Car Rentals in Mallorca: Tips for the Perfect Road Trips

Mallorca is perfect for exploring on your own, and there’s no better way to do so than with your own set of wheels. From the dramatic peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana to the secluded coves and beaches of the east coast: the island’s most beautiful experiences lie far beyond the reach of resort shuttle buses and tour groups. When you rent a car at Palma Airport, your adventure in Mallorca begins the moment you land!

In this guide, we’ll give you tips on the best places to rent a car in Mallorca, what to look out for, and the best routes to take from Palma Airport. Be sure to prepare well and familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in Spain.

Why Renting a Car in Mallorca Is a Good Idea

If you want to experience the real Mallorca—the terraced olive groves above Valldemossa, the hidden beach of Es Trenc, the medieval town of Artà, or a spontaneous stop at a stall selling homemade ensaïmades —you’ll need a rental car. In short:

• Mallorca’s most beautiful sights are close to one another, so you’ll never have to spend too much time behind the wheel.

• Mallorca isn’t very big, but none of the bus routes serve its most beautiful spots.

• Thanks to the freedom and flexibility a rental car offers, you’ll have an unforgettable vacation in Mallorca.

Renting a Car at Palma de Mallorca Airport

The vast majority of travelers reserve a rental car at Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is the most practical and often the most affordable option.

Where to pick up your rental car

All major international car rental companies have counters in the arrivals hall. Just outside the airport, there are even more (local) providers, and they’re often more affordable. You’ll be taken there by a shuttle bus, and that takes barely any more time than waiting in line at a counter inside the terminal. Be sure to check that a car rental company has good reviews.

Advantages of picking up at the airport

Because so many car rental companies are located close together, there’s a wide selection of rental cars. When searching for a suitable car, you can use the EasyTerra website to compare options in detail and choose the rental car that best fits your travel plans and budget.

For most travelers, picking up a car at Palma Airport is hassle-free. The counters are open all day, with extended hours during the summer months to accommodate late-night flights. Normally, you’ll be behind the wheel of your rental car within 30 to 45 minutes of landing.

View available rental cars at Palma Airport.

What to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car in Mallorca

When picking up your rental car, it’s very important to follow a few steps before you drive off. Use the checklist below:

• Take detailed photos
  Photograph all four corners, the roof, the windshield, and the interior

• Check for existing damage
  Look for dents, scratches, and other damage.

• Compare with the rental agreement
  Check that all damage is correctly listed on the agreement.

• Have any missing damage recorded immediately
  Do you see damage that hasn’t been noted? Report this immediately to the rental company and have it added.

Insurance and Deductible

Three types of insurance are always included when renting a car in Mallorca: you’re covered for damage, theft, and liability. What you need to pay close attention to is the amount of the deductible. This is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket if you accidentally cause damage. This amount varies by rental company and also depends on the type of car you rent. We recommend covering that deductible, and this is always the case when you book a rental car with EasyTerra’s Worry-Free label. You will pay a security deposit, and you may have to pay an amount upfront in the event of damage, but we’ll reimburse you for that.

Narrow mountain roads

Mallorca is largely relatively flat; only the northwestern coastal strip is mountainous. The main road through this area is the MA-10, which is well-maintained but has only one lane in each direction and features challenging hairpin turns in some places. Outside of this main road, the mountain roads are often very narrow. Drive carefully there and keep a watchful eye on the road ahead. Be prepared for oncoming traffic when approaching blind curves. The mountain roads are also popular with cyclists, who descend at high speeds.

Best Routes from Palma Airport

Serra de Tramuntana

The MA-10, which runs along the northwest coast from Andratx through Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, and Deià to Sóller, is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Europe, featuring hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and extraordinary views of the deep-blue sea.

Highlights in the mountains of Mallorca:

• Valldemossa – The most beautiful village on the entire island, featuring, among other things, a 14th-century monastery.

• Sóller – Leave your rental car here for a while to take a ride to the harbor on a nostalgic wooden tram.

• Coll dels Reis – A spectacular mountain road to Sa Calobra in the shadow of Puig Major, Mallorca’s highest peak.

