Mallorca, also referenced as Majorca, is the most expansive Balearic Island, but visitors will find it is also among the largest in the Mediterranean. That often means the significant distance between the various destinations makes the ideal mode of transport to travel from one place to another a vehicle, more specifically a rental car.
While public transport can work within the urban districts where town roads are narrow, driving might become more of a challenge in those areas. But the schedules and frequency of run times might be insufficient for those hoping to get a full day of many different sights in. Renting a car in Mallorca allows visitors to see more in the time allotted for a holiday.
No one wants to spend time waiting on a public mode of transport when the freedom of driving can take them where they want to be whenever they choose. The tourist could be luxuriating in the soft sand of a secluded beach or visiting wallowing in the local culture before a bus makes its first journey.
And the trains only go to what they deem important towns since the system is only roughly 90 kilometers in length and the metro system restricts itself to the island capital. The suggestion is that hiring a car is not beneficial for the weary traveler but can also be most cost-effective in comparison to other options.
Arriving in Mallorca
When traveling to Mallorca from another country, like perhaps the United States, you must fly to a Spanish mainland city like either Valencia or Madrid. From that point, you can then catch a connector to the local airport or take a ferry (some will take cars across) to Palma from varied neighboring locations.
Several car hire agencies are available in Mallorca, making it much simpler to find the type of vehicle you need for the days you need it. It’s always a better idea to book ahead of your scheduled trip by roughly 4-5 weeks to get a better deal on the price and to ensure availability.
Furthermore, it’s essential to keep in mind the towns and cities comprise exceptionally narrow roadways making it necessary to choose compact cars that can maneuver along these slender pathways.
Another downside to driving is parking which can often prove to be a nightmare. But the whole experience is worth the effort given the freedom you experience to view the stunning island’s natural beauty and the independence to stop at any point to take a closer look.
Go to https://www.rentalcars.com/en/guides/exploring-the-world/mallorca-driving-adventure/ for Mallorca driving adventures and car hire tips. Some helpful hints when you choose to rent a car:
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- Age: In order to drive in Mallorca, motorists need to be 18 with a valid driver’s license plus a certificate of insurance for the car of which you’re in possession.
It’s up to you as the driver to find out if your country’s driving license will be sufficient for the area you’re visiting or if you will need to get an international driving license.
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- Diesel or standard fuel: Most fuel stations have attendants in Mallorca and are prepay before fuel will be dispensed, making it a priority to learn whether the car you hire is a fuel model or diesel engine. Since most stations.
If you forget to check with the car rental agency, the filler cap interior should indicate whether diesel or standard. The attendants can help clarify for you.
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- Driving regulations: As you would when traveling to any location, it’s beneficial for yourself and those going around you to become familiar with the local driving regulations. The motorway driving speed falls at 120 kph maximum. In other areas, there are road signs that need observing.
The local police have installed speed cameras as a method for catching individuals breaking the barriers. Fines will be given immediately upon recognition of the offense, along with penalties for the driving violation.
Drivers on the island need to remain on the right side of the roadway and carry pertinent documents, including the driving license and insurance certificate, whenever you plan to operate the vehicle. Everyone in the car must have a seat belt on when the vehicle is in motion.
Pedestrians have the right of way, and the crossings need to be paid attention for. There is no tolerance for drinking and driving, nor is mobile phone use permitted while operating the vehicle.
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- Fees: The indication is that hiring a car on the island is relatively affordable. Still, the basis is dependent on the size of the vehicle you choose and the duration you intend to hire the car. The longer the lease period, the more reasonable the rates for the rental.
There are many add-on fees that you need to pay attention for that you might not need. Carefully look into the insurance to make sure it’s something you need.
Some auto insurance plans carry over to rental cars, and some premium credit cards carry prime car rental coverage. Read the contract thoroughly, including the fine print to avoid unnecessary charges, perhaps a GPS when you have a smartphone, a car seat but you’ve brought one, and look at how filling the fuel tank is handled and mileage, so you don’t get ripped off with your daily trips.
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- Care where you drive: If you’re a nervous driver, especially since it’s unfamiliar territory and there’s a language barrier, avoid city driving in Palma. It can be challenging for even seasoned drivers. For motorists who pick up their car from the airport, pay attention to the route you’ll take to your first destination so you can avoid the city.
Ensure that you stick to the less busy travel areas. It’s okay to be selfish in taking your time when you run into a roundabout or come to a junction but remember you’re to look left instead of right.
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- Exit / Enter: Cars entering and exiting the motorway do so at the same point, which can cause a lot of confusion for drivers who are not used to this methodology.
It can also create much congestion. For those in a rental car in this kind of traffic, it’s essential to be mindful of where the vehicles are and how to maneuver through so you can avoid damages to the car. That’s a downside to driving a hired car; you have to be exceptionally careful to avoid any mishaps.
How Will You Travel Through Mallorca
The ideal method for traveling throughout the expansive island of Mallorca is hiring a car. Driving at your own pace gives you the freedom public transport doesn’t allow for exploring the island independently as you wish.
There are other options, including buses, but the services have restrictions that can cut into your adventure, especially on the weekends.
The town of Palma has an abundance of taxis. Still, these generally stick within the city’s limits instead of trekking throughout the island, as is true for going on foot or choosing to cycle.
These might be alternate methods for city driving while leaving the hired car parked for use when going further distances around the island since city driving is such a challenge. Click here for guidance on getting around the island.
You can see lovely areas in some towns as pedestrians and along the beaches, but the island itself is simply too large for bicycling or foot exploration. Again, these methods should in no way be counted out for sticking to inner-city travel.
You can get much further along in the small towns and even the larger ones, including many of the shorelines doing so on foot, plus enjoy a much more pleasant time than battling a line of traffic. These are also, as many cities are, becoming cycling friendly.
Travelers can nab rental bikes when using public transport with the only requirement that they are returned by the end of the day. Fortunately, the days are extensive, allowing plenty of time to explore.
Final Thought
There are many options when arriving on the island of Mallorca for reaching various destinations. Working your way from one to another can take some time, depending on what you hope to see since there is considerable distance between many destinations.
But if you want to spend some time within the cities and towns, you can walk or bicycle and enjoy a good time. Otherwise, hiring a car will provide the best experience.
It’s not that there aren’t buses and trains available. The problem is the schedules are pretty rigid, especially on the weekends, disallowing the availability for a visitor hoping to pack in as many of the sights as possible during a holiday.
And pedaling or walking your way across the entire island, though possible, would take more than a few holidays to accomplish. Hiring a car for this trip is a must for optimum enjoyment.
