Published on June 19, 2025 15:55
Essentials

Mallorca Parking Essentials: Your Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Island's Zones

Mallorca, with its stunning beaches, charming villages, and vibrant cities like Palma, is a dream destination for many. While renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore, understanding the island's parking rules is crucial for a stress-free trip. From deciphering colored zones to navigating the historic heart of Palma, this guide will equip you with all the essential information to park like a local.

Understanding Parking Zones: Blue, Green, and White

Across Mallorca, particularly in towns and cities, you'll encounter different colored parking zones, governed by the ORA (Ordenanza Reguladora de Aparcamiento) system. Knowing what each color signifies is key to avoiding fines.

Blue Zones (Zona Azul)

These are the most common paid parking areas, usually found in commercial and high-traffic zones.

  • Payment Required: You'll need to pay for parking during specific hours, typically Monday to Friday (and sometimes Saturday mornings).
  • Hours: Paid hours generally run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Outside these hours, and often on Saturdays after 2:00 PM, Sundays, and public holidays, parking in blue zones is free. Always check the specific signs as hours can vary slightly by municipality.
  • Payment Methods: Look for parking meters (parquímetro) where you can pay with coins or credit/debit cards. Many towns also support mobile apps like Telpark or EasyPark, which allow you to pay, extend, or cancel your parking session remotely.
  • Time Limits: There's usually a maximum parking duration, often 1-2 hours, to ensure turnover of spaces.
A blue parking zone sign in a Spanish town

A blue parking zone sign in a Spanish town

Green Zones (Zona Verde)

These zones are primarily reserved for residents with a special permit.

  • Resident Priority: Non-residents are often prohibited from parking here, or may only be allowed to park for a very short, paid duration.
  • Check Signs: Always double-check the signs in green zones. Parking here without a valid resident permit can result in a quick fine.

White Zones (Zona Blanca)

These are the coveted free parking areas.

  • Free Parking: If you find a white zone, you can park for free with no time limit.
  • Scarcity: White zones are increasingly rare in city centers and popular tourist areas, so finding one often requires a bit of luck or parking further away from the main attractions.

Underground Parking Garages (Parkings Subterráneos)

For convenience, security, and guaranteed spots, especially in busy areas, underground parking garages are your best bet.

Benefits: - Availability: Higher chance of finding a spot, even during peak season. - Security: Vehicles are generally safer from theft or damage. - Protection: Your car is protected from the sun and elements. - Convenience: Often located strategically near major attractions or shopping areas. - Cost: Rates typically vary from €1.50 to €3.00 per hour, with daily maximums ranging from €15 to €25.

Finding Them: Look for signs with a 'P' symbol, often accompanied by "Parking Subterráneo" or "Aparcamiento". GPS navigation systems will also list them.

Key Garages in Palma:

Parking

Parking Saba Sa Gerreria

3.8 479 reviews
Plaça de Sant Antoni, Centre, 07002 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Aparcament Palma Centre

3.8 296 reviews
C/ del Marquès de la Fontsanta, 52, Nord, 07005 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Aparcament

3.9 21 reviews
Carrer del Moll, 3, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Aparcament Comtat del Rosselló - SMAP

3.9 173 reviews
Plaça del Comtat del Rosselló, 0, Centre, 07002 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Aparcament de la Plaça Major

3.2 319 reviews
Carrer de la Riera, 2, Centre, 07003 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Parking Passeig Mallorca

4.0 565 reviews
Pg. de Mallorca, 7, 07011 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Parking

Aparcament Avingudes - SMAP

3.6 178 reviews
Avinguda de Gabriel Alomar, 2, Centre, 07006 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Navigating Palma's Old Town: Restricted Access and Cameras

Palma's charming Old Town is largely a Restricted Traffic Area (Área de Circulación Restringida, or ACIRE). This system is designed to reduce traffic, preserve the historic streets, and improve air quality.

How ACIRE Works: - Automatic Cameras: The entry points to ACIRE zones are monitored by automatic cameras. These cameras record vehicle license plates. - Permission Required: Only authorized vehicles (residents, public transport, emergency services, and vehicles with specific permits) are allowed to enter these zones. - Fines: If a non-authorized vehicle enters an ACIRE zone, the camera automatically issues a fine, which will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle (often the rental car company, which will then pass the cost, plus an admin fee, onto you). Fines can be substantial, often upwards of €80. - Common ACIRE Zones in Palma: These zones encompass much of the historic center, including areas around La Seu Cathedral, Plaça de Cort, and the narrow streets behind the main shopping avenues.

