What are the top 5 road cycling destinations in Europe after Mallorca?

+1 for anywhere north of Girona, including the Alt Emporda (Costa Bravaand north), Garroxta and over in France, Vallespir. None of which are really well known but I've cycled there many times (in fact, I'm looking out on a cloudy Vallespir right now) and loads of lovely climbs, good roads and not too much traffic. There's a reason the pros go there to train

It depends if you want to go somewhere geared up for cycling, or if you want to go somewhere slightly less mainstream.

If it's the latter, I can recommend La Palma. Although you might struggle to find high spec road bikes to hire, you'll get quiet roads and plenty of climbing. There is a great 40km climb from sea level to the observatories @ 2426m. It does rely on you being reasonably self-sufficent though as there are very few places to refuel. 

Similarly, Picos de Europa has loads of quiet roads. Covadonga is definitely one of my favourite climbs.

But if you want an 'easier' cycling holiday, I would echo the recommendations for Girona and the Dolomites.

+1 for Vercors

All the good bits about being in mountains in France without the col baggers and the hordes of Porsche drivers doing their rallies.

Think it really depressed nds what you're after for your cycling as to what you consider to be a top cycling destination.
Personally Mallorca wouldn't even register for me as somewhere I'd want to cycle but I want a bit more than several hours flogging myswlf on smooth roads.

Though not a mountain climber type I don't mind mixing a few hard days in with something easier. I loved Chamonix as it was quiet out of season and cycling into Switzerland up some long but not really steep climbs was nice with not much traffic.

Friends did a 7 day Raid Alpine in 2017 which i supported, that was between 9,000-11,000 ft altitude gain and 85-100 miles a day taking in izoard, Iseran, Madeline, Cime de la Bonnet (highest public acces paved pass) .though I wasn't cycling and frankly wasn't anywhere near fit enough it's a ride I wouldn't mind doing unassisted/touring but over 50-60% more days. Not bothered abbout the Carnet stamps but simoly doing the roads and staying in lovely hotels as well as meeting people along the way would be epic. There's one 13 mile descent that was absolutely glorious, through a major gorge, relaxing sweeping bends on butter smooth roads doing an easy 40mph barely turning the cranks. And then a hot sweaty uphill a few miles later. Hahaha.

Planning to have a crack at 100 mile ride around Isle of Islay (scotland). Should be a belter!

For a cheap trip with untapped fabulous ‘lumpy’ terrain (not mountainous but continually up and down) try the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The roads are fantastic, quiet and undulate for mile after mile. Heighest point is 3000’ above sea level, but there are numerous hills with long gradual gradients or steep stuff alike.

Flights into Faro all year round, spring and autumn are spectacular and we’ve had wall to wall blue skies in the second week of November for the last 3 years, high teens low twenties on the temperature front which is perfect for summer gear.

Food is fabulous, especially if you avoid the tourist strip on the coast itself. Head inland and it is cheap as chips.

PP

FWIW, I've done trips to Girona, Bourg d'Oisans, Majorca and Corvara, and I'd go back to Corvara over the others. The climbs might not be as famous as the ones around Bourg, but the scenery is spectacular and, IMHO, the food is better.

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BTW - Rocacorba is a bit of a let down imho. Almost every other climb in the region is nicer, it's just famous as it was a handy steep ramp for testing on. Don't do it ahead of rides to the coast (the Tossa del Mar loop will blow you away) or Mare de Déu Del Mont.

Good advice, thanks! Didn't know about the Mare de Deu Del Mont loop...

Pyrenees as others have said but stay near Luz San Savoir, do the Tourmalet,Luz Ardiden, Hautacaum, Cirque du Gavarnie, Col du Solour all great climbs and quiet roads (except the Tourmalet. Fly to Lourdes
Vercors is a hidden gem, ultra quiet roads. Grenoble is normally open for flights in the ski season, so I flew into Lyon, which is also good for the Alps

It's less popular with foreign tourists seemingly, but a massive cycling area is the Basque region of northern Spain. Fly to Bilbao, head west into the Picos de Europa - the roads are beautiful and you'll see very little traffic. I think it's the least populated part of the country. We rode one day and saw only one other person all day, who happened to be Sammy Sanchez, Olympic champ at the time. Bilbao has a great bike culture, the shop Bilbo Bike is run by a real enthusiast and he can no doubt help out with hire too. We're going back in September and I can't wait.

As a bonus, the city of Bilbao is fantastic - compact, with amazing food and drink.

BTW - Rocacorba is a bit of a let down imho. Almost every other climb in the region is nicer, it's just famous as it was a handy steep ramp for testing on. Don't do it ahead of rides to the coast (the Tossa del Mar loop will blow you away) or Mare de Déu Del Mont.

Other top places: the Lot/Dordogne in France (easily reached from Marseille), the Vercors (Grenoble) and the Swiss Alps.

Pyrenees is a must. Bagnerre de Luchon, or around there, has  4 classic climbs straight out of the town: Col de Portillon, Port de bales, Peyresourde and Superbagneres (to include Hospice de France). Three of those can be used to make circuits of increasing distance, out towards Aspin, Tourmalet, Mente or even into the Ariege or Spain. Comparatively quiet roads. From the Luchon valley, out towards the motorway, turn east or west, and there are miles of quiet, unspoiled, 'flatter' roads. Several companies and B&Bs, cheaper lower down the valley. September is often a good month.

Ha, should have thought of Girona, we're headed there in a couple of months (unfortunately hottest part of the year, I'm getting pre-hydrated now!).

Think the Rococorba is the Sa Calobra equivalent out there, more height gain I think.

Bourg D'Oisans is a good shout for a first alpine trip.

Pyrenees - have a look at Bagneres du Luchon or Argeles Gazost.

Dolomites - Corvara is a great base for many of the classics (the Maratona starts here). The roads can be a little busy but are utterly spectacular.

For a fairly similar experience to Mallorca, consider the Costa Blanca area around Caple/Xabia/Denia.

Gran Canaria and Girona also worth a look.

Bourg d'Oisan in France.

You're surrounded by classic Tour de France climbs, Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, Col du Telegraph, Col du Glandon, Croix de Fer, and then there are lesser known climbs scattered about as well, Col de La Morte, Col d'Ornon, La Berarde, Col de Saurenne, and plenty others.

Bourg itself was great, we pretty much returned to the same bar/restaurant every evening, stayed in a beautiful family run cyclists chalet called 'Cycling Ascents' whose owner (Kevin, I think) is a super rapid local cyclist who can do guided rides in the area as well.