Seven-day itinerary for couples

Welcome to Mallorca and the start of your immersive and active adventure on this Balearic isle. Arriving in Palma, you’ll be met personally before transferring to the cool sophistication of Son Brull hotel, in northern Mallorca. On your first day, we like to get you kitted up with your bikes – top of the range Pinarello bikes which are fitted precisely to you. E-bikes are available and often a popular choice for hilly Mallorca.

As dusk falls, meet Mar, the founder of Foodie Cycling and co-owner of Son Brull. Over cocktails, you can put the final touches to your itinerary or ask Mar what it was like growing up in Son Brull. After drinks, let the hotel’s sommelier Juan walk you around the vineyards, explaining about the different varieties of local grapes and their history on the island. Afterwards enjoy tasting local wines to experience the flavours of those grapes. Your first night’s dinner will be informal at the hotel’s bistro – get a feel for Mallorcan cuisine with a casual tapas meal.

Let’s get your cycling holiday rolling! Today you’ll head to Formentor lighthouse, the highlight for all cyclists coming to Mallorca. Because of its popularity we advise an early start to beat the heat and the crowds. Depending on your needs, you will have the option of self-guided where we load the routes onto a GPS for you or for this section of your trip you may like a guide and supporting vehicle, so you can ride and continue by car if you get tired or need a break. Whichever way you do it, you won’t regret reaching the lighthouse – an incredible spot where the ocean panorama stretches for miles.

On your way back, continue to the beautiful blue sea at Cala Sant Vicenç, the first cove has a restaurant we love – we can make reservations so you can have a well-deserved lunch overlooking magnificent sea views. From here, you’ll be naturally drawn to the beach. Why not have a beach afternoon, enjoying the translucent waters of the bay? Tonight, you’ll feast in style at Son Brull’s eponymous 365 restaurant, known over the island and beyond for its organic ingredients sourced from the garden and nearby to create delectable tasting menus.

Today we discover the amazing Serra de Tramuntana, by taking a long ride that will lead us all the way to Deià. As you will be checking out of Son Brull, we will ensure your luggage is transferred to your next hotel, so you can focus solely on the day’s cycling. On your ride to Deià, stop at Mortixt winery, where Mar’s friend Mateo will give you a tour of the vineyards, the most elevated vines on the island, set in a magnificent valley.

Afterwards stop at the peaceful 13th century Lluc monastery for coffee before continuing biking on winding mountain roads, with views over the Mediterranean Sea, olive groves and forest. From here, Mar has a few options – perhaps having a picnic alongside the aquamarine Cúber Reservoir or challenging yourself on the Carretera de Sa Calobra – 14 devilish kilometres full of curves with views that will take your breath away. Or maybe stop by the pretty town of Sóller, for a drink in the square where you can watch local life passing by. Arriving in Deià, your room and belongings are await you at the elegant La Residencia, Belmond. You may want to relax by the pool or have a massage in the spa or wander the art galleries in the town. Tonight, you are booked for dinner at the hotel’s wonderful El Olivo, the most romantic terrace on the island.

Today is in your hands – would you like to rest and relax at the beautiful Belmond La Residencia by the pool, under a shady olive tree? or else follow the hotel’s sculpture trail or take a tour around Deià to meet local artists. If you’d like to stay at the hotel, we can book a tennis court for you, a spa treatment or time in the fitness centre.

You may prefer to stay active on two wheels – this is a cycling holiday after all! There are many rides from Deià to choose from, talk to us about what you’d like and we can make plans for you. Come evening, use Mar’s expertise to decide where you’d like to go in town. Recommended is Nama for Pan Asian cuisine, Sebastian for a delicious classics in its cosy restaurant or fine dining Es Raco d’es Teix, which has an exquisite set menu.

Today you’ll ride from Deià to Palma. Rest assured all of your luggage will be taken care of and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights, the exceptional Hotel Sant Francesc, located in Palma’s old town. On your way, enjoy some of Mallorca’s finest views. Sa Foradada, in particular offers an incredible vista. You will be riding through the winding mountain roads towards Valldemossa, the village where Chopin lived. Stop for a coffee and their famous Coca de Patata, a soft dough made with potato flour, taken with a café con leche or hot chocolate. Dip the coca in your hot drink, this is not unpolite to do here, it’s a must! The bakery and café of Can Molinas would be Mar’s recommendation of where to enjoy this doughy treat, and you can also wander the village, gardens and the Cartuja, where Chopin lived.

From here you may choose to take the direct route to Palma, and stop by Lafiore, a blown glass factory. Or you may want to take a longer ride from the options given in your itinerary, exploring villages and towns of the Serra de Tramuntana and having lunch at beautifull Castell Son Claret. Tonight you will be staying at wonderful Hotel Sant Francesc, right in the centre of the old town. Dinner tonight is at Tast Club, walking distance from the hotel, have a pre-dinner cocktail at Coquetier, and make sure you visit next door perfume store Arquinesia, it’s slightly hidden but is a wonderful emporium.

Day 6
Today you will get to explore Palma with a deep dive into its history and culture with a private guide. At the time of your choosing, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and begin your private tour of Palma, including the old town, cathedral and Arab baths – Palma has a lot to explore! If there’s a certain aspect you’re interested in – perhaps the Romans, Moors or the Middle Ages – let your guide know and they can show you Palma’s secrets.

Tonight, on your last night, Mar recommends a pre-dinner cocktail in ABACO, a place she finds difficult to describe but guarantees will wow you. Abaco is located in the old town, very close to La Lonja – the Golden mile in Palma. There are plenty of restaurants around here but a particular tip is the Asian restaurant, Tokio a Lima – set on the first floor overlooking the pedestrian Born, the terrace ambience is very special.

Today sees you depart from Palma, and bid farewell to Mallorca and its beautiful hills, mountain villages and luxury hotels that have made your cycling trip to this Balearic Isle so special.