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

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© J. Rains

© J. Rains

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© J. Rains

© Jose Rains

© Jose Rains

© J. Rains
Charming port in the south-west of Mallorca
On the southwestern tip of Mallorca is where you will find Port d'Andratx, a picturesque fishing village as well as one of Mallorca's classiest holiday destinations. Popular with the yachting fraternity and film stars whose Italian-style villas can be seen climbing up the hillsides, it also has a working fishing industry that supplies many of the port's restaurants.
Located in a stunning coastal stretch, at the bottom of a funnel-shaped valley, lies Port d’Andratx, a harbour claimed by many as one of the prettiest in Mallorca. The main town, built in the mid 20th century, is located on the southern side of the port and retains its character thanks to the presence of fishermen. In the summer, this side of the harbour has a wonderfully bustling atmosphere thanks to the lively bars and restaurants that line the water's edge boasting wonderful sea views amplified by the many yachts mooring in the bay. Although the port is quieter in the winter months, with many restaurants closing between November and March it is still a nice place to visit as it appears to revert back to its roots as a small fishing port.
The Club de Vela marina on the north side of the port has a distinguished cosmopolitan legacy. It is also the biggest attraction in the area for some of the most affluent individuals evident by the number of larger yachts dwelling here. Many of them also own a villa on the surrounding hillsides. Speaking of the area’s inhabitants there’s a mixture of local native Mallorca inhabitants, international expats who have retired to the area and, of course, some holiday home owners who come and go throughout the year.
The town has some nice buildings solely dedicated to apartments, whilst villas dot every conceivable space on the surrounding hillsides from Port d’Andratx to the ancient rural town of Andratx about 5km away. This area of Mallorca is also blessed with glorious countryside, which attracts many visitors keen to explore some of the island's natural beauty.
Port d'Andratx like many Spanish towns, hosts plenty of parties and fiestas during the year. The main event to look out for is the fiesta in honour of the Verge del Carme, protector of fishermen, in mid-July with colourful street and boat parades. On Wednesday mornings a market is held up the valley in the inland town of Andratx selling fresh fruit and vegetables along with some other local offerings. There’s also a market on Saturday mornings in the small neighbouring village of s'Arraco.
This edition of the Mallorca Challenge sees an international line up of top cyclists competing in four separate races.
In late January, the almond trees on Mallorca start to blossom. The beautiful white blossoms cover the countryside until mid February. Son Severa hosts this country fair in honour of this important Majorcan crop.
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.
Discover the natural beauty of Mallorca and its idyllic landscapes. The Galatzó trail is held at the Finca Pública Galatzó, in the municipality of Calvià, starting and finishing in the little town of Es Capdellà. The 99% of the race runs inside the Finca Pública Galatzó part of the Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO World Heritage).
Parades of carapunats, or hooded penitents, take place all around the island from Monday to Easter Sunday to mark the Passion of Christ.
Port d'Andratx has been an important coastal hotspot since the Renaissance when it was used as a base to transport people from the peninsula to Mallorca. It was mainly a fishing port at least since the late 18th century, although the current docks were built during the 19th century and have been continuously renovated throughout the 20th century. Nowadays, even if fishing is still a daily activity in Port d'Andratx, its marina is mainly occupied by yachts.
There are some remains of the past in the town of Port d’Andratx, such as the watchtowers of Sant Carles and Sant Francesc, built to defend the area from pirate attacks. The area of La Trapa monastery, near Sant Elm, contains the remains of a 19th century Trappist monastery and boast spectacular views out to sea and over to Sa Dragonera island. This legendary uninhabited island, which has been a National Park since 1995, has over 350 different plant species and endemic birds. You can hop across the water by boat.
The ancient town of Andratx is also worth visiting if you are staying in the area. You will be enchanted by the streets dripping in history featuring the traditional pretty blonde Mallorcan stone.
The port has some small bathing areas and coves which offer easy access to the crystal clear waters. If you have transport, the neighbouring resorts of Camp de Mar and Sant Elm feature larger sandy beaches with sun beds and parasols for hire.
Tucked around the corner from Port d'Andratx, Cala Llamp Bay offers one of Mallorca’s most superb views. High cliffs from the surrounding Tramuntana mountains, create the crescent shaped bay filled with calm and beautifully clear water.
Tucked away in a sheltered bay on the southwest coast and protected from the island’s gusty winds, surrounded by the wonderful aroma of the neighbouring pine trees, Camp de Mar is a modestly sized purpose-built resort.
Sant Elm has the largest sand beach in the south west corner of Mallorca, beyond Andratx.
Cala Fornells’ overhanging pine trees offer ample areas of natural shade and retreat away from the Balearic sun, not to mention adding to the overall charm of the Mallorcan cove.
The beach at Santa Ponsa is a lovely golden sandy beach in the heart of the resort, backed by shady pine trees for when you need some respite from the heat.
Attracting thousands of tourists annually and especially popular with Brits and package holiday makers, Palmanova is a purpose built resort next to Magaluf in south west Majorca. Palma Nova actually hosts three separate ‘Blue Flag’ beach areas, Playa de Palmanova, Playa Son Matias and Playa Es Carregador.
