Mallorca Cycling Challenge - Mens
This edition of the Mallorca Challenge sees an international line up of top cyclists competing in four separate races.

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains
Traditional rural town in central Majorca
Perched high on a ridge in Mallorca’s countryside and surrounded by old stone windmills, the sleepy village of Montuiri is probably the most impressive sight on the road between Palma and Manacor.
Montuiri is a traditionally charming village made up of historic buildings, from old medieval houses to grand mansions built in later centuries, making it a pleasant and interesting place to take a stroll. A world away from the usual tourist spots on the island, there’s a timeless feel to Montuiri as it remains true to its Mallorcan roots. Between the streets, you are greeted with views of the relatively unspoiled countryside dotted with ancient farmhouses and old windmills.
The weekly morning market is held on Mondays in the main square and is a great opportunity to see this village at its best whilst rubbing shoulders with the locals.
Montuïri is the setting for one of Mallorca's most spectacular festivals, the Feast of Sant Bartholomew. Each August, 'cossiers' (traditional Mallorcan dancers) accompanied by musicians with bagpipes, flutes and drums, dress up as women and devils and perform a dance, the origins of which stretch back at least 400 years, where evil is overcome by good.
The annual Partridge Fair held in Plaza Major takes place on the first weekend of December. A partridge hunting competition, alongside the usual delights found in Mallorca’s famous fairs, can be enjoyed here, including local produce, livestock and arts and crafts.
This edition of the Mallorca Challenge sees an international line up of top cyclists competing in four separate races.
Twice a year, the sun casts an image of the rose window that presides over the main altar in Palma Cathedral on the opposite wall, just under another rose window, the one that decorates the main façade. Thus, for a short period of time, two tangential rosettes can be seen, one made of glass and the other made of light, forming a figure of eight.
A significant celebration in Mallorca, this annual holiday, observed on March 1st, commemorates the date when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy was officially enacted in 1983.
Parades of carapunats, or hooded penitents, take place all around the island from Monday to Easter Sunday to mark the Passion of Christ.
The boat show is usally held in Palma in the spring, promising and delivering vibrant displays of fancy yachts and all things nautical. Set in Palma's harbour at La Llonja, this spectacular setting in front of the cathedral only adds the the glitz and glamour of this prestigious show.
The Palma de Mallorca Marathon is an officially recognised International long distance event.
The name ‘Montuïri’ translates in Latin to ‘Mountain Town’, and whilst official records suggest the town of Montuiri dates back to 1329 AD, the architecture signals that its history started way before that. Buildings like Velar de Sa Torre, Alcoraia, S’Almudaina and Es Rafal Aixat show Moorish influence while settlements outside the village were established in the Bronze Age with Son Fornes, a great place of archaeological interest, dating back as far as 900BC.
The eight mill towers of the Molinar district, redundant since the 1920s, are the symbol of the village. The number of 18th and 19th-century grand mansions standing in the village today suggests that many wealthy men lived in Montuiri in more recent times.
The archaeological site of Son Fornes is 2.5km from Montuiri. Talaiot 1 is one of the largest of these Bronze Age megaliths in Mallorca and it welcomes visitors to one of the most typical settlements of the Talaiotic Period. A museum for this site is housed in an 1800's flour mill, helping us to understand the transformation of the island's communities during the first millennium BC. It is open year-round but, beware, opening hours vary depending on the season.
To learn more about the more recent history of the island visit the Museu Etnològic dels Calderers, a 17th-century rural manor showcasing period interiors, farming tools and tastings of wine and pork products. It is just over a 10 minute drive away from Montuiri.
Head to the top of Puig de Sant Miguel (661m) for the best views of the area. The 14th century Santuari Mare de Deu la Bona Pau is a landmark worth seeing here and there's also a traditional restaurant with a panoramic terrace serving Mallorcan cuisine.
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
The Gran Hotel was Palma's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner, it was the building that began the craze for modernists (art nouveau) architecture in the city.
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
This small museum of religious and historical antefacts is based in a wing of the former episcopal palace tucked behind the cathedral.
