Car hires in Mallorca: practical information
Where to rent a car in Mallorca
Mallorca is one of the most desirable places to spend a holiday, it's also one of the most popular. As the largest Balearic Island in the Mediterranean, it's also a great island to discover by car. If you're arriving to Mallorca via flights to Palma, then arrange to pick up your cheap car rental from the airport. That way, you don't have to wrangle with taxi drivers and your cumbersome luggage to get to your hotel. There are a handful of companies at the airport, including Avis, Betacar-Europcar, Centauro, Europa and Hasso.
It's also possible to book a car for hire directly from your resort or in Palma, the capital city of Mallorca. Due to competition, car hire prices are very low and most don't include more than the basic insurance coverage. It's worth upgrading for a small fee.
Driving in Mallorca: parking and other tips
In Palma there are a number of municipal parking lots, called aparcamientos, some of which you can use for free if you are shopping nearby. Otherwise you need to pay to use the lots from Monday to Friday, 9:00-14:00 and again from 16:30-20:00. On Saturdays from 9:00-14:00. At all other times parking at any of Palma's 16 lots is free. Alternatively you can park at Los Lances beach as well as at the football stadium for free.
Always be sure before you leave your car that you are legally parked and have paid if you need to do so. Mallorca has some street parking places with metres, while others are limited time parking. In this case you need to write what time you arrived at the spot and post it on your dashboard and make sure you're out of the spot before your time runs out. Do not park in yellow lined zones, only blue ones. If you're taking to the open road, especially in peak summer season, watch the speed limits. Police are extra vigilant at stopping rentals and foreign cars on the island not obeying the traffic signs and speed limits while on holidays in Mallorca. Take it easy and follow the flow of traffic.
Road trips from Mallorca: what to do, what to see
Castel de Bellver
Castel de Bellver is a 14th century castle dating back to when the Muslim's had all the power over the island. It's one of the few still-standing circular-shaped castles left in all of Europe. It was built to house the royal court of King James II of Mallorca and has it's share of history to tell. Today the castle has an archeological museum and offers some of the best views over the bay.
Pollença
The northern town of Pollença isn't all glitz and glamour like the southern resort cities which is why it's an essential stop if you want to get a taste of Mallorca's real flavour. Many of the locals consider Pollença the second capital of the island. It's a popular pilgrimage sight and at any given time you'll see travellers resting on the steps up to Calvari. It sits at the feet of the beautiful Serra de Tramuntana, great mountains for trekking.
Cuevas de Drach
Exploring the Cuevas de Drach, in other words the Dragon Caves, make an excellent day trip. They're located on the eastern coast, just more than 1 hour's drive from Palma. There are four main caves, called Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador, and Cave of the French, to explore, each connected by tunnels going 25m deep and around 2.5 km long.
