Life in Motion: Fornalutx for Cyclists

Tucked into the lush Tramuntana mountains, Fornalutx, home to Martijn’s August retreat, is as much a cyclist’s haven as it is a photographer’s muse. Winding lanes lined with olive groves and citrus orchards lead into UNESCO-protected peaks that rise dramatically above the sea. Each ride feels like slipping into a postcard, where nature and culture weave seamlessly together.

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From Fornalutx, the choices are endless as Martjin shares below. You might set your sights on the legendary ascent to Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest peak, with its steady gradients and rewarding summit views. Or, take a gentler loop towards Port de Sóller, pausing at the Faro des Cap Gros lighthouse to soak in the sweep of the coastline. What makes cycling here so special isn’t only the challenge of the climbs or the beauty of the landscapes, it’s the variety. Some days call for an ambitious ride deep into the heart of the Tramuntana; others invite a scenic spin through citrus valleys, ending with a cool drink in Fornalutx’s cobbled square. Martijn’s favourite routes capture this spirit - epic climbs, coastal spins, and everything in between. They’re a reminder that from Fornalutx, the very best of Mallorca is always just a pedal stroke away.

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Martjin shares one of his Mallorcan rides: beginning at the picturesque Fornalutx square, the route immediately enters dramatic cliffs framing the legendary Nus de Sa Corbata, the famous “Tie Knot Bend.” The route then winds to the Sa Calobra Needle, a spacious hairpin that offers the perfect vantage point for a panoramic view of the twisting Mallorcan roads below. Along the way you'll see the Gorg Blau Aqueduct, a striking architectural feat that’s as impressive to cycle under as it is to photograph. The descent then leads to the finish at the Port of Sa Calobra, a crystal-clear cove where a well-deserved dip or a moment to soak in the atmosphere alongside locals awaits. Check out this route and more below.