How to Get Around Mallorca Without a Car

One of the typical concerns of travelers is how to get around a city when they don’t have their own vehicle. Most of the time, the destinations are far from our place of origin, and we can’t arrive by car, or renting one is too expensive. We understand this situation perfectly, and that’s why, in this article, we’ll tell you in detail how to get around Mallorca without a car, so your stay is perfect.

Is it possible to vacation in Mallorca without having a car?

The answer is absolutely, yes, you can vacation in Mallorca without your own vehicle. This is because the main attractions are very close to each other, and there are also public transport connections for those who prefer them.

Tourists walking in Mallorca in the middle of summer. Image by Ultima Hora.

Mallorca has a network of public transportation and private options that make getting around without a car a practical and enjoyable experience. While owning a vehicle may offer more flexibility, it is not essential. From public buses to organized excursions, the options are varied and adapted to different budgets.

Advantages of exploring Mallorca without a car

Avoid the stress of driving: No need to worry about traffic, parking or unfamiliar roads.
You save money: Car rental and fuel can be expensive, especially in high season.
Enjoy the scenery: By traveling by public transportation or bicycle, you can appreciate your surroundings without distractions.
Reduced environmental impact: Using collective or ecological transportation helps to take care of the environment.

How to get from the airport if you don’t have a car

If you’ve chosen Mallorca as your holiday destination, you’ll most likely arrive at Palma de Mallorca International Airport, the third busiest airport in all of Spain. This fact will give you a clue that people come here from many places around the world.

Now, once you’re there, you can easily reach the city in no more than half an hour by train or bus. Both options will drop you off at the station. Keep in mind that your starting point will be the city of Palma, the largest on the island, and from there you can reach any internal destination in Mallorca. For example, you can take the A1 bus, which costs approximately 5 euros, one way.

If you want to know the full map of public transport on the island, you can check the official transport office website.

How to Get Around Mallorca Without a Car: The Alternative Transports That Work Wonderfully

We just mentioned that the bus or train lines are a very good option for those arriving at the airport and wanting to explore the island, but you should know that’s not all.

Of course, you can always opt for a rental car to make your stay completely independent. However, the cost of these vehicles is not suitable for all types of tourists. Moreover, we must recognize that touring the island in a private vehicle may deprive you of discovering some of the more popular charms. That’s why we recommend the following:

Public transport

The public transport network consists of eight bus lines that connect the city with most of the tourist towns. There’s also the train with its two lines and, finally, the metro line. Without a doubt, you must ride at least one of them to experience the Mallorcan essence firsthand. However, make sure to know the line combinations and their schedules in advance, as they change between summer and winter.

Buses

The island has an efficient and well-connected bus network, managed by the company TIB (Transports de les Illes Balears). These buses connect Palma with the main towns, beaches and tourist attractions.

Frequency: Schedules vary by route, but the main lines have several departures a day.
Prices: Inexpensive and adapted to short or long journeys.
Tip: Download the TIB mobile application to check routes and schedules in real time.

Trains

Mallorca also has a railway network that connects Palma with cities such as Inca, Manacor and SĂłller.

The SĂłller Train: This option is perfect for those looking for a picturesque experience. The historic train that connects Palma with SĂłller offers spectacular views of the Tramuntana mountain range.
Frequency: More limited than the buses, so it is ideal to plan ahead.

Metro

Although Palma’s metro is small, it connects key points within the city, such as the center and the University of the Balearic Islands.

Boats and ferries

To explore nearby coastal areas and small islands, such as Cabrera, you can take boat excursions from different ports in Mallorca.

This article might interest you: Surfing in Mallorca: The Spots Chosen by the Experts

Image of the EMT line, from Onda Cero.

Tourist tours

Tourist tours are another excellent alternative for those visiting Mallorca without a car and even for those who do have one. Why? Because through them, you will get to know hard-to-reach places or coves that can only be accessed by boat.

Another point in favor of tours is that they offer a complete service. That is, food and drinks for the entire tour and even entertainment like a DJ. Well, at least that’s the case with what we offer at Attractions.

