Balearic Pedal Power!

With the world-famous Tour de France and ‘Vuelta a España’ just around the corner, starting respectively on 7 July and 25 August, the Balearic Islands tourism board has listed some of the best cycling routes in the Balearic Islands for those inspired enough by the competitions to take a cycling holiday.

The Balearic Islands are a European cycling hub with many elite cyclists using them as a training ground during the winter months. Boasting a year-round warm climate, the Balearic Islands offer a rich variety of cycling routes suitable for all levels of cyclists.

Cap de Formentor route, Mallorca
Mallorca is a cycling mecca and is said to be tailor-made for cyclists, with beautiful scenery and some of the some of the most challenging rides in Europe, The Cap de Formentor route, located on the north east of the island, starts in the Port of Pollença and continues along the Cap de Formentor road, which offers some of Mallorca’s most stunning and dramatic views of the Mediterranean. The ride is 40 kilometres and finishes at the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, from where cyclists can enjoy breathtaking views across the Pollença Bay to the Alcudia Peninsula. The route is best tackled by seasoned cyclists as it has a climb of 1060 metres. www.illesbalears.travel/en/mallorca/

Maó to Es Grau route, Menorca
Menorca’s rolling countryside, quiet roads and varied terrain, make it a playground for travellers wanting to enjoy a cycling holiday. The island has 21specially created bike-routes on ancient tracks, and signposted to be adapted to riders.

The Maó to Es Grau route offers cyclists a picturesque mountain bike ride through a variety of landscapes on the Cami de Cavalls– an ancient route that circles the entire island. The cycling trip starts at the end of the port of Maó and continues to the village of Sa Mesquidia, before continuing along the coast, where riders can admire dramatic views of the sea and stop-off in one of Menorca’s beautiful natural coves. The final part of the ride travels through the Parque Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, Menorca’s largest Natural Park, before passing through typical Menorcan farmland peppered with olive tree and finishing in the town of Es Grau. www.menorca.es/contingut.aspx?idpub=8665

Es Mal Pas to Far de Barbaria, Formentera
Formentera is the ideal Balearic Island to escape the hustle-and bustle of every-day life and enjoy the island’s year-round warm climate with a laid-back cycling holidays. Formentera has 32 motor-vehicle free ‘Green Routes’, which have been designed for visitors to discover the island by foot or by bike. The Es Mal Pas to Far de Barbaria route is one of three routes to access the Far de Barbaria – Formentera’s iconic lighthouse. www.formentera.es

Cap Martinet – S’Estanyol, Ibiza
Home to an abundance of cliff top walks, countryside trails and quaint villages, Ibiza is a great option for those looking to explore the more authentic side of the island. Ibiza offers both demanding and leisurely rides that make the island a popular cycling destination all-year round. Home to 20 specially adapted routes, on both hilly and flat terrain, Ibiza can be enjoyed by all-levels of cyclists.
www.ibiza.travel

For more information on what to see and do in the Balearic Islands, visit www.illesbalears.travel