Driving routes, authentic plans and practical tips
Why autumn is the best time for Mallorca (fewer queues, good weather, prices)
If you like unhurried driving, parking close by, and having coves almost to yourself, autumn is your season. Between September and November temperatures drop, crowds thin out and accommodation prices are usually kinder than in high summer. On the road this shows: the MA-10 (Tramuntana) still has bends and popular viewpoints, but without endless tailbacks; and in Palma it’s easier to find a spot in public car parks or P+R on the city’s edge. You’ll also still get beach days (especially in September and, with luck, at midday in October) with far calmer access and beach bars.
If you’re planning to move around a lot, a hire car multiplies your freedom: you can link mountain villages with south-east coves in the same trip, improvise with the forecast (if it rains in Tramuntana, switch to Llevant or inland) and time stops for sunset without relying on bus timetables. Small tips that make a big difference: carry a light jacket for breezy viewpoints, always leave buffer time on pass roads (light fades earlier) and prioritise accommodation with parking or near a municipal car park.
With that in mind, Autos Mallorca fits autumn trips well thanks to its “no surprises” setup: full cover with no excess, no card holds, unlimited kilometres and full-to-full fuel. Logistics help too: express pick-up 5 minutes from the airport by shuttle and free cancellation up to 24h before. And, above all, peace of mind:
Driving routes (1, 2 and 3 days): Tramuntana, inland and south-east coves
1-day route — Panoramic Tramuntana (Valldemossa → Deià → Sóller)
- Indicative times: Palma→Valldemossa ~30–35 min; Valldemossa→Deià ~25 min; Deià→Sóller ~25–30 min.
- Key stops: stroll Valldemossa old town, MA-10 viewpoints towards Deià, drop to Cala Deià if the sea is calm, Port de Sóller at sunset.
- Parking: use signed car parks in Valldemossa (blue zone in season) and the port car park in Sóller to avoid circling.
- Driver tip: MA-10 is twisty; don’t rush after sunset and respect viewpoints/shoulders.
- Service plus: with unlimited km you can add Cap Gros Lighthouse at the day’s end with no worries.
2-day route — Quiet inland & “llogarets” (Inca → Caimari → Orient + markets)
- Day 1: Inca and surrounds (markets, traditional shoemakers), head up to Caimari (new oil in autumn), and Selva; afternoon in Lluc if you fancy a short walk.
- Day 2: Orient and its valley (beautiful, narrow, shaded road) with viewpoint stops and village kitchens.
- Parking: focus on municipal car parks; pre-set your next exit in Maps to avoid tight-street U-turns.
- Timing: Palma→Inca ~35 min via MA-13; Inca→Caimari ~15–20 min; Caimari→Orient ~45–55 min depending on traffic.
3-day route — Clear-water south-east (Es Trenc, Caló des Moro, Santanyí)
- Day 1: Es Trenc and the salt flats area; in autumn there’s more space and better parking (signed paid car park).
- Day 2: Caló des Moro / Cala s’Almunia (go early, wear good shoes), afternoon in Santanyí (old town and restaurants).
- Day 3: Porto Cristo and Drach Caves or pair with Felanitx / Sant Salvador if the sea is rough.
- Times: Palma→Campos (Es Trenc access) ~35–45 min; Campos→Santanyí ~20 min; Santanyí→Porto Cristo ~45–55 min.
- Practical tip: alternate beach days with inland towns to match wind/swell forecasts.
- Service advantage: full-to-full fuel is ideal for mixed days; free additional drivers let you swap on longer routes.
Palma in autumn: Cathedral, “the Eight”, neighbourhoods and markets
Palma shines in autumn: mild temperatures for roaming the Old Town (Cathedral-La Seu, Almudaina, Jewish quarter), calmer terraces and museums without queues. If you visit in mid-November, look for the light phenomenon popularly called “the Eight” in the Cathedral, when the sun passes through the rose windows (check local timings). Add the Castell de Bellver (360º views) and an evening stroll around La Lonja and Santa Catalina.
Parking & getting around: enter via Vía de Cintura (Ma-20) and leave the car in central or P+R car parks to explore on foot. For markets, Santa Catalina and Mercat de l’Olivar are safe bets for a quick, good meal.
Active nature: hiking, cycling and mushroom season
Autumn kicks off the hiking season: dry-stone paths (GR-221) for all levels, greener gullies and temperatures that allow midday walks. Wear grippy shoes and a light waterproof layer; rocks can be damp. On a bike, many secondary inland routes (through vineyards and olive groves) are at their best; on the MA-10 take extra care in tunnels and blind bends.
