Driving in Mallorca – MallorcaDrive

Driving in Mallorca: 7 Tips for First-Time Visitors

Ioan — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:40:28 +0000

First Time Driving in Mallorca? 7 Tips You Should Know

Your first real encounter with Palma will most likely be through its traffic. If you pick up your rental car at the airport, you’re immediately part of the flow. And despite what some visitors expect, it’s not chaotic, it’s simply a busy Mediterranean city, especially during the summer months and particularly during morning and late-afternoon rush hours.

I still think rental cars should come with a built-in “Vacation Mode” button. Something that automatically lowers the pulse of everyone inside.

The good news is that driving in Mallorca isn’t difficult. It just takes a little adjustment at the beginning. So, written with a light touch of humour and but carrying an important message, here are seven practical tips to help you find your rhythm.

1. Relax — You’re on Vacation

If you’re in a taxi, you’re in good hands. The driver knows the flow. He changes lanes with quiet confidence, communicates with other drivers through subtle gestures, and pulls off overtakes you probably wouldn’t even consider.

Behind the wheel as a visitor? That’s a little bit different. You drive a little slower. You double-check the GPS. At the same time, you’re getting used to a new car, new roads… It’s a lot. And that’s completely normal.

Before leaving the rental car park, give yourself a moment. Adjust your seat properly. Set your mirrors. Turn on the air conditioning. Connect your phone and program your GPS. When everything feels settled – then start driving.

2. Understand the Roads: Speed Limits & Roundabouts

Mallorca’s road network is well maintained and generally easy to navigate, but it helps to understand how it works before you settle into cruise mode.

Speed limits change more often than some visitors expect. On highways (autovías), the limit is usually 120 km/h. On main rural roads, it’s typically 90 km/h. As soon as you enter a town or village, it often drops quickly to 50 km/h — and sometimes even 30 km/h in residential areas.

These transitions can happen within a short distance, so staying alert to signage is important. Speed cameras are present, and fines are enforced consistently.

And then there are the roundabouts.

Mallorca has embraced them enthusiastically. You’ll find them at highway exits, between villages, and even in smaller residential areas. They are designed to keep traffic flowing, but they require attention and early lane choice. A few simple principles make life easier:

Slow down before entering and always give priority to traffic already inside the roundabout.
Choose your lane early based on your exit.

After a day or two, roundabouts start to feel surprisingly logical. They’re less about speed and more about rhythm.

3. Be Nice in Traffic (Especially in Summer)

During the summer season, driving in Mallorca means sharing the roads with significantly more vehicles than usual. Traffic around Palma and the larger towns can become slow, especially during peak commuting hours.

It’s easy to forget that for many on the road, this isn’t vacation time but part of their daily routine. They’re commuting, managing family life, and moving through a regular weekday — just like in any other city.

Local drivers may appear confident and decisive, especially around Palma but there’s really no need to match their tempo right away. Take your time, stay patient and keep an eye out for pedestrians near crossings and in town centres.

Keep a steady, normal pace.
Stay right if you’re driving more slowly.
Avoid unnecessary overtaking games.
Allow faster vehicles to pass without feeling pressured.

4. Respect Cyclists -They’re Everywhere

Mallorca is one of Europe’s most popular cycling destinations, particularly in spring and autumn, and you will frequently encounter both individual riders and larger groups on rural roads and in the mountains.

Spanish law requires drivers to reduce their speed by 20 km/h below the posted limit when overtaking cyclists and to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 meters. Fines for failing to do so can start at around €200.

You are allowed to cross a solid centre line when overtaking cyclists, provided visibility and oncoming traffic allow it safely.

A little patience here makes a significant difference.

5. Parking in Palma de Mallorca

Finding parking in central Palma can occasionally feel like solving a small puzzle, especially during the high season. Even with the best planning, things don’t always go smoothly.

