Cycling Guide: Palma to Sóller Cycling Route – Scenic Mountain Ride
Guide
How This Route Rides
A Palma classic: gentle city roll-out, then the historic Coll de Sóller hairpins (no motorway, steady gradients), and a café finish in Sóller’s main square. Most riders climb the southern side, take coffee in town, then either return the same way or train back with the bike. It’s the perfect first mountain day from Palma.
Route Snapshot
| Segment | Distance | Elevation | Gradient | Notes |
| Palma → Coll base (Bunyola side roads) | ~12–15 km | +150–200 m | — | Warm-up on quiet lanes |
| Coll de Sóller (south climb) | ~7.8 km | +420 m | ~5–6% avg | Many shaded hairpins |
| Coll → Sóller descent (north side) | ~7.5 km | -430 m | — | Smooth, predictable bends |
| Sóller plaza roll | ~1–2 km | — | — | Coffee & water stops |
Distance from Palma Cathedral: ~30–35 km to Sóller (out); ~60–70 km return the same way.
🧭 Getting There & Returning
- Start: roll from the centre along bike lanes toward Bunyola via Son Sardina.
- Climb: take the old road to Coll de Sóller (signed; avoid the Ma-11 tunnel — bikes prohibited).
- Return options:
- Ride back over the Coll (quieter, scenic).
- Train from Sóller (space for bikes varies by service; buy ticket on site).
- Pre-arranged pickup for groups.
☕ Café Stops & Water
- Palma / Son Sardina: pre-ride espresso and bottle top-ups.
- Coll summit kiosks (in season): quick coke/water.
- Sóller – Plaça de la Constitució: multiple cafés, fast service, shade.
What works: espresso + pastry on the way out; bocadillo in Sóller before the return.
🛡️ Safety & Skills
- Descending: brake before corners, look through the bend, keep your line.
- Traffic: expect classic-car and scooter traffic on sunny weekends — ride early.
- Heat: in summer, start pre-08:00; the north side stays cooler and shaded.
🧳 What to Bring
- 2 bottles, electrolytes, mini-pump/CO₂, tube (even tubeless), tyre boot, multi-tool, quick link, light gilet for descent, micro café lock.
🗺️ Maps & Useful Pins
Coll de Sóller (south approach) – climb start
Sóller – Main Square (cafés & refill)
📅 When to Ride
| Season | What to expect | Our take |
| Mar–May | Mild temps, flowers | Best mix of grip and views |
| Jun–Aug | Hot middays | Start early, aim for shade |
| Sep–Oct | Warm, settled | Great light, quieter roads |
| Nov–Feb | Cool, sunny spells | Crisp climbs; gilet for descents |
❓ FAQ
Is this OK for beginners?
Yes, as a first climb. Pace steadily at 5–6% and descend the same side you climbed the first time.
Tunnel or old road?
Old road only. The Ma-11 tunnel is not for bikes.
Train back with a bike?
Possible on some services; capacity varies. Have a backup plan to ride back over the Coll.
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