Mallorca Travel Guide

Mallorca, with its picture-perfect beaches, sun-soaked shore and remote mountains, has long been the jewel of the Balearics. While it might be tempted to stick to the capital, Palma, there’s much more to beyond its city. Your best bet is to hire one of the Mallorca car rentals which offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Stop off in charming hill towns for a spot of lunch, lace up your boots to hike along the winding mountain trails or find a hidden cove where turquoise waters gently lap onto empty sandy beaches. There’s something utterly seductive about this sun-drenched island. Whether you’re looking for a solitary hideaway or a hedonistic weekend, you’ll find everything you need on the Spanish island.

Dining in Mallorca

With its year-round balmy weather (almost) and its proximity to the sea, it’s hardly surprising that some of the continent’s best gastronomy can be found on the sunny island. Its ingredients and produce speaks for itself and the dishes here celebrate simplicity. Look out for the island favourite like sobrassada which sits somewhere between chorizo sausage and pate and is best accompanied by crusty Mallorcan bread and cold white wine. Or there’s caldereta de llagosta, a fishermen’s stew made from spiny lobsters, fish stock, onions and peppers. Don’t discount the cuisine found in the mountains. There are plenty of remote restaurants serving up some fine fare best reached using your Mallorca hire car.

Attractions in Mallorca

Mallorca might be small, but its packed with things to do and places to see. After you’ve picked up your Mallorca car rental, make a dash for the capital Palma, a charming place full of tapas bars, waterfront restaurants and attractions like the enormous La Seu Gothic cathedral. While you’re there, don’t skip the Es Baluard contemporary art museum or the aquarium where you can get face to face with creatures of the deep including sharks. If you’ve got some extra time, hop aboard the vintage Soller train which follows the old tracks through the Tramuntana mountains passing lush olive groves and pine forests along the way.

Mallorca driving routes

If you pick up a car rental in Mallorca, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you have a spare day, you could take the scenic drive up to Pollensa and the North East. An hour’s drive from Palma brings you to the charming town of Pollensa where you can grab a coffee in the beautiful town plaza. Continue along the winding coastal roads to Cala Sant Vicenc, a small village with some two scenic bays and a pretty harbourfront. Take the twisty road up towards Cap de Forentor where you’ll find some fabulous views before driving along the route to Alcudia where you can wander through the historic narrow streets.

Mallorca car rental

Picking up a car hire in Mallorca couldn’t be simpler at Palma de Mallorca Airport. Once you’ve scored your car, Palma city centre is just five miles away and you can reach your hotel within around 20 minutes. Be sure to book a hotel which has free spots for your car as street parking can be a little tricky in the city. While it’s tempting to drive with flip-flops or bare foot on your beach holiday, you should remember that Spanish law dictates you should wear shoes when you’re driving, and you can get fined if you don’t.

Driving information for your car rental in Mallorca

Speed Limits in Spain:

Motorways and Dual Carriageways = 120 km/h

Roads with more than one lane in each direction = 100 km/h

Ordinary Roads = 90 km/h

Road Markings & Signs:

Yellow Zig-Zag Marker = No Parking Allowed

Blue Line Marker = Parking is Limited

Blue diamond + White Number = Maximum Advised Speed Limit

Important Driving Rules:

Age Limit = 18

Alcohol Limit = 0.05%

Seatbelts = Compulsory by law

Useful Spanish Translations:

Toll Road = "Peaje"

Motorway = "Autovia"

Roundabouts = "Rotondas"