Street parking is limited and regulated by colour-coded zones. Blue zones require payment, white lines are generally free, and yellow lines indicate no parking. Always double-check signage, as restrictions can vary by time and area

If you’re circling the same block more than twice, consider a parking garage. It often saves time, stress, and unnecessary tickets.

For a detailed breakdown of parking options, zones, and insider tips, check out this guide: Parking in Palma de Mallorca – A Simple Guide

6. Driving and Parking in Small Villages

Exploring Mallorca’s small villages is one of the true highlights of the island. Stone buildings, quiet squares, and narrow streets create a timeless atmosphere.

However, many of these streets were designed centuries ago and were not intended for modern vehicles. One-way systems, tight corners, and resident-only zones are common.

Whenever possible, look for signposted parking areas at the edge of the village and walk into the centre. The short stroll allows you to enjoy the surroundings properly and avoids unnecessary stress — or accidental scratches.

Also, watch for signs that say “Area residents” or indicate resident-only parking — these spaces are reserved for locals.

If many cars are parked outside the village, there may be a market or festival happening. Be flexible with your schedule and enjoy the local atmosphere.

7. Don’t Drink and Drive

When driving in Mallorca, it’s important to remember that Spain enforces strict alcohol limits. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L for most drivers and 0.1 g/L for those who have held their licence for less than two years. Fines start at €500 and increase for higher readings, and in serious cases authorities can confiscate your licence on the spot.

The best approach? Nominate a designated driver, or better yet, use Mallorca’s excellent taxi and ride-sharing services when you’re planning a long lunch with local wine. The island is too beautiful to risk losing your ability to explore it.

10 Common Parking Mistakes in Palma de Mallorca (And How to Avoid Fines)

Ioan — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:33:57 +0000

Why So Many Drivers Get Parking Fines in Palma

If parking in Palma de Mallorca sounds easy, well, it’s not always that simple. Palma is a big city, and especially during high season, the number of cars increases. Finding a parking spot can feel like a small competition, and stress makes people rush.

Most parking fines come from small, avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones, so you don’t learn them the hard way.

1. Not parking in a blue marked area

When parking in Palma, always look for blue lines on the ground. These blue markings show where parking is allowed and mean paid parking with a time limit. You’ll see them in parking areas, single spots, and along many streets, especially in busy parts of the city.

2. Not paying when parking

Being in a hurry is no excuse here. Parking “just for a moment” can quickly turn into a fine. If the parking is not free, it’s always safer to pay, even for a few minutes.

3. Exceeding the parking time

Time goes fast when you’re busy. If you exceed your parking limit, you may get a ticket. The good news is that you can often cancel it by paying a small fee (around €5–6) at the machine within one hour.

4. Bus stops, loading zones, taxi areas

Always look down at the road markings. Bus stops, loading zones, and taxi areas are working spaces. Parking there blocks others from doing their job, and they will not be patient with you.

5. Parking on sidewalks or cycle lanes

Leaving your car partly on a sidewalk or bike lane may seem polite, but it’s not allowed. Not even with hazard lights on. It blocks people and cyclists and often leads to fines or towing.

6. EV parking spots

Electric vehicle spots are only for fully electric cars. The car must have a visible environmental or zero-emission badge. Hybrid cars are not allowed, even if the spot looks empty. Check for the sign: “excepte vehicles elèctrics en càrrega”.

7. ACIRE zones

You might see cars driving or parking in ACIRE zones and think it’s allowed. Don’t do it. These drivers usually have special permission. ACIRE zones are about access control, not parking and fines here are very common.

8. Wrong license plate number

This is an easy mistake to make. Entering the wrong license plate number at the machine can result in a fine. Take a few extra seconds and double-check every letter and number.

Best Hotels of Palma

Hotel Cappuccino – Palma de Mallorca

★★★★★

Ideally located in the heart of Palma, Hotel Cappuccino offers a perfect blend of style, comfort and exceptional service — a refined choice for travellers who appreciate quality.