The harbour front in Port d’Andratx is lined with places to eat and, with menus displayed outside, it’s easy to browse what’s on offer before choosing what suits your tastes. It’s also worth wandering up to Carrer d’Isaac Peral, the street that runs parallel behind the front, where you’ll find a good selection of options at appealing prices.
As a fishing village, the town naturally specialises in seafood. Menus are full of Mediterranean recipes featuring fresh fish and shellfish caught in nearby waters, from platters and paella to homemade croquettes and more elaborate casseroles. Many spots also make the most of their sea views, so you can enjoy local flavours while looking out across the water.
If you fancy something different, there are also places offering international flavours. You’ll find Japanese-Peruvian combinations, Asian-inspired dishes, Italian classics and creative fusions, often prepared with seasonal island produce. Some settings are sleek and modern while others provide leafy courtyards, perfect for dining al fresco on warm evenings.
A short trip out of town brings yet more choice, where Mediterranean cooking often features fresh fish and meat served against a backdrop of mountains rather than the sea. These quieter spots are ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed setting away from the bustle of the harbour.
Cappuccino Port Andratx enjoys a prime seafront setting, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors exploring this smart harbour town. Part of Mallorca’s well-known Cappuccino Café collection, this stylish bistro-style café combines elegant design with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, all set against uninterrupted views of the marina and the open sea.
Founded in 1927, this restaurant has seen Port d'Andratx change from a traditional fishing port to a modern tourist destination.
Ferns in Port Andratx is a cosy, front-line restaurant where sharing is at the heart of the experience. This charming eatery specialises in tapas and generous sharing boards, all crafted using the finest locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on quality and flavour, each dish is designed to be enjoyed together, making it perfect for friends, couples, or family gatherings.
La Universal Restaurant in Port d’Andratx offers a vibrant culinary experience that captures the very essence of the Mediterranean. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion on a corner overlooking the bay, the restaurant combines local charm with contemporary industrial-style décor, creating a welcoming and stylish setting for diners.
Barlovento Restaurant, located on the waterfront in Puerto de Andratx, Mallorca, offers a dining experience with spectacular sea views and a welcoming, elegant atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a gathering with friends, the restaurant combines high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and attentive service to create memorable meals in a stunning setting.
This restaurant specialises in seafood with a promise of service-oriented waiting staff.
While Port d'Andratx may not be a hub for late-night clubbing, its selection of bars and lounges ensures that evenings are filled with enjoyment, whether you're enjoying a cocktail by the sea or engaging in lively conversation with fellow patrons.
Visit this busy little bar in the heart of Andratx port, with regular live music and events.
‘Relaxed, Creative & Provocative’ – socialise in style and celebrate with class at Port Andratx’s finest after hours club.
Gran Folies Beach Club is one of Mallorca’s most iconic and exclusive seaside escapes, perched on a rocky slope above the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Cala Llamp, near Port Andratx. With the Mediterranean quite literally at its feet, this elegant beach club blends natural beauty with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, making it an exceptional place to spend a full summer day by the sea.
Popular bar on the harbour front overlooking the fishing boats and private yachts.
Visit this spectacular & relaxed Port Andratx beach bar to enjoy a quiet drink or dinner overlooking the sea.
Port d'Andratx is centred around the nautical and fishing industries and the resason a lot of people come here is to spend time on and in the water. The well-equipped marina Club de Vela has moorings for 500 boats. There are boat trips, yacht charers and watersports activities available.
There is a boho-chic vibe to the shops in Port d’Andratx where you can find a good range of summer dresses, high-end swimwear, kimonos, sandals, straw bags and more in the summer months. Whether you find yourself on the waterfront or the back streets of town, you'll come across anything from touristy gift shops to designer boutiques, gourmet food and wine stores, to little convenience stores. Keep an eye out for the wonderful interior design stores in the area too.
Andratx Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course which can be found near Camp de Mar, just a few kilometres from Port d’Andratx. The signature sixth hole here will challenge even the most experienced golfers, as it is known as the “Longest Hole in Spain” at 609m from the back tees.
This rare and charming motor boat will take you on a fantastic cruise around Dragonera Island to watch the sunset on the Mediterranean.
This rare and charming motor boat will take you on a wonderful day cruise to visit secluded coves and beaches.
Cyclists can enjoy the coastal hill roads or delve deep into the Tramuntana mountains for a more challenging ride. The route from Andratx through to Port de Pollença has been described as one of the best in the world - it passes through wonderfully pretty coastal villages including Estellencs and Banyalbufar then cuts across through iconic mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deia, Soller, Lluc and Pollenca before ending in Port de Pollenca.
A fairly easy cycle with a few hills to get the lungs and heart going - be careful of the midday sun!
A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
Enjoy a flat route by the sea that is completely on purpose made cycle paths so that it is safe for all the family to cycle. It takes you from the capital city of Palma to the beach resort area of Playa de Palma.
Palma is a really bike friendly city. The giveaway is the prominent red cycle route running all along the Paseo Maritimo and through the city centre. The weather is perfect for it too. Despite the obvious benefits of urban exploration on two wheels, Palma on Bike was my first experience of cycling in the capital.
