Coll de Sóller from Palma

The Must-Do Climb: Coll de Sóller

The Coll de Sóller is, without a doubt, one of the **essential routes** for any cyclist visiting Mallorca. Its great appeal is not only the scenic beauty and the 56 hairpin bends, but also the **absence of motor traffic** thanks to the toll tunnel that absorbs the bulk of the vehicles.

This transforms the pass into an outdoor gym: the perfect place to enjoy the climb at a leisurely pace or to use it for **specific interval training** sessions or to **measure your FTP** (Functional Threshold Power) without interruptions.

The Approach: Climb via Bunyola (Our Recommendation)

To start the route from Palma and begin the ascent, we **strongly recommend taking the road that passes through Bunyola**.

While the traditional route to Sóller (MA-11) can be busy, the approach road through Bunyola offers a much **prettier** and **quieter** ride, as it bypasses the city's industrial areas and introduces you directly to the beauty of the Mallorcan countryside.

Once you reach Bunyola, the road will lead you directly to the base of the pass.

Section to Watch Out For: Can Penaso

It is vital to exercise extreme caution at the start of the route, on the stretch between the **Can Penaso roundabout and the entrance to the Sóller Tunnel**.

Although the road here usually has a decent hard shoulder, vehicles heading for the tunnel often travel at high speeds. Always stay alert and clearly signal your manoeuvres.

Tips for the Descent (Maximum Fun and Caution!)

The descent from Coll de Sóller towards Sóller or, if you decide to return to Palma, the descent via Bunyola, is **tremendously fun** due to its negative gradient, which allows you to reach good speeds and enjoy the views.

However, the road presents challenges that require concentration:

• Asphalt Condition: While the general condition is acceptable, the **asphalt could be better** in some sections. Pay attention to small potholes or cracks, especially after rainy periods.
• Goats: It is common to **encounter wild goats** on the road, especially in the upper part. They are calm animals, but they can surprise you on a bend.
• Olive Trees and Oil: On the tightest corners, the olive trees located next to the road can drop olives and, consequently, **oil residue** onto the asphalt, creating very slippery patches. Reduce your speed and avoid leaning your bike too much in these areas.

Options to Continue the Route

Once you've conquered the Coll de Sóller, you have several magnificent options to extend your cycling day:

• Classic Option: Descend to Sóller and its port—an ideal place to recharge energy and enjoy the coast.
• Scenic Option: From Sóller, take the iconic MA-10 and continue west, passing through Deià and Valldemossa.
• Epic Option: Instead of descending to Sóller, you can detour at the summit (or nearby) to tackle the climb to Puig Major (Mallorca's highest mountain, with its tunnel).
• Return Option: If your goal was just the ascent, you can make a quick descent towards Bunyola and return to Palma.