About This Route
The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on Mallorca's northwest coast offers some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular coastal riding. The road clings to dramatic cliffs above the sea, passing through charming villages and past historic estates.
Route plan
- Valldemossa to DeiàJoin the Ma-10 on the northwest coast. This first section is narrow, scenic and busy around village entrances, so it rewards an unhurried start.
- Deià to SóllerContinue past coastal viewpoints and terraces to Sóller. Traffic builds quickly after breakfast; stop in town rather than trying to sightsee from the saddle.
- Sóller to LlucThe Ma-10 climbs past the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs into the highest part of the Serra. Temperatures are cooler here and cyclists are common on every climb.
- Sa Calobra spur or Pollença finishThe Ma-2141 descent to Sa Calobra is an optional out-and-back with intense hairpins and coach traffic. Otherwise stay on the Ma-10 toward Pollença for a flowing end to the traverse.
What the road is really like
Mallorca's Ma-10 is technical because it is narrow and shared, not because it is especially fast. Stone walls, cyclists, buses and blind bends leave little room for correction. The rhythm improves east of Sóller, but the safest approach is to treat the entire road as a scenic traverse rather than a racetrack.
The Sa Calobra spur is much tighter than the main Ma-10. Its famous switchbacks are manageable on any sound road bike, but low-speed control and patience matter when coaches need the full width. Turn around before fatigue spoils the climb back out.
Planning the day
Ride on a weekday morning outside July and August if possible. Fuel in Sóller or Pollença and do not rely on finding an open pump in the high sierra. The 120 km estimate assumes a substantial part of the Ma-10 plus one major spur; a full southwest-to-northeast traverse can be longer.
Cap de Formentor is separate from the Ma-10 route. In 2026 unauthorised motorcycles are barred on the Ma-2210 from 10:00 to 22:00 between May 15 and October 18. If you add Formentor, follow the current official access notice rather than older blog advice.
Fuel, food and stops
Reliable fuel options along or near the route include Sóller, Pollença. Top up before any long climb — pumps in mountain villages can be closed at lunch or on Sundays.
For food and coffee, Deià, Valldemossa are solid stops. Aim for a proper sit-down lunch rather than a vending-machine snack — the locals eat well in this region.
⚠️ Safety and hazards to watch for
Specific hazards on this route include: Tour buses; Blind corners.
- Narrow coastal road
- Many cyclists
- Cap de Formentor has peak-season access restrictions (roughly mid-May to mid-October, motorcycles included) and heavy summer cycling/coach congestion on the Ma-10 — check current conditions.
Who this route suits
Mallorca Serra de Tramuntana works especially well for photographers and slow-tour riders chasing scenery, adventure bike riders who don't mind the occasional rough patch. Recommended bike types are Touring, Adventure, but realistically anything in good mechanical condition with decent tyres will do the job — the road matters more than the badge on the tank.
Insider tips
- Ride the famous Sa Calobra descent
- Visit Deià artist village
- Book ahead for Port de Sóller