Will be on the island later next month, travel books certainly caution you about driving in the West up to Cap de Formentor. Anyone have experience or suggestions on renting a car in Palma and the preferred route. thanks
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6792 posts
travel books certainly caution you about driving in the West up to Cap de Formentor
What exactly is the specific concern that they "caution you" about?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
The "treacherous" serpentine roadways
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The "treacherous" serpentine roadways
The guides I read describe that as a "spectacular scenic drive". I would recommend that area.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5542 posts
I always rent a car at Palma airport because that's always our arrival point (visit several times a year). Lots of choice (including automatics) and straightforward access to the MA-19. I've never rented in Palma itself, I suspect that might be a bit nervewrecking at first as Palma is a busy city.
Driving in Mallorca is a joy, particularly in the quieter months however even in April the roads will still not be particularly busy (other than in and around Palma). The roads are well maintained and driving across the island in various directions is easy. The drive to Cap Formentor is renowned for its spectacular views but also for its winding mountain roads and sheer drops, it's not a drive for the fainthearted. I haven't driven the route because my wife refuses to do it however my brother drove it earlier this year and he confirmed that it was an intense drive and not once making it out of third gear.
It's not all sheer drops and fear inducing turns in the mountains. Our last trip saw us driving up to Deia, on to Valdemossa, then to Soller before taking in Pollenca and Alcudia. Yes, there were lots of twists and turns and sudden confrontations with large buses appearing from blind corners but it's all part of the fun however you can take the newer, straighter road MA-11 which will avoid the small, windy roads.
For an even more relaxing journey, park the car at Bunyola train station (there's a small, free car park there) and pick up the wooden train to Soller. The train departs from Palma but Bunyola is the the stop just before the scenery becomes more interesting.