Mallorca may be a cycling mecca for the speedsters in lycra, but there are surprisingly few trails that work well for families. Fast traffic and steep hills make many of the island’s roads less than ideal for kids – even the quieter inland ones.
The Via Verde (Via Verda in Catalan) Manacor-Artà follows a railway line that served the east of the island from 1921 until its closure in 1977. In 2014 the old track bed was converted into the greenway it is today – open to cyclists, walkers and runners, well-signed, and one of the best family cycling days on the island.
The full route
The complete route runs 29km one way between Manacor and Artà, passing four main stations along the way – Sant Llorenç (km 7.8 from Manacor), Son Carrió (km 11.4), Son Servera (km 19) before finishing at the old station in Artà (km 29). There’s no traffic on the route itself but there are a number of quieter road crossings, so best to keep kids close by. You also don’t need to tackle the full distance to get the best of it, with options to join from Son Servera or Cala Millor, particularly well suited to families.
The surface is mainly gravel – some sections are fine packed gravel, others have larger, looser stones. It can feel like a bumpy ride after a while, so well-padded saddles (or padded cycling shorts) are your best bet for all comfort. The route itself is mostly flat, with the only gradient after the Son Sureda tunnel on the final stretch into Artà – gentle though, and manageable for most kids.
Full route description and map: viasverdes.com/en/itineraries/manacor-arta
Suggested Route: Cala Millor to Artà and back
Starting from Cala Millor – where you can hire bikes – makes the Artà greenway just about doable as a day out with older kids. The total loop comes to around 30km, manageable (with plenty of stops) for enthusiastic cyclists of around 10 yrs and up.
From Cala Millor, a short roadside cycle takes you out towards the greenway. There is one busy road to cross, best to jump off the bikes and walk it at the closest junction. If you’d rather avoid the trickier crossing, a good alternative is to follow the seafront towards Cala Bona and join the greenway in Son Servera instead. From there it’s 10km to Artà on the greenway – the most scenic stretch of the whole route, with open countryside, long views and two short tunnels that tend to go down well with children.
Arriving in Artà. lock the bikes at the station and walk up into town. The old station building has a craft and tourist information centre, but the priority is ice cream, coffee and snacks before the short climb to the Santuari de Sant Salvador – the views across the Llevant and out to sea are worth every step.
On the return, the Església Nova in Son Servera is also worth a stop – a roofless Neo-Gothic church, free to visit, open Monday to Friday 9h30-14h30. From Son Servera the bike path drops back down to the Cala Millor promenade, a scenic seaside finish after a long day in the saddle.
Bike hire
Rental Bikes Mallorca in Cala Millor has adult bikes, kids’ bikes and adult e-bikes – the e-bikes are worth considering for teenagers (height dependent). Day hire can be returned when they close, usually around 22h, which gives plenty of flexibility on timing.
Bike hire is also available in Son Servera and near Artà station for those joining the route from elsewhere. The full list of operators is on the official Via Verde practical info page: viasverdes.com/en/itineraries/manacor-arta/datos-practicos.asp
Cycling with younger children and babies
The full loop from Cala Millor is best suited to strong, confident cyclists of around 10yrs and up. For younger children, a better option is to start from Artà (or Son Servera) and simply turn back when they’ve had enough. The route is flat and easy to follow, so there’s no pressure to reach a particular point, but remember to pack a picnic for half time snacks before you return the way you came.
If hiring a bike with a baby seat attachment, bear in mind the gravel surface can be bumpy in places – worth knowing before you commit to a long stretch.
Food and water
There are no cafés or toilets on the bike path itself. Pack water and snacks before setting off – there are however a number of rest areas with benches and picnic tables spaced along the full route, good for a breather or a picnic stop. Both Son Servera and Artà have good options in their town centres – in Artà, Hi Cream for ice cream or La Bicicletta Cafe for coffee and cake; in Son Servera, Peperoncino is a well earned Italian carb fest on the return.
Practical notes
- Distance: The Cala Millor to Artà loop (returning via the seafront) is around 30km
- Tyres: Wider is better – road bikes are not suitable
- No toilets on the route: Use facilities in the towns before setting off
- Shade: Limited on parts of the route – sun protection essential in summer
- Dogs: Must be kept on a lead
Getting back: the bus option
If you’re doing the route one way (and the bikes will be collected by the rental company) bus line 411 runs between Manacor and Artà. Timetables at tib.org.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal. To be avoided from June through September as much of the route is exposed and shade-free.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Via Verde suitable for children? Yes – it’s car-free, mostly flat and easy to follow. The Son Servera to Artà section is the most rewarding stretch for families. The only real challenge is a gentle climb into Artà at the end of the ride, manageable for most.
What ages is it suitable for? The Cala Millor to Artà route is best suited for regular cyclists of ages 10yrs+. With younger children and infrequent cyclists, your best bet is to join the trail in Artà or Son Servera and simply turn back when you want to call half time.
What bikes do you need? Wider tyres are much more comfortable on the gravel surface. Mountain bikes or hybrid/trekking bikes are ideal. Road bikes are not suitable. Bikes, including kids’ bikes and adult e-bikes, can be hired from Rental Bikes Mallorca in Cala Millor, or at Son Servera and Artà stations. If cycling with a baby chair attachment, note that it can be quite bumpy in places, sleep inducing or quite the opposite!
Do you need to cycle the full 29km? No – you can join at any point and do as much as suits your group. Starting from Cala Millor and cycling to Artà and back via the seafront is a natural self-contained day out at around 30km. The easiest, short route option would be to start in Arta and return whenever suits.
How long does it take? The Cala Millor to Artà loop takes around four to five hours including stops and a castle visit. Allow more time if you plan to explore Artà or Son Servera properly.
Can you take the bus back? Bus line 411 runs between Artà and Manacor. Bikes can theoretically be taken on board but it depends on bus type and capacity – not guaranteed and best not to plan around. Timetables at tib.org.
Is there anywhere to eat along the route? Not on the path itself – you’ll need to detour into town centres. Both Son Servera and Artà have good cafe options.
Useful links
- Via Verde route overview and map: viasverdes.com/en/itineraries/manacor-arta
- Bike hire and practical info: viasverdes.com/en/itineraries/manacor-arta/datos-practicos.asp
- Bike hire in Cala Millor: rentalbikesmallorca.com
- Bus timetables: tib.org
Planning a trip to Mallorca? I create personalised itineraries and experiences for families who want to go beyond the beach – cycle routes, off-the-beaten-track adventures and the best of the island with kids. Find out more.
