If you’ve been to Mallorca in the summer, you’ll know it’s no joke. We’re hitting 35 or 36 degrees most days, and when that sun starts cooking the tarmac, it feels even hotter. There have been a few tragic stories recently of cyclists getting into real trouble out on the roads, even some fatalities. Whether it’s dehydration, heatstroke, or something underlying, it’s a reminder that this heat isn’t something to take lightly.
The thing is, a lot of people visiting the island don’t have the luxury of riding whenever they want. You might be here on a family holiday or squeezing a few hours in around work or travel plans. So it’s not about skipping the ride. It’s about being smart with how and when you do it.
Here’s what I’ve learned from living and riding here all year round, including the depths of summer.
Ride Early or Ride Late
This is the biggest one. It’s also the easiest win.
Most days in summer, I’m out the door by 5am. It’s cool, it’s quiet, and it’s honestly one of the best times to be on the bike. You hear the birds, you see wildlife, and the roads are completely empty. No traffic, no rental cars with confused tourists doing surprise U-turns. Just you, your bike, and the sun coming up behind the mountains.
I usually get in somewhere between 50 and 100 kilometres, and I’m back by 9 or 9.30 at the latest, before the real heat kicks in. The early light on the island is unreal—soft, golden, and absolutely stunning when it hits the coast or the top of a climb. It's like the island is still half asleep, and you’ve got the whole place to yourself.
Now, if that sounds horrendous to you — and I get it, not everyone’s a morning person — you’ve still got options. In summer, Mallorca stays light until gone 9.30pm. So you can head out at 7pm, even 8pm, and still get in a decent ride. It’s still hot, but the worst of the sun is gone, and the roads are a lot quieter.
The evening rides have their own magic — the temperature starts to dip, there’s a calmness in the air, and you can finish up with a cold drink at home or even a gentle spin back through town as the lights come on. Just make sure you’ve got some lights — either on your bike or in your jersey pocket — in case you get a puncture or something delays you. Nothing fancy, just enough to get home safely if you get caught out in the dark.
Hydration Isn’t Optional — And It Starts the Day Before
If there’s one mistake I see people make over and over, it’s thinking they can just drink during the ride and everything will be fine. But if you’ve spent the previous evening smashing five beers and a pizza, and you wake up dehydrated, it’s already too late. Doesn’t matter how many electrolyte tablets you throw in your bottles — you’re on the back foot before you even clip in.
You’ve got to treat hydration like part of your training. The day before a ride, I’m drinking water throughout the day, and I always make sure I’ve had at least a couple of litres with proper electrolytes. Not the cheap, supermarket-style tablets full of sugar and colouring — I mean the good stuff, the ones that replace sodium, magnesium, potassium and everything else you’re losing out there. When you're sweating buckets, those minerals really matter.
The morning of a ride, I drink a full litre of water as soon as I wake up — again, with electrolytes. And I always try to skip the strong coffee. I know that’s controversial. Everyone loves the idea of rolling out with a double espresso in their system, but the reality is that coffee can dehydrate you, especially if you’ve already woken up dry. You’ll feel far more awake and ready to ride if you’re properly hydrated than if you’re wired on caffeine.
During the ride itself, I take two big 750ml bottles. Both with electrolytes, both going down steadily — not when I’m thirsty, but regularly, from the start. If you’re riding longer than 90 minutes, plan your refills ahead of time. Early mornings mean cafés are shut, so if you’re doing a longer loop, you either need to know where to stop or stash a bottle somewhere safe the night before. Just keep it tidy — no rubbish, no empty packets lying in the bushes. We all want to keep the island beautiful.
What You Wear Matters More Than You Think
Your clothing makes a huge difference in how you manage the heat. It’s not just about staying cool — it’s about protecting your body, regulating sweat, and staying comfortable for the whole ride.
I always wear light colours and breathable fabrics. A good, high-performance jersey that wicks sweat is obviously a given. But I also swear by wearing a thin, lightweight base layer underneath, even on the hottest days. It sounds weird, but it actually helps regulate temperature and keeps things feeling more balanced as you start to sweat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why.
When it comes to sun protection, you might also want to consider wearing arm sleeves or even lightweight tights or leg sleeves. It’s not just about modesty — covering up can actually keep you cooler than having bare skin baking under the sun. Plus, it means one less area you need to lather up with sunscreen, which is a bonus.
Speaking of sunscreen — it’s non-negotiable. Go for a high SPF and get one that’s sweat-resistant. Especially on your face. I’ve had more rides than I can count ruined by sunscreen running into my eyes and stinging for an hour. There are stick-style sunscreens that are made for sport, and they’re a game-changer. Get it on your neck, arms, nose, ears — anywhere the sun touches. And if you’re going out later in the day, remember to reapply.
Keep the Rides Short and Smart
This one’s a mindset shift. Just because you’re in Mallorca doesn’t mean you need to do five-hour hero rides every day. Especially not in 36-degree heat. Short, sharp, well-timed rides are often way more effective — and far more enjoyable — than dragging yourself through the heat just for the sake of it.
Some of my best summer rides are 90 minutes, sometimes even just an hour. If you know how to build a bit of intensity into your route — a few climbs, a bit of tempo — you can get a solid session without going too far from home. The trick is riding smart, not long.
If you’re training for something big or you’re on a camp and need to get the hours in, just be extra careful. Early starts, shaded routes, plenty of bottles, and constant checking in with how you’re feeling. Heat exhaustion creeps up quietly — by the time you realise something’s wrong, it’s often too late.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Mallorca’s not going anywhere. If it’s roasting, pull back. Ride early. Ride late. Or take a rest day and come back stronger.
Final Thoughts
Riding through summer in Mallorca can be a dream — but only if you do it right. Plan around the heat, hydrate like it’s your job, wear the right kit, and respect your limits.
This island rewards the early birds and the smart riders. You’ll have the roads to yourself, the air will feel fresh, and you’ll finish every ride with a sense of satisfaction that you did it properly, not just survived, but actually enjoyed it.
Come Ride With Us — Without the Heatstroke
At VeloCamp Mallorca, we ride smart. Early starts, correct prep, and cold drinks throughout the ride. Whether you’re joining us in the heat of springtime or later in the year, we’ll show you how to ride Mallorca the way the locals do.
👉 Click here to book your place.
We’ll see you on the road — bottles full, legs ready, and the sun just starting to rise.