Driving in Mallorca: rules, mountain roads, parking and practical tips
The basic rules
Spain drives on the right. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, and using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Mount your phone for navigation and set the route before you move off. The general alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.25 mg/l in breath), and lower for novice and professional drivers. The safest approach is not to drink if you drive.
Typical speed limits unless signs say otherwise are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on most conventional roads, and 50 km/h in towns, with 30 km/h or less on many residential streets. Speed cameras exist and limits can change quickly, so watch the signs rather than relying on memory. At roundabouts, traffic already in the roundabout generally has priority. Children below 135 cm in height generally need a suitable child restraint. Traffic rules can change, so check the official Spanish traffic authority (DGT) before you travel.
Mountain and coastal roads
The Serra de Tramuntana in the north-west is one of the island’s highlights and also its most demanding driving. Roads such as the Ma-10, the winding road to Sa Calobra and the road to Cap de Formentor have tight bends, narrow sections, steep drops and sometimes coaches coming the other way. Drive slowly, keep to your side, stay out of blind bends with your car’s nose and be ready to stop or reverse to let larger vehicles pass.
Start early in summer: popular viewpoints, beaches and coastal roads fill up from late morning. Use a lower gear on long descents to avoid overheating the brakes. After heavy rain, watch for loose stones and rockfall. Check the weather and road status if conditions look poor. If you are not comfortable on narrow roads, consider a smaller car and plan a route on main roads instead.
Sharing the road with cyclists
Mallorca is one of Europe’s most popular cycling destinations, especially from late winter to spring and again in autumn. You will meet groups of cyclists on many roads, including mountain roads. When overtaking a cyclist on a conventional road, leave at least 1.5 m of lateral space and overtake only when it is safe. Be patient and avoid overtaking in bends or when you cannot see far enough ahead.
Be careful when opening car doors and when turning at junctions, as cyclists can be fast on descents. Early-morning and weekend traffic often includes large groups.
Parking in towns and at beaches
Parking rules differ by town. In Palma and other places, blue zones usually mean paid, time-limited parking at a ticket machine or via an app. Green zones are generally for residents. Yellow lines mean no parking and white lines usually mean free parking, but always check the local signs. Illegal parking can lead to a fine or towing.
Parts of Palma’s historic centre have restricted vehicle access that is monitored. Follow the signs, do not follow your navigation blindly into an old-town street, and ask your accommodation for the best car park. Underground car parks are often the easiest option in busy areas. At popular beaches in July and August, arrive early. Never leave valuables visible in the car.
Fuel, breakdowns and accidents
Check whether your car takes petrol (gasolina, usually 95) or diesel (gasóleo or diésel) before you fill up. The fuel type is normally noted in the rental agreement or inside the fuel flap. Petrol stations in rural areas can have limited opening hours, and some are automated, so refuel before long mountain drives.
In an emergency call 112. After a breakdown or accident, switch on hazard lights, put on the high-visibility vest before leaving the car, place the warning triangles and contact the rental provider’s assistance number, which should be in your contract or on the key tag. Do not agree to repairs on your own without the provider’s approval. Take photos, exchange details and fill in the accident report form, which is often in the glove box. Report fines or damage to the provider promptly.