Palma

Europe > 🇪🇸 Spain > Palma

Should You Hire a Car in Palma? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Palma (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Palma - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by AI, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
✅ Car Score 7
🚫 No Car Score 6
🚗 Should you rent a car?

(0= absolutely not; 10 = rental car or heavy dependence on taxis absolutely essential)

🌴 Palma de Mallorca (PMI): Car or No Car? Here’s the Clear Answer

Palma is a Mediterranean gem where historic streets meet turquoise seas and café culture blends effortlessly with beach life. However, because Mallorca is more than just its capital, your decision to rent a car depends on whether you want to stay local or explore further.

🚫 If you’re staying in Palma or at a beach resort with everything nearby, you do not need a car.
✅ If you want to discover the island’s beaches, mountains, and scenic villages, then renting a car is highly recommended.

Let’s explore both scenarios in detail.

🚶 No Car Needed – Perfect If You’re Staying in Palma City

To begin with, Palma itself is wonderfully compact and pedestrian-friendly. You can walk from the historic cathedral to the marina in minutes, and most major attractions sit close together.

🌆 When Going Car-Free Makes Perfect Sense:

  • Firstly, you’re staying in Palma city centre or Portixol

  • Secondly, your plans include shopping, dining, cathedral visits, and exploring the Old Town

  • Additionally, you’re happy using buses, taxis, or bicycles

  • Finally, you prefer a relaxed, walkable holiday without the hassle of driving or parking

🚇 Your Transport Alternatives:

  • Airport bus (A1) takes you straight to Palma

  • Taxis and Uber are readily available

  • Public buses and trains connect Palma with nearby towns such as Sóller, Inca, and Manacor

➡ In summary, if Palma is the focus of your trip, there’s no need to rent a car at all.

🚗 Should you Rent a Car in Palma – If You Want to Explore the Rest of Mallorca

However, once you leave Palma, Mallorca becomes a completely different experience. The island is full of hidden beaches, mountain viewpoints, charming villages, and scenic drives that are difficult to reach without your own vehicle.

🚘 Reasons to Rent a Car:

  • To begin with, you gain total freedom to explore at your own pace

  • Furthermore, many of the best beaches and coastal coves are not served by public transport

  • In addition, the mountain roads along the Serra de Tramuntana offer some of the most beautiful drives in Europe

  • Finally, traditional Mallorcan towns such as Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller are far easier to reach with a car

🌄 A Car Lets You Discover:

  • 🏞 Serra de Tramuntana mountains

  • 🌊 Cala Llombards, Caló des Moro, Cala Deià

  • 🌅 Cap de Formentor coastal drive

  • 🍷 Mallorcan vineyards

  • 🛶 Lakes, caves, and hidden swim spots

➡ In other words, renting a car unlocks the true magic of the island.

🧭 Quick Decision Table

Your Travel Plan Car Needed?
City break in Palma ❌ No
Beach resort holiday without exploring ❌ No
Taking the vintage train to Sóller ❌ No
Discovering multiple beaches and hidden coves ✅ Yes
Driving the scenic Serra de Tramuntana route ✅ Yes
Exploring villages and rural Mallorca ✅ Yes

🎯 Final Verdict

  • If your trip is focused on Palma’s historic centre, shopping district, marina, and dining scene, then no car is necessary.

  • However, if you want to see the real Mallorca — its cliffs, coves, olive groves, mountain towns, and iconic sunset drives — then renting a car will transform your experience.

🌅 Palma is your base. A car is your gateway to the rest of the island.

Should You Hire a Car in Palma — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder

.