While you can visit Mallorca without a car in 2026, having one is highly recommended if you want to see the "real" island. The public transport system (TIB) is excellent for getting between the airport, Palma, and major resorts like Alcúdia or Magaluf. However, many of the island's most beautiful "Calas" (hidden coves) and the stunning mountain villages of the Serra de Tramuntana (like Deià and Valldemossa) are difficult or impossible to reach by bus. A car gives you the freedom to explore at sunrise before the tour buses arrive and allows you to find parking at remote trailheads. If you plan to stay strictly in Palma or a single coastal resort, you can rely on the historic Sóller train and local buses, but for a true Mediterranean adventure, a small rental car is the best tool for the job.