Pick up your car in the island capital and drive to mountain villages, beaches, and the full Mallorca circuit.
Palma de Mallorca is the island capital and largest city on Mallorca. The old town around the cathedral has narrow lanes unsuitable for cars, but a vehicle becomes essential for exploring beyond the city limits. The full island circuit measures about 300 km, taking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, remote beaches, and historic towns. The Ma-20 ring road circles the city, connecting to the Ma-1 motorway north-east toward Inca and Alcudia, the Ma-19 south-east to Llucmajor and beach resorts, and the Ma-13 north-west through a tunnel to Soller.
We offer cars in Palma de Mallorca with no deposit on eligible models. This means the local rental company does not place a hold on your card when you collect the vehicle. Each car listing shows whether it qualifies - look for the badge or use the filter in the search widget above. A deductible still applies if damage occurs; no deposit and coverage are separate attributes of the rental. Some cars accept debit card or cash for the balance at pickup, displayed in each listing and confirmed in your voucher.
When you book, you pay a booking advance online by card through our site. The remaining balance is due when you collect the car, and the accepted payment method - debit card, cash, or credit card - depends on the specific vehicle you choose. You will see this information clearly during booking and in your voucher. If you have a debit card, check that your daily spending limit covers the balance and any deductible hold if one applies.
Pickup options in Palma de Mallorca include delivery to your hotel or address within the city, collection at Palma de Mallorca Airport (8 km south-west via Ma-19), or a city desk depending on which company provides your car. The local rental company's name, address, and contact details appear in your voucher. You sign the rental agreement when you collect the vehicle, and any existing damage is noted in that document.
Pickup location depends on which rental company supplies your car. Options include the airport terminal, delivery to your accommodation, or an office in the city.
The main arrival point for visitors, located 8 km south-west of the city centre. Rental desks sit in the arrivals hall at Son Sant Joan Airport. The Ma-19 motorway connects the terminal to the Ma-20 ring road in under fifteen minutes. Full airport details and opening hours are confirmed in your voucher.
Many companies deliver the car directly to your hotel, apartment, or villa in Palma de Mallorca. The driver brings the keys, paperwork, and vehicle to your address at the time you select during booking. This option works well if your lodging is outside the old town or in a residential neighbourhood with street parking.
Some companies operate desks near the port or on the outskirts of the old town, typically along Avenida Gabriel Roca or near the bus station. These offices are practical if you are staying in central Palma and prefer to walk to collect your car. Exact address and directions are sent in your voucher once the booking is confirmed.
A car opens the island for circular routes, mountain passes, and coastal drives. Below are six popular destinations, each with distance, road type, and the vehicle category that suits the route.
Soller lies 30 km north-west of Palma de Mallorca, reached via the Ma-11 toll tunnel under the Serra de Tramuntana. The tunnel cuts travel time to twenty minutes. An alternative free route follows the old winding mountain road with hairpin bends, adding another half-hour but offering views across terraced olive groves. Port de Soller sits 5 km downhill from the town centre, a small harbour with a tram connection. Any compact or mid-size car handles the tunnel and coastal descent comfortably. The old mountain road rewards confident drivers but can be narrow in places.
This mountain village sits 20 km north of Palma de Mallorca on the Ma-1110 road. The route climbs steadily through pine forest and stone-walled terraces. Valldemossa is known for its monastery and narrow cobbled streets. Parking near the centre is limited; arrive early or use the lower car park and walk uphill. A small hatchback like a Fiat 500 or Opel Corsa is ideal for the village lanes. The drive takes about thirty minutes each way, making it a convenient half-day trip.
Deia is a hillside village 30 km from Palma de Mallorca on the Ma-10 coastal road. Continuing north-west, the road descends in a series of hairpins to Sa Calobra beach, a total round trip of 80 km. The Sa Calobra descent is one of the most challenging drives in Spain, with sharp switchbacks and no barriers in sections. A compact car with responsive steering and good brakes is essential. Allow two hours for the full loop from Deia, plus time at the beach. Traffic is heavy in summer, and passing places are limited.
The northern tip of Mallorca lies 70 km from Palma de Mallorca. Drive north-east on the Ma-13 to Inca, then the Ma-2200 to Pollenca, and follow the Ma-2210 peninsula road to the lighthouse. The final 20 km feature narrow curves with steep drops to the sea. Parking at the lighthouse is limited, and in summer a shuttle bus may replace private cars. A small hatchback or crossover handles the route well. Budget three hours for the return journey, longer if you stop at Pollenca old town or the Formentor beach viewpoint.
