Soller &
Puig Major
Puig Major is where Champions are made!
Puig Major is the highest point in Mallorca, and if you've been riding the island before you would have seen it's silhouette watching down on you form the top of the Tramontana mountains. Whilst the military base at the peak is still out of bounds, this route will take you just underneath it. But when you get there don't rest on your laurels, because you've still got the 17km descent into Port Soller & then the Coll de Soller to handle on the way back. A day for the faint hearted? Nope. Will it earn you an extra ice cream in the Port though? Absolutely!
What to expect
Starting from the Clubhouse you get a great warm up through the nature reserve and around Pollenca Old Town. Then it's two steady climbs up to the reservoirs, and the amazing views of Puig Major. From there you are treated to one of the best descents in Europe - free speed and bundles of fun bring you nicely into Port Soller for a spot of brunch. Make sure you rest and refuel before setting off, because you still have 70km to go with the famous Coll de Soller standing between you and the flats. A final stretch through the middle of the island and more than likely some sort of headwind mean this is no easy endeavour. So pack well, drink plenty, and make sure you all take a turn on the front! Because this... is where Champions are made.
142km
Distance
Mountain
Terrain
1,940m
Ascent
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.
26km flat of
warm up
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.
Puig Major
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.
Two Resovoirs
(& a tunnel)
This bottle neck is the only thorugh road at this point of the Tramuntana, and it's the only place you can move between the East & West sides of the mountains.
i where you cross into the West side of the island. 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!
16km descent into Port Soller
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!
Coll de
Soller
This bottle neck is the only thorugh road at this point of the Tramuntana, and it's the only place you can move between the East & West sides of the mountains.
45km of rolling downhill
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!
There's no shortage of instagram hits along this route, but two of the absolute best have to be...
Best photo spots
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.
âž‹ The viewing platform at the top of Coll de Creuerta, perfect for a team shot infront of the mountains.
Coffee Stop
Coffee Stop in Soller
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:
#1: 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!
#2: 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.
#3: 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.
#4: 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.
Community
Feedback
Elsa at Velovie
“Cap Formentor is the most beautiful ride on the island!."
Drew from London
"On the way back from Cap Formentor you have to stop at the top of La Creuerta - freshly squeezed orange juice & donuts are brilliant!"
Stu (enthusiastic American)
“This is my favourite route on the island. Cap Formentor is da-bomb baby!!”
Jessy from Canada
“I just grabbed my bike & hiked up the footsteps to the top of Furmat. It was amazing man! .”
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