Based on the collection of Antoni Roig Clar, this museum showcases over 3,000 toys from all around the world and from different eraas.
A wonderful 18th-century Baroque building with feature courtyard and decorative touches, Casal Solleric is now home to temporary exhibitions specialising in contemporary art and photography.
Playa de Palma is a long stretch of beach to the east of Palma de Mallorca and opening onto Palma Bay. It's also one of Mallorca's biggest holiday resorts.
Also known as Platja de Sa Ràpita, an alternative to Es Trenc is the beautiful neighbouring beach at S’Arenal de sa Rapita in the southeast of Majorca. It is much quieter than Es Trenc, and is popular with families, surfers and windsurfers.
Es Racó de S'Arena offers a complete escape from the bustle of tourists and is great for exploring or walking. If you're lucky, you could find yourself completely alone here. Even when there are other people, there is enough space to carve out an area which feels private.
Unassigned to any of the island’s numerous holiday resorts, the stunning beach of Es Trenc is geographically fairly isolated with a wonderful wild and natural feel. With 2km of bleached white sand and transparent water, it's often referred to as more Caribbean than Mediterranean in characteristics.
The small resort town of Ciudad Jardin lies around five kilometres east of Palma. Its beach, also commonly referred to as ‘Ciutat Jardi’, lies alongside a quiet promenade lined with palm trees, offering a huge variety of different styled bars and restaurants.
Situated 10km away from Alcudia on Mallorca’s northern coast, Playa de Ca’n Picafort is a busy yet beautiful expanse of soft white sand with clear blue waters. This small fishing village turned purpose-built-resort, mostly caters to tourists and all-inclusive holidaymakers, who arrive by the bus load every summer.
Montuïri offers a selection of traditional cafés and rustic eateries that reflect the village’s rural charm. Dining here often means enjoying hearty, home-style Mallorcan dishes such as rich rice stews, roasted meats, and freshly made desserts. Many venues feature terraces or outdoor seating, allowing visitors to savour meals while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the island’s tranquil plains. The focus is on simple, authentic cuisine that celebrates local ingredients, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere ideal for a relaxed lunch or evening meal in the heart of Mallorca.
Adrián Quetglas Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca offers a modern, Mediterranean dining experience shaped by the chef’s international journey. Born in Buenos Aires to Majorcan roots, Adrián’s passion for the island and its cuisine began with his first job in Mallorca and was later enriched by a decade of experience in the competitive dining scene of Moscow, as well as time spent in London and Paris.
Marc Fosh Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca is a premier destination for contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Situated within the stylish 17th-century Hotel Convent de la Missió in the old town, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern and relaxed setting where gastronomy takes centre stage.
This gem of a restaurant is situated in Palma's old town. It has a simple yet charming interior as well as tables outside which are a popular choice on warm summer evenings.
Beatnik Bar and Restaurant, located in the heart of Palma at Purohotel, offers a globally inspired dining experience with a playful, adventurous edge. The menu blends bright Mediterranean flavours with exotic spices from Asia and Latin America, creating a fusion that is both fresh and exciting.
Maria 5 Urban Restaurant in Palma brings the signature spirit of Maria 5 Beach to the heart of the city. Located in Plaza Cort, just opposite the Ayuntamiento, this urban venue blends contemporary design with warm, traditional touches inside, while the lively terrace offers a vibrant city atmosphere.
De Tokio a Lima Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca offers a unique fusion dining experience where Mediterranean traditions meet the vibrant flavours of Japan and Peru. Situated within the boutique Can Alomar Hotel, this stylish restaurant combines sleek, modern interiors with warm, inviting touches. Dark walls and wood floors are softened by large floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the space with natural light and providing access to a terrace with sweeping views over Palma’s iconic Passeig del Born.
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
De Tokio a Lima Bar in Palma offers a relaxed rooftop experience with a focus on exceptional cocktails. Located above the iconic Paseo del Borne, the bar combines city views with a menu of drinks designed to impress. Each cocktail is carefully prepared using quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and inventive combinations that highlight flavour and balance.
