We love cycling whenever we travel. It is not just a hobby but a way for us to stay active on trips, especially given the amount of food we eat while exploring new destinations. Being on a bike also lets you experience so much more than you would on foot. You are outdoors, covering long distances, reaching places that cars often cannot, and discovering views you would never see on a run. Plus, it burns a lot of calories, which always feels like a bonus after a big meal.

In this post, we share our ride to Cap de Formentor, a route often regarded as one of the best cycling experiences in Mallorca. It is a challenging ride with stunning scenery, smooth roads, and minimal traffic.

Cap de Formentor is Mallorca's northernmost point, where dramatic cliffs drop into the deep blue Mediterranean and winding roads hug the rugged coastline.

Known as the “Meeting Point of the Winds,” it is famous for its panoramic views, crystal-clear waters, and striking lighthouse perched on the tip of the cape. Whether you arrive by bike, car, or on foot, the scenery is breathtaking, with viewpoints along the route offering some of the best vistas on the island.

Cap de Formentor Ride Summary

Start and finish: Port de Pollença (Bar Juanito to Tolo’s Bar & Restaurant)
Distance: 40 km out and back
Elevation gain: ~850 m
Moving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total elapsed time: 3 hours 45 minutes (with photo stops and a break)
Road quality: Impeccably maintained and smooth (Ma-2210)
Traffic: Minimal if you start early, and at 10 am, the second half of the route is shut to cars. You just need to be mindful of the tourist buses when they pass.
Climbs: Two main climbs in each direction, averaging 6–8% gradients with sections peaking at 12%
Supplies: There is one café at the lighthouse at the end, but the prices are eye-wateringly high and it opens at 10 am. Bring your own snacks and enough water to avoid relying on it.
Rental Bikes: We got ours from Reynes Cycling in Deia, and their service was incredible. They charge €45 per day for a Carbon Ridley bike with Shimano 105 gears, helmet, pedals, and Garmin/phone mounts.

The Ride Out

We started our ride as early as possible, just after sunrise at 07:12, to avoid the midday heat. In August, temperatures in Mallorca can climb to 34°C, so an early start is essential. Bar Juanito, a local favourite that opens at 6:00, is perfect for a quick coffee and baguette before you set off. We also found free parking just around the corner, which made things easy.

It takes about 2–3 kilometres to reach the first climb of the day, the Coll de Sa Creueta, which takes you quickly up to around 200 metres above sea level over 3.3 kilometres, with a steady gradient of about 6%. The views as you ascend are incredible, with the Tramuntana mountains towering over the bay.

Stop at El Mirador de Es Colomer for some of the route's most stunning views.

From there, you enjoy a sweeping descent to Cala Formentor, a beautiful beach that makes for a great early photo stop. The route doesn’t actually go down to the beach but to the car park, so if you want a break at the beach, you need to turn off to your right to get to it. There is a beach café, L’Espigó Beach Bar, which opens at 9:00. Reviews are not great, so we recommend carrying your own snacks and drinks and saving the coffee urge when you return to Port de Pollença.

Next is your second main climb, heading towards the Formentor tunnel. This section is steeper, with short ramps hitting up to 12%, so pace yourself. The tunnel itself is short and well-lit, but take off your sunglasses, as the road surface can be hard to see inside. Traffic is usually minimal, but for peace of mind, a rear light and reflective clothing are good safety additions.

Beyond the tunnel, the road becomes more undulating, hugging the coastline with jaw-dropping views at every turn. As you ride, the lighthouse eventually comes into view in the distance — the perfect moment to stop for a quick photo before the final stretch to the tip of the cape.

The Lighthouse

The views from the lighthouse are nothing short of spectacular, with sweeping panoramas of the cliffs, the deep-blue Mediterranean, and the rugged coastline that makes Cap de Formentor so iconic. There is plenty of space to sit, catch your breath, and take it all in after the ride.

When we arrived early, it was quiet and filled only with fellow cyclists, which made it feel calm and rewarding. By around 10:30, however, the first tourist buses began to arrive, and the area quickly became busy.

