Home to three sandy beaches, a sun-drenched promenade peppered with a variety of restaurants, and plenty of shops selling everything you need, Palma Nova is an easy choice for a laidback fly-and-flop Majorca getaway.
It’s also an excellent base to discover the rest of the island, from scenic mountain villages to fascinating historical sites – especially when you have a hire car to hand.
For an easy win, head to nearby Magaluf, where quintessential resort attractions await. Or, for something a little different, a short drive inland will take you to the Tramuntana mountain range where you can hike and mountain bike.
Palma Nova’s centre has a number of local car hire providers to choose from. They include:
You can also hire a car at Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is roughly 30 minutes away by car. Hertz, Sixt and Enterprise are some of the big brands you’ll find here.
While you can pick up a rental on the day, booking online and in advance is recommended.
The biggest island in the Balearics, Majorca has good, well-signposted roads, especially around the coast. But driving here is still a little different from driving in the UK.
First of all, remember to drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left-hand side. Secondly, be aware that speed limits are in km/h and not in mph. For motorways, they’re 120km/h (approximately 75 mph). For main roads, they’re 90-100km/h (approximately 56-62 mph). And in built-up areas, they’re 20-50km/h (approximately 12-31 mph).
Expect cyclists when you’re driving and be sure to give them ample space when overtaking (at least 1.5m, or 5ft, is recommended). You may find some of the mountain roads challenging and there are steep, narrow hairpin bends on the journey to some of Majorca’s popular mountain towns and villages.
Some of the island’s roads can feel narrow and parking can be difficult, especially on market days in the summer. If you venture off the beaten track, you may come across some dirt roads and wildlife.
Any additional requirements: You need a valid UK driving licence and a second form of ID (eg passport)