North to South or South to North?
Where to start on the best cycle route in Mallorca?
Which is the better direction to ride, North to South (Port Pollenca / Alcudia to Andratx) or South to North (Andratx to Port Pollenca)?
We have added more late afternoon scheduled return bike bus service from Port Andratx back to Port Pollenca so we thought this would be the ideal time to re examine the differences between riding this fantastic cycle route from a starting point in the South (Andratx) or in the North (Port Pollenca / Alcudia).
Effort
Overall the total amount of climbing is nearly identical, however the South to North is a little more difficult as you are climbing rather than descending the longest climb on the island (Puig Major).
Scenery
Port Pollenca to Andratx – You will be on the same side of the road as the coast so the scenery may be ever so slightly improved by this, although it is a very close run thing depending on your head for heights whilst you look down the cliffs to the sea 🙂 The approach and entry into one of the most beautiful villages, Banyalbufar is better towards Andratx.
Departure Time
One way means getting transport earlier in the morning, and the other means leaving when you are ready.
Collection time
One way means having to meet a deadline for the return bike bus and the other means you arrive when you want.
Conclusion
Having done the routes in both direction numerous times my preference is to bike out from the North and bus back. I love being closer to the coast. I enjoy travelling back in the bus talking through the highs and lows of the ride. I love the long downhill into Sóller, but I also love the long climb up Puig Major followed by the Col de Femenia descent into old town Pollenca. The added benefit of riding to Port Andratx is that you get a true coast to coast experience.
It is great to cycle out to a distant destination and then after some refreshments get taken home. It is also great to get taken to a distant destination and then to make your own way back in your own time. The bike bus must be booked beforehand though so we know how many seats to bring with us!
Try both directions and let us know what you think?
Mallorca Cycle Shuttle - 700+ scheduled bike buses each year to the start of the bucket list routes; Mallorca Bicycle Rescue in case bike or body break down; 365/24/7 Private airport transfers for cyclists and now the Sa Calobra Express for PB attempts with fresh legs.
Would love to do this ride from Andratx to Port Pollensa – drove it once and there are some spectacular views – just need to work on getting fit enough 🙂 one day!!
Did this with our cycling group from the UK last year and loved it. We are all trying to keep fit to have another crack at it in October again. Went to Andratx with the Mallorca Cycle Shuttle bus too and the service was great – thanks and look forward to seeing you soon again
Can’t wait to ride these this September. Will try both ways if my legs allow me!
Have done this ride Andratx – Port Pollenca 3 times now. Come to Mallorca every year. Really is the best on the island
Have done this ride Andratx – Port Pollenca now three times. Love it – definitely the best on the island. Will have to try the other way ! Great stuff.
Both ways are fantastic. I prefer Andratx to PP personally but both shoud be done by every cyclist who visits Majorca. Thanx for the info