Mallorca is one of Europe's premier car rental destinations, and for good reason. While the island has a decent bus network, a rental car is the only way to discover hidden coves, mountain villages, and the breathtaking Tramuntana coast. From Palma, nowhere on the island is more than 90 minutes away.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of Europe's busiest airports in summer and is located just 8 km east of the city. The rental car area is enormous, reflecting the island's status as a car rental hotspot. Companies range from international brands to dozens of local operators. The rental centre is accessed via a free shuttle bus from the terminal.
Mallorca rental prices are very competitive, with economy cars available from €12-€20 per day outside peak season. July-August prices can reach €30-€50 per day, and popular categories (convertibles, SUVs) book out weeks in advance. Reserve early for summer trips.
The Serra de Tramuntana mountain road is Mallorca's must-drive route and one of Europe's great coastal drives. Essential tips:
April-May and September-October are ideal. Spring sees the almond trees in bloom and the Tramuntana at its greenest. Early autumn has warm sea temperatures and thinning crowds. Summer is scorching and crowded but offers the longest beach days. Winter (November-March) is mild and perfect for cycling and hiking, with the cheapest rental rates of the year.
Mallorca's main motorways (Ma-1, Ma-13, Ma-15, Ma-19) are modern, free, and well-maintained, connecting Palma to all corners of the island. Secondary roads vary from good to narrow and potholed, especially in the Tramuntana. Speed limits follow Spanish national rules: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in towns. Police radar controls are common on the Ma-13 to Alcúdia.
Fuel costs the same as mainland Spain, approximately €1.45-€1.65 per litre. Petrol stations are plentiful in the flatlands but scarce in the mountains.
Mallorca has been progressively restricting car access to popular beaches to combat overtourism. Key restrictions:
In Palma, park at a garage and walk or take a bus. The Parc de la Mar garage beneath the cathedral is perfectly located. In mountain villages like Deià and Valldemossa, parking is extremely limited — arrive early or late. Many hotels in the Tramuntana have their own small car parks. Coastal towns like Port de Sóller and Alcúdia have seasonal paid parking near the beaches.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Palma de Mallorca:
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| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casco Antiguo (Old Town) | €2.50-€3.00/hr | Blue zone around the cathedral and La Lonja. Very limited. Maximum 2 hours. Most streets are pedestrianized. |
| ORA Zone (Rest of Centre) | €1.50-€2.00/hr | Wider city centre including Paseo Marítimo. Enforced Mon-Fri 9:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00, Sat 9:00-14:00. |
| Underground Garages | €15-€25/day | Garages at Parc de la Mar, Plaza Mayor, and Avenidas. Parc de la Mar is closest to the cathedral. |
| Airport Parking | €10-€18/day | PMI has extensive parking. Long-stay is cheaper. Close to rental car return area. |
Traffic note: Palma has a restricted traffic zone in the Old Town enforced by cameras. The Paseo Marítimo seafront road and the Via Cintura ring road are the main arteries and get congested during rush hours (8:00-9:30, 17:30-19:30) and Saturday mornings. The Ma-1 motorway to Andratx and Ma-13 to Alcúdia are the busiest roads. In July-August, traffic to popular beaches (Es Trenc, Formentor) creates significant queues. Mallorca has recently implemented parking restrictions at popular coves, with shuttle buses replacing car access at some beaches. Cycling tourism is massive on the island, and groups of cyclists on mountain roads require patience.
Compare car rental prices in Palma de Mallorca → →Book your Palma de Mallorca rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at PMI pickup locations.
A UNESCO World Heritage mountain range running along the northwest coast. The winding road through Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller is one of Europe's most beautiful drives, with hairpin bends above sheer cliffs plunging to the sea.
The dramatic northernmost tip of Mallorca, where the mountains meet the sea. The serpentine road to the lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views. Access restricted by shuttle bus in peak summer.
Spectacular underground caves near Porto Cristo featuring one of the world's largest subterranean lakes, Lake Martel. Classical music concerts are performed on the lake by candlelight.
Rental companies in Spain charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
Reduce your excess to zero from $49/trip
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
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