Car rental in Palma de Mallorca at the lowest price

Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the Spanish Island of Mallorca and one of the largest cities within the Balearic Islands. The city is also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, with an estimated 29 million visitors in 2018. Its airport is the third busiest in Spain and one of the main entry points to the islands. Attracted by its Mediterranean climate, culture, culinary delights and history, tourists flock to the city on mass during the summer periods. Palma de Mallorca has exceptionally good restaurants, coffee houses and bars, with ample entertainment along its beachfront promenade. With a car rental in Palma de Mallorca you’ll also be able to visit plenty more of Mallorca’s tourist attractions and delights.

With over 60 year’s car rental experience, Auto Europe through its trusted partners is able to provide excellent car rental quotations with a large selection of vehicles to choose from. Having partnered with local, national and international car rental suppliers, such as, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, as well as local ones such as centauro, we are able to provide multiple pick-up locations across the island. Along with car hire, we also rent out luxury vehicles, motorhomes and provide a transfer service. Contact one of our reservation agents today to find out more.

How is the traffic in Palma de Mallorca?

As in other capital cities Palma de Mallorca sees much of its congestion centred around central areas and key interchanges. Rush hour is a time to avoid being on the road, and the seafront promenade during the evenings and weekends can see plenty of traffic. The MA-20 ring road can often become congested due to people trying to avoid entering the city. Heavy traffic is also more notable where the MA-20 links to the MA-19.

MA-19 links the city to the airport, making it extremely popular and often congested. We would therefore advise leaving plenty of time to get to the airport. Passeo Maritime during the evenings and weekends is a hub of activity, which makes it a popular place. The interchange from the MA-20 to the MA-1 can also be problematic in terms of heavy traffic. It is however, hard to avoid if you’re wishing to join the MA-20 ring road.

Where can I park my car rental in Palma de Mallorca?

On-street parking is generally free, however, it will be difficult to come by and you may have to opt instead for a paid spot. Parking underground garages are a great option, with many being located close to the main points of interest. For example, the underground car park at the main train station, cathedral and the Passeo Maritime, are all perfectly located.

Throughout the city centre you can find other underground car parks, but they do get full quickly. We would advise parking in a car park on the outskirts of the city centre and catching the public transport into the city. It is also good to note that the car park located at Porto Pi Shopping is free for the first hour – although as expected very busy.

Palma de Mallorca Airport

Palma de Mallorca Airport is also known as Aeroport de Son Sant Joan and Son Sant Joan Airport. It is the third busiest in the whole of Spain and one of the main entry points into Mallorca. Located only 11.5 km east of the island capital city Palma de Mallorca, it is estimated to handle around 28 million passengers annually. Numerous national carriers and low cost airlines operate out of this airport, making it extremely accessible throughout Europe.

Aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
Address: 07611 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
Official website: aena.es
Phone number: +34 902 404 704 / +34 913 211 000

What to do in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a city full of culture, history and entertainment. From the Passeo Maritime with its numerous lively bars, clubs and restaurants, to street entertainment and quaint Spanish coffee houses. Many visitors then to head towards their respective resorts once landed, Palma de Mallorca though shouldn’t be overlooked. These are our recommendations for making your city adventure more memorable.

• San Carlos Museum: This wonderful museum is located south of Palma de Mallorca ferry terminal and is dedicated to everything military related. Throughout the year the museum hosts numerous exhibitions, with military uniforms, weapons, swords and even canons on display. On its grounds there is also a coffee house with amazing views over the Bay of Palma. If you enjoy military history and culture, then this museum surely won’t disappoint.


• Bellver Castle: Overlooking the city of Palma de Mallorca, Bellver Castle is a striking fortress with 360 degree views over the whole region. Within the castle there are two main halls and exhibitions. The first being dedicated to the history of the castle itself, whilst the other focuses on the history of Palma de Mallorca. Surrounding the castle buildings are lush gardens where you can unwind and even consider having a picnic.


• City Bus Tour: We’ve all seen those open top bus tour buses, and in Palma de Mallorca, there is no exception. These bus tours are often a great way to get around the city, especially for those with limited time. Simply buy a ticket and for 24 hours you can hop-on and off the bus when desired. The bus will take you too many of Palma de Mallorca’s points of interest and attractions. Stops include, Pl. Del Mercat, Villalonga, Pl. Gomila, Estacio Maritima, Av. Jaume III and numerous other locations.


• Old Town Tour: With an abundance of history, Palma de Mallorca old town is the perfect place to join a guided tour. Learn about how the city developed from its Roman days, through to Moorish occupation and Spanish conquest. Visit its iconic cathedral, several key stately homes and even the Almudaina Palace. Your tour guide will talk you through legends and historical events, allowing you to fully understand how this wonderful city developed.


• Wine Tour: On the city’s outskirts you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see some exceptional vineyards and wine producing warehouses. With practically all-year round sunshine, Mallorca is the perfect place for wine production. A popular wine tour will guide you through the wine making process, allow you to visit some traditional vineyards and help you to gain an understanding of the various grapes grown. Towards the end of the afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to taste some fabulous wine and even purchase some to take home.

Best day trips with my car hire in Palma de Mallorca

With your car rental in Palma de Mallorca, you’ll be able to drive the whole stretch of the island, and even consider more rural and traditional areas. With ferry links to other islands too, you need not restrict yourself to just Mallorca. These are what we would recommend:

Ferry from Mallorca to Menorca

Although hire cars are not allowed on ferries, that doesn’t mean you can’t park up near the ferry terminal and board a boat to another Balearic Island. From Palma de Mallorca you can take the ferry to neighbouring northern island of Menorca. With several interesting coastal lighthouses, beautiful natural parks and fascinating cities to match, Menorca is perfect for exploring. Of note, visit the islands capital of Mahon and the legendary port town of Ciutedella.

