Taking Your Bicycle to Mallorca
| Cycling in Mallorca |
| Bringing your own bicyle |
| Arriving and departing from PMI with bike |
| Airline requirements |
| Road rules in Mallorca |
Cycling in Mallorca
Mallorca is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. The island offers a diverse range of landscapes, including flat coastal roads, challenging mountain routes, and scenic countryside paths, making it suitable for cyclists of different skill levels.
Due to its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and well-maintained road network, Mallorca has become increasingly popular among cyclists. The island has a variety of cycling routes that cater to different preferences and abilities. From the famous Serra de Tramuntana mountain range with its steep climbs and breathtaking views to the flatter coastal routes along the stunning coastline, there is something for everyone.
It is therefore not surprising, that Mallorca has developed an extensive cycling infrastructure that includes bike rental shops, repair services and hotels specialising in cycling holidays. Some areas of the island also have dedicated cycling lanes. There are numerous cycling events and races that take place throughout the year, attracting both professionals and amateurs.
The best times for cycling are usually spring and autumn. During peak tourist season, the weather can get very hot and the roads are far busier, especially in popular tourist areas.
Bringing your own Bicycle
There is nothing quite like riding your own bike in Mallorca! However, getting it there safely requires some preparation.
Check airline requirements
Before travelling, check the specific requirements and restrictions of your chosen airline regarding packing and transporting bicycles. Some airlines may have size or weight limitations, and they may also require specific documentation or additional fees for transporting bicycles. Please also see below for more information.
Packing your bike
When packing your bicycle to take it on an airline, it’s important to ensure that it is properly protected and secure to prevent any damage during transit. Here are some steps to help you pack your bicycle for air travel:
Clean and prepare your bike
- A good way to start is by giving your bike a thorough clean. This will keep the mess that may be created by removing some of the parts to a minimum.
- Remove any accessories that are not necessary for the journey, such as water bottle cages or saddlebags.
- Lower the seat post and handlebars to make the bike more compact.
Disassemble and protect fragile parts
- Remove the pedals, saddle, and front wheel.
- Securely fasten these parts and wrap them with padding or bubble wrap to protect them from scratches or impacts.
- Use protective covers or foam tubing to guard delicate components like the derailleur and brake levers.
Protect the frame
- Use foam tubing or pipe insulation to cover the frame tubes to prevent scratches and provide additional padding.
- You can also use cardboard or foam sheets to create a protective layer around the entire bike.
Securely package the bike
- Place the disassembled parts, such as the pedals, saddle, and front wheel, in a separate box or bag.
- Place the protected bicycle frame in a sturdy bike travel case or a purpose-built bike box.
- Ensure the bike is tightly secured inside the case or box to minimize movement during transportation.
- Use additional padding, such as bubble wrap or foam, to fill any empty spaces inside the box or case. This helps prevent the bike from shifting during handling and protects it from potential impacts.
Label and provide instructions
- Clearly label the box or case with your name, contact information, and flight details.
- It’s also a good idea to include instructions for reassembling the bike, especially if you’re not the one handling it at the destination.
Have a “Plan B”
Your bike may not arrive on time, so it’s good to familiarise yourself with an appropriate rental shop before you leave. Delayed bike arrivals commonly happen at the busiest times, Saturdays being the worst culprit. It’s best not to plan competitions or special rides the day after you arrive. To get the cost of a rental bike back, choose a travel insurance provider with this included.
Arriving and Departing from Palma Airport with your Bike
Arrivals
When arriving at Palma Airport you will find bicycle boxes are often conveyed on the same baggage carousel as your checked-in luggage. Special baggage is by carousel 17 (you may need to check this). If you can’t find your bike, check with your airline or lost luggage in the baggage reclaim zone near to the carousels. It could be that your bike will arrive later.
Departures
If you’re departing Palma Airport, go to your airline check-in desk. You will be given luggage labels for your bike to be checked-in there, or you will be directed to the oversized luggage bay.
Bikes must be inside a protective bag or box
Airline Requirements
Below are the bicycle carriage requirements and fees for two popular airlines operating at Palma de Mallorca Airport. For more information, please check the airlines’ websites.
| Criteria | Fees | |
| EASYJET | ▪ Use of a bicycle box or bag is obligatory ▪ Maximum weight of 32kg ▪ Only one bicycle per box is permitted. No other items (e.g. clothing) can be inside the box. ▪ The handlebars and pedals must be flush with the frame or removed. ▪ Hydraulic suspensions or brake systems on a bicycle is OK. ▪ Electric bikes are not permitted | ▪ £45 when booked online ▪ £55 when paid at the airport. |
| RYANAIR | ▪ Bicycles must be inside in a protective bike bag or protective box ▪ Bicycles maximum weight limit is 30kg ▪ No electric bikes with batteries | ▪ Purchased with flight booking: £60 / €60 one-way ▪ Purchased after booking or at airport: £75 / €75 one-way |
What are the Road Rules for Cyclists in Mallorca?
When cycling in Mallorca, it is important to be aware of the following rules to ensure your own and others’ safety and to avoid potential on-the-spot fines.
Safety features
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times. This rule is strictly enforced, especially outside urban areas.
- Bikes must be in good working condition, with properly functioning brakes and other necessary equipment.
- Bikes must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear light when riding in low visibility conditions or after dark. Reflectors are also required on the front and back of the bike, as well as on the pedals. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing when riding in low visibility.
- It is illegal to cycle while wearing headphones or using a mobile phone without a hands-free system.
Road rules for cyclists
- Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road, following the same direction as traffic. They should use bike lanes where available.
- When cycling in a group, it’s recommended to ride in single file, especially on narrow roads. On wider roads, cyclists can ride two abreast, but they should revert to single file when cars need to pass. In curves or other road sections with limited visibility, cyclists must ride in single file.
- Cyclists must adhere to speed limits and ride at a safe speed, especially on descents and in urban areas.
- Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals, just like motor vehicle drivers.
- Cyclists must yield to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.
- The legal blood alcohol limit for cyclists is 0.5 mg/ml, the same as for car drivers.
- Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate their intentions to turn or stop. This helps communicate with other road users.
- Cycling on pavements/sidewalks is generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signage.
Mallorca can get very busy with cyclists, especially in spring and autumn. It is, therefore, particularly important to pay close attention and to show consideration to other road users, including fellow cyclists.