Faro de Formentor by bike: what you should know

Conquering the Faro de Formentor by bike is one of the dreams every cyclist should experience at least once in his life.

 

The route combines, from the very first minute, the demands of the landscape's orography with the experience of a unique environment

If you dare, you will see other courageous people around you with the same big smile, hunting the same goal. Yes, despite the effort, you can smile and suffer at the same time. And if you don't believe us, experience it by yourself.

If you want to get straight to the point ...

1. Which direction I come from?
2. What should I take into account when cycling there?
3. Are there accommodations for cyclists near the Faro de Fomentor? 
4. Hardness of the route
5. What are the most difficult sections?
6. Is it worth cycling to Sa Talaia de n'Albercutx?
7. Are there any access restrictions?
8. 10 Keys words to summarize the route to Faro de Formentor

Which direction I come from?

If your main objective is to conquer the top, starting your route from an area of the northeast coast like Playa de Muro, Ca’n Picafort, Alcúdia, Port de Pollença or Pollença, is without a doubt the best option. 

If, in addition to overcoming the top, you are looking for a route suitable for the most prepared people, then it is undoubtedly the connection of the route with the inland regions or the Serra.

What should I take into account when cycling there?

As you head towards the north of the island, you will find clear directions to get to Formentor. In addition, if you access from any of the aforementioned points of the coastline, the route is perfectly suitable for cyclists in almost all of its sections.

Are there accommodations for cyclists near the Faro de Formentor?

The surroundings of Formentor are home to a paradise full of hotel facilities and services suitable for cyclists. On our website you can find accommodations nearby in areas such as Pollença, Ca’n Picafort, Muro or Alcúdia. They all have the perfect distance to start the route directly from the hotel and to gain strength for the demanding challenge.

Hardness of the route?

Depending on the location, the level may be higher or lower. The ascent is quite demanding and owns a medium-high level.

It should be taken into account that the first section of the ascent by the Coll de sa Creueta, a little more than 3 kilometers with a slope of more than 6%, reaches a positive altitude of about 240 meters. As a reward, after the first section, you reach the magnificent viewpoint Es Colomer.

Added to this is the high speed that can be achieved on slow but very long descents that require caution and experience.

What are the most difficult sections?

As you can guess from the above, the start of the ascent to Coll de Sa Creueta is probably the most difficult section. If you do it without preparation you will not be able to complete it, but if you prepare mentally you will conquer the climb while enjoying the scenery.

After this first sector, we will have 6 kilometers of descent to regain our strength and face the gradual but less pronounced ascent to the Lighthouse. Then a new ascent over 7 kilometers with a positive slope of just over 200 meters. From there a range of slight ascents and descents until a very steep descent from where we can experience our final conquest.

If we decide to complete the round trip section, the physical demand is greater. Devided mainly in two sections: the first ramp once we get back from the Lighthouse, and then the climb to the viewpoint of Es Colomer.

Is it worth cycling to Sa Talaia de n’Albercutx?

If it is not easy to reach the Faro de Formentor, the ascent of Sa Talaia de n’Albercutx is the ideal experience to make the experience even more complete. Access from the Formentor belvedere, once we have completed the climb to Coll de sa Creueta. It is 2.29 kilometers with a slope of more than 8% and a positive slope of 206. A short, demanding section in a majestic setting.

If you have energy left, go for it.

Are there any access restrictions?

The Formentor peninsula is part of la Serra de Tramuntana, World Heritage Site since early 2010.

This is why the access to the Formentor peninsula from Ma-2210 is restricted for certain vehicles between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., from June 15 to September 15. The goal is to protect the landscape from the human footprint.

There are two levels of restrictions: one from the Port de Pollença to the beach of Formentor, and a second more restrictive from the beach of Formentor to the Lighthouse. In the case of the second, only public transport, emergency services and bicycles can access the Lighthouse.

All motorized vehicles must park in designated areas, and doing so on the shoulders of the road is forbidden. Driving without authorization with a motor vehicle can result in a fine of up to 200 euros.

To access the area by public transport, it is possible to use line 333 which goes from Alcúdia to Playa de Formentor or line 334 to the Lighthouse.

These restrictions should be taken into account that, if we return within this time slot, there will be no possibility of doing so by motor vehicle.

10 Key words to summarize the route to Faro de Formentor   

1. Don't forget the access restrictions in summer.
2. Being a place of interest, the influx of people at peak times can be high.
3. The ascent has demanding sections that are not suitable for any cyclist.
4. There is an interesting offer of accommodations for cyclists near Formentor.
5. Formentor is part of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take care of the environment. 
6. Getting to the Formentor Lighthouse requires some effort, but certainly not less if you come back by bike. Save energy for the climb to the viewpoint.
7. The road is in a very good condition in all its sections which means enjoying the cycling experience.
8. Watch the descents. Although they do not have excessively dangerous curves, the top speed that can be achieved may be rather high. Be careful and enjoy the road.
9. On the way to the Lighthouse, in addition to the viewpoint passing by the Coll de sa Creueta, there are several points where you can stop to enjoy the scenery. Some are worth as much as the views you will experience at the Lighthouse. 
10. Remember to bring supplies. Even though this is a short section, keep some reserve supply if you suffer from bonking. When you get to the viewpoint, there's a spot to buy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and the Lighthouse has a cafeteria inside.