Car hire in Mallorca

With its beautiful landscapes, weather that is warm in summer and sunny in winter, unique cuisine, and people, Mallorca is a holiday destination sought after by many. The island is dedicated to tourism, offering various leisure activities and excellent infrastructure. The best way to get to know it is by car. And for that, first, you need to know what Mallorca’s must-see attractions are.

Mallorca is the largest among the Balearic Islands, stretching approximately 80 kilometers from end to end. It is a short journey given its variety of places to discover. This Mediterranean jewel is an ideal spot to unwind and is perfect if you want to enjoy a natural paradise. The island presents many possibilities, so we recommend a minimum stay of about seven days. During this time, you can swim at the best beaches, visit the authentic villages, taste the incredible Mallorcan cuisine, and enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. If you are short on time, a four-day getaway will allow you to see many of the island's must-see attractions. Of course, you will need a rental car to make the most of your time. In Mallorca, as in Spain in general, you must drive on the right and respect traffic rules. Regarding speed limits in Mallorca, there is a speed limit of 120km/h on the Via de Cintura freeway for the most part, except for some sections that require you to drive at 80km/h. The maximum speed limit of 30 km/h must be observed in both Palma and the villages. On the island, parking on the white or yellow lines is prohibited. Particular caution must be exercised with cyclists, keeping a minimum distance of one and a half meters in traffic.

The island conceals charming hidden spots, and you will need your own vehicle to reach many of these exceptional settings. Mallorca has various ways to get around but without a doubt, renting a car is one of the best choices, considering the comfort and freedom of not having to depend on anything or anyone. Your mode of transport will also depend on where you are staying. You may be able to use public transportation such as buses, subways, and trains to move between cities. The public transportation network is quite good, allowing you to reach all parts of the city and its surroundings, although services for long-distance trips are often very infrequent. This is important to consider when visiting specific beaches or coastal areas. Renting a motorcycle is also a good option because it makes it easier to find parking in some places in high season. However, it makes reaching distant villages more difficult when the roads are not well paved or there is no lighting at night. For those who would rather not drive and are staying in the capital, Palma, an excellent network of bus routes will take you to every corner of the city, nearby beaches, and the neighboring towns of Marratxí, Calviá, and Llucmajor. In the city, you can also travel by subway, with lines that run to the university and Marratxí. Bicycles are ideal for getting around on backroads and exploring inland villages and parts of the Majorcan coast. Many hotels offer bicycle rental services since the island is well-suited for cycling enthusiasts and has numerous bike routes. In fact, Mallorca is widely regarded as Europe's cycling mecca due to its climate, excellent roads, and gorgeous scenery. It is also worth mentioning that Mallorca has excellent cab services and tourist transport, such as the bus that runs through the main tourist attractions. It also has the symbolic Train to Sóller, a wooden train that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

In Palma, Mallorca's capital city, there are restricted traffic zones (ACIRE) that only allow authorized vehicles and other vehicles, which are exempt from restrictions due to their features, to move around. In ACIRE zones, pedestrians have the right of way to encourage walking. These zones are not marked by any barriers, only by signs, so if you enter and your license plate is not registered in the ACIRE zone database, you may be fined. ORA zones are on almost every street in Palma. These are subject to a maximum parking time (120 minutes) for a fee. ORA zones are marked with blue lines and are also in some of the island's other towns and tourist areas. Mallorca also has public and private parking lots in various tourist areas and major populated areas. However, prices will be somewhat higher than those paid at ORA zones.

Mallorca has several tourist information offices spread all over the island where you can find the information you need during your visit.

Mallorca is an island with a wealth of culture and heritage, reflected in each village. The island comprises 53 municipalities with charming nooks and crannies to discover. In addition to Palma de Mallorca, the capital and tourist center of the island, there are five other regions:

Mallorca is one of the favorite destinations for both domestic and international tourists. Its landscapes, history, culture, cuisine, and, above all, its beaches make this island a desired destination for many. Choosing among the 262 beaches with turquoise water and delicate white, golden sand that make Mallorca a treasure trove is no easy task. Here is a list of the ones you cannot miss during your visit.