Sa Calobra is 6.3 miles (10.1 km) at an average 7% from the cove, at 52 ft (16 m), to the highest point on the road at 2,369 ft (722 m): 2,313 ft (705 m) of climbing. It’s a dead-end road, so you have to descend the whole thing before you can climb it.
What the climb is like
The MA-2141 was designed by engineer Antonio Parietti in the early 1930s and snakes down to the cove in a chain of hairpins. The pavement is excellent and about 16 ft (5 m) wide. The grade is fairly steady, between 6% and 8%, and the hardest part is in the hairpins of the upper half, from km 6 (mile 3.7) to the top, with 11% ramps. Near the end is the famous Tie Knot (nus de sa corbata), where the road loops under itself; from there you have a third of a mile (half a kilometer) to go.
There’s shade only on the lower half. We don’t publish a segment-by-segment profile because we couldn’t find two sources that split it the same way.
A note on the numbers
Two versions are going around. Climb databases measure from the cove to the high point: 10.1-10.2 km, 701-706 m and a summit at 722-723 m. The press and Strava use a 9.4 km (5.8 mile) segment that ends at the Coll dels Reis, at 682 m (2,238 ft). We use the first, which three sources agree on. The reference times are for the 9.4 km segment.
History
Sa Calobra has never been a Grand Tour finish, but it’s the preseason climb for the pro teams that hold winter camps in Mallorca. In December 2022, Tom Pidcock rode the Strava segment in 22:46 (averaging 15.5 mph, or 24.9 km/h), 1:50 faster than the previous record.
When to go, water and traffic
Sa Calobra’s problem is traffic: from spring on, tour buses and rental cars come down, and in summer the hairpins jam up. February is the quietest month; the rest of the year, start very early. There are no fountains on the climb, but there are cafés at the cove and at Sa Corbata. You can also reach the cove by boat from Sóller if you only want to ride it uphill.
What gearing to use
Anyone in decent shape can ride it on a 34x28. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, spinning 71 rpm on a 34x28. If you want a higher cadence in the upper hairpins, go with a 34x30. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Take the descent easy: some buses need both lanes to get around the bends.
- Fill your bottles before you descend or at the cove: there are no fountains on the way up.
- If you want to compare yourself with the pros, remember their Strava segment is 5.8 miles (9.4 km) and doesn’t start at the same point in the cove.
Reference times
| Rider | Time | Year | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Pidcock | 22:46 | 2022 | Strava record on the 9.4 km (5.8 mile) segment, at a December team camp. |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Sa Calobra?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 50 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 59 min at 2.5 W/kg and 38 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How long is the Sa Calobra climb?
From the cove to the high point it's 6.3 miles (10.1 km) and 2,313 ft (705 m) of climbing, at 7%. The most popular Strava segment is 5.8 miles (9.4 km) and ends at the Coll dels Reis, 2,238 ft (682 m).
When is the best time to ride Sa Calobra?
Early in the morning and outside summer. From April on there are lots of tour buses and rental cars; February is the quietest month.
What is the Tie Knot on Sa Calobra?
It's the bend where the road loops under itself, near the top. The Sa Corbata café is there.