Cap Formentor: A right of passage for cyclists!
Riding to Cap Formentor lighthouse is a right of passage for anyone coming to the island, and we believe it stands up with Sa Calobra and Andratx as some of the most fantastic scenery on the island. Luckily for us it's right on our doorstep, and it's a very simple 75km route that get's you back in 2.5 hours (plus the mandatory coffee and photos!)
What to expect
This is the perfect route to kick off your cycling holiday in Mallorca. It's short (ish) & sweet, starting with a flat warm-up spin around Pollenca bay before lining up a moderate taster of the Tramuntana mountains. The route is a simple out-and-back following a single road, so you won't get lost. Setting off from the Clubhouse you'll be back in 2.5 hours or so, just in time for a spot of brunch.
Highlights
Although the route itself is pretty straight forward, the scenery and terrain is anything but! The Tramuntana mountain range has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2011, and in this north-most section it';s really easy to see why. The alpine-folded & thrusted Jurassic limestones creates incredible mountain formations, sometimes seeming to emerge at 45' towards the sun. So keep your head up, your eyes peeled, and soak up the incredible views.
Pollenca Bay
If you are looking to relax into your day, then this is just about as good as it gets. The road from Alcudia to Pollenca is pan-flat and follows the smooth curve of the shoreline for 5km. With the glimmering morning sun and a fresh breeze on your right, you won't be the only person in your group smiling.
Furmat & Rocosa Tunnel
Half way to the lighthouse (about 20km in) and soon after Formentor carpark, you will see Coll de Furmat emerge from behind the trees on the right. As you climb around it's base the sheer cliff face looms over head, and the road tucks you neatly into the Rocosa tunnel underneath. You might catch a glimpse of Cala Figuera bay below you on the left, but don't worry about stopping as you'll have the perfect view when you come back this way later.
Lighthouse
About 30km into the ride you'll find yourself meandering around the valley tops & into the final approach to Cap Formentor lighthouse. The first corner is almost completely blind - all you can see is the road turning left and down, on a backdrop of pure sky over the cliff edge.... But don't worry! Hold the line and before you know it you'll be rolling fast around the final basin and up to the tower. Watch out for baby goats!
The BONUS Climb!
Albecutx Tower aka "the Pepperpot" is a great final challenge. Just like the Epic KOM Bonus Climb in Watopia, this is short and sharp, bringing you to the very highest point of the route. Expect EPIC views in all directions, some abandoned military buildings and some gusty winds. If you have the legs you won't regret this little detour!
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Best photo spots
There's no shortage of instagram hits along this route, but two of the absolute best have to be...
➊ The South West corner of the top terrace at the lighthouse. It overlooks the winding road with one of the best mountain views in the background. Absolutely marvellous.
➋ The viewing platform at the top of Coll de Creuerta, perfect for a team shot infront of the mountains.
Coffee Stop
You'll find a cafe nestled perfectly at the base of the lighthouse.
with plenty of space & seating (inside and out), a wide variety of food, drink, and some questionable memorabilia! It's no London coffee lounge, but at the middle of this ride it is exactly what the doctor ordered. Be sure to walk all around the terrace to take in the views, before putting your feet up to enjoy the sun. Be warned the goats will eat ANYTHING!
Tips & Advice
We must have ridden this route 50 times since we arrives on the island, and speaking with the locals who have ridden it for many years we have compiled some pretty solid nuggets of advice:
- The Cap Formentor route is closed to buses & cars for the summer: In 2023 the restrictions ran from 1st June through to 30th September, everyday from 10am to 10:30pm. This is great for cyclists who still have full access!
- If you are cycling this route outside of the summer road closures ... You can avoid the worst of the traffic by leaving at 8am or 9am. The traffic builds from 10am, so aim to be back to Pollenca by 11am.
- Beware the Cap Formentor Goats! Ok so they're not exactly terrifying, but they don't follow traffic rules and they are found all along the route from Formentor to the lighthouse... Se keep an eye out at all times.
- Go to Cap Formentor to watch the full moon rise: This one is hard to describe - but trust us, the full moon rising over the sea from Cap Formentor really is something to behold. Of course the route is winding & steep so you'll need lights, and be careful on the descents. But it's something you'll never forget.
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A quick note on the writing process
Everything we review, and the tips we provide are learnt through experience (often learning the hard way)! We are not sponsored and we aren't briefed. We write about the things that helped us, and we hope that they help you too!