Car Hire Palma de Majorca

When arriving in Palma by air, you’ll find the airport is just 12km from the city, about a 20-minute drive along the MA-19. This leads right into the centre but also provides a connection to the MA-20 ring road.

If you plan to park your hire car in Palma to explore on foot, there are many underground car parks on offer, including one in front of the port and cathedral.

Outside Palma the island’s roads are generally quiet, making driving a relaxed experience. Speed limits typically vary from around 50km/h in towns to 90km/h on rural routes and up to 120km/h on motorways (which are small in number), unless otherwise indicated. But always check the signs for the route that you are on.

The south coast is packed with popular tourist hotspots such as Magaluf, just 25 minutes from Palma via the MA-1, and S’Arenal, 15km in the other direction if you follow the MA-19. Travel further along this road and you’ll reach Cala S’Almonia in around an hour, close to the southern tip of the island.

For adventurous drivers, to the west and north of Mallorca the MA-10 is a stunning scenic route with views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a sprawling mountain range that covers around a third of the island’s surface. The drive is a little more than 100km, and you can spend a day enjoying outstanding views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Take extra care however when negotiating the tight mountain bends, and be sure to adjust your speed accordingly.

Like the rest of Spain, driving in Mallorca is the right-hand side of the road with overtaking on the left.

With its picturesque waterfront, cobbled streets and lively tapas bars, Palma is packed with historical and cultural attractions.

Hire a car to explore the best beaches around the city, and head inland to the quieter towns and mountainous region of this beautiful island.

Historic sights and lavish views 

One of the most famous landmarks in Palma is its 14^th-century fortress, Bellver Castle. Situated high on a hill overlooking the city, it’s surrounded by scenic pine woods and boasts panoramic views of the coastline – its name fittingly derives from “lovely view” in Catalan.

Once a royal fortress and prison, today the castle houses a museum and often hosts open-air concerts in its courtyard during summer. There’s ample parking available, and you can buy tickets from the reception desk in the car park.

This vast sandstone basilica was originally built in the 13^th century on the site of a former mosque. It remains one of the tallest Gothic structures in Europe today, sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Light due to its spectacular stained-glass windows. The cathedral is open daily to the public for a small entry fee, with audio guides available.

Next to the cathedral is Parc de la Mar, an artificial lake with a promenade lined by palm trees and cafes. And opposite lies La Almudaina palace – a former Moorish fortress which was later taken over by the Kings of Spain. Walk through the glamorous bedrooms, halls and courtyard and admire the lavish furnishings.

Culture and cuisine

Just a ten-minute drive from the old town lies the pretty neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, bursting with colourful houses and cafes. Stop off for a coffee and the classic Mallorcan snack of ensaimada, a sweet pastry similar to a croissant.

This part of the city is also home to El Mercat de Santa Catalina, a huge food market where you can try delicious locally produced charcuterie, cheeses and olives.

If you’re keen to soak up some more culture, visit Palma’s contemporary art gallery, close to the harbour. Works by Catalan painters such as Antoni Gelabert and Joaquim Mir are on display, as well as many masters of 20^th century art.

Hit the beach

No visit to Mallorca is complete without visiting one of its famous beaches, and with a hire car in Palma you’re spoilt for choice.

Within the city there are options including Ca’n Pere Antoni, which offers spectacular views of Palma’s famous architecture.

Just 20 minutes or so away via the MA-1 is Puerto Portals, where the Portals Nous beach boasts excellent water sports facilities and high-end restaurants. Or for more secluded options, try the north of the island, with quiet resorts such as Cala Mesquida, close to the rugged landscapes of Llevant Natural Park.

Car hire in Palma de Mallorca gives you the freedom to explore beautiful beaches, stunning cultural attractions and architectural hotspots at your own pace.