Felix English, ex-professional cyclist and former Rapha Condor rider, has called Mallorca home for over a decade. Believe it or not, Ireland doesn’t have a velodrome so Felix relocated to the island with its perfect training roads and downtown velodrome for his run-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Felix loved it so much that, post Olympics, he made Mallorca his home, co-founding cycling and running apparel brand, Angry Pablo. He took us round his perfect day in Mallorca.
Felix’s perfect day begins in Palma at La Finca Corner, a chilled-out café with a small bike workshop for any last-minute tweaks. Founded by an Argentinian runner, the café is a local favourite offering a simple menu — think toasted sandwiches, matcha, cortados, flat whites, and homemade cakes. It's also a hub for Palma’s running community, with regular group runs rolling out from its doors.
The route rolls out west from the city, picking up a traffic-free cycle path that is built alongside the main highway to Andratx. Then the proper climbing begins, swinging north into the Tramuntana mountains. Here, the coastal road becomes wild and spectacular — steep cliffs to your left and pine forests overhead. After climbing up there are switchbacks to descend and then climbing begins again with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
The route climbs up Coll d’en Claret and then descends with Felix making a detour into Deià, a bohemian mountain village. Deià has become popular in the last few years, but as the route isn’t the most direct way to reach the village from Palma, the coastal road is quiet.
A pick-me-up snack is at a small organic supermarket (Reynes) with outdoor seating for people watching — a hidden gem where you can grab fresh fruit, pizza by the slice, or a traditional ensaimada. It’s not a café but is perfect for a quick pause after all that climbing. Note that coffee options here are limited.
Bottles filled, there is one last climb to Valldemossa, one of Mallorca’s most picturesque villages. Its cobbled streets and honey-coloured stone buildings are nestled in a lush valley. Felix’s coffee and lunch stop is Barbaflorida, a café facing the square and the historic monastery that once hosted composer, Frédéric Chopin. Next door there’s an ice cream shop. If you have time there are little alleyways to discover and a view across the valley.
From Valldemossa, it’s a fast and flowing final 20km descent back to Palma. With just over 100km in the legs time to grab a cold beer at Café Poupette just up from the Port and next to a park. Has a big outdoor terrace and easy place to lean your bike. Then it’s time to swap out your cycling kit for swimwear and head to the beach. Felix suggests Portixol, a small coastal town just down the coast from Palma (accessible via bike path from the city). Plenty of small cafes/restaurants and places to get in the sea.
Felix's route
You can check out the route on Strava and download it to your device.
100km route: Palma > Andratx > Deia > Valldemossa > Palma
125km route: Palma > Andratx > Valldemossa > Deia > Soller > Palma
Places and locations
We’ve created a Google Map with the locations and coffee stops recommended by Felix in Palma and surrounding areas.
If you need a mid ride pick me up, try Bar Sa Coma in Andratx before the climbing stats on the coastal road.
If you aren't on a schedule, stop at the viewpoints on the coastal road between Valdemossa and Deia. Mirador de sa Foradada, also has a clifftop bar with incredible sea views.
Best time to visit Mallorca
March to May and September to October. Unless you are taking part in Majorca 312, avoid riding the route on the 25th April as the event shares some of it.