9. Ticket not visible

Parking tickets are small and easy to miss. Sometimes they move or fall when you close the door. If it’s not visible, you can still get fined, so always check before walking away.

10. Not checking the signs

This is the golden rule of parking in Palma and one of the most important things to remember. Always read the signs carefully, including extra signs. A space that is free right now may be reserved very soon, even within a few minutes.

How to avoid problems

Slow down and don’t rush your parking decision. Park only in marked areas, always pay when required, and respect time limits. Check signs, ground markings, make sure you register correct license plate numbers, and ticket visibility.

If you have questions or feel unsure about where to park, don’t hesitate to ask the parking attendants nearby. Despite what many people think, they are usually friendly and happy to help. A quick question can save you time, stress, and a parking fine.

Parking in Palma de Mallorca guide

More information about parking in Palma

Parking in Palma de Mallorca

Ioan — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:33:00 +0000

Parking in Palma – What you need to know

Palma is Mallorca’s largest city, home to nearly half a million people. During the summer, that number rises quickly, bringing more cars and increased pressure on already limited parking space. Parking can be frustrating, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. The rules aren’t always obvious, signs can be confusing, and what looks like a perfectly fine parking spot can quickly turn into a fine or a towed car.

Over time, and after many trips to Palma, one thing has become clear: parking here requires attention and patience.

Parking options

Blue zones
These are paid parking areas with time limits. You must pay during regulated hours and display a valid ticket or use a parking app. Time limits vary by street, so always check the signs.

Green zones
Primarily reserved for residents. Visitors are usually not allowed to park here, or only for a very short time. These zones are best avoided unless clearly stated otherwise.

White zones
Free parking areas. They do exist, but they are rare and usually located far from the city center. Expect competition for these spots.

Parking Garages – Often the Best Choice

Public parking garages are often the easiest and safest choice for visitors. They’re well signposted, centrally located, and eliminate time limits and zone confusion. Prices are reasonable compared to fines or towing fees.

Where to park? A simple guide.

1. Parking garage 👍

A parking garage is the best option if you want peace of mind. There’s no need to keep track of traffic signs or move the car during certain hours, and the cost is predictable.

SMAP

Sociedad Municipal de Aparcamientos y Proyectos manages several car parks in Palma (some open only to residents in the respective areas) but the following are also open to the public.

Parc de la Mar (image)
Comtat del Rosselló
Santa Pagesa
Parc de la Riera
Comte d’Empúries
Manacor
Plaça Major
Via Roma
Marqués de la Sènia
Avingudes ( Avenidas)
Eusebi Estada

Most city parking garages charge roughly €1.30 – €3.00 per hour. Central garages (like Parc de Mar) are usually more expensive, while others might be cheaper, depending on location. Central, high-demand garages near tourist hotspots are usually pricier. Below, price example for Parc de Mar in January 2026. More info: https://mobipalma.mobi/mobilitat/estacionament/aparcamentssmap/

Parc de la Mar Palma de Mallorca

High Season

€3/hr

Max cost/day €28,48

748 available parking places for cars
5 available parking places for electric vehicles
24 available parking places for bikes

More info

Low Season

€2/hr

Max cost/day €24,04

748 available parking places for cars
5 available parking places for electric vehicles
24 available parking places for bikes

More info

Sociedad de Gestión Parkings Palma

Parking de Paseo Mallorca (image)
Parking de Plaza de España
Parking de la Plaza de los Patines

Price: €2,34/hr, maximum cost per day €28,40

More info: https://www.parkingspalma.com/

Other parking garages

SABA Aparcamientos
Plza. Porta Sant Antoni
Prices: From €2,95/hr. Possibility to book one or more days at a discounted price.
More info: https://www.saba.es/en/parking-palma-de-mallorca

Passatge Particular de Santa
Catalina de Sena, 3 (next to Mercat de l ́Olivar)
Prices: About 2€/hr or about 24€/day

Best Hotels of Palma

Hotel Cappuccino – Palma de Mallorca

★★★★★

Ideally located in the heart of Palma, Hotel Cappuccino offers a perfect blend of style, comfort and exceptional service — a refined choice for travellers who appreciate quality.

