Welcome to Mallorca! This Balearic island is a top-tier tourist destination that gains more enthusiasts each year thanks to its attractive tourist offerings. If you're planning to spend some days in Mallorca soon, have you wondered how to get around this beautiful island?
In this post, we'll tell you how to get around Mallorca, exploring various forms of transportation from the most common means to the most picturesque routes. Let's discover together the best way to explore this Balearic treasure!
Mallorca is a fairly large island, spanning almost 80 kilometers from north to south and around 100 kilometers from east to west. While this may seem intimidating at first, the island boasts an excellent transportation infrastructure that facilitates movement.
However, it's important to note that the island can experience heavy traffic, especially during the peak tourist season. Therefore, planning ahead and considering possible delays is essential.
Common movements in Mallorca usually occur between major tourist areas, such as Palma, Puerto de Alcúdia, Cala d'Or, and Sóller, as well as Palma de Mallorca Airport. Additionally, many daily trips are made to the numerous beaches and coves along the island's coast.
It's worth noting the high volume of inter-island travel, especially between Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, primarily done by boat. This type of movement has increased due to the opening of mobility between islands, allowing visitors to experience more of what the Balearic Islands have to offer.
Getting around Mallorca by rental car is a very popular and often recommended option for island visitors. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore the island at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules.
There are numerous car rental companies offering these services in Mallorca, making it easy to choose a company where you can find the vehicle model you're looking for—whether it's a car, van, etc.—at a competitive price. However, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure you get the vehicle you prefer at a good price.
Traveling by car allows you to access more remote places on the island, such as beautiful hidden coves and beaches, picturesque villages, and the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana. However, it's important to remember that roads in some areas can be narrow and winding, requiring caution while driving. Additionally, finding parking in busy areas can be a challenge, especially in Palma.
Getting around Mallorca using public transportation is an efficient and economical option for exploring the island. The capital, Palma, has a bus system operated by EMT that connects the city and its surroundings. The island also has an extensive network of interurban buses that connect the capital with other cities and towns.
From the main bus depot in Palma, you can visit much of the island at a reasonable cost. For example, there are buses to Pollensa or Puerto Pollensa. Buses serve almost all towns and villages, although services may be more limited in rural areas.
Additionally, there is a picturesque wooden train that connects Palma to the town of Sóller, offering a unique and charming way to experience the beauty of the island.
Getting around Mallorca by rental motorcycle is an exciting and practical option for exploring the island. Renting a motorcycle offers the freedom to move at your own pace, allowing you to reach remote places that may be challenging to access with other modes of transportation.
Numerous motorcycle rental companies operate in Mallorca, both in the capital, Palma, and other popular tourist areas. You can choose from a variety of motorcycle types, from scooters to road bikes.
Mallorca has an extensive network of cycling routes, ranging from flat and tranquil paths to challenging mountain routes in the Serra de Tramuntana. Additionally, the capital, Palma de Mallorca, has a phenomenal almost 16-kilometer-long bike lane along the Bay of Palma, providing great views.
Bicycle rental is easily accessible on the island, and there are many shops offering a variety of bikes for rent, from road bikes to mountain bikes and electric bikes.
In addition to being an eco-friendly mode of transportation, cycling around Mallorca allows you to enjoy the island's natural beauty at a slower pace, providing access to hidden beaches, picturesque villages, and stunning views that you might overlook when traveling by car.
For those looking to travel between the Balearic Islands, the boat is the most common option. The Balearic archipelago is formed by Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and several smaller islets, each with its own character and charm.
From the port of Palma, you can take a ferry to the other islands. Travel times vary depending on the destination: Menorca is about 3 hours away, Ibiza is 2 hours away, and Formentera (from Ibiza) is about 30 minutes away.
Renting a private boat is another popular option. This allows you to move at your own pace and explore less accessible areas. There is a wide range of options available, from sailboats to luxury yachts.
It's important to remember that, during the high season, ferries can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance.
In summary Mallorca offers a variety of options for getting around the island, catering to all needs and preferences. Depending on whether you prefer the freedom of a rental car, the convenience of public transportation, the adventure of a bike, or the tranquility of a boat ride, you're sure to find the perfect way to explore this beautiful island.