Useful Tips For Renting A Car In Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca (Majorca) is a popular holiday island located in the Mediterranean Sea, part of the Balearic Islands, Spain. It is known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic towns. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled family vacation, this Spanish paradise has something for everyone.
With a rental car, you can easily navigate the island’s charming towns, travel to the best local restaurants, and fully explore the island to find its hidden coves and secret beaches.
If you’re looking for information on how to rent a car in Mallorca, you’ve come to the right place. Read below to learn about the rental process, including the requirements, where to rent from, and how to get the best deals.
Do you need to rent a car in Mallorca?
Renting a car in Mallorca can greatly enhance your experience on the island in a number of ways.
Firstly, you’ll have greater flexibility and freedom to explore. The island is quite large, and there are many interesting places to visit that are not easily reached by public transportation. With a rental car, you can easily travel to different towns and beaches, as well as to off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Having a car means you can plan your own itinerary and make stops along the way rather than be limited by the schedules of buses and tour companies. You’ll be able to fit more into your trip.
You can journey along many of the scenic drives on the island, which could be a highlight of your trip. There are several scenic routes in Mallorca that are well-suited for a car trip.
Additionally, renting a car in Mallorca might save you more money overall. Taxi fares can add up quickly, especially if you’re visiting several different towns or beaches. You can also easily stay in better-value hotels outside of the tourist hot-spots.
Finally, having a car makes it much more convenient to buy groceries and cook your own meals – a very effective way of saving money.
My experience of car hire in Mallorca
When I visited Mallorca, I found the public transportation limited. It was often infrequent, and there weren’t routes to many of the places I wanted to go. The taxis were a bit pricey – so renting a car was the way to go.
I was so glad. Having a car allowed me to try some of the spectacular routes on the island, such as the “Route of the Lighthouses” – a coastal drive that took me through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca, including the lighthouse at Cap Formentor, which offered stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
I also took “The Serra de Tramuntana” through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range – a UNESCO World Heritage site. There were spectacular views of the countryside and the sea, and I passed through several charming towns, such as Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller.
As I was keen to save money, I used Discover Car to book a car. This allowed me to get a great deal as it compared all the car hire deals available on the island.
What do I need to rent a car in Mallorca as a tourist?
You’ll find these requirements are the same for renting a car in most European countries.
In order to rent a car in Mallorca as a tourist, you typically need the following:
- A valid driver’s license: You will need to present a valid driver’s license from your home country, as well as a valid passport or ID card.
- Age requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Mallorca. If you’re under 25, you might have to pay a little extra.
- Credit card: Most car rental companies will require a credit card to secure the rental. Some rental companies may also accept debit cards, but you should check with the company in advance to confirm this. Note that the name on your credit card should match your passport.
- Insurance: You’ll have basic insurance on your rental, covering any damage to other cars (3rd party), but you may not be protected from damage to your own rental car (1st party). It’s a good idea to get additional insurance to cover this.
- Reservation: During busy periods, car availability can be limited. It’s a good idea to book ahead to get the best car for your needs.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Mallorca?
The cost of renting a car in Mallorca varies depending on the type of car you want, the length of your rental period, and the season.
On average, you can expect to pay around 5-20 euros per day for a smaller car and around 20-40 euros per day for a mid-size or full-size car. Luxury cars or vans will have a higher cost, around 40-70 euros per day.
Prices per day will be lower when renting over a longer period. You may find the cost of renting a car for five days only slightly higher than renting for just three days.
You’ll also get a better deal by booking in advance. It’s a good idea to use Discover Car – which gets the best prices from every rental company.
Additionally, prices might be a bit higher during the summer – from June to September. This is the high season and the busiest time of the year, so it’s a good idea to book at least a month beforehand to secure the best price.
Which type of car is best to use in Mallorca?
The type of car that is best to use in Mallorca depends on what you need and the type of trips you’re planning.
A smaller car is usually the best option if you’re mainly sightseeing and visiting the many beaches. They’re the cheapest to hire, and you’ll save money on fuel. You’ll also get better handling, so driving through built-up areas and parking will be easier.
If you plan on driving through the mountains on one of Mallorca’s spectacular road trips, it might be a better idea to get a larger, more powerful car. You’ll appreciate the extra power when driving uphill – 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 you a better view of the scenery, which might add to your experience.
All-in-all, think about your plans. 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.
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.
Is driving in Mallorca difficult?
Driving in Mallorca is generally considered to be similar to driving in other parts of Spain.
Some things to keep in mind when driving in Mallorca are:
Roads: Mallorca has a good road network, with well-maintained highways and secondary roads. However, some of the roads can be winding and narrow, especially in rural areas, so you should drive carefully and be aware of other vehicles.
Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common in Mallorca, so you should be familiar with how to navigate them.
Traffic: Traffic can be heavy in the cities, especially during peak hours, so you should allow extra time for your journey.
Parking: Parking can be difficult in the cities, so you should be prepared to walk a bit if you can’t find a spot nearby.
Overall, If you are familiar with the rules of the road and comfortable driving, you should be able to navigate Mallorca’s roads with ease.
Spain driving rules you should know
There are a few driving rules in Mallorca that you should know before driving on the island.
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 cautious when changing lanes or making turns.
Also, you have to wear a seat belt at all times, and children under 12 years old need a child seat or booster seat.
Furthermore, 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.
Lastly, 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 typical of most European cities.
