Car Rental in Palma de Mallorca

Where to drive

• Drive to Valldemossa and Deià: Explore these charming mountain villages in the Serra de Tramuntana. It's approximately a 30-40 minute drive (≈20-25 km) from Palma, offering breathtaking scenic routes.
• Visit Cap de Formentor: Journey to the northernmost tip of Mallorca for stunning cliffs and lighthouse views. This drive is about 1 hour 15 minutes (≈70 km) from Palma, featuring winding roads and incredible vistas.
• Discover Es Trenc Beach: Head south to one of Mallorca's most famous natural beaches, known for its crystal-clear waters. The drive takes about 45-50 minutes (≈50 km) from Palma.
• Explore Alcúdia Old Town and Port: Immerse yourself in history within Alcúdia's medieval walls and enjoy its vibrant port. This is approximately a 45-minute drive (≈55 km) north of Palma.
• Day trip to the Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drach): Witness the impressive underground lakes and stalactite formations on the east coast. This trip is about 1 hour (≈65 km) from Palma.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you will typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, held for at least one year (some companies require two). Non-EU citizens should also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license. A valid passport or national ID card and a major credit card in the main driver's name are also essential. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, though drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Palma de Mallorca vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season (e.g., January-February), while the same vehicle might cost 40-60 EUR or more in peak summer. SUVs and premium cars naturally command higher prices, potentially ranging from 50 EUR to over 150 EUR daily, especially during July and August. Booking in advance, particularly for summer, is highly recommended to secure better rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers). Headlights must be used in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 135 cm tall must use an approved child restraint system appropriate for their size and weight.

Parking

In Palma, parking can be challenging, especially in the city center. Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid street parking, usually via meters or mobile apps, with time limits. Green zones (zona verde) are often for residents or have different restrictions. Underground parking garages are widely available and are a convenient, albeit more expensive, option. Outside Palma, especially in smaller towns, free parking can be found, but it might be limited during peak season near popular attractions.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are common across Mallorca, especially along major routes and in towns. Both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are widely available. Prices are comparable to mainland Spain, typically displayed per liter. Payment is usually by credit card or cash. It's advisable to fill up before long trips, particularly if heading into more remote areas like the Serra de Tramuntana, where stations might be less frequent.

Which car to choose

For exploring Palma's narrow city streets and navigating parking, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. If you plan to drive extensively into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a car with a bit more power and good handling, perhaps a mid-size or even a small SUV, would be beneficial for the winding, sometimes steep roads. Manual transmission cars are very common in Spain, but automatics are readily available if preferred.

Frequently asked questions