Mallorca is the perfect island for road trips, with coastal roads, UNESCO‑listed mountains and more than 180 beaches to explore. Driving gives you the freedom to combine viewpoints, villages and coves in one day – and with the right car hire deals from mallorcard.es you can do it more affordably.
Why explore Mallorca by car?
Public transport connects the main towns, but many of the island’s most beautiful spots are much easier to reach by car.
- You can follow the famous MA‑10 mountain road through the Serra de Tramuntana, stopping at viewpoints like Mirador de Ses Ànimes and mountain villages along the way.
- Hidden coves and long beaches such as Es Trenc have limited parking that fills quickly, so arriving early by car is a big advantage.
For up‑to‑date car hire partners and promo codes, check the Car Hire / Mallorca Discounts & Promo Codes sections on mallorcard.es before booking - they collect all current offers in one place.
1. The Southwest – Luxury, Nature and Culture
Route: Palma → Portals Nous (Puerto Portals) → Port d’Andratx → Banyalbufar → Sa Granja → Palma
Duration: approx. 1 day, about 90 km
Highlights:
- Palma de Mallorca: Start with the capital’s Gothic La Seu Cathedral and its seafront setting, then continue to Castell de Bellver for 360‑degree views over the bay and city.
- Portals Nous / Puerto Portals: A chic marina area with designer shops and yacht‑lined quays, ideal for a coffee stop and people‑watching.
- Port d’Andratx: A picturesque harbour with waterfront cafés and restaurants, and access to nearby coves such as Cala Llamp for a swim.
- Banyalbufar & Mirador de Ses Ànimes: Drive the MA‑10 coastal road north; stop at Mirador de Ses Ànimes / Torre del Verger, a 16th‑century watchtower with spectacular views of terraces and the west coast.
- Sa Granja (Esporles): A historic country estate and open‑air museum showing traditional Mallorcan rural life, with gardens, demonstrations and local products.
Tip: The MA‑10 between Andratx and Banyalbufar is winding but incredibly scenic – plan extra time for photo stops and drive slowly.
2. From the Tramuntana Mountains to Cap Formentor
Route: Sóller → Fornalutx → Lluc → Port de Pollença → Cap Formentor
Duration: approx. 1 day, about 120 km
Highlights:
- Sóller & Fornalutx: Sóller is a classic Tramuntana town with an old train line and a lively square; nearby Fornalutx is often described as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages with cobbled lanes and stone houses.
- Lluc Monastery: Mallorca’s most important pilgrimage site, home to the Black Madonna (Moreneta) and surrounded by hiking trails through the mountains.
- Port de Pollença: A relaxed seaside town with a long promenade, good for a lunch break before heading out towards the cape.
- Cap Formentor: Known as the “meeting point of the winds”, this dramatic peninsula offers cliffs, beaches and viewpoints; on clear days you can see as far as Menorca.
Tip: Road access and parking near the Formentor lighthouse can be regulated or restricted in high season – always check current rules before driving all the way and consider using shuttle options if required.
3. The Southeast – History, Beaches and Nature
Route: Palma → Llucmajor → Es Trenc / Ses Covetes → Cala d’Or → Porto Cristo
Duration: approx. 1 day, about 160 km
Highlights:
- Es Trenc / Ses Covetes: One of Mallorca’s most famous natural beaches, with long white sand, dunes and turquoise water; access is via paid car parks near Ses Covetes or the main Es Trenc lot, which fill up quickly in summer.
- Cala d’Or: A resort area with several small coves framed by whitewashed buildings and pine trees; nice for a leisurely lunch or coastal walk.
- Porto Cristo & Drach Caves: Near Porto Cristo you find the Cuevas del Drach, with the underground Martel Lake and a classical music performance by boat – one of Mallorca’s most famous attractions.
Tip: For a nature stop, consider a detour to Botanicactus near Ses Salines, one of Europe’s largest cactus gardens, before or after visiting Es Trenc.
Practical tips for your Mallorca road trip
- How much time do you need? A complete island loop is roughly 400 km; for a relaxed trip with stops, plan at least 4–5 days.
- Best travel season: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, good driving conditions and fewer crowds, ideal for road trips and hiking.
- Must‑see stops: Palma’s La Seu Cathedral, the Serra de Tramuntana (including viewpoints like Mirador de Ses Ànimes and villages such as Valldemossa, Deià or Fornalutx) and the natural beach of Es Trenc should be on every itinerary.
How mallorcard helps you save on car hire
Car hire gives you maximum flexibility – and with the right discount codes you keep costs down. Instead of listing fixed codes that might change, mallorcard.es keeps a central, always‑updated overview where you can:
- See all current car rental partners (such as OffUgo, Vanrell, ClickRent, Top Gear Mobility and others).
- Find valid promo codes and special campaigns (for example extra winter discounts or seasonal offers).
- Check which benefits are included: no‑deposit offers, full cover, free extra driver, airport pick‑up etc.
Before starting any of these road trips, visit the Car Hire/ Mallorca Discounts & Promo Codes sections on mallorcard.es, pick your favourite provider and apply the listed code during booking to save on your rental.
Exploring Mallorca by car lets you connect famous sights with lesser‑known corners of the island, from luxury marinas and terraced vineyards to monasteries, lighthouses and wild beaches. With a well‑planned route and the help of mallorcard’s car hire discounts, you can turn a simple drive into a series of unforgettable road trip days.