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.
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
Being at the bottom of a valley on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range there are plenty of walking trails to try in the area. One of the most popular is the leisurely hike between Port d’Andratx and Sant Elm along a high coastal path. If you want the best views over Sa Dragonera, then we recommend the hike from the neighbouring Sant Elm that leads to the abandoned Trappist monastery of Sa Trapa before descending down into one of the most breathtaking valleys in Mallorca, a round trip of around three hours.
This famous walk runs from Port d'Andratx, in the south-west of Mallorca, all the way to Port de Pollença, in the north-west, following ancient cobbled paths through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Camp de Mar is a purpose built beach resort with a really lovely beach, located on the south-west coast of Mallorca. This walk takes you along the coast and then over to Port Andratx, with an optional continuation to Sa Mola on the peninsula.
Andratx is located in the south-west of Mallorca. From Andratx, the walk begins in the direction of S'Arracó, three kilometres away. A short rest in this delightful village gives you enough time for a visit to the parish church, where there is a statue of the Virgin "Our Lady of la Trapa".
Mallorca offers excellent hiking and walking opportunities, and the months between October and May provide the perfect weather conditions for hikers keen to explore Mallorca’s varied and spectacularly scenic terrain.
Puigpunyent is located on the south-west of the island. This walk provides some magnificient scenery without having to leave the road, which goes from Capdellà to Puigpunyent. The route takes in a series of ascents and descents, and cuts across woods and fields, with different views at each curve of the road.
Once again, using my trusted hiking book ‘Mallorca, the finest coastal and Mountain walks’ by Rolf Goetz, I found a wonderful coastal hike from Portals Vells to Cala Figuera Lighthouse. A lovely, short and relatively easy hike makes it a contender for the best year-round walk in Mallorca.
Paddle around the south western coast of Mallorca on our kayaks, exploring at your own pace and enjoying the stunning scenery this beautiful coastline has to offer.
Discover the southwestern coast of Mallorca on a stand-up-paddle board at your own pace, and enjoy the stunning scenery while practising an outdoor sport.
Your first underwater experience. For those who just want to try diving where fun and safety are guaranteed!
Paddle along the coast and between islands on our kayaks to visit the most interesting places of this beautiful area of Mallorca, such as a cave and a natural pool where you can snorkel or swim in crystal clear waters!
Snorkelling trip to the Malgrats Marine Reserve where you will be able to see a wide variety of marine wildlife.
Funny beach operates on Magaluf Beach, in front of MH Royal Beach, just down from Pirates.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
This elegant villa, set within the private Son Bunyola Estate, combines modern comforts with a serene atmosphere to ensure a truly relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
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.
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.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
Staying in short-term rental accommodation in Port d'Andratx is a wonderful way to experience the area in a simple, comfortable base whilst exploring. With the freedom to cook, relax and come and go as you please, it’s a great option for anyone who enjoys a slower pace surrounded by natural beauty.
More apartment complexes can be found in the neighbouring resort of Camp de Mar.
This fully equipped and unique apartment is set on three levels, providing a quirky and fun accommodation for two.
This spectacular loft apartment is fully equipped and provides delightful accommodation for two.
This stunning duplex apartment is fully equipped and provides spacious accommodation for two.
This fully equipped apartment is ideal for two guests.
This fully equipped and comfortable apartment is ideal for two guests.
This fully equipped and spacious apartment is set on three levels, providing an original and fun accommodation for two.
There’s a handful of hotels on offer within close proximity to Port d'Andratx, from luxury hotels through to more budget-friendly options. If you want more choice, then there are also a few boutique hotels in the rural town of Andratx just 5km away.
You can choose from luxurious establishments with tastefully decorated rooms and well-equipped spa facilities which include a hot tub, sauna and hamman. There are also budget-friendly options which offers simple accommodation with views over the bay, some with, some without swimming pools.
Located in the beautiful, peaceful valley in the southwest corner of Mallorca you will find the charming village of S’Arracó. The hotel is situated in a delightful, converted schoolhouse, rich in history and style, with stunning views and comfortable accommodation.
This sea-front hotel has 24 suites, all with a sea view. The sea, beaches and pinewoods create a peaceful, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere where you're sure to be able to unwind.
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Port d'Andratx is a 35 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.
There is no direct bus from the airport. Check for times.
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.
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.
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.
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
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.
Golf Marina is a beautiful, warm and welcoming property situated near the golf of Pollensa.
Large, authentic Mallorcan finca for sale in Pollença
Charming townhouse with vacation rental license for sale.
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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.
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