Mallorca has one major advantage for travellers who love exploring by road: distances are relatively short, yet the landscape can change completely in just a few kilometres. You can have breakfast by the sea, drive through the mountains, enjoy lunch in a traditional stone village and finish the day beside a turquoise cove.
That is why taking road trips in Mallorca is one of the best ways to discover the island beyond the area surrounding your hotel.
Using Palma as a general starting point, almost every destination in this guide is well under three hours away by car. If you are staying in Santanyí, Cala d’Or, Cala Figuera, Colònia de Sant Jordi or elsewhere in southeast Mallorca, the driving times will be different, but many of these routes are still perfect for a day trip.
Before setting off, take a look at VIMA’s car hire fleet in Mallorca and choose a vehicle that suits the type of route you are planning.
1. Valldemossa: Mountain Scenery and Stone Streets
Approximate driving time from Palma: 30 minutes
Valldemossa is one of those destinations that easily justifies a morning on the road.
Located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, this picturesque village combines cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, peaceful terraces and spectacular mountain scenery.
The drive itself is already part of the experience.
Arrive early, explore the historic centre at a relaxed pace and leave enough time to enjoy the views surrounding the village.
From Valldemossa, you can also continue towards some of the most impressive places on Mallorca’s west coast.
If you want to explore this part of the island in more depth, read our guide to Mallorca without crowds: a scenic Serra de Tramuntana road trip.
Perfect for: couples, photographers and relaxed day trips.
2. Deià: Sea, Mountains and One of Mallorca’s Most Scenic Roads
Approximate driving time from Palma: 45 minutes
Continue from Valldemossa along the Ma-10 and you will reach Deià, one of the most famous villages in the Serra de Tramuntana.
The destination is beautiful, but the road getting there is just as memorable.
Mountain scenery surrounds you while glimpses of the Mediterranean appear between the hills, turning the journey into one of the most enjoyable scenic drives on the island.
Take some time to walk through Deià, admire the views and, if your schedule allows, head down towards the coast.
This is also a fantastic area in which to plan the final part of your day around sunset.
For more inspiration, check out the best sunsets in Mallorca, including some spectacular locations around the Serra de Tramuntana.
Perfect for: romantic day trips and scenic driving.
3. Sóller and Port de Sóller: Two Destinations in One Day
Approximate driving time from Palma: 35-45 minutes
Sóller allows you to experience two completely different sides of Mallorca in a single trip.
Start in Sóller itself, explore the town centre, wander through its streets and enjoy the atmosphere around the main square.
Then get back in the car and drive a few minutes to Port de Sóller.
The scenery changes completely. Here you will find a seaside promenade, boats, restaurants and a beautiful natural harbour surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains.
If you have a full day available, you could combine Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, although it is better not to rush. The mountain roads and viewpoints are part of the experience.
You can also find more inspiration in VIMA’s guide to activities in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Perfect for: food, scenery and a full-day excursion.
4. Pollença and Port de Pollença: Discover Northern Mallorca
Approximate driving time from Palma: 45-55 minutes
Pollença is an excellent choice if you want to leave Palma behind for a day and explore the north of Mallorca.
Its historic centre is ideal for wandering through narrow streets, stopping at a terrace and experiencing a quieter side of the island.
Afterwards, drive down to Port de Pollença and finish your day beside the Mediterranean.
This combination works particularly well because you can enjoy culture, local food and the coast without having to cover huge distances.
If you are visiting Mallorca for only a few days and are still deciding where to base yourself, read our guide to north or southeast Mallorca: which area to choose for a short trip.
Perfect for: travellers who want to combine traditional villages and the sea.
5. Alcúdia and Playa de Muro: History in the Morning, Beach in the Afternoon
Approximate driving time from Palma: 50-60 minutes
One of the best road trips in Mallorca for a full day combines Alcúdia and Playa de Muro.
Start by exploring Alcúdia’s historic old town, with its narrow streets, traditional buildings and impressive medieval walls.
Afterwards, get back in the car and head towards the coast.
In only a short time, you can completely change your surroundings and spend the afternoon relaxing on Playa de Muro.
This makes the route particularly suitable for families, because there is no need to choose between sightseeing and spending time at the beach.
If you are travelling with children, grandparents or a larger group, check VIMA’s car hire fleet in Mallorca, where you can find 7-seat and 9-seat vehicles as well as family cars.
Perfect for: families and travellers looking for a varied day out.
6. Artà and Capdepera: Explore Mallorca’s Northeast
Approximate driving time from Palma: 60-70 minutes
The northeast of Mallorca is sometimes overlooked by first-time visitors, which is exactly why it can make such a rewarding day trip.
Artà has a very different atmosphere from the island’s busiest coastal resorts.
Walk around its traditional centre and head towards the Sant Salvador Sanctuary before continuing your journey to Capdepera.