For wet days, a lovely option is short stroll + village (e.g., Biniaraix steps plus Sóller for coffee and cake). Foodies will love autumn’s mushrooms (esclata-sangs) and new olive oil: look for village bars with stews and seasonal menus. Logistics tip: refuel before mountain areas and check mobile coverage if you rely on GPS.
Sea and coves without crowds: where to swim in October–November
In September and often early October, swimming is still doable at midday if the wind cooperates. South-east coves (clear, shallow waters) or long beaches like Es Trenc are solid choices. Bring an extra towel and a dry change: the air can feel cool after the water. If it’s windy or there’s a swell, switch to sheltered coves or devote the day to towns and viewpoints.
Access and parking improve a lot in autumn, but it’s still key to arrive early at popular spots. This is where a hire car’s flexibility shines: if one car park is full, you hop to the alternative without waiting. “Everything great, very friendly… Reliable.” (19/09/2025). That confidence matters when your plan depends on the car.
Food & fairs: harvest, new oil and village calendars
Autumn is harvest season in the island’s DOs and oleotourism in villages like Caimari (mills, tastings and pa amb oli). You’ll also find plenty of local fairs and artisan markets with cured meats, breads and seasonal sweets. A practical way to plan: set base days by zone (Tramuntana, inland, Llevant) and check the municipal agenda the day before to fit a nearby fair. Park at the village edge and walk in to save time.
With kids, add farms and visitable fincas; as a couple, winery + village restaurant at sunset is a perfect plan. A good reminder: choosing a comfortable MPV or estate for everyone doesn’t have to blow the budget if you book early.
Autumn driving & parking tips (MA-10, P+R, rain)
- MA-10: iconic and narrow; use low gears downhill, respect cyclists and don’t occupy shoulders for photos.
- Rain: pine-needle slick tarmac; avoid hard braking and use fog lights only when needed. Have a plan B (inland or caves).
- Light: it gets dark earlier; allow buffer for returns and carry a head torch if dusk might catch you at a viewpoint.
- Palma: choose P+R or central public car parks; fewer loops, more visiting time.
- Fuel: full-to-full policy = full cost control; refuel before long mountain stretches.
- Insurance & excess: with full cover, no excess you avoid that “parking-scuff” tension in narrow car parks.
- Extra drivers: with up to 3 free drivers, share MA-10 bends and finish fresher.
- Operational shortcut: 5-minute airport express pick-up skips queues and gets you quickly on Ma-19 to any area.
Hiring a car in Mallorca, with no surprises: optimise your trip with Autos Mallorca
For autumn, prioritise simplicity and transparency:
- Book early if your dates hit bank holidays or school breaks.
- Pick a category by route: compact for Palma and mountain villages, estate/MPV for luggage/kids, convertible to make the most of sunny days.
- Express pick-up: on landing, shuttle to the collection point and you’re on the road in minutes.
- All included: full cover no excess, no hold, unlimited km, full-to-full, free extra drivers and free cancellation up to 24h.
- Friendly support throughout: “They explained coverage clearly… car felt brand new.” (10/09/2025).
Check availability for your autumn dates and pick the car that fits your route. The earlier you book, the more options and the better the rate.
Mallorca in autumn is best at your own pace and by car: fewer queues, calm viewpoints and coves still enjoyable. With simple logistics (5-minute airport collection, no-excess cover and unlimited km), planning routes across Tramuntana, inland and the south-east is a breeze. Add village fairs, markets and a couple of sunsets and you’ve a well-rounded trip… without hiccups.
FAQs (quick & useful)
Is it still “beach weather” in autumn?
September yes; October depends on day and time; November is more for strolls and sunsets. Bring a dry change and a plan B in case it cools.
What 2-day route do you recommend for a first time?
Day 1: Valldemossa→Deià→Sóller. Day 2: Porto Cristo & Drach Caves or inland (Inca-Orient). Adjust to the forecast.
Is parking easy in Palma?
Easier than in summer. Use central or P+R car parks and walk. You’ll skip centre traffic and save time.
Which car for autumn?
Compact if you’ll thread village streets; estate/MPV for groups; convertible for coast-plus-sun plans.
What if plans change last minute?
With free cancellation up to 24h and no card holds you’re not tied down. Adjust without penalty.
