Palma is Mallorca's capital and the island's main gateway: almost every cycling trip to Mallorca begins at Palma airport (PMI), and for many riders the city itself makes the most convenient base. It blends a working harbour, the landmark Santa Maria cathedral and a deep cafe culture with everything a cyclist needs within walking distance, from bike shops and mechanics to restaurants and hotels at every price point. If you want a real city around your riding rather than a quiet seaside resort, Palma is the obvious choice.
The roads out of Palma open in two directions. Head west and the coastal road carries you toward Andratx and the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, where the island's famous climbs begin; a long day can take in the Coll de sa Creu or push on toward Valldemossa and Deia. Head east or inland and you reach the flat, fast plains around Llucmajor and the Es Trenc salt flats, ideal for tempo work and recovery spins. This mix of gentle warm-up terrain close to town and serious mountains within reach is why Palma works so well for mixed-ability groups and for the first days of a training block.
Mornings on the western road ask for a little patience through city traffic, but within twenty minutes you are on open tarmac. Spring and autumn are the prime seasons, with mild temperatures and the quiet roads the pros favour, while winter stays rideable and far softer than northern Europe. Palma suits riders who value logistics and atmosphere: land, collect your rental bike, and ride the same afternoon, then spend the evening somewhere with more life than a hotel strip. The road and gravel bikes listed above all come from shops based in and around Palma.
