Just returned from the island of Mallorca and wanted to share my car rental experience in Palma. We chose to drive ourselves during this trip, and the overall experience was quite good, though we did encounter some pitfalls. I hope this helps friends planning to visit Mallorca.
Car Rental Company Selection and Price Comparison
There are many car rental company counters at Palma Airport. I compared several major rental platforms online in advance. I recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, as prices will be significantly cheaper. Here are the prices I compared from several companies:
| Rental Company | Vehicle Type | Daily Rate | Insurance Type |
|---|
| Goldcar | Economy | 25€ | Basic |
| Centauro | Compact | 32€ | Full Coverage |
| Sixt | Mid-size | 45€ | Full Coverage |
| Hertz | Economy | 38€ | Basic |
I ultimately chose Centauro. Although not the cheapest, it included full coverage insurance which gave me peace of mind. The staff attitude during pickup was acceptable, and the vehicle inspection took about 10 minutes. I strongly recommend taking detailed photos of any scratches and dents on the car body.
Insurance and Additional Fees
Here’s an important reminder about Palma de Mallorca: basic insurance deductibles are usually very high, potentially reaching 800-1200 euros. If you’re planning a Palma de Mallorca layover and don’t want to take risks, I recommend choosing full coverage directly or purchasing supplemental insurance through a [Palma de Mallorca] third-party platform. Additionally, extra drivers cost 5-8 euros per day, and GPS rental is around 7 euros per day, though phone navigation is sufficient.
Driving Experience and Road Conditions
The road conditions on Mallorca island are generally good, with toll-free highways. However, mountain roads are quite narrow with many curves, so speeding is absolutely not recommended. Drivers on the island are quite rule-abiding, and honking is rare. Regarding parking, parking spaces in central Palma are quite tight. Blue zones are paid parking, green zones are for residents, and white zones are free but very difficult to find available spots.
Coastal towns like Sóller and Valldemossa have relatively easier parking, with most attractions having free parking lots nearby. Gas stations are plentiful, with 95-octane gasoline priced between 1.45-1.55 euros per liter, slightly more expensive than mainland Spain.
Vehicle Return Considerations
When returning the car, pay attention to the fuel policy. I rented under a full-to-full fuel policy. There are several gas stations near the airport, so I recommend filling up in advance, otherwise the rental company will charge at their rates which are much more expensive. Staff will inspect the vehicle quite carefully during return, so the photos taken during pickup are very important.
Renting a car in Palma for a road trip around Mallorca is an excellent choice, allowing you to freely arrange your itinerary and visit beaches and mountain areas not easily accessible by public transportation. As long as you pay attention to insurance, book in advance, and follow traffic rules, the entire process is quite smooth. Feel free to leave comments with any questions!
