Mallorca is more than sun-soaked beaches; it is a landscape of winding coastal roads, mountain passes overlooking the sea, and hidden coves that reward those who venture beyond the main resorts. From Palma de Mallorca, travellers can set off by car and uncover some of Spain’s most breathtaking scenery, stopping along the way at viewpoints, quaint cafés, or quiet beaches.
Driving lets you explore at your own pace, turning every bend in the road into an opportunity for discovery and relaxation, while renting a car in Spain, especially in Mallorca, adds the flexibility and comfort to shape a personalised journey. From carefully chosen routes to hidden stops and scenic viewpoints, you can make the most of every moment on the island, with some of the most stunning coastal drives just waiting to be discovered beyond Palma.
Driving in Mallorca gives you complete freedom. From Palma, you can choose your own destinations, set your schedule, and spend time at spots that guidebooks often miss. The island’s roads are generally good, though some coastal and mountain routes are narrow and winding, which adds to the experience.
Renting a car also allows access to quieter areas, such as small coves, villages, and viewpoints away from the crowds. Travelling with friends, a partner, or family, you can set your own pace. With Final Rentals at Palma de Mallorca Airport, you can pick up your vehicle quickly and start exploring without relying on public transport schedules.
Heading northwest from Palma, you drive through the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The road climbs from the coast through olive and almond-studded slopes, offering views of the Mediterranean. In about 40 minutes, you reach Valldemossa, a village of cobbled streets and stone houses.
Highlights include the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where Chopin stayed. Stop at a local bakery for coca de patata and coffee, or visit Mirador de Puig de Sa Moneda for sweeping sea views. If time allows, continue to Deià, a peaceful village known for its artistic heritage, sea-view restaurants, and calm atmosphere. This route offers a perfect early-day escape from Palma, showcasing Mallorca’s mountains and coastline.
From Palma, take the MA-11 north into the Tramuntana mountains. The road winds through tunnels, pine forests, and switchbacks, gradually opening to sea views. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, with each bend revealing new scenery. You reach Sóller, known for its vintage tram and citrus groves, and can continue to Port de Sóller on the coast.
This sheltered bay offers a relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy fresh orange juice at a café and watch boats in the harbour. Don’t miss Mirador de Ses Barques, with its dramatic sea and mountain views. The route blends mountain air and coastal scenery, perfect for those who enjoy the drive as much as the destination.
For a scenic yet easy drive, head southwest from Palma along the MA-1 toward Andratx and its stylish seaside port. As the mountains recede, the coastline takes over with calm bays, pine trees, and cafés opening onto the sea. Stop at a small bay with a beach and a charming restaurant on a tiny island. Continue to Andratx village, known for its galleries and relaxed atmosphere, before reaching Port d’Andratx, a marina where yachts are moored and sunset dinners await on harbour terraces.
A full-day drive to Cap de Formentor is unforgettable. From Palma, you head north through Inca to Alcúdia, Port de Pollença, and the Formentor peninsula. The roads twist along cliffs and through forests, leading to dramatic scenery. At Port de Pollença, the calm waters invite a stop, while Mirador Es Colomer offers one of Mallorca’s most iconic viewpoints.
The lighthouse at Cap de Formentor provides 360° views of sea and cliffs, a perfect spot to pause and take it all in. Plan your day with early departure and stops for lunch, a beach swim, and photos. A rental car is essential, as access beyond the official bus is limited, especially in peak season. This route makes for a truly epic day.
For a scenic yet easy drive, head southwest from Palma along the MA-1 toward Andratx and its stylish seaside port. As the mountains recede, the coastline takes over with calm bays, pine trees, and cafés opening onto the sea. Along the way, you’ll find small beaches and charming spots to stop, relax, and enjoy the view.
Continue to Andratx village, known for its galleries and relaxed atmosphere, before reaching Port d’Andratx, a marina where yachts are moored and sunset dinners await on harbour terraces. With a car, you can explore at your own pace, linger where you like, and enjoy the perfect blend of natural beauty and coastal charm.
On the western side of the island, Sant Elm is a small, unspoilt village reached from Palma via Andratx and winding coastal roads. The approach offers stunning views of Dragonera Island, a wild natural reserve, with boat trips that maintain its untouched feel. Sant Elm Beach is small and peaceful, with calm waters and fewer tourists.
You can stop at S’Arracó along the way for coffee or ice cream, then continue to Sant Elm for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. You can arrive early, enjoy the viewpoints without the constraints of schedules, and move on at your own pace. This route is perfect for a half-day trip, combining mountain roads with coastal calm without the full-day commitment of Formentor.
Before setting off on a coastal drive in Mallorca, preparation is key. A little planning ensures a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable journey, letting you focus on the stunning scenery and hidden gems along the way.
Mallorca’s climate is forgiving and beautiful for much of the year, but if you want the best experience behind the wheel, aim for spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). At these times, the roads are quieter and the light is golden, perfect for photography and lingering stops.
During summer (July and August), you’ll still have fantastic weather, but heavier traffic and hotter conditions mean you’ll want to start early. Winter brings fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and occasionally wind or rain, but if you don’t mind a bit of bracing air, it’s a peaceful, off-peak driving experience.
To make the most of your coastal drives, base yourself in or near Palma. Staying in the city means easy access to car hire, restaurants, nightlife, and beach time, while still being within reach of all major scenic routes. Alternatively, you might choose to stay in Sóller, Deià, or Port d’Andratx for a quieter pace and immediate access to the mountains or coast.
Check that your accommodation offers parking, preferably private, especially if you are arriving after a long drive. With the right hotel or villa, you will return each evening to comfort and rest up, ready for the next day’s route.
When you are ready to explore Mallorca’s coast, renting a car with a reliable service makes the journey easier and more enjoyable. Final Rentals provides a simple, flexible, and secure way to get on the road and enjoy the island at your own pace.
With everything organised, you can explore Mallorca’s coast freely and confidently. For more tips on car hire and driving in Spain, check out Essential Car Rental Tips for First-Time Drivers in Spain.
To make things even smoother, you can download the Final Rentals app on Google Play or the App Store. With the app, you can manage your booking, access customer support, and view special offers while on the move. Whether you’re in Palma city or halfway along a coastal drive, the app keeps everything in one place.
Mallorca is made for discovery, especially behind the wheel. From Palma, explore mountain roads, sparkling coastlines, hidden coves, and charming villages. Each route offers something unique, from the mountains of Valldemossa and Port de Sóller to the coast of Andratx, Cap de Formentor, Cala Pi, and Sant Elm. Renting a car in Spain with Final Rentals lets you travel comfortably, stop where you wish, and enjoy every view, turning each drive into an unforgettable journey along Mallorca’s Mediterranean coastline!