2. Zona Azul (Blue Zone) and ORA 👍

“Azul” means blue and, coincidentally, are the blue-marked parking areas in the city that you should stick to, both parking spaces and along the streets. These are chargeable and time-limited.

O.R.A. stands for Operación de Regulación de Aparcamiento – a legal provision whose purpose is to establish the maximum time that can be spent in the parking lots in the city. Since access is limited, the authorities want there to be a “rotation of vehicles”, which means that you can park for a maximum of 2 hours (exception, zone 3-2, where the maximum time is 3 hours).

There are 3 parking zones in Palma, Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, as well as eight areas within these zones:

Zone 1: 1-1, 1-2, 1-3,

Zone 2: 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4

Zone 3: 3-2.

The common denominator for these is the fee as well as the time limit. The difference between them is the price you pay per hour, as is well known, the most expensive closest to the center.

More info regarding prices: https://mobipalma.mobi/mobilitat/estacionament/ora/#1463568976523-815ba482-fdbc

Check the map below to see the boundaries of each zone.

Ora Zone fees

More info: https://mobipalma.mobi/mobilitat/estacionament/ora/#1463568976523-815ba482-fdbc

Zone 1 Fee

€1,45/hr

Min 30 minutes: €0,85

Max 2hours: €2,65

Cancellation fee for exceeding the paid parking time: €6

Zone 2 Fee

€1,25/hr

Min 30 minutes: €0,65

Max 2hours: €2,35

Cancellation fee for exceeding the paid parking time: €5,50

Zone 3 Fee

€0,75/hr

Min 30 minutes: €0,35

Max 2hours: €2,10

Cancellation fee for exceeding the paid parking time: €3,50

Paid parking hours

Monday–Friday
9:00–14:30 and 16:30–20:00

Saturday
9:00–14:30

Sundays and public holidays: Free

Payment

You can easily pay at the parking machines located in each area.

Accepted payment methods:

Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2

mobiAPParc app

ORA prepaid card (can be topped up with up to €50)

❗Restricted Traffic Areas (ACIRE)

Avoid driving into the ACIRE, zones where permission is required. Also, don’t complicate it by looking for parking space in the alleys or following others who leave their cars in unmarked places. Keep in mind that residents have their own solutions regarding parking permits, rented places, etc.

❗Important:
These zones are about driving access, not parking. Even entering briefly without permission can result in a fine — so always check signs before driving in.

Good to know

Payment made for parking within one zone applies to the entire zone. That is, you can move the vehicle and park in another place as long as it is within the same zone.
Each zone has a code color, Zone 1 = red, Zone 2 = green, Zone 3 = blue
Within Zone 1, in connection with the payment, you need to enter the car’s license plate number in the parking meter. This will then be visible on the parking ticket.
Once the parking time has expired, you must move the car at least 250 meters to a new parking space and pay again.
If you receive a ticket for exceeding the paid parking time, you can cancel it within one hour by paying €6 at the parking ticket machine.
If you pay a parking fine within 20 days, the amount is reduced by 50%.
Parking attendants on Palma’s streets are generally friendly and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask them for assistance — they’re happy to explain how the machines work and answer any parking-related questions.

Tip:
If you park on Saturday at 12:30, you only need to pay for the remaining allowed time (two hours). After that, parking is free until Monday at 9:00.

Related to parking in Palma.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca

Check out our review: Hotel Basilica Palma de Mallorca

How to pay your parking fine in Mallorca

Ioan — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 11:57:00 +0000

Have you received a parking ticket in Mallorca? Here’s how to pay it.

