Useful Tips For Renting A Car In Mallorca, Spain
Nestled in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Mallorca is famous for its golden beaches and charming old towns. The best way to discover its captivating allure? Renting a car in Mallorca, of course!
There’s an undeniable sense of freedom when you have the steering wheel in your hands, especially considering Majorca has so many gorgeous driving routes – it truly leads to some unforgettable experiences.
It’s just so much easier to explore everything this island has to offer, and with car rental companies offering such competitive rates, it’s a win-win!
With our Mallorca travel guide in your corner, you’ll be set to snag the best car rental deal, pinpoint the optimal car rental location, and familiarize yourself with the essentials of car rental regulations in Spain.
Do you need to rent a car in Mallorca?
Public transport in Mallorca, while reasonably reliable, isn’t quite as flexible as you might like.
Bus routes do cover much of the island, but schedules can be awkward and vehicles crowded during peak seasons.
With a rental car, this mesmerizing island opens up for exploration at your own pace. We’ve driven along beautiful coastal roads and through sun-drenched vineyards – experiences that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
And best of all? You handle your own plans – meaning you can better adapt to the changing weather, or visit places at less crowded times.
So, should you rent a car in Mallorca? Based on our enriching experiences, we say a resounding yes!
From ease of movement to freedom of discovery, renting a car in Mallorca gives you the keys to the island.
If you’re not convinced yet, here are some more reasons:
- Traveling in a group, or with plenty of baggage is much simpler when you’ve got a car.
- Car rental could even save you money, given how pricey taxi fares and public transport can be.
- You can easily stay in better-value hotels outside the tourist hot spots.
- It’s easier to buy groceries and cook your own meals – a very effective way of saving money.
My Mallorca car hire experience
When I visited Mallorca, I found the public transportation a bit limited.
There was lots of waiting, and sometimes there weren’t routes to the places I wanted to go. The taxis were too pricey for my budget – so renting a car in Mallorca was the way to go.
I was so glad. Having my own wheels meant I got to try some of the most spectacular driving routes in Mallorca.
One I remember well is “The Route of the Lighthouses” – I wound along dramatic coastal roads, feeling the warm breeze, and was greeted by the most beautiful landscapes at every turn.
Another I took was the route through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range – a UNESCO World Heritage site. I passed through several charming towns, such as Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller. It was a journey of serenity, beauty, and unexpected discoveries.
As I was keen to save money, I used Discover Cars to rent a car in Mallorca. This allowed me weigh up my rental options and get a great deal on a nice little car.
What do I need to rent a car in Mallorca as a tourist?
When it comes to renting a car in Spain, the requirements are the same as for most European countries. Mainly, you need to have a valid driver’s license.
Most people from the EU won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP), just your driver’s license – but make sure it’s the newer photocard version.
The minimum age to drive is 18, but to rent a car most rental companies only allow over 21s.
For paying, you can book ahead and use a debit card, credit card, or even PayPal if you use Discover Cars.
When you pick up the car, you’ll need a credit card for the deposit – not a debit card. This card serves as a guarantee, securing your deposit when you collect the car and releasing it when it’s returned.
So be sure to pack a credit card! Note also that the name on the card needs to match your passport.
Mallorca Car Rental Checklist
Here’s a full checklist for renting a car in Mallorca:
- A driving license from your home country (photocard version)
- Minimum 21 years old for most car hire companies.
- Possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re not from the EU.
- Your ID (passport).
- Credit card, debit card, or PayPal for payment when booking the car online.
- A credit card in your name (not debit card) for the deposit on arrival.
- Extra insurance if you prefer.
Tip: Paying a little on extra insurance for your rental might be a wise move. You’ll have peace of mind and not have to worry about any unexpected mishaps.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Mallorca?
Rental car prices in Mallorca are fairly reasonable, with cost varying depending on the car type and rental duration.
On average, you can expect to pay around 10-20 euros per day for a smaller car and around 20-40 euros per day for a mid-size or full-size car.
Luxury car rental in Majorca will cost more – expect around 40-70 euros per day.
Prices are higher during the summer – from June to September. This is the tourist high season and the busiest time of the year, so it’s a good idea to book at least a month beforehand to get the best price.
Tip: The longer you rent, the cheaper the daily price becomes. Renting a car for five days instead of just two or three might only cost slightly more.
Pickup Locations Mallorca
The main car rental pick up locations in Mallorca are:
- Palma de Mallorca Airport: Pick up your car as soon as your flight arrives! Most car rental companies have kiosks at the airport – so you’ll have your own wheels in no time.
- Palma City Center: If you’re already in the city, picking up your rental car from a city center location can be quite practical. Again, most companies also have offices in the city center.
