The Sa Calobra Challenge

The one you came to Mallorca for.

Over Coll de Femenia and Coll dels Reis, then the descent to the sea at Sa Calobra — and the only way back is up. Twenty-six hairpins, the Nus de sa Corbata tying itself in a knot beneath you, and two thousand metres of climbing in the legs by the end.

What to expect

Sa Calobra is the climb every cyclist who comes to Mallorca wants to ride. From Port de Pollença you cross the Tramuntana via Femenia and Lluc, descend the famous road to the sea at Sa Calobra — including the 'Nus de Sa Corbata', where the road loops under itself like a knotted tie — and then climb all the way back up. Over 2,000 metres of climbing in total.

The climb

There is only one way out of Sa Calobra: back up the road you came down. The climb is around ten kilometres long with a steady gradient of roughly seven per cent and dozens of hairpins. Pace it — it is long enough to punish a fast start. Many riders time themselves from the bottom; the top is at the Coll dels Reis.

Good to know

Descend carefully: the road is narrow and coaches use it to reach the port. Refill your bottles at the bottom before you start climbing, and leave enough energy for the ride home over Femenia. A light, stiff climbing bike like the TCR or Langma is ideal; the electric Defy makes Sa Calobra possible for riders who would not otherwise attempt it.

Best for

Experienced riders, the bucket-list day of a Mallorca trip.

Which bike to ride

Not sure? Tell us the route when you book — we will suggest the bike and size and set it up for you before you arrive.

* Moving time from our own ride files; your time will depend on fitness, stops and weather. Route file: open on Strava.