Beatnik Bar and Restaurant, located in the heart of Palma at Purohotel, offers a globally inspired dining experience with a playful, adventurous edge. The menu blends bright Mediterranean flavours with exotic spices from Asia and Latin America, creating a fusion that is both fresh and exciting.
Authentic and quirky venue and local gay hangout in the centre of Palma’s old town.
Local bar in the centre of Palma specialising in craft beers from around the world. Tapas snacks are also served. It's open from Monday to Saturday 6.00pm to 1.00am.
Montuiri is a sleepy village, a great place to stroll around and absorb some of the history, natural beauty and character of the island. However, if you were to use Montuiri as a base whilst staying on the island, then there are plenty of interesting places to visit in the surrounding area. The nearby winery is worth a visit, and there's a highly regarded golf course just down the road with its own academy and exclusive clubhouse.
Picture-perfect views from your vintage scooter
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Enjoy four hours on a private motor boat in Palma Bay, perfect for small groups or those on a budget.
Take a wonderful boat trip and enjoy all the activities of swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding as the sunsets over the beautiful island of Mallorca.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Relax aboard a luxury yacht as the sun sets over Mallorca’s coastline. Includes drinks, snacks, and snorkelling, with optional tapas and cava.
The area surrounding Montuiri is popular amongst road cycling enthusiasts, as there are various routes to match different levels of ability. There’s a choice of places to rent bikes too.
A cycling tour with Mills and Honey isn't just about cycling, it's about immersing yourself in the landscape, culture and flavours of the island.
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
An easy ride if you are used to road biking and at 44km this route could be a good challenge for a beginner!
An easy route more suited to someone with a bit of road cycling experience due to the nature of the hills and busy roads.
On Saturday we hired bikes and set off on a hot afternoon to explore the beaches of Palma Bay. A shoreline cycle path runs from the northern end of Palma docks all the way to the resort S’Arenal in the south.
100,000 cyclists cannot be wrong. Mallorca is one of the most popular and idyllic islands for cycling with it's plentiful flat farm roads and challenging hill climbs.
This area might not be as famous as the west for hikes and walking trails but there are some lovely trails to try. The short walk from Montuiri to the top of Puig de Sant Miguel is one of the best and can be incorporated into a number of routes.
Good Friday is often a great opportunity for a spring time walk, especially in Mallorca where there was not a single cloud in the sky and temperatures were in the mid 20s.
Algaida is located towards the middle of the island, about 15 km east of Palma. This hike can start from the town of Algaida, walking towards Castellitx, where there is a beautiful hermitage, the "Ermita de la Pau" that is well worth visiting, and then on to Aubella, where the climb to Cura starts.
Petra is located towards the middle of the island, about 8km west of Manacor. The walk up to the hermitage starts in Petra, following the paved road and involves a walk of a little over an hour, you can also get there by a trail going up from Vilafranca.
Inca can be reached either by train from Palma or by car. If you go to Inca on a Thursday, you'll be able to enjoy one of Mallorca's biggest and best markets.
Felanitx is located in the south-east of Mallorca.
Lloseta is located in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, just outside Inca. You can catch a train there from Palma (Plaza de España). From Lloseta you can take the road going to Mancor de la Vall, passing by Biniamar.
An exhilarating rock and water activity suitable for families and adrenaline-junkies, a great way to explore the coastline of Mallorca.
Enjoy an exhilarating day trekking and scrambling through gorges, waterfalls and jumping into giant rock pools.
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
Why not have an adventure and try the new water sport, Flyboard? Located in Port Calanova which has the perfect conditions to try this fun and exciting sport.
Whiz around the local coastline with friends and family
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste.
Designed with exquisite taste, this stylish and modern villa in Moscari exudes class and good taste. With every attention to the utmost details, the property has a beautiful harmony of Mallorcan architecture and Dutch interior design.
Son Dur-hi estate offers all the peace and seclusion of an exclusive retreat. This stunning, secluded villa is ideal for gathering with your family and friends to enjoy Mallorcan countryside living at its best. Large groups are well catered for with the main house with three bedrooms and a separate annexe with two double bedrooms.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
Set in the peaceful hills between Alcudia and Pollensa, Son Fe de Dalt is a beautifully restored Mallorcan finca on a private 20-acre estate, offering stunning views of the Tramuntana Mountains. This spacious home combines rustic charm with modern comforts, making it an ideal retreat.
