A trip to Mallorca is the perfect excuse to forget about the car and explore the island in a different way. It's not about traffic jams or finding parking, but about enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

The island offers a ton of options for getting around Mallorca without needing a steering wheel, and many of them will take you to places a car simply can't reach. From buses and bikes to boats and segways, there are alternatives for every taste and travel style.

If you're thinking of leaving the car keys parked, here are the best ways to get around the island. Let's get started!

Car alternatives: explore Mallorca at your own pace

Leaving your car keys behind can be the first step to discovering the island in a different way. Transportation in Mallorca goes far beyond four wheels, offering options for every type of traveler. Here's a complete guide to getting around Mallorca without complications and with an extra dose of fun.

  • Public Transportation (Buses and Trains) If you're looking for ease and peace of mind, Mallorca's public transport is a safe bet. The island has an efficient network of buses (TIB) and trains (SFM) connecting Palma with almost every interesting corner of the island. With the Intermodal station as the main hub, a bank card is all you need to get around easily. Whether it's to Inca by train, to the southern beaches by bus, or even the airport transfer, you'll have everything covered, forgetting about traffic jams and the endless summer adventure of finding parking. It's the perfect alternative for those who value comfort and prefer to enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics.
  • Bicycles and Cycling Routes Mallorca boasts being a paradise on two wheels, and renting a bike is as easy as choosing the one you like best. From leisurely seaside rides in Palma, rural routes through the Pla, or the chosen ascents of the Tramuntana for the bravest, there are options for everyone. Cycle tourism here is synonymous with freedom: you stop where you want, enjoy the surroundings, and reach places no car can follow. Ideal for active people, athletes, or those who simply want to savor the island at a leisurely pace.
  • Boat Trips Swapping asphalt for the sea is undoubtedly another way to discover Mallorca. From the ports of Palma, Sóller, Pollença, or Colonia de Sant Jordi, you'll set sail for unique landscapes. You can book your spot on a family catamaran or join a boat trip to explore sea caves or reach Cabrera. Some excursions allow you to discover coves impossible to reach by land and enjoy the sea in a relaxed and different way, perfect for both families and the most curious explorers.
  • Walks and Hiking If you prefer boots to saddles, hiking opens up an endless array of marked trails extending across the entire island, with the Serra de Tramuntana as the crown jewel. From the demanding adventure through the Torrent de Pareis to the trails that crisscross the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, walking in Mallorca places you in privileged scenic spots and offers views and sensations that go unnoticed on wheels. Hiking is for those who seek to see the island with calm and authenticity.
  • Taxis and Ride-sharing Often what you're looking for is total comfort and the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Taxis, or ride-sharing services via apps, are readily available in towns and points of interest. Ideal for airport transfers, dinners in remote countryside locations, or those days when your energy is flagging, they are a practical resource for those who don't want to worry about schedules or routes.
  • Motorcycle or Scooter Rental The feeling of getting around Mallorca by motorcycle is unique, especially because parking ceases to be a problem. You'll find rentals in Palma as well as in the main tourist towns; you'll just need the appropriate license. Whether it's for tackling the curves of the Tramuntana, stopping in villages like Deià, or taking a cove-hopping route along the northeast coast, a motorcycle offers agility and autonomy, perfect for couples or independent travelers with an adventurous spirit.
  • Tourist Transportation Traveling on the Sóller train or taking a panoramic bus in Palma is an experience in itself: the wooden train crosses orange valleys and historical tunnels, while the double-decker bus effortlessly connects monuments and emblematic spots in Palma. These are the best options for those who want to enjoy the visit without missing a detail and without lugging around maps.
  • Segways Segways have arrived to stay in Palma and Alcúdia, ideal for exploring urban centers or promenades without getting tired and with a touch of originality. They are usually part of guided tours and are especially attractive for groups of friends, families with teenagers, or anyone looking to cover a lot of ground in a short time, but in a relaxed way.

 

  • Kayaks and Paddleboards If water is your thing, kayaking or paddleboarding gives you access to hidden coves, caves, and islets that no one can reach by foot or by car. Rental companies abound on beaches like Pollença, Cala Sant Vicenç, or Santa Ponsa, and the experience of exploring the Mallorcan coastline by paddle is as free as it is fun. The definitive option for those who want to combine sport, nature, and unique hidden gems.
  • Guided Tours in Special Vehicles And for those who prefer to discover Mallorca in a group or with everything organized, there are guided tours in 4x4s, all-terrain Jeeps, or electric vehicles like "Twizy." These tours allow you to venture along mountain trails, visit villages, or cliffs with set itineraries and the peace of mind of being accompanied by a guide, enjoying without worrying about maps or GPS.

 

A hotel for every adventure

Exploring Mallorca is an even richer experience when you know you have a hotel designed to complement your adventures. At Hotels VIVA, we've designed our hotels to be the perfect companion to your journeys across the island. Located in prime spots like Cala Mesquida, Port de Alcúdia, and Playa de Muro, we are the ideal starting point for many routes and excursions that let you discover the island without a car.

In our facilities, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay that fits your pace. We offer services designed for the active traveler, like cycling stations and healthy menus. Plus, our commitment to sustainable mobility is reflected in the availability of charging points for electric vehicles. Imagine returning from a long hike to relax in one of our spectacular pools, enjoy a spa session, or simply rest in the comfort of our rooms. We make sure your only concern is enjoying the experience.

Ready to discover Mallorca and get the best rest? Book your stay with us and experience the island in a different way.