Lluc Monastery Climb

Don’t attempt this if roads are wet, or if rain or cloud likely over hills. Refer to warning notes for safety advice in hills. Distance approx. 50 miles, but will feel longer!

Take main road, C712, south from Port d’Alcudia towards Can Picafort, but after a couple of miles at Las Gaviotas take right at traffic lights between shops/bars towards Sa Pobla. Follow the “Marshes Road” through reeds to Sa Pobla, (but remember to note the location of the junction in Sa Pobla for future rides back through the marshes). Turn left and right, and try to follow route through centre of Sa Pobla, in direction of Buger, but find turn to right for Caves of Campanet (Coves or Cuevas on signs), not Campanet itself. Cross Palma road, C713, with care. After approx. 2 miles, just before reaching caves, turn left towards Campanet. On outskirts look for right turn, to follow road through Moscari to Selva. Former Spanish professional cyclist lives with family in house on banking to right entering Selva. At Selva turn Right, pass through Caimari, and climb the hairpins towards Lluc. Great views to right just off the road before top. Garage at top sells water if required! Fork right, towards Pollensa, then shortly left to take road to Lluc Monastery and café (can be very busy with coaches). Return to road, and turn left towards Pollensa. Before main descent it would be wise to stop to don extra clothing; then descend taking extreme care – safety is your priority, not speed of descent!

At Pollensa, you may wish to explore the old town: Look for signs to Calvari; this is the road that leads to top of famous 365 steps from town. On Good Friday there is a candle-lit procession here. Enjoy the views, then return to town centre, and try to locate the restored square in the one-way system. Well worth a café stop here in the sun!

Return to find main roundabout on road to Puerto Pollensa, but turn South on PM220 towards Sa Pobla and Palma. Then either take 1st left at X roads, with care, to follow the “Garden Road” towards Puerto Pollensa; or take 2nd left signed Alcudia. Both roads are preferable to the main road to Puerto Pollensa, and both end on coast road, running south from Puerto Pollensa to Alcudia.