Current as of: April 20, 2024 - 01:03
Mallorca Self-Guided Coast to Coast Ride Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Spain
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: C07MA
Trip Overview
Easy cycling across Mallorca, taking in coastal trails and beautiful inland routes
Mallorca (also known as Majorca) has long been an island synonymous with sun, sea and sand, but many forget the treasures hidden away in the lesser known parts of the island. This relaxed itinerary features relatively easy cycling taking in the highlights of both the quiet coastal areas and the foothills of the beautiful inland Tramuntana mountain range. The hotels we use are small and family run, and the homemade cooking and local Mallorquin wines are a delightful welcome after a day’s cycling!
At a Glance
- 7 nights in boutique, family-run properties, 6 nights with pools
- 6 days cycling with luggage transfers
- 98% tarmac, 2% dirt track
- Gentle undulating cycling, perfect for first timers
- Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Highlights
- Easy cycling taking in coastal trails, beaches, and the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains
- Panoramic views of the spectacular Tramuntana Mountain range
- Cycle past almond groves, picturesque windmills and salt lagoons
- Enjoy delicious Mallorquin cuisine
- Discover the beautiful, medieval town of Pollenca
Is This Trip for You?
Cycling conditions
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading.
Av. daily ride: 39km (24 miles).
No. of days cycling: 6.
Terrain & route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly traffic-free). The terrain is mainly flat and there are no major climbs
Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0830 and 2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Campos
- End City: Pollenca
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive Campos
Fly into Palma airport and take a taxi or a private transfer to your hotel in the countryside. Spend two nights here, at a lovely family-run converted farm house, with a large pool near the south of the island.
At Campos
Cycle to the stunning beaches near your hotel, visit the salt production lagoons and see the local flamingo inhabitants, and enjoy a rest by the hotel pool. The owners of the hotel are especially proud of their local homemade cooking and Mallorquin wines they provide.
Campos to Algaida
Following small country lanes you cycle down to the coast before heading north to Algaida. The route passes through almond fields (in bloom late January and February) and quaint villages before reaching your hotel in Algaida where a swimming pool awaits you.
At Algaida
Enjoy a leisurely ride today as you cycle to the market town of Sineu stopping in small villages on the way for a coffee or snack. Slow your pace right down as you enjoy the unspoiled countryside and glorious surroundings.
Algaida to Selva
Cycling towards the Tramuntana mountains (but not climbing them!), you head towards Moscari and Selva, where you you spend the next two nights in a delightful hotel, based in the centre so ideally located for a promenade in the evenings. The hotel also benefits from a pool so you can enjoy a swim at the end of your cycling days.
At Selva
Today’s circular route from your base of Selva allows an excellent day of cycling through typically Mediterranean landscapes of holm oak woodland, almonds, figs and caper tree groves, one of the most beautiful settings of the island.
Selva to Pollenca
Cycle towards the old historic town of Alcudia where there are plenty of options for a leisurely lunch. Head further north to the lovely medieval town of Pollenca where you will spend your final night. Enjoy a meander around the cobble-stone streets and street market, or enjoy dinner alfresco in one of the many charming restaurants.
Leave Pollenca
End in Pollenca, and take a taxi to Palma de Mallorca for your flight home. If you have time before your flight be sure to visit the historic city centre before you leave.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Family run boutique hotels
We stay in small, family run boutique hotels throughout this trip, most have swimming pools. Highlights included a converted farmhouse near the south coast and a lovely rural hotel in the foothills of the mountains. Many of the hotels have their own restaurants and offer mouthwatering delicious local cuisine, and good Mallorquin wines.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
For a solo traveller there is an adttional charge to cover transfer costs.
Single supplement from USD 582
Food & Drink
7 breakfasts are included and consist of a continental-style buffet.
Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the cycling route notes.
Mallorcan cuisine is typically a hearty affair, with meats and stews showing up on most menus as well as the popular suckling pig. Fish is also a staple, and you will find monkfish and sea bream in a whole manner of sauces. Tapas (a selection of small dishes) is also widely consumed, either served as starters or as a lighter meal. Specialities include Sobrasada (soft, spreadable chorizo-like sausage), Sopas Mallorquinas (Mallorcan stew made from liver or seafood), Pa amb oli (bread with oil, often eaten with island cheese, jamon (ham) or chorizo), Parrillada de pescado (mixed grilled fish and seafood). Desserts include Ensaimada (a spiral shaped cake dusted with icing sugar) and Coca de patata (a sweet, bread like bun made from potato flour). Local wine is readily available and usually of good quality, and the local liqueur herbes de Mallorca is often given as an aperitivo after your meal.
Transport
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Weather & Seasonality
Mallorca generally enjoys fine weather conditions although there is always the possibility of some rain. The month of April is normally pleasantly mild, with a daily average of five hours or more of sunshine. Average maximum daytime temperatures vary between 14 and 19ºC. It is generally quite hot in May, June and September with approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day. Average maximum daytime temperatures are 23 – 26ºC. October can be a cooler month with more increased rainfall and average maximum daytime temperatures range between 15 and 23ºC but even at this time of year it is often perfectly pleasant.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Standard flights:
Easyjet Gatwick to Palma de Mallorca (times vary), then transfer to hotel approx 30 mins.
Return: Transfer to airport approx 55 mins to tie in with flight then Easyjet Palma de Mallorca to Gatwick (times vary.)
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Campos
Location end: Pollenca
Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.
Transfer Details
Standard transfers are available to and from Palma Airport if you book a flight inclusive package.
If you are booking a land only package please speak to your travel advisor regarding booking transfers, a supplement will apply.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Local Self-Guided Bikes
All bikes are supplied with:
– 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and maps – 1 per 2 people (if you are travelling together)
– 1 set of rear panniers
– 1 bike lock per 2 people
– 1 repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump, plus a lock
– Front and rear lights
Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust. Electronic bikes are available for this trip, please request one as early as possible as they are subject to availability. Helmets can be requested if you wish, but please be aware we can never guarantee the quality of these so we do recommend bringing your own. Please note, the standard bike available for this trip is a hybrid touring bike, but it is also possible to request an aluminium frame road bike for no extra cost, or a carbon frame for an additional supplement. Please speak to your sales consultant for more details.
We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Water bottles
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Mobile phone with roaming capabilities
Bike Repairs
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike! Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s for a comprehensive guide on fixing a puncture.
The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems – however, there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.
You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
Extra bike accessories
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
Local Bike Details
A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.
Conditions
1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.
E-Bikes Available
Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
European plug – 2 round pins.
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in Palma, Pollença and Campos. Credit cards are widely accepted,
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For the meals not included we recommend that you allow €8-15 for lunch. Dinners can range between €15-30 depending on the style of restaurant. Suggestions of where to eat are made in the route notes.
It is possible to upgrade to a half-board basis which generally includes a choice of three courses without wine; these are usually taken at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Please speak to your sales consultant for more details.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.