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Mallorca 312 Cycling Race 2019 bookings
How to book for the Mallorca 312 race in April
Mallorca should be on every cyclist's bucket list. Not only does the island have some of the best uphill, winding roads in Europe but the views from the saddle are almost always breathtaking. One of the best ways to discover its appeal and explore its terrain is by signing up for the famous Mallorca 312 Cycling Race which takes place on April 27th 2019 and crosses the iconic Tramuntana mountains.
The name of this competition refers to the 312 kilometres that the cyclo-tourist race covers, with 5,050 metres of altitude gain. The main route departs from Playa de Muro and returns to the same tourist hot spot in a loop that takes cyclists first to the north of the island, towards Port de Pollença, and then through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range to Andratx on the opposite side of the island and back to the east. The island's highest peak, the Puig Major (890m) is the main climb followed by the Coll de Femenia (515m) and the Grau de Superna (465m).
There are another two routes to choose from, all starting at Playa de Muro and following a similar, albeit easier course. The shortest one is a 167km course with 2,475m of altitude gain and the other one is a 225km race with a 3,973m climb.
Booking your place
It's possible to book online for any of the races included in the Mallorca 312 Cycling Race. Registrations opened on October 9th and are currently in its second phase, with 6,000 spots available for €80. The inscription includes not only a place in any of the three courses but also snacks and drinks throughout the route, technical support, an official bag and maillot, a medal, a pasta party when crossing the finish line... and free massages for all finishers!
To avoid the hassle of bringing your own gear with you to the island, there are several cycle hire companies around Port d'Alcúdia where you can rent the latest bike models which will take you flying to the finish line. We would recommend Wheels Sports, they have shops in Playa de Muro, Port d'Alcudia and Can Picafort so you'll surely find one near your accommodation.
How to get there
The Mallorca 312 Cycling Race attracts a whole host of internationals, no surprise there as Mallorca is famous in the cycling world for hosting some of the most celebrated teams for their winter training. Palma airport is conveniently located just a few kilometres away from the city centre and, without a doubt, flying is the easiest way to get to the island if you aren’t a resident. With numerous European routes across various different airlines landing here each day, finding a suitable flight will be easy.
Alternatively, from mainland Europe, you can drive to one of the ports on Spain’s northeast coastline (Barcelona, Denia or Valencia) and get the ferry across. Although this isn’t necessarily the quickest or cheapest method of transport, it's favoured by those who want to bring their car across.
From Palma, you can book a transfer or rent a car to reach Playa de Muro. The race organisers have struck deals with a couple of transfer and car rental companies on the island, so it's worth asking them. Alternatively, bus number A32 links Palma airport with Playa de Muro twice a day while line L351 runs from Palma to Playa de Muro every hour, more or less.
Where to stay
Whether you are taking part in the race or a spectator, Playa de Muro is the obvious destination to stay as this is where the event is taking place. This popular resort is famous for its sandy beach, one of the longest in the Balearic Islands. If you prefer to be in a bigger town, then Port d'Alcúdia and Alcúdia are just a few kilometres away from the resort. Our top picks for accommodation in the area include:
Resorts in Playa de Muro
Right in front of the beach and very close to S'Albufera Natural Park sits the five-star Playa de Muro Village Hotel. This large resort offers everything you can expect from a luxury hotel, from daytime entertainment to tennis courts, cycle hire, several pools, three bars, a staggering six restaurants (including a sushi bar) and a fully-equipped spa perfect for some post-race relaxation. It's also located right by the starting line! A little bit further down the road, you'll find Playa Esperanza Hotel, a large four-star hotel with a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and two outdoor swimming pools. The beach is just a few steps away so you can just jump in the water to cool-off your sore muscles.
Hotels in Port d'Alcúdia
The bigger resort of Port d'Alcúdia is located on the northernmost end of Playa de Muro and offers a wide range of accommodation. Large hotels with lots of facilities are also the norm here. Family-friendly Condesa de la Bahia Hotel is a great choice, just 500m from the port. Their multilingual entertainment team, children's play area and waterslides will keep your family busy while you take part in the race. Just adjacent to the marina is Alcudiamar Hotel, an aptly nautically-themed hotel great for those who want to be close to the restaurants, bars and shops of Port d'Alcudia. This four-star hotel also boasts a spa and gym facilities.
