Mobile in Mallorca

Mobile in Mallorca: hire a car and experience the largest of the Balearic Islands at your own pace!

Off the east coast of Spain, between Menorca and Ibiza, lies the most popular holiday island in the Med according to Brits and German at least: Mallorca. Less than a four-hour flight away from most northern and central European capitals, the largest of the Balearic Islands, with its varied landscape and year-round temperate climate, attracts several million tourists each year.

It is worthwhile going off the usual tourist paths to discover some of the secluded coves, the Valley of Oranges or the wild flamingos and what better or more flexible way to do it than by renting a car? You can pick up your pre-booked rental car at the airport in Palma with the minimum of fuss.

From Palma to the rest of Mallorca - from package tourism to individual self-catering holidays. Palma is the political centre of "Autonomous Region of the Balearic Islands" and is a cultural gem that is well worth visiting but there is also so much more to Mallorca than the metropolitan area of Palma de Mallorca. When you are in the capital with your hire car though you need to pay thorough attention to the local parking regulations, as parking outside the car parks in Palma is only permitted with a valid parking ticket and only on the blue-coloured kerbs.

The famous Gothic cathedral of La Seu, the winding streets lined with quaint tapas bars and small boutiques, and the legendary nightlife of the capital are the classic staples of a holiday in Mallorca for many. Especially in the main travel season between July and September, countless tourists flock to the bay of Palma. However many travellers are blown away when they leave S'Arenal and Magaluf behind to explore the real Mallorca on their own.

Mallorca - Off the beaten track

Away from the tourist bustle in Palma de Mallorca, the popular Mediterranean island unfolds its full charm: Rough rocky landscapes, pink salt pans, Mediterranean agriculture, picturesque bays and small port towns sum up the character of Spain's largest island.

The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the north-west of Mallorca has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and this region is responsible for giving Mallorca much of its mild climate as the sun and the rain in the Sóller area create the fertile valleys, where orange and lemon trees are cultivated. On the winding mountain passes, it may not be signposted but overtaking is not permitted as there are very points where you have a clear view of what is 100 metres ahead of you.

Stay mobile with the car on Mallorca's roads

There are well-developed highways which lead into the agricultural interior of the island, to the miles of sandy beaches of the Bay of Alcúdia, and to the salt pans at Es Trenc in the southwest of the island. The diversity and sheer authenticity of Mallorca can only really be appreciated by road. The island just has so much to offer from: its ubiquitous turquoise waters to the oasis of calm at Cala Santanyí or agrotourism in the central plain, Es Plá between wine and caper cultivation, visits to the numerous aqua parks and golf clubs, hiking excursions or bike tours. All of this can be explored by car.

Speed limits do need to be adhered to when driving in built-up areas at 50 km / h, at 90 km / h on rural roads, at 100 km / h on expressways and on the motorway at 120 km / h. Speeding offences are punishable with heavy fines: 100 Euros is the starting point if you exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h but exceeding the limit by 50 km / h, will cost you at least 600 Euros. In addition, in order to be prepared for the worst, it is recommended, to take out a fully comprehensive insurance for the rental car.

Should the car actually break down, private towing is strictly prohibited in Spain. In order for the insurance cover for the rental car to be valid, the use of a professional towing service is mandatory so that further damage can be avoided. The contact details of the breakdown service are usually attached to the rental documents.