• Pollença – The final stop on the mountain route. Especially enjoyable on Sundays when the weekly market is held.

You can read a detailed description in our blog post about this route through the mountainous northwest of Mallorca.

Palma to Cap de Formentor

Cap de Formentor is one of Mallorca’s most popular tourist attractions. Thanks to its beautiful and spectacular views, a visit to the northernmost tip of the island is highly recommended. But please note: private vehicle traffic is prohibited there from May 15 through September 15 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. These restrictions apply starting from Port de Pollença.

If you want to drive there in your rental car during this time of year, it’s important to set out early. It’s a truly beautiful place to watch the sunrise. There’s also plenty to see on the way back:

• Alcúdia – Best known for its beautiful, wide sandy beach. The old town, surrounded by beautifully restored medieval city walls, is also worth a visit.

• s’Albufera de Mallorca – A stunning protected nature reserve and the island’s largest wetland. The visitor center is located along the Ma-12, just south of Platja de Muro.

• Coves de Campanet – The turnoff to this cave system is clearly marked on the Ma-13. Nearby are the Fonts Ufanes, but these natural springs can only be admired when there has been enough rainfall.

Palma to Cala d’Or and Artà

The east coast of Mallorca is dotted with small coves and beaches. Many of them are only easily accessible if you’ve rented a car on Mallorca. In addition to these beaches, there are other sights to see between Cala d’Or and the historic town of Artà.

• Felanitx – A medieval town with the Santuari de Sant Salvador perched high on a rock. Perfect for a picnic with a view!

• Ses Païsses – A prehistoric site with the remains of a settlement dating back some three thousand years.

• Farmers’ markets – Inland, you’ll find villages with authentic farmers’ markets. In Sineu and Petra on Wednesdays, and in Campos on Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Península de Llevant – A nature park in northeastern Mallorca with various hiking trails and beautiful views of the coast.

For even more inspiration for a road trip on the island, check out our blog: Discover Beautiful Mallorca with a Rental Car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a rental car in Mallorca?

If you just want to relax on the beach at your hotel, you don’t need to rent a car. But that would be a shame, because the island is stunning, with mountains, cliffs, caves, hidden beaches, and coves. If you really want to see magnificent Mallorca, a rental car is a must. Even if you’re just driving to beaches: the most beautiful secluded beaches aren’t accessible by public transportation.

Is parking difficult in Palma?

The historic center of Palma is largely car-free. The most practical approach is to park your rental car in one of the paid underground parking garages. The large parking garage beneath Parc de la Mar is very centrally located, near the cathedral. Others can be found near Plaça d’Espanya and along the waterfront of Passeig Marítim.

Which rental car is best for Mallorca?

For most routes, a standard rental car is the ideal choice, though the size naturally depends on the number of people you’re traveling with. An SUV or other rental car with high ground clearance is rarely necessary. The roads in Mallorca are paved everywhere, including most of the scenic mountain routes, and a tall vehicle won’t give you access to places a hatchback can’t reach.

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the winding roads of the Serra de Tramuntana, rent a car with sufficient engine power.

A convertible is sure to turn heads, but it’s best not to rent one in the height of summer. Since temperatures in Mallorca can exceed 35°C during that time, you’ll find yourself driving with the air conditioning on and the roof firmly closed more often than you might expect.

Stress-Free Car Rental in Mallorca

We recommend booking your rental car in Mallorca in advance, especially between June and September. Cars in the lower price ranges may no longer be available, and last-minute rates on-site are high during peak season. So book your rental car in advance through EasyTerra’s independent comparison platform—you’ll save a lot of money that way. Be sure to read our comprehensive guide to renting a car abroad.

Want to enjoy a carefree vacation in Mallorca without having to worry about a thing? We have the ideal solution for you: book a rental car with our Worry-Free label. These rental cars include:

• Full damage coverage

• Unlimited mileage

• The best fuel policy

• Reliable rental companies with good ratings

• No high deposit

Compare rental cars in Mallorca now.