Car rental in Calas de Mallorca

Calas de Mallorca, written Cales de Mallorca in Catalan, is a small resort built above a row of coves on the south-east coast, within the municipality of Manacor. Most holidaymakers arrive by coach transfer from Palma Airport. The resort itself is compact, but the beaches, caves and towns nearby are spread out and public transport is limited, so a car for part of the stay is a common choice.

Where to rent locally

One rental company has an office in the resort, on Carrer de Cala Romeguera. With only one local option, cars can run out in July and August, so reserve in advance if you want a specific size, a child seat or an automatic. If you prefer more choice, collecting at Palma Airport and driving east is the alternative; the Ma-15 from Palma to Manacor is the main route across the island.

Coves on your doorstep

• Cala Domingos: the largest beach in Calas de Mallorca, with a beach bar and sunbed hire.
• Cala Antena: the last cove that can be reached from the resort, by road and then a flight of steps.
• Cala Magraner and neighbours: undeveloped coves further north, reached by road and then on foot.

Short drives inland and along the coast

Porto Cristo, a short drive from Manacor, is home to two famous cave systems, the Coves del Drac with its underground lake concert and the Coves dels Hams. Manacor itself has the big supermarkets, a weekly market and the island's pearl tradition. To the south, Porto Colom is a working fishing harbour with a long natural bay.

Parking at the smaller coves is limited and often consists of a roadside lay-by, so arrive early in summer. Several coves have no shade and no facilities, so carry water and a parasol in the boot.