There is a small café at the lighthouse, but be prepared for steep prices. We paid around €20 for three small bottles of water and two Magnums. The upside is that the café has clean toilets, which can be a welcome stop before starting the ride back.

The Ride Back

Leaving the lighthouse, the ride kicks off with a sharp climb. It is less than a kilometre but averages around 8.5%, taking you back up to the iconic Formentor viewpoint.

The route back retraces your outbound path, with three main climbs to tackle: the short uphill stretch out of the lighthouse, the climb back up to the Formentor tunnel, and finally, the steady ascent up to the Coll de Sa Creueta. From there, it is a rewarding, fast descent all the way into Port de Pollença on those beautifully smooth roads.

Back in town, we headed straight to Tolo’s Bar and Grill, a cyclist-friendly spot owned by Tolo, a huge cycling enthusiast. The walls are lined with signed yellow jerseys, and there is a bike rack right outside. It is the perfect place to toast your ride with a well-deserved drink.

To finish the morning, we moved on to Bodega Can Ferra, where we tucked into an incredible seafood paella — the ideal post-ride meal.

Food and Drink Stops

Bar Juanito - Perfect becuase it opens at 06:00 and provides good coffee and breakfast baguettes. Catered towards local workers.
Tolo’s Bar and Grill - Cycling-themed Bar and Grill for a post-ride drink. We aren’t sure what the food here would be like but the menu didn’t really tickle our fancy
Bodega Can Ferra - A more typical Spanish Bodega with tapas and paella.

The cafe at the lighthouse is extremely expensive, so try to avoid it if you want value for money.

There are some restaurants and cafes at Cala Formentor (Formentor beach), but they have many bad reviews. L’Espigó Beach Bar is open from 09:00, so if needed, you can stop there on the way back.

Around the corner from Bar Juanito is a BP Petrol station that opens at 06:00 with a Carrefour Express in case you need to top up with some supplies.

General Tips for Cycling Cap de Formentor

Bring enough water - Carry at least two bottles on your bike. The café at the lighthouse is convenient but expensive, and you will need plenty of hydration in summer.
Check the weather - Conditions can change quickly. Strong winds are common, and while rain is rare, the descents can be dangerous if the roads are wet.
Watch for rockfalls - Keep an eye on the road surface, especially on corners, as loose rocks can appear after windy nights.
Mind the goats - You will see plenty of goats along the route, and some have no problem wandering onto the road, especially on blind bends. Stay alert.
Start early - An early start means cooler temperatures, quieter roads, and beautiful sunrise views. Some riders even reach the lighthouse for sunrise before riding back.
Mind the tourist buses - Despite the minimal traffic, there are still tourist buses going along the road, and they take up a lot of space, especially in the bends. The good thing is that they beep their horns a lot to give you a warning of their position, so you can prepare. If you’re on a tight bend, just stop and pull aside until the buses go past. They usually go in pairs.
Stay visible in the tunnel - Make sure you are easy to see. A rear light, reflective clothing, and removing your sunglasses before entering the tunnel will make it safer.
Be prepared for mechanicals - Carry spare tubes, a hand pump, and the basics for minor repairs in case of a flat or mechanical issue.
Take the Pepperpot detour - At Coll de Sa Creueta, you can turn right and ride up the cliff to ‘the Pepperpot’ (Talaia d'Albercutx) for even more spectacular views. It is a short but steep detour on rough roads.

Accommodation in Port de Pollença and Alcudia

We stayed in Banyalbufar during our trip because we absolutely loved it there, and the road south from there to Andraxt is our favourite part of the island. But if you’re looking for accommodation close to Cap de Formentor, here are some options in Port de Pollança and Alcudia.

Although we didn’t stay there, Hotel Illa d’Or is meant to be a great option for cyclists.

And that’s all from us …

Cycling to Cap de Formentor is a must-do ride in Mallorca. From the steady climbs and thrilling descents to the sweeping coastal views and iconic lighthouse, it offers everything you could want from a cycling route. With smooth roads, manageable gradients, and plenty of spots to pause for photos, it is as enjoyable as it is challenging.

Start early, pack enough water, and take your time to soak in the scenery. If you found this guide helpful or if you did the ride yourself, let us know how it went in the comments below!

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