Montuïri offers a variety of short-term rental accommodations, including traditional stone houses, rural villas, and charming cottages. These properties often feature classic Mallorcan architecture, such as exposed beams and stone walls, combined with modern amenities like private pools, gardens, and fully equipped kitchens. Some accommodations are situated on the outskirts of Montuïri, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a peaceful base for exploring central Mallorca, Montuïri's short-term rentals provide a charming and authentic experience.
This fully equipped and comfortable apartment is ideal for two guests.
This fully equipped apartment is ideal for two guests.
This spectacular loft apartment is fully equipped and provides delightful accommodation for two.
This fully equipped and unique apartment is set on three levels, providing a quirky and fun accommodation for two.
This fully equipped and spacious apartment is set on three levels, providing an original and fun accommodation for two.
This stunning duplex apartment is fully equipped and provides spacious accommodation for two.
There are a handful of small hotels located within the village, perfect for a hideaway retreat all year round. Benefiting from the perks of small hotels, from a swimming pool that never feels overcrowded to an honesty bar. you'll find all the mods and cons you would want from a 21st-century hotel, whilst staying in a space that preserves the original charm of the building.
Think beautiful country manors turned four-star hotel specialising in retreats with various packages available and you're not far off what can be found in and around Montuiri.
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
Set in the heart of Palma, on the tree-lined avenue of Paseo del Borne, you'll find the new and beautifully decorated Can Alomar hotel.
Situated within a 20 minute walk to the town centre of Marratxi, it features an outdoor pool and a tour desk, as well as spa facilities.
This charming country hotel, dating from 1897, is located in a quiet area, surrounded by old windmills and only 10 minutes by car from Palma. It offers comfortable bedrooms and suites, dining room, bar-lounge, music room, swimming pool, covered heated pool with hydromassage, artificial grass tennis court.
The Portixol combines old tradition with modern style and comfort in a unique way. This small and exclusive hotel is beautifully situated in the Portixol harbour within easy walking distance of the centre of Palma and its majestic cathedral.
This hotel has a multicultural atmosphere that reflects the hip scene of Santa Catalina. With only 10 rooms, as well as a gourmet restaurant and a roof top bar with views over Palma, this is a great choice for a buzzing city break.
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and it takes around 25 minutes to get to Montuiri from Palma airport. Follow the Ma-19, then take exit 6 to get on the Ma-15 towards Manacor, which takes you all the way to Montuiri. Or take the stress out of driving and book a private transfer.
There is a direct bus from Palma Airport to Montuiri. It takes about 30 minutes and runs a few times per day.
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
This transfer company offers cheap and reliable Airport Transfers to all destinations in Mallorca with official vehicles and professional drivers.
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
Set on an 8,300 m² flat, sun-drenched plot, this fully renovated finca blends authentic Mallorcan charm with modern comfort - complete with two beautifully appointed guesthouses, a saltwater pool, solar power, and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains. Located just outside the historic village of Binissalem, in the heart of Mallorca’s celebrated wine country, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a tranquil rural home that’s move-in ready and built to a high standard.
Located in the tranquil urbanisation of Crestatx in Sa Pobla, this property is perfect for those seeking a natural and well-connected environment. With a functional design, the home is spread over two floors, offering comfortable and practical living spaces for families or friends to enjoy.
Experience the ultimate in comfortable living with this exceptional property located in the desirable urbanization of Crestatx, nestled between Sa Pobla and Pollensa. Boasting a prime location in a residential area with high demand, this fabulous plot features a charming small house that offers plenty of possibilities for extension to meet your future needs.
Large 3-floor townhouse in the historic centre of Alcudia for sale.
In the municipality of Alcúdia, the construction of a villa is underway with a building permit already granted. The project has commenced, with completion anticipated for 2026.
Golf Marina is a beautiful, warm and welcoming property situated near the golf of Pollensa.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
See allUpcoming Events