Driving

A rental car is the best way to explore Mallorca beyond the tourist centers. The road network is well-developed, the distances short — from Palma to the north (Alcudia) is only 55 kilometers.

Rental Car

• Booking: Best in advance through comparison portals (Check24, billiger-mietwagen.de). All major providers (Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Goldcar) are represented at the airport, local providers (Hiper, OK Rent a Car, Roig) are often cheaper
• Prices: From about 15–25 €/day in the off-season, 35–70 €/day in high summer. Fully comprehensive insurance without excess (including tires/glass/underbody) is a must
• Refueling: Gas stations (Gasolinera) are plentiful. Gasoline (Gasolina) and diesel (Gasoil/Diésel) cost similar to Germany. Many stations have self-service with card readers

Traffic Rules

• Speed: In town 30–50 km/h, country roads 90 km/h, highway (Autovia) 120 km/h
• Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille (novice drivers: 0.3 per mille)
• Lights: Daytime running lights recommended, mandatory in tunnels
• Phone: Only with hands-free — fines from 200 €
• Parking: Blue lines = fee required (ORA zone, parking meter), white lines = free, yellow lines = no parking. In Palma and tourist areas, parking is a nightmare — use a parking garage

Special Routes

The Ma-10 (Tramuntana coastal road from Andratx to Pollenca) is one of Europe's most beautiful roads — but also one of the most challenging: narrow hairpin bends, steep drops, tour buses in oncoming traffic. Drive this route only in daylight and calmly. The road to Sa Calobra (Ma-2141) with its famous "tie knot" bend is an experience in itself — but only for more experienced drivers. The Autovia Ma-13 (Palma–Alcudia) and Ma-19 (Palma–Llucmajor–Campos) are fast and stress-free.