If you want to see a full list of our tourist tours, you can do so here.

Motorbike

The motorbike is an economical vehicle, allows you to reach the most hidden places with total freedom, and lets you slip through stressful traffic during peak hours. Also, riding a motorbike around Mallorca is a super romantic plan if you’re traveling as a couple, and you’ll never have trouble finding parking.

Bicycle

We have one last option to recommend, but it’s no less important. Renting a bicycle for sightseeing is always a good idea, no matter where you are. It’s a means of transport to enjoy the outdoors, travel at your own pace, and also get some exercise.

But riding a bike around Mallorca is especially pleasant since the island’s climate is mild almost all year round, and there are many cycling routes. Don’t worry; there are so many that you’re sure to find one perfect for your current fitness level. There are routes for beginners and also for experts seeking challenges.

Discover also: Plan Your Corporate Event on a Catamaran

Image by ABC Mallorca.

Activities to Do in Mallorca Without a Car

Visit historical sites

Mallorca is full of historical attractions that are carefully preserved. Fortunately, most of them are accessible without a car. And, if you want to soak up ancient architecture and marvel at Mediterranean aesthetics, we recommend that you stroll through Valldemossa, Deià, Fornalutx, and Soller. The architecture is cinematic, you can enjoy refreshments in beautiful cafés, and discover the best boutique shops, all on foot or by motorbike.

Don’t miss the natural parks

Nature is one of the island’s distinctive symbols, as seen in its spectacular natural parks. In that sense, if you’re in the southern area, you can visit the Mondragó Natural Park, very close to Santanyí. It’s easily accessible by public transport from Palma.

If you’re in the Alcudia area, you’re very close to S’Albufera Natural Park, another must-see. But if you’re in the northeast, you’re close to the Llevant Natural Park, which you can reach by bus from Artà. And, from the southwest, you can visit the Sa Dragonera Natural Park.

Business and local gastronomy: an unmissable combination

You’ll surely agree with us that the best place to eat is where the locals eat, and the same goes for shopping. In that sense, Mallorca offers a wide variety of typical markets where locals do their shopping while tourists enjoy the spectacle that creates. Of course, all these markets are easily accessible without a car.

View of one of the Mallorcan markets that you can explore without a car. Image by ABC Mallorca.

What can you find in them? Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and all kinds of artisanal cold cuts, the best homemade wines, and all kinds of locally made products. Without a doubt, it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local food culture and customs.

For adventure lovers, water sports

Now you know how to get around Mallorca without a car, but we still have one more activity to recommend: try surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, or any other water sport. The island has numerous facilities along the coast, so you can choose your favorite, and as you can see, there’s no need to have a car to do so.

The Beaches of Mallorca That Are Accessible by Public Transport

Playa de Palma, Cala Millor, Sa Coma, and Cala Ratjada are just a few of the coves accessible by public transport. However, remember that most of them can be reached without needing to drive a car. You can walk or use any of the alternative transportation methods mentioned in the section on alternative means of transport.

We’re working on an article where we’ll detail each of the coves accessible without a vehicle, their facilities, and why to visit them.

Final tip: combine public transportation and organized excursions.

Although public transportation covers much of the island, some remote beaches and points of interest may be difficult to reach. For these cases, consider combining buses with organized excursions or cabs. For example, you could use the train to SĂłller and from there take a boat excursion to Sa Calobra.

Here ends the article on “how to get around Mallorca without a car.” As you can see, you can do so without any difficulty, and it even has its own charm.

While this content ends here, you can still find a lot of relevant information about Mallorca on our Blog. Remember, you can share this post with anyone you like and come back whenever you need it.

Contact

Muelle Office
Avda. Gabriel Roca, 13
bajos Palma de Mallorca (07014)
Balearic Islands, Spain

Opening
At 9:00 to 20:00 hours

Phone
+34 971 746 101
+34 675 263 206

Email
info@attractioncatamarans.com