Book ahead using a comparison site, and your chosen vehicle will be prepped and ready for you at your selected pickup spot. Super smooth!
For renting a car in Mallorca if you’re staying in a smaller town:
- Alcudia: If you need car hire in Alcudia, there are two large rental companies: Avis and Europcar, plus lots of smaller companies.
- Santa Ponsa: For car hire, Santa Ponsa has lots of choices, including Avis, Hiper, and many local options.
- Pollensa: There’s less choice of car hire in Pollensa. It may be better to pick up from nearby Alcudia.
Which type of car is best to use in Mallorca?
A smaller car might be the best option if you’re mainly sightseeing and jumping around the many beaches. They’re the cheapest to hire, you’ll save money on fuel, and they’re easy to drive – you’ll have no problem with the island’s narrow roads.
If you plan on exploring the island’s stunning countryside, it might be a better idea to get a larger, more powerful car.
As part of the island is mountainous, you’ll appreciate the extra power to get you up those steep inclines – and have a lot more fun.
As the roads are generally in good condition, don’t expect to need a 4×4 vehicle – though they do give a better view of the scenery.
All-in-all, think about your plans when renting a car in Mallorca.
Will you mostly be hopping from beach to beach? – A nippy little car will do. Or will you be exploring the island more thoroughly? – A more powerful car to tackle those hills.
Tip: Most rental cars in Mallorca have manual transmissions, so book your car in advance if you prefer an automatic.
Is driving in Mallorca difficult?
Driving in Mallorca is just as easy as driving in other areas of Spain, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Mallorca Standard of Driving
Tourists tend to drive in a more relaxed way compared to locals. This can lead to a little impatience, so always check your mirrors for anyone overtaking you before making left turns.
Being such a fantastic cycling destination, Mallorca attracts its fair share of cyclists – and they love the mountain roads. Be patient and leave them plenty of room when you overtake.
Roads in Mallorca
Mallorca has a good road network, with well-maintained roads. A fast road runs from East to West, letting you cross the island quickly.
However, off the main roads, side roads tend to be narrow and winding. You’ll have to drive quite slowly, especially when passing other vehicles.
Side roads to beaches or shortcuts may only be single lanes. You’ll have to be careful of cars coming in the other direction and look for passing places.
The Tramuntana mountains are towards the North and North West of the island. Expect steep inclines and hairpin turns.
Parking and Traffic Information in Mallorca
Traffic can be heavy in the cities, especially during peak hours – so allow extra time for your journeys.
Parking can be difficult in the cities. You might not be able to park super close to where you want to be, especially in Palma de Mallorca. Look for underground car parks in busy areas to save time.
Roadside parking where you need to pay is marked with blue lines. Buy a ticket from the machines.
In the smaller towns, you won’t have to pay for parking.
Mallorca driving rules you should know
There are a few driving rules in Mallorca that you should know before driving on the island.
- In Spain you drive on the right-hand side of the road, as in most European countries – if you’re not used to this, you’ll need to be extra careful when changing lanes or making turns.
- Wearing flip-flops to drive is prohibited (like in many countries)
- You can’t use your phone while driving. This includes even just holding your phone. You are allowed to use it hands-free, so get used to using voice commands.
- Drink driving rules in Spain may be stricter than you’re used to – the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) allowed is 0.05%, while for the UK and most of the USA, the legal limit is 0.08%.
Overall, there are no unusual rules – The rules are pretty typical of most European cities.
FAQs about Renting a Car in Mallorca
When to book a rental car in Mallorca?
It’s always best to book your rental car in Mallorca as soon as your travel plans are solidified.
Mallorca can be quite popular during peak tourist seasons, so the earlier you book, the better chance you have of snagging a great deal and getting the car you want.
Can you rent a car for a day in Mallorca?
Of course! The majority of car hire companies in Mallorca offer daily rental options.
Whether you need a car for a quick day trip or just to get around town for the day, you should be able to find a decent car.
Is it a good idea to rent an electric car in Mallorca?
If you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly, renting an electric car in Mallorca might be a good idea. Electric cars are becoming more popular on the island, and there are a growing number of charging stations available, though they may not be as widespread as petrol stations.
If you plan on staying in the more built-up areas, an electric car might be a good choice, as most of the charging points are located in the city. You can easily find charging points in the parking areas and hotels.
If you plan on exploring the island more thoroughly or are eager to go on any of the longer road trips, you’ll need a larger electric car with plenty of range. This is so you don’t find yourself needing a charging station in an area where they’re not readily available.
Tip: If you’re thinking of going electric – book ahead! Supplies of electric cars on the island are limited.