Getting a parking fine while on holiday is no fun, but paying a parking ticket in Mallorca is usually straightforward — in this guide you’ll find everything you need: how to pay, what happens if you were driving a rental car, and a complete step-by-step walkthrough showing exactly how to pay via atib.es, the official payment portal used by most municipalities in Mallorca

Check the parking ticket carefully

If you receive a parking fine, start by checking the ticket itself. It contains important information such as the date, time, location, offence type, and a reference number. This information is required when making a payment.

The ticket may look overwhelming at first — it’s usually a small slip of paper packed with text, often written entirely in Spanish. Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything. The key details you need are the reference number and the total amount, which are typically printed clearly at the bottom of the ticket.

In many cases, you may be entitled to a reduced fine if you pay within a certain period — usually within 10 to 20 days. Paying early can often reduce the amount by up to 50%.

How to pay your parking fine in Mallorca

There are several ways to pay a parking fine, depending on the municipality where the ticket was issued.

Pay online

Most municipalities allow you to pay your parking fine online through their official payment portals. You will need the reference number from the ticket and a valid credit or debit card. Online payment is usually the fastest and easiest option.

Pay at a bank or payment office

Some fines can be paid at specific banks or authorised payment offices. In this case, you must bring the ticket with you. Accepted payment methods may vary, so it’s best to check in advance.

Pay in person at the local authority

In certain cases, you may be able to pay the fine directly at the local town hall or traffic office. This option is less common but may be useful if you have questions or need assistance.

What if the car is rented?

If you were driving a rental car, the fine is usually sent to the car rental company first. The company will then forward the fine to you and may charge an additional administrative fee. This is standard practice and outlined in the rental agreement.

To avoid extra costs, it’s often best to pay the fine as soon as possible once you’re notified.

What happens if you don’t pay?

Unpaid fines can increase over time due to late fees and penalties. In some cases, outstanding fines may be transferred to collection agencies or affect future visits to Spain. Ignoring the fine is not recommended.

Final tips

Always read the ticket carefully
Pay within the discount period if possible
Use official payment channels only
Keep proof of payment

Paying a parking fine isn’t how anyone wants to spend their holiday — but with this guide, it should take no more than a few minutes. Sort it quickly, save up to 50%, and get back to enjoying the island.

So how do you pay the parking fine? Here is a step by step guide:

Here is a step-by-step guide regarding payments to be made via http://atib.es (in this case a fine in Valldemossa, but this also apply to fines issued by other city councils (“ayuntamentos”) in Mallorca. However it’s important to check first the information from the ticket issuer regarding online payment.

First, check the back of the parking ticket, is it to be paid via http://atib.es?

At the bottom of the front page you will find the most important information to complete the payment: Issuer, reference number and amount.

Click on the slider below to get a step-by-step guide to how you pay a Mallorcan parking ticket:

atib_

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a parking fine in Mallorca?

To and from Palma de Mallorca Airport

Ioan — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 09:28:00 +0000

Car, buss or taxi? To and from Palma de Mallorca Airport

For first-time visitors (perhaps for many others too for that matter), arriving at Palma de Mallorca Airport can be quite an experience — especially during high season. After leaving the aircraft, collecting your luggage, and making your way through the busy arrivals hall, one thing becomes clear: it’s time to decide how to get to your destination.

Perhaps you have a plan. If not, what options do you have? Fortunately, there are several transport options available, depending on your budget, travel plans, and level of comfort.

Taxi – fast and convenient

Taxis are easy to find at Palma Airport. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal, clearly signposted and well organised.

Taxis operate on a fixed tariff system, with prices depending on distance, time of day, and luggage. During peak season or late hours, waiting times can increase, but overall this is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach your accommodation.

Drivers are generally friendly, help with luggage, and are usually familiar with the hotels they are driving to. Taxis are equipped with taximeters and operate with day and night fares (21:00–07:00). A trip to central Palma takes around 15–20 minutes and costs approximately €25. Payment can be made by credit card or in cash.