The castle and surrounding views make this one of the most interesting cultural stops in eastern Mallorca.
If you still have time, continue towards Cala Ratjada and finish the afternoon beside the coast.
Perfect for: culture, history and exploring a quieter side of Mallorca.
7. Porto Cristo and the East Coast
Approximate driving time from Palma: 55-65 minutes
Porto Cristo is another excellent destination for a full day away from your accommodation.
You can explore the harbour, enjoy the coastline and combine your visit with some of eastern Mallorca’s best-known natural attractions.
Travelling by car gives you the flexibility to organise the day around your own schedule instead of relying on an organised excursion or fixed transport timetable.
This route is particularly enjoyable in spring and autumn, or on summer days when you want to combine the beach with other activities.
For more ideas about exploring Mallorca’s coastline without rushing, read our guide to Mallorca road trips, beach bars and local driving tips.
Perfect for: couples, families and full-day excursions.
8. Cala d’Or and Mondragó Natural Park
Approximate driving time from Palma: 55-65 minutes
Cala d’Or is an excellent base for discovering southeast Mallorca.
Its small coves, marina and proximity to natural areas allow you to create a varied day trip without spending too much time behind the wheel.
A great option is to begin by exploring Cala d’Or before driving towards Mondragó Natural Park.
Here you can combine coastal walks, Mediterranean scenery and beaches such as Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador.
If you are staying in this part of the island, VIMA also offers car hire in Cala d’Or, making it easy to start exploring directly from your holiday area.
Perfect for: beaches, nature and relaxed coastal routes.
9. Santanyí and Cala Figuera: One of the Best Routes in Southeast Mallorca
Approximate driving time from Palma: 50-60 minutes
Santanyí and Cala Figuera are a perfect combination for discovering the character of southeast Mallorca.
Start the day walking around Santanyí, particularly if your visit coincides with market day, before driving towards Cala Figuera.
This small fishing harbour is one of the most distinctive places in the area, with traditional boats, houses beside the water and narrow paths following the harbour.
If you are staying nearby, you can check VIMA’s car hire in Santanyí and car hire in Cala Figuera.
If you enjoy traditional harbours and coastal villages, take a look at our guide to the most beautiful ports in Mallorca.
Perfect for: local food, photography and fishing-village atmosphere.
10. Es Trenc and Colònia de Sant Jordi: A Mediterranean Day Out
Approximate driving time from Palma: 45-55 minutes
We finish with one of the classic road trips in southern Mallorca.
The Es Trenc area is ideal if you want to devote most of the day to the sea, while nearby Colònia de Sant Jordi is a convenient place for lunch, dinner or an evening walk along the coast.
During the busiest summer months, it is worth starting early and planning your parking before arriving.
If you are staying in this area, you can also use VIMA’s car hire service in Colònia de Sant Jordi.
Perfect for: travellers looking for a beach-focused day trip.
What Type of Car Is Best for Driving Around Mallorca?
You do not necessarily need the same type of vehicle for every route.
If most of your journeys involve towns, beaches and short coastal drives, an economy or compact car is often the easiest option because it is simple to manoeuvre and park.
If you plan to spend several days exploring the Serra de Tramuntana or covering longer distances, you may prefer additional comfort and consider an automatic vehicle or SUV.
Families and larger groups should also think carefully about passenger space, luggage and beach equipment.
Before booking, read our complete guide on what car to hire in Mallorca for your type of trip.
You can also browse VIMA’s complete rental car fleet in Mallorca and compare economy cars, compact cars, family vehicles, automatics, convertibles and larger 7- or 9-seat options.
Tips for Planning Road Trips in Mallorca
Although driving distances in Mallorca are relatively short, planning your route involves more than simply checking the kilometres.
During high season, leaving early can make a significant difference when trying to park near popular beaches, viewpoints and villages.
It is also better not to squeeze too many destinations into a single day.
Mallorca is much more enjoyable when the drive itself becomes part of the experience and you have enough time to stop somewhere unexpected along the way.
If you are travelling through mountain areas, check current road conditions before setting off. Seasonal traffic management and access restrictions can also apply to some popular areas, so it is worth checking local information before travelling.
If you are flying to the island and want to begin exploring from the moment you arrive, take a look at VIMA’s car rental service at Mallorca Airport.
Discover Mallorca at Your Own Pace with VIMA Rent a Car
Valldemossa, Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, Artà, Porto Cristo and Santanyí show just how much variety Mallorca offers without requiring extremely long journeys.
These road trips in Mallorca can transform even a short holiday into a much more complete experience, combining mountain villages, Mediterranean harbours, turquoise coves, panoramic roads and traditional inland towns.
Choose the route that suits you, avoid trying to fit too much into a single day and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
With VIMA Rent a Car, you can choose a vehicle that suits your trip and discover Mallorca with the freedom to travel at your own pace.
