Mallorca Cycling Route: Sa Calobra

November 16, 2024

Your in-depth, road cyclist's guide to cycling Mallorca's famous Sa Calobra. This detailed step by step guide includes GPX, Strava, Google Map, profile, photos, cafe stops and tips.

Back to blog

Sa Calobra: The infamous hairpins that take you from sea to summit

Sa Calobra is one of the biggest & most famous climbs on the island. The 650m of climbing at an average of 7% will give you bragging rights for weeks - but it's the photos from 26 switchbacks, and go-kart style 270' hairpin at the top which will give you epic memories for years to come. So fuel up, shake out those legs, and get your cameras ready... Because this is going to be a big one!

What to expect

Sa Calobra is hands down one of the best routes on the entire island. You start with a rolling flats south from Alcudia, turning inland through Sa Pobla & Campanet until you arrive at Silva with a comfortable 30km under your belt. Warm legs will carry you straight up Coll de Sa Batalla, and a further 30 mins of rolling hills to the foot of Coll de Reis. This northbound approach is remarkably fast before the real fun begins.

Descending into Sa Calobra is some of the best fun you can have without breaking the law. It's fast, there are some potentially dangerous corners, and the views are just mind blowing. The only downside is having to choose between racing all the way or stopping to take photos. Either way you won't be disappointed! Then as if that wasn't enough, after a swift ice cream you get to climb back up and see it again as you earn that segment. The pro's finish in under 20 minutes, but most people cross the coll in somewhere between 40 and 60mins. From there give yourself a pat on the back and breath a sigh of relief, because this route takes you back the easy way - through the long and gentle descent of Femenia. Lot's of free speed on the menu as you roll back to Pollenca, and some little known back roads through the nature reserve into Alcudia. You've definitely earnt a beer after this ride!

Highlights

This route has a lot to offer with a healthy mix of rolling flats and hard climbing, at least 4 great options for refuelling, and scenery which you definitely would not have seen before. It's also the stuff of absolute legends. The sort of ride that leaves you sitting by the pool with a beer, nodding and laughing to yourself as you think about the turns you took slightly too fast. Ten years later and we still talk about our first trip to Sacalobra, and I am sure you will too.

Rolling to

The Viaduct

If you are looking to relax into your day, then this is just about as good as it gets. The road from Alcudia to PWhilst slightly inclined this section is full of rolling hills and cambered corners, so it is actually incredibly fast. Tuck in and speed through the bends, or sit back and enjoy the views through the mountains. Howevef you choose to ride this segment, you know it's finished when you hit the viaduct. Pass straight underneath it, stay right, and you'll start to climb the Coll de Reis northbound straight after the Orange Juice Man cafe.ollenca 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.

Northbound up

Coll de Reis

The northbound climb of Coll de Reis is considerably shorter and sweeter than it's opposite side! As you turn in front of the 'Orange Juice Man' Cafe you'll roll gently down the side road & right into the climb.

It's a short 2.5km with an average of 6%, so nothing too taxing as you ride around the valley. If you're early enough the sun will be rising behind you and you get an incredible view back down the road. Our GPX file includes a this photo spot, and our top tip is to look for the beautiful trees with burnt out cores. Apparently they are lightening strikes! Suffice to say, don't ride there in a storm.

ALSO don't make the same mistake I did. Specifically thinking this was 'the Sa Calobra climb' and going full gas. I did beat my friends to the top, but I was the but of many jokes for the rest of camp and I really suffered coming back up the actual climb soon afterwards.

Descending to

Sa Calobra

If you haven't spotted this already - it's probably a good time to explain this main climb is actually 'Coll de Reis' not Sa Calobra. 'Sa Calobra' is actually the name of the small village at the bottom of the climb, but people tend to use this when talking about the route. So you come in from the south and climb Coll de Reis northbound, before descending the other side into Sa Calobra village on the coast. Then you'll turn around and do it in reverse, climbing Coll de Reis Southbound. The Strava Map here should clear up any confusion!

Find the hidden

Coves around the bay

Hardly anyone knows about, or does this - but when you hit the bottom of the climb Sacalobra you can actually take right turn and follow the road /path around the cliff face on a cheeky little adventure. After a few hundred metres you'll hit a small foot tunnel through the rocks, and on the other side is a series of beautiful coves and beaches. Our advice > take some supplies in your back pocket, and go to sit on one of these beaches to catch some sun! It's much better option than the busy (and not great) cafe's in the little port, and will set you up perfectly for attacking the climb!

The Climb

Check out the

Sa Calobra KOM on Strava

There is a certain pedigree of professionals that hit this climb in winter training camps, so the KOM stats are going to blow your mind. Whether you laugh or cry, take note of Thomas Pidcock's 22min 46s, and the fact that in his Dec 2023 training camp Filippo Ganna achieved 6th on his way home from a 170km training ride.

If you're looking for some pre-trip inspiration you can watch Lawrence Carpenter and his buddies as he smashes out a sub 30 PB on his youtube channel.

1st Landmark

Penyal del Cavall Bernat

The road heads south out of Sacalobra, and quickly turns back north, giving you a great view of your starting point below. But just ahead is your first landmark, a giant crack in the mountain seemingly cut by the road itself. This is Penyal del Cavill Bernat, a somewhat claustrophobic rock formation that frames the next part of your ascent. It will certainly feel tight as you squeeze through the gap, so make sure you give way to any oncoming vehicles.

