Sant Salvador Monastery Loop
About this Route
← Mallorca Cycling GuideThe pilgrimage climb of Mallorca — Sant Salvador monastery sits alone on a 510-metre summit in the southeast of the island, far from the Tramuntana mountains, giving a 360-degree panorama over the entire island that no other climb can match. From Alcúdia Bay in the north to the Cabrera islands in the south, the view from the top is unlike anywhere else on Mallorca.
From Port de Pollença the route heads south across the flat central plain — the Pla de Mallorca — on fast, open roads perfect for riding in a group and maintaining good tempo. The real Mallorca reveals itself here: fields, windmills and dry stone walls stretching to the horizon. Through Santa Margalida and into Petra, the island's unofficial cycling capital, where the town square is almost always packed with riders from across Europe. A coffee and a slice of almond cake at Can Tomeu is close to obligatory.
Porreres is the natural lunch stop before the climbing begins — Cafeteria Es Poltre in the village centre is cyclist-friendly, portions are generous and service is fast. From Felanitx the road rises immediately towards Sant Salvador. Five kilometres at 7% average with several hairpin bends, passing the giant stone cross of Es Picot on a neighbouring summit before the monastery appears above. Inside, world championship jerseys donated by professional riders line the corridors — a reminder of how deeply cycling is woven into this place.
The long return north across the plain is where wind awareness matters most. A headwind on the way home can be relentless on the open flatlands — save something for the final stretch back to Pollença.
We rode this during the same week as the Mallorca 312 — the big sportive that closes the mountain roads on the west side of the island. It was the perfect excuse to head east instead, and it turned into one of the best days of the trip.
From Port de Pollença we followed the coast to Ca'n Picafort, then turned inland. The roads here are everything the Tramuntana is not — flat, open, narrow lanes through farmland with almost no traffic. A completely different side of Mallorca. We rode through Santa Margalida and into Petra, where we stopped on the main square for a coffee. Petra is the island's unofficial cycling capital and the square delivered: a warm morning, a good espresso, and pelotons rolling through every few minutes.
The climb to Sant Salvador is short but memorable. Five and a half kilometres at 6.3%, with tight hairpin bends through pine trees and the views expanding with every corner. At the top, the monastery appears — built in 1348 and still extraordinary. We stopped for a proper lunch at the café on the summit. The 360-degree panorama from up there is unlike anything else on the island: Cap Formentor to the north, the Cabrera islands to the south, the Tramuntana mountains in the west catching the light. Worth every metre of the climb.
The return north across the Pla de Mallorca is a long, gradual roll through Porreres, Sineu and Sa Pobla. A good day for the legs — fewer metres than the big mountain days, but more distance. A fine alternative when the west side is closed.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Head south from the harbour across the flat Pla de Mallorca on fast, open roads. Perfect for riding in a group and maintaining good speed. The landscape is authentic inland Mallorca — fields, windmills and dry stone walls. Petra is the halfway cultural landmark: the town square is the classic cyclist meeting point. Can Tomeu for almond cake.
Continue south through rolling countryside to Porreres — the ideal lunch stop at Cafeteria Es Poltre before the climbing begins. From Felanitx the road rises immediately. Five kilometres at 7% with hairpin bends, the giant stone cross of Es Picot visible on a neighbouring peak, before the monastery appears at the summit at around km 64.
The summit at 483 metres offers a 360-degree panorama over the entire island. Inside the monastery, world championship jerseys donated by professional riders line the walls. Take your time at the top — the descent back to Felanitx is fast and technical.
The long return crosses the central plain northward back to Pollença. Fast and flat but wind-dependent — a tailwind is a gift, a headwind is a test. Manage your effort carefully on this final stretch after a big day in the saddle.
Gallery
Sant Salvador Monastery Loop — Map & Elevation
Key Climbs
Tips & Local Knowledge
- Petra is the cycling capital of Mallorca — the town square is almost always full of riders. Stop at Can Tomeu for almond cake and a café con leche.
- Lunch in Porreres before the climb is strongly recommended. Cafeteria Es Poltre is cyclist-friendly with generous portions and fast service.
- Sant Salvador (5 km, 7% average) is shorter than the Tramuntana climbs but arrives after a long day on the flat — pace yourself on the lower slopes.
- Inside the monastery, world championship jerseys donated by professional riders line the corridors. Worth a look when you reach the top.
- The view from the summit is the finest 360-degree panorama on the island — because the mountain stands alone on the plain, it feels much higher than 510 metres.
- Be aware of wind direction on the return north across the plain — a headwind on the flat can be exhausting after a long day. Save something for the final stretch.
Rider Reviews
Loading reviews…
Passionate road cyclist and founder of CyclingRoutes.cc. Always hunting for the perfect asphalt and the best coffee stops.
Know a better line?
Submit your local route and get featured with your own author profile, Strava, Instagram and Buy Me a Coffee link.
Share a Route → →
Route Details
For cyclists with some experience. Noticeable climbs requiring fitness.