Mallorca is one of those destinations that feels made for a road trip. While buses and taxis can get you between the main tourist areas, some of the island's most beautiful spots - hidden coves, mountain villages and spectacular coastal viewpoints - are much easier to reach by car.
Having a vehicle completely transformed my trips to Mallorca. It gave me the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, from winding roads through the Serra de Tramuntana to secluded beaches that would have been difficult to visit otherwise.
If you're considering renting a car in Mallorca, this guide covers everything you need to know, including costs, insurance, common mistakes and how to find the best deals.
How Car Rental Works in Mallorca
The process is relatively straightforward:
- Search for available vehicles
- Compare prices and rental conditions
- Book your chosen car
- Collect it upon arrival
- Return it at the end of your trip
Most rentals include the vehicle, basic insurance and local taxes, while extras such as full coverage insurance, additional drivers, child seats and GPS units typically cost extra.
Before booking, it's always worth reviewing the supplier's terms and conditions carefully, particularly if you're travelling from outside Europe, as insurance requirements and documentation checks can vary.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Palma Airport
Most visitors collect their vehicle from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Major rental companies have desks inside the terminal, while some budget operators provide shuttle transfers to nearby collection points.
During summer, particularly on weekends, queues can be long, so allow extra time for collection before heading off on your journey.
Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience
Don't Arrive Late - Some suppliers may cancel bookings if pickup windows are missed.
Inspect the Vehicle - Before you drive away, walk around the car carefully and photograph everything - scratches, dents, chips in the windscreen, mileage and fuel level. Take a short video if it helps. This protects you if there's any dispute about pre-existing damage when you return the vehicle.
How to Find the Best Car Rental Deals in Mallorca
Finding a good deal isn't always about choosing the cheapest option.
Book at the Right Time - One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is leaving their booking until the last minute. At the same time, booking extremely far in advance doesn't always guarantee the best rate either. For Mallorca, I typically find that booking several weeks before departure offers a good balance between availability and pricing.Booking directly often means checking multiple websites, comparing prices manually and reviewing different policies individually.
Many travellers prefer using comparison platforms, which allow you to compare offers from multiple suppliers in one place.
A platform such as EconomyBookings allows you to compare multiple suppliers simultaneously, find competitive prices, and see customer ratings - helping you find the best car rental in Mallorca before booking.
Avoid Unnecessary Extras - Many travellers automatically add GPS units, Wi-Fi devices and other extras that they may not actually need.
Your smartphone may already cover most of these requirements.
When is the Best Time to Rent a Car in Mallorca?
If possible, avoid renting during July and August, when prices, traffic and parking demand are at their highest. June and September offer similarly great weather, with fewer crowds and often better rental rates.
If you're visiting during peak season, book your Mallorca car rental well in advance. Availability can disappear quickly, and last-minute prices are often significantly higher.
Where to Book a Rental Car in Mallorca
When comparing options, convenience matters almost as much as price.
Using a comparison platform can save considerable time because it allows you to:
- Compare multiple suppliers at once
- Review customer ratings
- Check pickup locations across the island
- Compare rental conditions side-by-side
Platforms such as EconomyBookings simplify the process of renting a car in Mallorca by offering transparent pricing and a straightforward booking experience.
Instead of visiting numerous supplier websites, travellers can compare available options in a single search and make more informed decisions.
Skyscanner - Known primarily for flights, but also useful for comparing Mallorca car rental options.
Local Suppliers - Many local companies can offer competitive pricing, although it's important to read reviews carefully and compare conditions before booking.
What to Watch Out For
The majority of car rental experiences are smooth, but there are a few things worth paying attention to.
Insurance Upselling - This is where many travellers get caught out. Basic insurance is included with most rentals, but the excess - the amount you're responsible for if the vehicle is damaged - can be quite high.
At pickup, you'll often be offered additional coverage such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW. While these can provide extra peace of mind, it's worth checking whether your travel insurance or credit card already offers similar protection.
Choosing the Right Car for Mallorca
The best vehicle depends entirely on your trip.
Couples - A compact car is usually ideal. Mallorca's older towns often have narrow streets and limited parking spaces.
Families - Consider a larger vehicle with sufficient luggage capacity and room for child seats.
Mountain Routes -If you're planning extensive driving through the Tramuntana mountains, a slightly more powerful vehicle may make steep roads more comfortable.
City Breaks - Small cars are easier to park in Palma and often cheaper to rent.
Fuel & Charing
Petrol stations are widely available across Mallorca, although they're less common in some mountain areas, so it's worth filling up before longer drives.
When collecting your car, a full-to-full fuel policy is usually the most cost-effective option. This means you collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it full.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more common, but charging infrastructure is still most reliable around Palma and the main resort areas.
Roads to Know Before Driving in Mallorca
Mallorca's roads are generally excellent, but a few routes stand out.
- The Ma-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana is one of the island's most scenic drives, passing mountain villages, coastal viewpoints and spectacular landscapes.
- The road to Sa Calobra is famous for its dramatic hairpin bends and stunning views. It's well worth the drive, but can become busy during peak season.
- If you're planning to visit Cap de Formentor, check current access restrictions before you travel, as private vehicle access is sometimes limited during the summer months.
Parking in Mallorca
Parking rules are indicated by coloured kerb markings:
- Blue lines: Paid parking
- White lines: Free parking (check local restrictions)
- Yellow lines: No parking
Parking in central Palma can be challenging, especially during summer, so public car parks are often the easiest option.
In popular towns such as Valldemossa, Deià and Alcúdia, arriving early can make finding a parking space much easier, particularly during peak season.
Local Tips for Driving in Mallorca
Before hitting the road, there are a few things worth knowing.
Driving Side - In Mallorca, you'll drive on the right-hand side of the road.Road Conditions - Roads are generally excellent and well-maintained. Mountain routes can be narrow and winding but are usually in good condition.
Parking- Parking can be challenging in Palma during peak season. Look for designated public car parks where possible.
Toll Roads - Unlike many European destinations, Mallorca currently has no major toll roads.
Driving Culture - Drivers tend to be confident but generally courteous. Stay alert on mountain roads, particularly around tight bends.
My Experience Renting a Car in Mallorca
Having a car completely changed the way I experienced Mallorca. Instead of staying around the main tourist areas, I was able to explore mountain villages, scenic viewpoints and quieter beaches at my own pace.
One challenge was navigating some of the narrow streets in historic towns, which is why I'd recommend choosing a smaller vehicle where possible. Parking is often easier too.
Overall, the flexibility was well worth the cost. Being able to stop whenever a viewpoint caught my eye or take a spontaneous detour to a hidden cove made the trip feel far more authentic.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Mallorca is one of the best ways to explore the island beyond the main resorts and tourist hotspots. The key is understanding what's included, choosing the right vehicle and comparing suppliers before booking.
Using a trusted comparison platform such as EconomyBookings can help simplify the process, save time and reduce the risk of unexpected costs. With a little preparation, you'll have the freedom to discover some of Mallorca's most beautiful places on your own schedule.