Alcudia old town and its surrounding beach resorts sit 60 km north-east of Palma de Mallorca. The Ma-13 motorway provides a fast route in under fifty minutes. Alcudia has a walled medieval centre and a long sandy beach stretching north to Playa de Muro. Parking in the old town is tight in summer; use the outer car parks and walk in. The bay road from Alcudia to Puerto de Pollenca is flat and easy. Any car category works for this route, though a compact suits the old town best.
Porto Cristo is a fishing port 65 km east of Palma de Mallorca on the Ma-4020 road. The Drach Caves lie just south of the town, a popular underground lake system with guided tours. The drive takes about one hour via the Ma-15 motorway to Manacor, then smaller roads through flat agricultural land. The route is straightforward, with good signage. Parking at the caves is ample, though it fills quickly in peak season. A standard sedan or small SUV like a Nissan Juke or Peugeot 2008 is comfortable for this day trip.
Our Palma de Mallorca fleet includes compact hatchbacks for city parking, crossovers for mixed terrain, and larger models for group travel. Availability and no-deposit eligibility vary by season.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A1 | Compact Premium | City drives, mountain roads, efficient on motorways |
| Fiat 500 | Mini | Old town lanes, tight parking, short coastal trips |
| Fiat Panda | Economy | Budget option, urban errands, light luggage |
| Ford Focus | Compact | Family trips, motorway comfort, balanced size |
| Hyundai i20 | Compact | Reliable choice, easy to park, adequate boot space |
| Hyundai Tucson | SUV | Group travel, elevated seating, large luggage capacity |
| Nissan Juke | Crossover | Mixed roads, higher ground clearance, distinctive styling |
| Opel Corsa | Compact | Versatile hatchback, practical for daily use, good visibility |
| Peugeot 2008 | Crossover | Comfortable seating, small SUV profile, beach and mountain routes |
Check the search results for current availability and no-deposit eligibility. Additional equipment - child seats, second-driver approval, or toll transponders for mainland autopistas - can be added during booking for a fee.
Island driving combines urban congestion, mountain hairpins, and fast motorway sections. Know the rules and plan routes to avoid peak traffic.
No deposit means the local rental company does not block funds on your card when you collect the car. Each vehicle has its own conditions; check the listing for eligibility.
Use the search widget at the top of this page and apply the "no deposit" filter. Each result displays a badge if the car qualifies. The policy is set by the rental company for that specific model, not by vehicle class. Read the terms in the listing before you book. Remember that a deductible still applies if damage occurs - no deposit and coverage are independent attributes.
Bring your driving licence, the voucher we email you, and a payment card. The voucher states whether the car accepts debit card, cash, or requires a credit card for the balance. You pay the booking advance online when you reserve; the rest is due at pickup. For more detail on advance payments and methods, see our payment methods page.
Answers to common questions about renting a car in Palma de Mallorca, from pickup locations to island driving rules.
Yes, many cars in Palma de Mallorca accept debit card or cash for the balance at pickup. Each listing shows which payment methods the rental company accepts for that vehicle. You will pay the booking advance online by card when you reserve, then settle the remaining amount when you collect the car.
Pickup options include the airport terminal, delivery to your hotel or address in the city, or a rental desk near the port or old town. The location depends on which company provides your car. You will receive full address and contact details in your voucher after booking.
The Serra de Tramuntana roads are narrow and winding, with steep drops and minimal barriers. Drive at a steady pace, use lower gears on descents, and pull over to let faster traffic pass. The Sa Calobra descent is particularly challenging. If you are not confident with hairpin bends, choose routes like the Soller tunnel or the flat east-coast roads instead.
EU licences are valid throughout Spain without additional documents. Non-EU drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. The rental company may check both at pickup, and police can request to see them during roadside checks.
A complete loop around Mallorca measures about 300 km. The route typically follows the Ma-1 north-east to Alcudia, the Ma-12 south along the east coast to Santanyi, then the Ma-19 west back to Palma de Mallorca. Allow a full day to drive the circuit with stops at beaches, towns, and viewpoints.
The Ma-11 tunnel to Soller charges a toll. Other motorways on the island are free. If you plan to drive on the mainland, note that autopistas in Catalonia and near Madrid are toll roads, while most autovias across Spain have no charge.
Search for available cars in Palma de Mallorca using the widget above. Filter by no deposit, compare models, and book online in minutes. Your voucher arrives by email with all pickup details and the local rental company contact information.