Safely through Mallorca's curves: Tips for rental car drivers

Mallorca's mountain roads are beautiful — and tricky. Local tips and the key advice from the traffic authority to make sure winding drives don't turn into a stress test.

Curve driving on Mallorca: Not rocket science, but respect is required

I like to drive the PM-221 to Sa Calobra early in the morning, when the wind from the Tramuntana is still cool and the coaches are only starting to roll. Despite routine: every year I see tourists getting caught in the hairpin turns. Often a little preparation — and a steady hand — helps.

Before setting off: the short safety checklist

The Spanish traffic authority (DGT) emphasizes the same thing I tell my friends: check the car. Look at the tyre tread, test the brakes, adjust the mirrors. Fill the tank or at least don't be on reserve — and program the satnav so it doesn't try to lead you into the village centre. A quick stretch, a coffee, and off you go. Fatigue is insidious: some studies equate severe tiredness roughly with 0.5–0.8 per mille. Not funny.

How to actually take curves

Less is more. Reduce speed gently before the corner — don't brake wildly in the bend. Look ahead, not just at the tarmac directly in front of the car; this way you see oncoming traffic or a sudden obstacle earlier. Keep your lane. On narrow country roads, especially with oncoming traffic, it's worth staying a little to the right to gain better visibility.

Turn the wheel calmly. No frantic corrections. Only accelerate slightly again once the curve ends. On tight switchbacks, like the route to Sa Calobra or around Puig Major, the rule is: never overtake — and keep distance from motorcycles and tour buses.

Consider the weather and the road

Wet asphalt, fine gravel, shadowed patches after rain — these are places where a normal corner radius suddenly becomes dangerous. Drive more cautiously, downshift, and use engine braking when going downhill. In strong Tramuntana winds you often feel sudden lateral gusts; this requires calm steering inputs and lower speed.

Practical tricks for rental car drivers

Have the rental agent briefly show how the car reacts — brakes, steering, lights. On the first day prefer shorter distances to get a feel for braking distance and grip. Avoid heavy meals before driving. Regular breaks: 90 minutes is a good guideline. And if you drive at night, go slowly and allow extra time — many country roads are poorly lit.

In short: respect the road, take a few precautions and drive with foresight — that is often enough to get through Mallorca's curves relaxed. I tried it. It works.