Boutique hotels in Alcúdia
The traditional town of Alcúdia offers an array of boutique hotels set within renovated historical buildings that will give your stay a more exclusive feel. Can Tem is a 17th-century manor house turned environmentally-friendly hotel with a gorgeous patio where they serve breakfast. Another great choice, also in Alcúdia's old town, is Can Mostatxins with only nine bedrooms and a gorgeous spa pool.
Luxury hotels near Can Picafort
If you are looking for some five-star luxury away from the action, then head inland to Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas. Here you will find a tranquil countryside oasis with everything you could need for first-class rest and rehabilitation before and after the race, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, two restaurants and a gym.
It is worth noting that race organisers offer packages that include registration and accommodation at the Vanity Hotel Golf, the Sunrise Aparthotel, the Eden Lago Aparthotel and the Blue Aparthotel. In any case, we would highly recommend booking accommodation well in advance due to the sheer number of visitors travelling to the resort for the race.
Going to the race on the day
The start line is located in front of the Iberostar Playa de Muro Hotel. So, if you are staying nearby, we would recommend taking a leisurely cycle down to there. If you need to take transportation, there are a few options available but note there will be some road closures during the event so make sure you leave with plenty of time to get there.
By bus
Buses are a favoured method of transport in the area. There are routes connecting Playa de Muro with Port d'Alcúdia, Alcúdia, Inca and Palma (L351) as well as with Can Picafort and Port de Pollença (L352). Be aware that bus times do differ on weekends compared to weekdays so don’t get caught out and be sure to allow for plenty of time.
By car
The roads where the race takes place are closed from 07:00 so, if you want to drive to the starting line, we would recommend doing so well in advance. Be aware that it will probably be very busy so finding a parking space might also be difficult.
Where to eat
You'll probably be ravenous after a whole day cycling. If so, you'll be glad to hear that there is no shortage of restaurants in Playa de Muro and the nearby town of Port d'Alcúdia.
Ponderosa Beach Club for paella with your toes in the sand
One of the trendiest addresses in Mallorca is located in Playa de Muro. Ponderosa Beach Club lies near the Can Picafort end of the beach and serves delicious contemporary Mediterranean food and Spanish tapas with fragrant Asian touches. Read about Jose's experience.
Los Patos for traditional Mallorcan fare
Located in Port d'Alcudia, this restaurant is well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere and authentic local cuisine. At Los Patos you can try dishes that have been prepared for centuries on the island such as tumbet, sopas mallorquinas, frito marinero, snails or shoulder of lamb Mallorcan-style. Jose was also there last year and she loved it.
Maca de Castro for Michelin-starred cuisine
Feel like celebrating your success at Mallorca 312? Then treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal at Maca de Castro Restaurant. Local chef Macarena de Castro has had a Michelin star since 2012 thanks to her cuisine inspired by Mallorca's produce and its traditional recipes. The restaurant's enticing menu features dishes like "Dill cream, longfin tuna and cured duck’s egg yolk ", "Quail stuffed with eel and saltbush leaf", "White pepper cream with fried megrim" or "Cream of melon seeds with rye biscuit and sobrassada".
Fusion 19 for sushi with sea views
Right in front of the beach in Playa de Muro, on the Port d'Alcúdia side, you'll find Fusion 19 Restaurant. Famous for their sushi bar, they also serve contemporary Mediterranean cuisine devised by chef Joan Josep Genestar. It's also a great place to enjoy a cocktail after dinner.
What else to do in Playa de Muro
There’s no shortage of things to do in Playa de Muro and Port d'Alcúdia. S'Albufera Natural Park is located right behind the beach. A hot spot for bird watchers, it's also a really nice area for a hike. Watersports are offered throughout the sandy stretch of Playa de Muro, from pedalos and inflatables to sailing, jet skiing, kayaking and lots more. Boat trips also leave frequently from Port d'Alcúdia marina to explore Mallorca's northern coast. Perhaps you want to treat yourself to a massage or a spa experience to help with the recovery process? Good news! Various hotels around the area offer day passes to their spas so you can indulge in a spot of luxury.
More inspiration...
Don't forget to check out our events calendar and our list of things to do to see what else is on in Mallorca during your visit.
