Hire a car at Palma airport and uncover everything Majorca has to offer. From hidden beaches and sparkling marinas to delicious seafood restaurants and lively clubs, the beautiful Balearic Island is one of the Mediterranean's gems. Book car hire Palma airport
Why hire a car at Palma airport?
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca offers a bounty of choice when it comes to resorts, from clubber's paradise Magaluf to the beautiful mountain village of Valldemossa. The simplest way to reach all the hot spots is with a car, especially those out-of-the-way beaches and off-the-beaten track marinas. The airport is situated within easy access of the Palma-Santanyí motorway, so once you've hired your car you can begin the beach hunt immediately.
That all-important first mile:
driving out of Palma airport?
For Palma itself head west, for the island's mountainous region go north and to bask on the most splendid beaches, drive east. The government has renumbered most of Majorca's roads in the last few years so make sure your map is up to date.
"Our cathedral's bigger than yours. We've probably got more tapas bars, restaurants and chic shops than you, too. So there."
Palma's cathedral probably is bigger than yours - it's 121 metres long and 55 metres wide - and if you avoid some of the more excessive tourist traps there are indeed great restaurants and shops.
Sophisticated, which will be a surprise if you've stumbled on Palma during a holiday in neighbouring Magaluf. Slip on your sunglasses, sip some wine and watch the yachts sail by.
Palma's residents enjoy the good things in life: long lunches in the sun, long nights in the bars and a restorative morning in a boutique store. It'd be rude not to join them.
It's hot and dry in the summer months but a sea breeze ensures you won't boil while shopping. In autumn you may need a raincoat - make sure it's designer.
If you fancy something sweet for breakfast, tuck into an ensaimada, a traditional pastry unique to Mallorca that dates back to the 17th century.
The Spanish royal family moor up regularly in the city's harbour.
Antoni Gaudi, the man behind much of Barcelona's most impressive architecture gave the interior of Palma's cathedral an overhaul in the early 20th century.
"Palma is Mallorca's cultural centre, outstanding for its historic old town and excellent night life." - Spanish Tourist Board
Car hire desks are situated on the ground floor of the arrivals hall, as well as the ground floor of the airport car park. From here, staff will guide you to your vehicle, allowing you to collect and cruise.
Make like the fashion-conscious locals and stock up on designer labels and locally crafted pearl jewellery. Majorca is home to the headquarters of Camper shoes, so you are bound to find some cool footwear.
If you're dashing immediately to the beach, make sure you've got enough coins for ice creams and sun lounger hire. You'll find ATMs dotted all over the terminal, and there's also a bank on the fourth floor of the departures hall.
Those after a quick quarter-pounder or pizza on-the-go are catered for by a number of fast-food joints, but for a more leisurely belly-filling experience, try Restaurante Son Sant Joan for good value Spanish cuisine. Look out for ensa?mada - deliciously fluffy, sugar-coated pastries.
Good news for families - the airport has recently opened a children's room, which has a playroom for toddlers and a number of cots for babies. Both are open 24 hours a day.
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The east coast is widely considered as the place for soaking up sunrays and dipping toes in crystal-clear waters. For a picture-perfect view head to Cala d'Or (golden cove), the area's fishing villages and lovely coves are sure to delight.
Palma
The capital of the Balearic Islands dates back to Roman times and with bags of cosmopolitan charm, it is well worth checking out before heading beach-wards. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and wide tree-lined boulevards, and re-fuel at the hordes of coffee shops and eateries.
Magaluf
A mecca for party people, Magaluf offers one heck of a good time. The nightlife is unrivalled in Majorca and touts are tripping over themselves to offer you fun for fewer euros. Plus, if you're hankering after an English fry-up, you're guaranteed to find hearty servings of bacon and eggs here.
Aqualand
Majorca's a hot place, so cool down at this mammoth water park near El Arenal beach. Do you dare attempt the Kamikaze or Devil's Tail themed chutes? No? Perhaps a relaxing turn in the jacuzzi is in order.
1. Banys Arabs
Tucked away in the winding streets of the medieval quarter, this 10th-century bathhouse is the only remaining example of Moorish architecture in Palma, dating back to the time when the city was an Arab settlement.
Head for the underground car park at Parc de la Mar, in front of the cathedral. It's a public car park, open 24 hours and the cheapest in town at €1.30 an hour and less than €10 a day.
2. Museo de Arte Espanol Contemporaneo
This place houses pieces by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali. Not a bad selection of artists to spend some time with.
The museum is located in a pedestrian area, and you can only reach it on foot. Just leave your hire car in the nearby public car park on Calle de la Volta de la Merce.
3: La Seu Cathedral
You can't really miss it. Palma's cathedral is enormous and looms over the harbour, providing an impressive vista for those quaffing champers on their yachts - shame yours is the inflatable dinghy.
The underground car park at Parc de la Mar is right in front of the cathedral. It can fill up at peak times, but there's another one not too far away at Plaza de l'Olivar. It costs €1.60 an hour.
4: Paseo Maritimo
This palm-lined seafront promenade is the place to head for if your holiday isn't complete without a night of clubbing.
You can park in the street for free if you're prepared to spend a little time finding a parking spot. Otherwise, there's a car park in the port, a little bit further around the bay.
5: Avinguda Jaime III
This is the place to shop until you drop - or until you've cleared your bank account and maxed all your credit cards.
There's an underground car park on the nearby Passeig Mallorca - so you won't have far to walk back to your car when you're laden down with bags after a shopping spree.
1: Puerto Pollensa
Just an hour away from Palma, Puerto Pollensa is a small harbour town with a beach that is boutique rather than brash.
Head out of Palma on the Ma-13 then join the Ma-2200, which takes you all the way to Puerto Pollensa, about 40 miles from Palma.
2: Parc Natural de l'Albufera
This wetland park in the north of Mallorca is great for birdwatchers and those looking to work off those tapas with a spot of hiking or biking.
Take the Ma-13 out of Palma then look out for signs as you approach the east coast of the island. The park is about 40 miles from Palma.
3: Coves del Drac
It translates as the 'Caves of the Dragon' but don't worry, fire-breathing reptiles haven't been spotted for years, so you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites in peace.
Head west from Palma on the Ma-15 for around 35 miles, before joining the Ma-4014. The caves are just over an hour's drive from Palma.
4: Soller
Mountains and the sea are two of Mother Nature's best inventions and those clever Mallorcans have only gone and put the pretty town of Soller right next to both.
Soller is just 30 minutes drive north of Palma - just follow the Ma-11.
" Palma is a quiet city so it's not common to find yourself in a traffic jam. It is fairly easy to drive around and if you pay attention to the signs, they'll direct you to the tourist hotspots. I would avoid driving near schools between 4pm and 5pm as it can get a bit crowded with parents picking up their children. Avinguda Jaime III is a bit crowded when the shops are open - in the afternoon on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. "
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