Self Drive Tours Of Majorca You Don't Want To Miss

• By: Editor
• On: 02/Jul/2009
• In: Spain Travel Tips

Driving Tour of the Central Majorcan Plains

This driving tour will take you through the central plain of Majorca, along old Roman roads, and through majestic scenery decorated with fruit trees of almonds and apricot! To do this tour, you will be driving off the MA-3320 on the old road network.

Begin your journey in Petra, which was once a Roman settlement, and follow the signs to Santa Margalida. You won’t head into Margalida if you turn left to Muro. The village of Muro has a wonderful museum that is well worth visiting for some insights into the history of the area.  The road to follow here is called Carrer Major and from Muro you will continue towards the village of Sa Pobla, and you shall pass the old church of Sant Joan Baptista. Keep an eye out on the wonderful landscape tilled by local farmers, and you will come across many windmills.

After passing through Sa Pobla, make your way to Llubi and from here make your way to the top of the village. From here, take the road to Sineu, all the time following the signs to Sant Joan. From Sant Joan, take a right to Montuiri. Get onto the Palma – Manacor Highway and make your way to Porreres. After stopping at the traditional village of Porreres make your way in the direction of Vilafranca de Bonany. At Vilafranca take a right turn and make your way to Els Calderers. On the way back to Petra, take the time to visit the wonderful Ermita de Bonany church, an architectural delight.

Driving Tour of West Majorca
By taking a tour of Western Majorca you will get a wonderful first hand glance of the stunning coast and mountain scenery, in addition to the charming villages of western Majorca.

If you are travelling from Palma, take the C719 to Santa Ponca and from here continue along the highway, passing Paguera, Cala Fornells, and Camp de Mar, all beautiful spots with splendid sandy coves. You will come to the Port D’Andratx, which was once a smugglers haven. After exploring the Port travel inland to the northeast to along the C719 to the village of Antratx.

From here take the C710 road to Estellencs. The road will climb, so you will get marvellous views!  Make sure to stop at Estellencs. This scenic village faces the sea in a majestic valley of the Tramuntana Mountains. By taking a brief stop at Estellencs you will come across everything that is typical about a Majorcan Village, winding cobbled streets, terrace agriculture, picturesque coves and beaches, and a quaint church.

After this, carry on for around 5km and you will come to Mirador de Ses Animes, a stone watchtower that dates from the 16th century and affords really spectacular views. After this, you will reach the village of Banyalbufar, which has wonderful views and spectacular agricultural terracing on the hills.

Note that you can take the C710 to Sóller, just 10km (6 miles) from Deià which are two other villages well worth exploring on a driving tour of the north west coast.

You will be leaving the C710 when you veer left on the road towards Valldemossa, which was once the home of French composer Chopin. Here, you need to get onto the PM110 which is signposted for the Majorcan Capital Palma. Veer off right after around 1km for La Granja village, and it is recommended that you stop off at this wonderful and traditional Majorcan village.

After stopping off on La Granja take the narrow mountain road to Puigpunyent and stay on this road for approximately 10km. You will be astounded by the scenery as you pass through the olive groves in the mountain shadows. Next stop is the village of Galilea and from here you will get some great views of the Calvià coast. After this you will follow the twisty mountain roads and make your way to the village of Es Capdella. This is another village with stunning mountain and sea views. From the village, take a right and make your way back to Andratx.

Driving Tour of Northeast Majorca
You could complete this rewarding tour in a half-day drive approximately – depending on how many stop offs that you take! If you are travelling from Palma factor in around 1.5 hours extra to the time. This tour of the east coast of Majorca is also known as the "Cava Route" because of the wonderful caves to be seen that hug the coastline.

From Palma, take the C715 and make your way to Manacor. From here, follow the road signs to Porto Cristo. After nearly 15km along this route you will come across the Coves dels Hams, which are magnificent cave formations. Stop off here for some photos and then make your way to Porto Cristo, where you will come across the wonderful Cuevas del Drach, meaning Caves of the Dragon.

These majestic caves are home an underground landscape of stalactites and stalagmites as well as five underground lakes. The cave roof appears to glitter with the large number of icicles! One of the lakes, Martel Lake, at over 500 feet long, is the largest underground lake in the world.

From Porto Cristo follow the signs to Son Servera and Cala Millor. It’s entirely up to yourself if you wish to stop at Cala Millor or bypass it – it is the most popular resort on the east coast of the island. It has a great repuation as being a family resort with long beaches, a wonderful promenade and plenty to see and do, including boat trips to the nearby coves and a trip to the Zoo Safari!

From Cala Millor travel north and turn left for Son Servera. From here, take a right towards Capdepera. Here you will come across a castle, fine beaches and some wonderful coves. One of the best beaches is at Cala Mesquida, so take a detour here for some well-earned rest!

If you feel like driving further take the C715 to Arta. After exploring the charming town of Arta and its caves, take the coastal road C712 that brings you to Alcudia Bay. You will come across the S'Albufera nature reserve before you reach Alcudia. Alcudia has some wonderful Roman ruins, a charming port and stunning beaches. It is well worth exploring if you have the time! The Walled Town in particular will have you using up plenty of film!

From Alcudia you will return to Palma by taking the C713 and getting on the motorway at Inca.

Find out more about Tourism in Majorca.

Hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Self Drive Tours of Majorca. Your best bet to discovering Majorca in comfort is to avail of a top quality car rental, so check out our Car Hire Majorca page.

Have you been to Majorca and taken a self-drive tour of the Island? If you know of other routes you would like to see in our guide please let us know. If you have any travel advice regarding Majorca please give us your views– we appreciate your comments.