Mallorca Island Tour

Consider driving the whole island to gain a greater understanding of what makes Mallorca really special and a great place to visit. Stop off at numerous towns to enjoy the local culture and food. Beach hop with your car, to gain a glimpse of what each unique beach has to offer. From coves with turquoise waters, to sandy golden beaches, Mallorca is an oyster of delight. Consider La Calobra, Puerto Soller and Torrent de Paréis to name but a few great places to visit.

Weekly Inca Market

Also easily reached by train, drive from Palma de Mallorca to the Inca Market and enjoy a traditional market firsthand. Inca town has long been an established and successful market town, packed with wonderful smells and a vibrant atmosphere. If you are into leather products, then this market is the go to place to pick up a great deal on all leather products. The Inca market is very popular amongst tourists, so expect large crowds but plenty of fun seeking out those bargains.

Palma de Mallorca to Valldemossa

Just over half an hour by car from Palma de Mallorca, is the idyllic hilltop village of Valldemossa. Mainly constructed from local sandstone - giving it its distinct colour – the village has hosted numerous famous people throughout its existence – from actor Cathrine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas to the pianist Chopin. Bright flowers and pretty plants adorn many of the buildings facades and doorways – making a walk along its narrow alleyways extremely pleasant. Stores, art galleries, restaurants and quaint coffee houses all converge to give you and its 2,000 strong local inhabitants plenty to do.

Geographic Information & History

Boosting around 40,000 local inhabitants, and with thousands of tourists visiting it during the summer season, Palma de Mallorca is the largest city in the Balearic Islands. The island of Mallorca is located east of the Spanish mainland, within the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital city Palma de Mallorca is located on the southwest coastline of the island, at Palma Bay.

To the north of Mallorca - known locally as Majorca – is located the island of Manorca, whilst to the south, you’ll be greeted by the island of Ibiza – together they form the Autonomous region of the Balearic Islands, Spain, to which Palma de Mallorca is its capital. The city covers an area of around 208 km sq. with an elevation of 13 metres above sea level.

There is evidence to suggest that the local area which forms part of Palma de Mallorca was inhabited since the Megalithic era. The city itself however, was founded by the Romans in 123 BC. During the Roman period the city became an important trading port until the decline of the Roman Empire. Losing its protection, the city suffered constant raids and piracy, until it was eventually conquered by the Byzantine Empire.

Between 902 AD and 1229, Palma de Mallorca came under Moorish rule. During this period the city flourished in terms of trade – it became a major route between Europe and Africa. Its main economy was piracy of any vessels that entered its waters. Due to this, the King of Aragon, James I, decided to conquer the islands in 1229, after a 3 year siege. Under new ownership, several monuments where built with new trading routes being established throughout the Mediterranean, especially with the cities of Valencia and Barcelona. During the 1950s, Palma de Mallorca started to see an increase in tourism with its economy shifting towards catering and developing the tourism sector.

How to get around Palma de Mallorca

Getting around Palma de Mallorca is extremely easy. Its local transport is well-maintained and efficient. The public transportation system consists of regional trains, taxis, buses and a metro. Together they’ll be able to take you around the city and to other parts of the island with minimum fuss, and often economically. Island hoping is also an option, with ferries linking up Mallorca with Menorca and Ibiza. For information on what rental vehicle best suits your trip to the island, please refer to our in-depth fleet guide.

Train

The main train station is located at Plaça d’Espanya right in the centre of Palma de Mallorca. Estació Intermodal is comprised of three railway links across the island. These routes operate between Palma de Mallorca and Inca, Palma de Mallorca and Manacor and lastly Palma de Mallorca and Sa Pobla. Trains will also stop at several stations along its routes, including, Muro, Santa Maria, Consell, Lloseta, Petra and Sineu.

Tram

One traditional tram line exists in Palma de Mallorca. It is primarily of touristic and nostalgic value, but only covers 5 km. This short tram ride will take you around twenty minutes to complete, but it’s a pleasant ride. Known as the Orange Express, the tram itself dates to the 1950s and links Sólier to the port of Palma. You can expect a tram to leave every hour.

Metro

Currently Palma de Mallorca has two metro lines, the M1 and M2. Opened in 2007, the metro system only covers the city, linking Estació Intermodal to UIB Estació, and Estació Intermodal to Estació Marratxi. Together the metro system covers a total of 80.4 km sq. with 18 metro stations. The system is modern; with the train’s being new and extremely pleasant to ride. It transports an estimated 1.2 million passengers per year and is a quick way to get around the city.

Bus

EMT buses are blue and white in colour and operate throughout the city every 15 minutes. They are relatively cheap to ride, known to be reliable and run all-year round. Use these to get too many of the city’s main attractions. The TIB buses are red and yellow, and run on an hourly basis, taking you to other parts of the island. Both the EMT and TIB transport hubs are located in central Palma de Mallorca.

Taxi

You will recognise an official taxi by its blue number plate. Taxis are great for getting around parts of the city that public transport doesn’t cover. The cost of a journey is displayed on the taxi rank; however, we would recommend talking to the drive beforehand of estimated costs. Taxis can be caught at a taxi rank or pre-booked. Taxi ranks are normally located outside major transport hubs and within key points of central Palma de Mallorca.

Useful links

Tourist Guide Palma de Mallorca

Palma Tourist Information from Spain's Official Tourism Website