Ermita de Bonany, ESP

The Ermita de Bonany is one of Mallorca’s most rewarding short climbs for cyclists. The monastery at the summit dates back to the 17th century and sits at 282 metres above the plain of Petra. Petra is also the birthplace of Junípero Serra, founder of the first Spanish missions in California.

Moreover, the Ermita de Bonany has become a go-to climb for pro cycling teams during their Mallorca training camps. The 3.9 km at an average gradient of 4.3 percent are manageable enough to use as a warm-up, yet the maximum gradient of 9.9 percent near the top keeps things honest. Additionally, the road surface is generally smooth, which makes it a favourite for early-season reconnaissance rides.

Ermita de Bonany: Cycling Mallorca’s Quiet Cult Climb

Above all, the panoramic view from the summit is what sets the Ermita de Bonany apart from similar category 4 climbs on the island. On a clear day you can see the Tramuntana mountains to the north and the southern coastline in the other direction. Overall, this climb combines cycling, history and scenery into a compact four-kilometre package that belongs on every Mallorca ride list.