Col de Femenia & Sa Batalla Loop
About this Route
← Mallorca Cycling GuideOne of the most popular and accessible mountain loops in Mallorca — taking you straight into the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana from the north, combining two of the island's most classic climbs in a single compact day.
From Port de Pollença the route rolls west across the agricultural plain towards the historic town of Pollença before the mountains begin. Col de Femenia is the first major challenge — a steady, beautiful 7.6 km climb at 5.5% average where the views open up progressively as you gain height, revealing Pollença Bay, Cap de Formentor and the Alcúdia peninsula stretching into the distance.
At the top, the route crosses an almost alpine plateau of grey limestone formations and deep valleys, passing the junction down to the famous monastery at Lluc. Then comes the reward: the descent via Coll de Sa Batalla — a technical, exhilarating drop through tight hairpins in dense pine forest with dramatic cliff faces on all sides. The well-known cycling café at the top of Sa Batalla is a classic meeting point before the long swooping descent.
The return through Caimari and the quiet inland roads via Pollença rounds off one of the finest half-day rides on the island.
We rode this on the day we arrived in Port de Pollença in late April 2023 — six of us, still adjusting to the island after the flight. The perfect first day: long enough to feel like a proper ride, manageable enough not to destroy the legs before the week had started.
The roll out from Port de Pollença across the plain toward Pollença town is a gentle warm-up — flat, quiet roads through agricultural land with the Tramuntana rising ahead of you. Then Col de Femenia begins.
It is one of my favourite climbs on the island. The gradient is steady and forgiving — never savage, always honest. As you gain height the views behind you open up progressively: Pollença Bay, Cap de Formentor, the Alcúdia peninsula stretching into the distance. By the time you reach the summit you feel like you have genuinely earned the panorama.
We stopped at the Repsol station and waited for the whole group to come together before the descent. This is the ritual — everyone arrives at their own pace, fills bottles, eats something, and then you drop together. The descent via Sa Batalla is everything the reputation promises: tight hairpins through dense pine forest, dramatic cliff faces, fast and technical. We stopped at a café in Caimari on the way down for coffee and something to eat — a good call after the mountain.
The return follows quiet inland roads via Ca'n Picafort and along the coast back to Port de Pollença, with the sea alongside for the final kilometres. A perfect way to arrive on the island.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Leave the harbour and roll west across the flat Pollença plain through agricultural land. The historic town of Pollença marks the foot of the mountains. From here the road begins to climb immediately — Col de Femenia rises ahead through olive groves and open limestone terrain.
The main climb — 7.6 km at 5.5% average with spectacular views over Pollença Bay and Cap de Formentor opening up behind you. At the top, the landscape shifts to an almost alpine plateau of grey rock and deep valleys. The junction to Monestir de Lluc is a tempting detour.
The best descent on the northern Tramuntana — tight hairpins through dense pine forest with dramatic cliff faces. The cycling café at Sa Batalla is the natural stop before you tip over the edge. Technical, fast and enormously satisfying.
The descent brings you to the charming village of Caimari at the foot of the mountains. From here quiet inland roads wind back via Pollença towards the coast. A relaxed and beautiful finish to a classic Mallorcan mountain loop.
Gallery
Col de Femenia & Sa Batalla Loop — Map & Elevation
Key Climbs
Tips & Local Knowledge
- Start from Port de Pollença — excellent base in the north with easy access to the mountains and all facilities within walking distance of the harbour.
- Col de Femenia (7.6 km, 5.5% average) is a perfect tempo climb — steady enough to find a good rhythm without destroying your legs for the rest of the day.
- The cycling café at Coll de Sa Batalla is a Mallorcan institution — stop for a coffee before the descent and take in the view.
- Many riders make a short detour down to Monestir de Lluc from the top of Femenia — a famous monastery and the spiritual heart of Mallorca. Worth it if you have the legs.
- Pollença old town is a beautiful stop on the return — look up at the 365 steps leading to Calvari chapel on the hilltop above.
- This route works perfectly as a morning ride — compact enough to be back in Port de Pollença by early afternoon with the rest of the day free.
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
For cyclists with some experience. Noticeable climbs requiring fitness.