Car Rental in Portals Nous

Where to drive

• Drive to Palma de Mallorca: The island's capital, Palma, is just a short 15-minute drive (≈10 km) from Portals Nous. Explore its stunning cathedral, historic old town, and vibrant markets.
• Discover Deià and Valldemossa: Head north-west into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to visit these charming villages, approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive (≈30-40 km). Enjoy breathtaking views and artistic heritage.
• Explore Es Trenc Beach: For a taste of pristine, undeveloped coastline, drive south to Es Trenc beach, about a 45-minute journey (≈45 km). Known for its white sands and turquoise waters.
• Visit Alcúdia and Pollença: On the northern side of the island, these historic towns offer Roman ruins, medieval walls, and beautiful bays. Allow about an hour's drive (≈70 km) to reach them.
• Circuit the Calvià Coast: Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast of Calvià, stopping at various coves and beaches like Palmanova, Santa Ponça, and Peguera, all within a 10-30 minute drive.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you generally need a valid driving license (held for at least 1-2 years, depending on the rental company), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your driving license is not in a Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The minimum age to rent is typically 21 years, though drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Portals Nous vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models can range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. During the peak summer months, expect prices to increase by 50-100% or more across all categories, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads, 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 in poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

In Portals Nous, parking can be a mix of free and paid options. Street parking is often paid, indicated by blue zones (zona azul) where you pay at a meter for a limited time. White lines usually indicate free parking, while yellow lines mean no parking. During peak season, finding free parking near popular areas can be challenging, so consider using paid car parks or hotel parking if available.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Mallorca, including near Portals Nous and along major routes. Most stations offer both petrol (gasolina, 95 or 98 octane) and diesel (gasóleo). Prices are generally comparable to mainland Spain, around 1.60-1.80 EUR per litre for petrol, but can fluctuate. Payment is usually by card (credit/debit) or cash.

Which car to choose

For driving around Portals Nous and exploring Mallorca, an economy or compact car is often ideal. Its smaller size makes navigating narrow village streets and finding parking much easier. If you plan extensive drives into the mountainous Serra de Tramuntana, a car with a slightly more powerful engine might be beneficial, though not strictly necessary. An automatic transmission can make driving more relaxed on winding roads, but manual cars are more common and often cheaper.

Frequently asked questions