Sa Calobra
Spain, europe
9.4 km
682 m
moderate
March to June, September to November
# Sa Calobra: Mallorca's Most Iconic Switchback
If you've scrolled through travel Instagram, you've probably seen *that* photo of the impossibly tight road loop on Mallorca's northwest coast. Welcome to Sa Calobra—and yes, it's even more spectacular in person.
This legendary route plunges from the Coll dels Reis pass (682 meters) down to sea level in just 9.4 kilometers of pure adrenaline. The showstopper? A jaw-dropping 270-degree hairpin turn where the road actually loops under itself like a snake eating its tail. Built way back in 1932 by Italian engineer Antonio Parietti, it's still one of Europe's most photographed road features, and you'll understand why the moment you see it.
The descent cuts through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the views are absolutely unreal—think dramatic limestone cliffs dropping straight into turquoise Mediterranean waters. With twelve major hairpins and gradients reaching 7%, this is serious cyclist territory. The annual Sa Calobra cycling event proves it: thousands of riders flock here every year to conquer the brutal climb back up.
At the bottom, you'll find a charming cove where the Torrent de Pareis gorge—one of Mallorca's most impressive natural wonders—meets the sea. The gorge is totally hikeable through short tunnels carved right into the rock, and the beach is perfect for a refreshing swim after your drive.
Fair warning: this road gets absolutely rammed with traffic in summer. Go early morning if you want to actually enjoy the experience without bumper-to-bumper madness.
Where is it?
Sa Calobra is located in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.8514, 2.8050
Driving Tips
# Road Travel Tips
Head out early in the morning if you can—you'll dodge most of the tourist buses and heavy traffic that tends to build up later. Fair warning though: the road itself is pretty narrow with not a ton of spots where you can safely pass other vehicles, so keep that in mind when you're planning your route.
Watch out for cyclists, especially if you're going in spring. They're out in decent numbers, so give them plenty of space and stay patient.
If you're planning a return trip, here's something to think about: that climb back can be pretty brutal, especially if you're doing it in summer heat. You might want to time your drive for earlier or later in the day if possible, or make sure you've got water and maybe some snacks on hand. It makes a real difference when you're dealing with that kind of elevation in hot weather.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Mallorca, Balearic Islands
- Length
- 9.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 682 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- March to June, September to November
- Coordinates
- 39.8514, 2.8050
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