Keep in mind that Saturdays are particularly busy during the high season due to heavy air traffic. This often leads to queues, as many travellers choose taxis to get into Palma. You should also be prepared for fast-moving traffic, both on the way to and within the city, with drivers often going quicker than you might be used to.

Of course, it is possible to book a taxi from the airport to any place on the island, example: travel time and price, from the airport (4 people per car):

Valdemossa, 30 minutes, €45–55
Palmanova, 20-30 minutes, €40–45
Port d’Andratx, 40 minutes, €75–85
Port de Sóller, 40 minutes, €70–80
Cala d’Or, 1 hour, €110–115
Cala Millor, 1 hour, €85–105
Alcudia, 50 minutes, €85–100
Cala Ratjada, 1 hour and 15minutes, €95–115

The complete price list can be found here: http://www.radiotaxiciutat.com/reservar-taxi2.aspx?lang=EN

Bus – affordable and reliable

Public buses offer a budget-friendly alternative and connect the airport with Palma city and other parts of the island.

The airport bus stops are located just outside the arrivals terminal. The most popular route is the airport bus to Palma city centre, A1, which runs frequently throughout the day and takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The bus stops at Plaza Espana and continues to Avenida de Jaume III. Buses depart every 15 minutes (30th minute after 21.00) and costs 5€ for youth and adult.

More info about stops and timetable: https://www.emtpalma.cat/es/linea/-/L/17/aeroport-palma-centre

There are also intercity bus lines that connect the airport with destinations across Mallorca, making it possible to reach many areas without changing transport. Tickets are affordable, but space for luggage can be limited during busy periods.
A2 to S’Arenal
A11 to Camp de Mar via Magaluf and Peguera
A32 to Can Picaford via Inca and Alcudia
A42 to Cala Bona via Manacor, Portocristo and Cala Millor
A51 to Campos via S’Arenal and Llucmajor

Worth keeping in mind, many of the buses that run these routes are city buses. There are places designed for luggage on board as well as usb ports for mobile charging. Some lines such as the A42 from Cala Bona to the airport can be full on Saturdays.

The ticket price is determined by the distance to the destination and the number of stops and is always the lowest if the ticket is booked online. Example travel time and fare, from the airport:

Palmanova with bus line A11, travel time about 45 minutes, fare €5–12 pp
Cala d’Or with bus lines A51 and 515, travel time about 1,5 hrs, ticket price €10–15 pp
Alcudia with bus line A32, journey time about 1 hour and 30 minutes, ticket price €8–13 pp
Valldemossa with bus lines A1 and 203, journey time about 1 hour and 45 minutes, ticket price €9–11 pp
Cala Ratjada with bus lines A42 and 411, journey time about 2 hours, ticket price €13–18 pp

More Info: https://www.tib.org/en/inici

Airport transfers

Private transfer – comfort and peace of mind

If you prefer a hassle-free arrival, a private transfer can be a good option. Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your destination without stops along the way.

This option is particularly popular for families, larger groups, or travellers arriving late at night. While more expensive than public transport, it offers comfort, fixed pricing, and peace of mind.

One-way travel to the centre of Palma costs from €30 to over €100. The parking lot is located directly outside the arrivals terminal.

Car rental – total freedom

Not the first choice if you are only going to be in Palma over a week-end. But definitely the best option if you want complete flexibility during your stay in Mallorca. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, visit smaller beaches, and reach places that are difficult to access by public transport.

A few car rental companies have offices at the airport, just eafter the arrivals haul. Others are located outside the airport area and offer free shuttle services. The transfer usually takes no more than 5–10 minutes. During high season, it’s highly recommended to book your car in advance to secure better prices and availability.

The range of car models is wide and prices naturally vary. However, if your requirements are modest, it’s possible to find cars from around €30 per day during the high season. In the low season, prices for a Group A car can drop to as little as €10 per day. Using a price comparison website before booking is always a good idea.