2nd Landmark

Around the olive grove

Then you get to ride around a large olive grove in the bottom of the valley. It's a bit of a sun-trap in the morning so try enjoy the view, and focus on getting the legs nicely warmed up. This undulating section kicks up & down between 0% and 12% and once you get around the next 2 corners it's hairpins all the way.

3rd Landmark

Two Giants

This section is hard to miss because as you roll around the corner, the second valley will make you feel like you've landed on the moon! The looming grey rock faces really are unmistakeable, as are the two giant rocks sat across the road up ahead. These are the 'Two Giants' and it's worth flagging that they are almost exactly at the half way point for the segment... So keep up the good work and keep grinding!

4th Landmark

A whole lot of hairpins

No less than 15 hairpins are waiting up ahead before you reach the top. The bad news is that you're facing an average of 7% for another 5km of twists and turns. But the good news is that you'll have some pretty incredible views back down over the valley.

The only question is will yo be grinning back at your friends below... Or grimmacing up at your friends ahead?!

5th & Final Landmark

Mario Kart Loop

Almost certainly unique to Sa Calobra, the very last corner completes a 270' turn with a tunnel underneath the final straight. It's the sort of thing we've only seen on the rainbow circuit of Mario Kart, or on an indoor go-kart track. Simply sublime, and a great way to signal the final push before the coll.

Best photo spots

The landscape really is up there with some of the best cycling routes in the world. If decide to forgo a Strava PB and get some pics 'for the gram', then let us save you a bit of work by pointing out some of the very best spots. Hopefully you'll get some inspiration from the photos in the guide, but the two we'd really recommend are:

➊ The beginning of the 270' (descending): Standing at the very beginning of the corner and looking to the left over the edge of the barrier gives you a great view of the first 6 hairpins. In the morning the sun will be far enough to the left that you avoid sun flair, and with a bit of timing you can get your friends in shot as they roll around that first corner. Perfect for posts named "starting to descend the legendary Sa Calobra" or "at this point I had no idea what i was letting myself in for". You'll also find that most people will focusing on riding the 270' and take photos before and after it (neither of which work very well). So if you get this one right you'll also get brownie points for having the best team shot!

➋ Near the top of Coll de Reis (northbound): Controversially as this isn't actually on the main climb - but as you can see from the shot below it's just a brilliant photo. With amazing morning light, a very photogenic road shape & a great mountain skyline this comes together very nicely. It also has a load of options for friend positioning - the easiest is to get there first and get everyone in the shot!

Riccardo having a thick hot chocolate at the cafe

The perfect

Coffee Stop

The cafe options at Sa Calobra are pretty limited (they really are not great!) but don't worry, if you're prepared there some great options.

We find the best thing to do is stop at Sa Batalla petrol station for any supplies / toilet stop before hitting Sa Calobra... and on the way back stopping for Pamboli in the main square at Pollenca Old Town. There are several options in the main square, and they're all in a very nice sun trap by early afternoon. Then you get an easy 10km roll back to Alcudia.

Tips & Advice

#1: Make sure you have plenty of food & water

This is a long day in the saddle, and especially during late spring and summer months it can be very hot! Avoid the dreded bonk by checking supplies and restocking at the Sa Batalla / Repsol petrol station. The last time I did this route I stopped there on the way out and the way back!

#2: Prepare for the weather (hot & cold)

A bit of a lead on from the point above, be aware that the weather can go in both directions. The top of Coll de Reis is very exposed, and the winds can hit pretty hard as you face north onto the Mediterranean sea. So if you're in any doubt during autumn & winter remember to pack a stuff jacket and some glasses to protect your face. In the summer ofcourse factor 50 sun block in will also help to keep your noggin' looking fresh as a daisy!

#3: Arrive early & leave early

A common flip-side to the incredible cycling routes in Mallorca is that they are also incredibly popular - and not just with cyclists! Don't be surprised to see a large number of cars and buses coming in and out of Sa Calobra through Spring and Summer. But don't worry - you can be sur eto have plenty of space to enjoy the roads by leaving nice and early. Aim to arrive at Sa Calobra by 9am and you'll be back with your feet up by the pool in no time.

#4: Beware pot holes at the bottom

Whilst the road surface is pretty good (certainly by West London standards!) there are a few areas to take a little extra caution, especially when descending. the north facing climb up Coll de Reiss from the Orange Juice Man Cafe is slightly gravely. Then the last km going in and out of Sacalobra village (at the bottom of the climb) has some reasonable pot holes. Apart from that as always pay attention on the hairpins, because the big heavy buses turning can often rip of the road surface and cause some issues. As always take your time, keep your eyes on the road and be safe :).

#5: Give way on blind corners

Speaking of safety there are plenty of blind corners on this windy route, so make sure you stay on your side of the road. More importantly look out for oncoming cars that don't do the same in kind. We have had plenty of close-calls where cars come around a corner well over the white line, so take extra care if you pick up the speed! If in doubt always give way first. It's the safest way, and a friendly nod between cyclist and cars will only be a good thing.

Community Feedback

Sven from Munich
"Windy. Long. Steep. Curvy. But wow it was fun! Not sure my legs will thank me tomorrow though"
Sabrina from Germany
"This such a nice ride! I did Femenia yesterday so think my legs were ready for it today - I feel ok actually!"
Stuart from London
“The descent is just amazing. Super fast, a bit scary, and great views if you're brave enough to take your eyes off the road!”
Laura from Paris
"We took snacks with us and did the mini-adventure! SO much better than the cafe's, and the climb was AMAZING!"