Tips for Visiting Old Town Palma:

  1. Park Outside: The safest approach is to park in an underground garage on the periphery of the Old Town (e.g., Parc de la Mar, , ) and explore the historic center on foot.
  2. Public Transport/Taxi: Consider taking a bus or taxi directly to the Old Town if you're staying further out.
  3. Hotel Access: If your hotel is located within an ACIRE zone, contact them in advance. They can often register your license plate with the local police for the duration of your stay, granting you temporary access. Do not assume your hotel has done this unless confirmed.
Narrow street in Palma Old Town with a restricted access sign

Narrow street in Palma Old Town with a restricted access sign

Parking Tickets and Fines

Despite your best efforts, sometimes a parking ticket might find its way onto your windshield or arrive by mail.

Common Violations: - No Ticket/Expired Ticket: Parking in a blue zone without a valid ticket or exceeding your paid time. - Parking in Restricted Areas: Parking in green zones without a permit, yellow lines (no parking), or areas reserved for specific vehicles (e.g., taxis, disabled). - ACIRE Zone Entry: As mentioned, entering a restricted traffic zone without authorization.

Cost of Fines: - ORA Fines (Blue Zones): Overstaying or not paying in a blue zone typically results in a fine of around €20-€30. Often, if you pay within a short period (e.g., an hour or two) at a nearby meter, you can "cancel" the fine for a small fee (e.g., €3-€6). - Serious Violations (e.g., ACIRE, Yellow Lines): These fines are much higher, starting from €80 and potentially going up to €200 or more, especially for repeat offenses or dangerous parking.

How to Pay Fines: - Online: Many municipalities offer online payment portals. The fine notice will usually provide a QR code or web address. - Banks: Some fines can be paid at specific banks listed on the ticket. - Post Office: Spanish post offices (Correos) also often facilitate fine payments. - Rental Car Companies: If the fine is issued to the rental car, they will charge your credit card for the fine amount plus an administrative fee (which can be significant).

Tips for Stress-Free Parking in Mallorca

Beyond the rules, here are some practical tips to make parking in Mallorca easier:

  1. Download Parking Apps: If you plan to use blue zones frequently, download and set up apps like Telpark or EasyPark before your trip. They make paying and extending much simpler.
  2. Consider Your Accommodation: If staying in a town or city, check if your accommodation offers parking. This can save a lot of hassle.
  3. Park and Ride: For exploring Palma or other large towns, consider parking a bit further out (e.g., near a bus stop) and taking public transport into the center.
  4. Smaller Car, Easier Parking: If you're renting, a smaller car will be much easier to maneuver and park on Mallorca's often narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
  5. Always Read the Signs: Parking rules can vary slightly between municipalities. Always take a moment to read the signs for hours, payment requirements, and restrictions.
  6. Yellow Lines Mean No Parking: A solid yellow line on the curb always means no parking. A broken yellow line means no parking but allows for very brief stops (e.g., dropping off passengers).
  7. Market Days: Be aware that many towns have weekly market days where certain streets are closed to traffic and parking is prohibited. Check local tourist information for schedules.
  8. Patience is Key: Especially in peak season, finding parking can be challenging. Be patient and prepared to spend some time looking, or opt for a paid garage.
  9. Don't Park on Corners: Avoid parking too close to intersections, pedestrian crossings, or in a way that obstructs traffic or pedestrians. This is a common cause for towing.

Conclusion

Navigating parking in Mallorca doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding the colored zones, utilizing convenient underground garages, being mindful of restricted areas in places like Palma's Old Town, and following these practical tips, you can ensure your road trip around this beautiful island is smooth and free of unexpected fines. Park smart, explore freely, and enjoy all that Mallorca has to offer!

Mentioned in This Guide

Explore all the locations mentioned in this guide on the map below.

1

Palma

Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain

2

Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca

Plaça de la Seu, s/n, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

3

Parque del Mar

Parque del Mar, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

4

Plaça de Cort

Plaça de Cort, Distrito Centro, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

5

Parking Saba Sa Gerreria

Plaça de Sant Antoni, Centre, 07002 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

6

Aparcament Avingudes - SMAP

7

Parking Passeig Mallorca

8

Aparcament de la Plaça Major

9

Aparcament Comtat del Rosselló - SMAP

10

Aparcament

11

Aparcament Palma Centre

We're an information-only guide — verify all details yourself. Full disclaimer

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