2023 Day 3
Port De Soller to Sant Elm
Day 3 and 4 we would all be riding the same route, together. John and I did this last year, Andy has never done this section and neither has Dennis having never ridden on the island before.
On my tick list today was the Mallorcan Pizza (with honey) served at Pizzeria Giardini at Estellencs which John and I had enjoyed last year. The demon descent to Andratx.
We had breakfast in the hotel and we were soon on our way. I’ve always loved the look of the valley in which Soller/Port De Soller is situated first thing in the morning, with mountains in each direction (apart from the sea). It’s always still and the smoke rises from some chimneys and hangs in the bowl.
The further you get away from Porta Pollenca the fewer cyclists and cars there are which makes this end of the island so much more enjoyable. Most of the roads are still decent and the climbs can be just as challenging.
Anyway, we headed in the direction of Soller on the ma-11 before turning right on the ma-10 immediately kicking up to warm those muscles. Once up the climb the road heads towards the coastline which we would be hugging most of the day. Before long we cycled through Deia (the village of artists and poets) where the houses are built onto the side of the rock faces. We didn’t stop, instead heading for a cake/coffee stop in the ever popular (justifiably so) Valldermossa. Fantastic village where we managed to grab an outside table and ordered 3 coffees, 1 tea (Andy) and 4 pieces of cake. We soon polished those off and headed into the gardens to show Dennis there’s more to life than riding bikes.
Off on our travels again continuing before dropping the descent towards the ma-1100 but remaining on the ma-10. We passed a tower called Torre Del Verger (1579) which I decided was worthy of a stop and few photos. It was great to see the terraces cut into the hillsides. Onwards and through Banyalbufar which has a great descent but knowing there’d be a climb out the other side. By this stage I was really looking forward to my pizza lunch stop. Soon enough we arrived at the restaurant Pizzeria Giardini at Estellencs which, although busy we managed to get a table on the terrace overlooking the sea. The pizza didn’t disappoint.
Once finished we again saddled up and headed towards the descent I’d been raving on about towards Andratx after first climbing the Coll De Sa Gramola (Cat 4/3.4km/3%). This descent is fantastic with, in the most part, sweeping bends and good visibility. Once at the roundabout at the bottom on the outskirts of Andratx we took the ma-1030 road along to Sant Elm which has a couple of small climbs on the way.
Checked into the hotel (Universal Aperthotel Don Camilo) where we were offer complimentary glass of champagne, I reckon we had earned it. Dumped our bags before hitting the pool. This hotel was exceptional and highly recommended.
At night we had a walk around the bay before stopping for food and more beers.
Port De Soller to Sant Elm
Day 3 and 4 we would all be riding the same route, together. John and I did this last year, Andy has never done this section and neither has Dennis having never ridden on the island before.
On my tick list today was the Mallorcan Pizza (with honey) served at Pizzeria Giardini at Estellencs which John and I had enjoyed last year. The demon descent to Andratx.
We had breakfast in the hotel and we were soon on our way. I’ve always loved the look of the valley in which Soller/Port De Soller is situated first thing in the morning, with mountains in each direction (apart from the sea). It’s always still and the smoke rises from some chimneys and hangs in the bowl.
The further you get away from Porta Pollenca the fewer cyclists and cars there are which makes this end of the island so much more enjoyable. Most of the roads are still decent and the climbs can be just as challenging.
Anyway, we headed in the direction of Soller on the ma-11 before turning right on the ma-10 immediately kicking up to warm those muscles. Once up the climb the road heads towards the coastline which we would be hugging most of the day. Before long we cycled through Deia (the village of artists and poets) where the houses are built onto the side of the rock faces. We didn’t stop, instead heading for a cake/coffee stop in the ever popular (justifiably so) Valldermossa. Fantastic village where we managed to grab an outside table and ordered 3 coffees, 1 tea (Andy) and 4 pieces of cake. We soon polished those off and headed into the gardens to show Dennis there’s more to life than riding bikes.
Off on our travels again continuing before dropping the descent towards the ma-1100 but remaining on the ma-10. We passed a tower called Torre Del Verger (1579) which I decided was worthy of a stop and few photos. It was great to see the terraces cut into the hillsides. Onwards and through Banyalbufar which has a great descent but knowing there’d be a climb out the other side. By this stage I was really looking forward to my pizza lunch stop. Soon enough we arrived at the restaurant Pizzeria Giardini at Estellencs which, although busy we managed to get a table on the terrace overlooking the sea. The pizza didn’t disappoint.
Once finished we again saddled up and headed towards the descent I’d been raving on about towards Andratx after first climbing the Coll De Sa Gramola (Cat 4/3.4km/3%). This descent is fantastic with, in the most part, sweeping bends and good visibility. Once at the roundabout at the bottom on the outskirts of Andratx we took the ma-1030 road along to Sant Elm which has a couple of small climbs on the way.
Checked into the hotel (Universal Aperthotel Don Camilo) where we were offer complimentary glass of champagne, I reckon we had earned it. Dumped our bags before hitting the pool. This hotel was exceptional and highly recommended.
At night we had a walk around the bay before stopping for food and more beers.