Illustration of Palma de Mallorca with the seafront cathedral La Seu and palms

All-inclusive car rental in Mallorca

In short

A car is the best way to see Mallorca, and an all-inclusive rental gives you full insurance with zero excess - valuable on the island’s narrow mountain roads and busy summer car parks.

Mallorca is made for driving: hidden coves on the east coast, the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana in the west and stone villages like Valldemossa and Deià all reward those with their own wheels. Buses serve the main resorts but not the island’s best corners.

A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up in Palma and at Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Good to know before you drive in Mallorca

Pick-up pointsPalma & Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
RoadsGood main roads; narrow mountain routes
Best areasTramuntana, east-coast coves, Palma bay
Best monthsMay–June, September–October

Driving on Mallorca

The Ma-13 and Ma-19 motorways link Palma to the main resorts, while the coastal and mountain roads of the Tramuntana - especially the famous Sa Calobra road - are narrow, winding and spectacular.

Because tight bends and small village car parks make minor scrapes common, the zero-excess cover in an all-inclusive booking is genuinely worthwhile on Mallorca.

What to reach by car

The west coast villages of Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller are classic drives, while the east coast hides calas (coves) such as Cala Llombards and Cala Varques that are hard to reach otherwise.

In peak summer, popular coves fill early - set off in the morning and use free cancellation to keep your plans flexible.

Picking up your car in Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca (PMI) is one of Europe’s busiest summer airports, so its car-rental centre is large and well organised; allow a little time in July and August and complete the online check-in beforehand to move through quickly. From the airport the Ma-19 and Ma-20 reach Palma and the coasts in minutes.

Pick-up is also available in Palma itself, handy if you arrive by ferry or cruise. Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an all-inclusive Cardamar booking avoids a deposit at most pick-up points.

All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance

Two cars on the same lot in Mallorca can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.

All-inclusive (Cardamar) Basic rate + counter insurance
Damage & theft excess €0 – fully covered High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card
When you insure Before you travel, at a fixed price At the desk, under time pressure, price varies
Tyres, glass & undercarriage Included Usually excluded or charged extra
Deposit / card hold None or low at most stations Large hold blocked for the whole trip
Cancellation Free cancellation Often non-refundable
What you pay in total Known the moment you book Can climb sharply at the counter

A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.

Mallorca car rental - FAQ

Is a rental car worth it on Mallorca?

Very - the island’s best beaches, coves and mountain villages are difficult to reach by bus. An all-inclusive rental with zero excess suits Mallorca’s narrow roads.

Are the mountain roads difficult?

The Tramuntana roads are narrow and winding but rewarding. Drive calmly, and the zero-excess cover removes the worry of a minor knock.

Can I rent at Palma Airport without a credit card?

At selected pick-up points, yes, with no deposit either. The booking flow shows the payment options for your location.

Is collecting the car at Palma Airport straightforward in summer?

Yes, though PMI is very busy in July and August - the rental centre is large and well organised, and doing the online check-in first helps you move through quickly onto the Ma-19 or Ma-20.

What documents do I need to rent a car on Mallorca?

Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.