What are the most scenic drives to take when exploring Mallorca by car?

Many visitors imagine Mallorca as just a flat, beachy island, but once you start driving, you'll discover a deeply varied landscape that makes for some truly memorable routes. Coastal roads like the Ma-12 around Formentor peninsula offer striking views of turquoise coves and pine-clad cliffs poised above the Mediterranean. This drive rewards with stops at scenic points like Cala Figuera and the lighthouse, where the sea stretches endlessly. Meanwhile, the winding Ma-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana reveals dramatic mountain scenery, dotted with charming villages such as Valldemossa and Deià, where narrow streets and traditional stone houses provide a real sense of place.

Heading inland along the Ma-13 towards Manacor lets you explore the quieter heart of the island, weaving through olive groves and fields of almond trees, especially beautiful when in bloom. You might detour to Pollensa for a stroll through its atmospheric old town before continuing toward Alcúdia with its well-preserved medieval walls. If you're relying on public transport, the extensive TIB bus network connects many of these spots, though a car allows you to stop off wherever you please. The Palma to Sóller railway is another scenic option, traveling through tunnels and orange groves to the foothills of the Tramuntana.

For beach lovers, the drive down to Es Trenc or Cala Mondragó blends natural beauty with crystal-clear waters — perfect for a swim after a morning’s journey. Local markets along the way offer tempting glimpses of authentic Mallorca, from the smoky paprika of sobrassada to freshly baked ensaimadas. Whether you take the coastal road, the mountain passes, or a mix of both, the island’s varied terrain ensures the road itself is a highlight of your visit.