kilometre by Kilometre
The spectacular opening act — the Ma-10 coastal road along the cliff edge with the open Mediterranean to the left. Several short punchy climbs from the very first kilometre through the ancient terraced villages of Estellencs and Banyalbufar. The road continues through Valldemossa and Deià before dropping down into the Sóller valley at sea level around km 64. Stop in Sóller before the main climb.
The climb begins at km 64 from the Sóller valley floor. Over 50 hairpin bends winding up through pine forest to the summit at around km 73 and 448 metres. Almost no traffic — all vehicles use the tunnel, leaving the road to cyclists. A restaurant at the summit is the natural stop before the fast, flowing descent.
After the descent the terrain flattens completely. Get aero, settle into a rhythm and make kilometres through the agricultural heart of Mallorca — a complete contrast to the drama of the morning. Quiet roads through lush farmland all the way to Inca.
From Campanet at km 115, quiet lanes wind through the hidden interior flanked by dry stone walls and almond trees. The silence here is a world away from the tourist coast. The route finishes at the seafront promenade in Port de Pollença.
Gallery
Andratx to Pollença — The Grand Traverse — Map & Elevation
Key Climbs
Tips & Local Knowledge
- This is a point-to-point route — arrange transport back to Andratx in advance, or stay the night in Port de Pollença.
- The Ma-10 coastal road from Andratx to Sóller is one of the great cycling roads of Europe — take your time and enjoy it.
- Coll de Sóller has over 50 hairpin bends and virtually no traffic — all heavy vehicles use the tunnel. This is the climb as it should be experienced.
- Bunyola at the foot of the Coll de Sóller descent is a perfect coffee stop before the flat central section.
- The Camí Vell de Campanet near the end of the route is one of the finest quiet cycling roads on the island — narrow lanes, stone walls and total tranquility.
- Start early from Andratx — the coastal road is best in the morning light and before any tourist traffic builds up.
- At 146 km and 2,900 metres, fuel consistently throughout. Inca has good supply options at the halfway point.
Rider Reviews
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Passionate road cyclist and founder of CyclingRoutes.cc. Always hunting for the perfect asphalt and the best coffee stops.
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Route Details
Elite level. Extreme elevation, altitude and distance. Serious preparation required.