Car rental companies with offices at the airport: Sixt, Europcar, RecordGo, Hertz, Okmobility, Goldcar, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.

Bus via tour operator

When booking a package holiday, you usually have the option to add a transfer to your hotel. It’s an affordable and convenient choice, as you don’t have to arrange transportation on your own. In most cases, the transfer is by bus and includes several stops, depending on where other travellers are staying. Some tour operators also offer private transfers, which are ideal if you want to avoid multiple stops and travel directly from the airport to your hotel

Which option should you choose?

The best way to get to and from Palma de Mallorca Airport depends on your travel plans:

Taxi if you want speed and convenience
Bus if you’re travelling light and on a budget
Private transfer if you value comfort and simplicity
Car rental if you plan to explore the island beyond the main resorts

No matter which option you choose, planning ahead will save you time, money, and stress — especially during Mallorca’s busy summer months.

10 annoying things you may encounter when renting a car

Ioan — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 18:27:46 +0000

What can go wrong?

One of the most common reasons for dissatisfaction when renting a car, especially during the high season is the long queues to the rental car companies. If you have passed that ordeal, nothing can go wrong, right?

1. You don’t get the car model you had hoped for

If you are the least bit interested in cars, you know that some cars are more fun to drive than others. Therefore, expectations are high that the desired model is waiting in the parking lot. However, the mood quickly changes when the car key you have just received reveals otherwise.

2. The settings are in a language you do not master

You start the car and discover that all the information on the screen is in a foreign language you are not completely familiar with. Hopefully, there are icons that facilitate a solution.

3. No washer fluid

For some strange reason, the rain that fell during the night has not made the car cleaner but on the contrary, all the dust has become visible and decorated with small patterns that reveal that there have been some raindrops. Most likely, the car rental company has not replenished washer fluid, citing that it is summer.

4. Dirty car seats

Yogurt, mashed banana or chewing gum? Either way, the visible spots on the driver’s seat become an annoyance and the question why no one has cleaned the seat remains unanswered. Maybe you have a seat cushion with you in your luggage?

5. Impossible to connect the mobile phone with the car

This is (sometimes) not due to ignorance, but simply because the maximum number of bluetooth connections has already been reached. Previous renters have not removed their connections nor has the car company bothered about it, therefore you have to erase Jim’s or Günter’s iPhone to make room for your mobile.

6. The car is not fully refueled

The meter shows that the car is fully refueled, but if the viewer drops a level after a couple of km, it is time to question the car’s fuel consumption or if you have been blown on a few liters of gasoline. (By the way, don’t forget to fill up the car when you return it).

7. The hat shelf hangs loosely

Maybe not the worst thing that can happen but oh so annoying when you close the tailgate and the half-breed hat shelf ends up wrong. If you also have a lot of luggage and would rather not bring it , you must kindly accept that the car rental company does not want anything that hears the car left, but the court must accompany you anyway.

8. Malfunctioning car key

It is a matter of course that you should be able to easily lock and unlock the car from a distance. Pointing the key at the car and pressing 10-15 times because there is a gap in it or the battery is bad, only creates irritation. And irritation does not open car doors.

9. Alarming noise

Strange sounds from the engine, gearbox or anything else that absolutely should not be heard, of course, cause concern. In most cases, the best solution is to request a new car, even if it means driving the car back and also bearing the cost of fuel. The last thing you need, if you want to, is to wait for an assistance car in the blazing sun (or in the middle of the night for that matter).

10. Final invoice

All fees/taxes/extra costs you have not anticipated, reality-based or fictitious that are added, usually never please anyone more than possibly the car rental company.

Well, a parking ticket never makes anyone happy…

Another small annoyance can be finding a parking ticket on your windshield. Not ideal, of course – but don’t worry, paying a ticket in Mallorca is easier than it sounds, check out the guide here.