Are you planning a trip to Mallorca and wondering whether you should rent a car? Don't worry, we've got you covered! This post will discuss everything you need to know about driving in Mallorca. We'll talk about the minimum age required to drive, how safe it is to drive on the island, and even share some tips on when to rent a car and what to bring with you for a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. So please sit back, relax, and let's get started!
This blog post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Renting a car in Mallorca – Should You?
If you want to explore the island rather than spend your time at the hotel or beach with a drink, we highly recommend renting a car. You could try exploring by using buses, but they do not cover all parts of the island, and their frequency and connections are not ideal for reaching all the places. To fully explore Mallorca, renting a car is the best option, and we recommend using discovercars.com for this purpose.
Things to know before renting a car.
To rent a car in Mallorca, Spain, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. If you are not a citizen of the EU, you must also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license.
Mallorca is a relatively small island, so you can explore nearly everything with a car within a week. The roads are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, with traffic flowing on the right-hand side and passing allowed only on the left. The legal limit for alcohol consumption while driving in Mallorca is 0.05%, but it is highly recommended that you do not drink and drive at all.
When booking a car.
When booking a car, it’s important to assess the final price and determine what you can afford to pay. Several factors determine the final rental price.
The time – is the most important factor of them all. The sooner you book your rental, the cheaper it becomes. Browse your specific dates at discovercars.com to quickly find and rent your perfect car.
Season – can determine the rental price a lot. In the off-season, prices can be as low as 50 euros per week for a compact car.
Insurance – can vary, but we always recommend taking full coverage. It can get pricey, but it can save you a lot of problems in the future.
Pick up and drop off location – should always be the same. There is only one airport in Mallorca, so renting a car won’t be a problem. However, if you plan to take a ferry to the mainland with your rental car, be prepared to pay up to five times the normal rental price.
Choosing the right company – can be a difficult task. Discovercars.com can assist you in finding all available car rental companies and their prices for specific vehicles.
Manual vs Automatic – the neverending question of which is better to take. Cars with manual transmission are typically less expensive, but when driving on the road to Sa Calobra or other island serpentine roads, you may wish to have an automatic transmission.
Choosing the right type of car – to suit your needs. When it comes to driving on the narrow roads of Mallorca Island, it is highly advisable to rent a compact car instead of a larger vehicle. Compact cars are generally cheaper than their larger counterparts, while also being much easier to maneuver on narrow streets. Additionally, they offer better fuel efficiency, making them a cost-effective choice for travelers looking to explore the island on a budget. With a compact car, you can navigate through the winding roads with greater ease and avoid any unwanted accidents. Therefore, we highly recommend renting a compact car for your travels around Mallorca Island.
Mileage limit – can be a tricky part if you don’t know how much of the road you will cover on your road trips. Unlimited mileage is offered by most car rental services on Mallorca Island. However, there are a few exceptions – primarily limited to vans – that come with mileage restrictions.
Electric vs gasoline – is purely your preferred choice. Electric cars are an environmentally friendly alternative that can also save you money on fuel costs. However, renting an electric car requires more planning than a traditional gasoline car. You will need to be aware of the car’s range and ensure you have access to charging stations to recharge your car when needed.
Mallorca is instituting a policy that by 2025, half of all rental cars on the island will need to be electric, and by 2030, it is expected to reach 100%.
Deposits – can vary and sometimes can get very high. It is usually more cost-effective to rent a car with a deposit rather than without. While renting a car without a deposit is possible, it generally incurs additional costs.
All extras – you will need, come at an additional cost, if not written otherwise. It is recommended that you bring your own GPS device or baby seat from home, if possible.
Getting ready for your trip.
Don’t forget to take these essentials when leaving home for your Mallorca holiday:
Driver’s license, passport, IDP (International Driving Permit) – can’t get anywhere without these.
Rental Confirmation – The digital version is a must, but we still carry printed copies in case of battery failure.
Driving Glasses – for those who can not drive without them.
Sunglasses – are a must on the Island of Mallorca, with an average of 300 sunny days per year.
Baby seat – can be taken for free on most airlines if you are traveling with children.
GPS – Nowadays, navigation apps are available on all smart devices, eliminating the need to rent a GPS device.
On a trip.
Upon receiving your rental car, thoroughly inspect for any dents, scratches, or damages visible and document them through photos or videos. Report any significant issues to the rental agent.
Some places on the island are reachable only by off-road so it is important to note that many rental car companies have strict policies against off-road driving. To avoid any issues, it’s best to carefully read your rental contract and clarify any restrictions before taking your vehicle off the pavement.
Starting from the 29th of January 2019, the maximum speed allowed on the motorway is 120 km/h (75 mph). On regular roads, the speed limit is 90 km/h, and for urban roads, the limit is set at 50 km/h. In any other places, the speed limit will be indicated by a sign. Please note that drivers may face a fine if they exceed the speed limit by more than 7 km/h.
There are speed cameras, fixed and mobile, to capture people speeding that’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for the speed signs to avoid getting a ticket. It can lead to severe fines reaching up to 600 euros.
It is usually easy to find a parking spot near most of the tourist attractions in Mallorca. However, there could be some exceptions such as popular beaches or Palma, the capital of the island. On weekdays, finding a convenient parking spot in Palma can be quite challenging.
Make sure to thoroughly inspect and document the car for any damages upon return.
We hope this post has shed some light on how renting a car on Mallorca Island can help you explore its beauty!
