Mallorca: Formula Car Tour

Mallorca’s coast feels different from the seat of a low, open three-wheeled car. On this two-hour outing from Paguera, you follow a guide past coastal viewpoints toward Palma, then return by way of the southwest mountains. It is part scenic drive, part driving adventure.

I like two things in particular: the changing views, from the coast to mountain roads, and the fact that you get to drive rather than simply watch the scenery pass. The planned photo stops also give you a breather and a chance to take in the views.

The main catch is practical, not small: these cars have manual gearboxes, and the driver must be at least 21 with two years of experience. If you are uneasy with a stick shift or winding roads, this may not be your kind of fun.

• Start in Paguera: Leave the Formula Tours office with a guide leading the group toward Palma.
• Stop at Malgratz Island: The first planned pause offers a coastal view and a chance to take photos.
• Pass Palma’s waterfront sights: The route goes by the Nautical Club and in front of the Cathedral, then pauses at Dique del Oeste.
• Port Andratx is conditional: A third stop depends on the time and traffic, so don’t count on it as a certainty.
• Manual driving is essential: Drivers need a valid licence, two years’ experience and a minimum age of 21.
• Budget for the insurance charge: Driver insurance costs €30 at the office; the cars have full insurance with a €350 excess.

A three-wheeled drive, not a sightseeing bus

This tour puts you behind the wheel of a distinctive three-wheeled car, with a guide leading the way. The unusual vehicle is a big part of the appeal: you’re not just being taken to a viewpoint, you’re steering through the coast and countryside yourself. The cars have been described as Slingshots, and some have striking styling, including one participant’s playful Batmobile reference.

The experience is built around driving, scenery and brief stops, not long visits at attractions. You’ll cover a stretch of Mallorca’s southwest coast, pass through the Palma waterfront area and return by mountain roads. Two hours is enough to make the outing feel like a substantial excursion without taking most of your day.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 506 bookings. The strongest praise centres on the scenery, the fun of driving and helpful guides. That makes sense: the route gives you variety, while the guide takes the strain out of navigating unfamiliar roads and junctions.

Setting off from Paguera

Arrive at the Formula Tours office 30 minutes before the activity starts. You’ll need your passport or ID card and driving licence, plus closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and comfortable shoes, sunglasses, warm clothing and a towel are listed as useful things to bring.

Before you set off, the guide explains how the cars work and how the tour will run. The guide leads the group, which is especially useful if you are driving on the opposite side of the road from home. One driver who was nervous about driving abroad found it easier to adjust while following a guide through roundabouts and junctions.

You should still be comfortable operating a manual car. If you can’t drive stick shift, you can’t take the tour as a driver. A few drivers describe the winding roads as part of the thrill, but that same feature can feel stressful if you dislike curves or prefer a slower pace.

The guide speaks Spanish, English, French or German. Individual guides can vary; Robin was singled out by name for being an excellent guide, but you should not assume you’ll have the same person. The key practical point is that the guide is there to lead the route and give instructions, so you don’t need to plan the turns yourself.

Along the coast toward Malgratz Island

The drive leaves Paguera and follows the coast of Calvià toward Palma. The first stop is at beautiful Malgratz Island, a coastal pause that gives you time to get out, take pictures and enjoy a change from concentrating on the road.

The open car makes the scenery feel close, and the route is meant to combine scenic sections with some faster stretches. That mix is part of the appeal, but it also calls for attention. Keep a comfortable distance from the car ahead, follow the guide’s instructions and don’t feel you need to match anyone else’s enthusiasm for speed.

The tour is not a private drive where you choose your own pace or route. You travel as a group behind the guide, and stops are part of a planned outing. If you want to stop whenever a view catches your eye, renting a car for the day gives you more freedom.

Palma’s waterfront and the Dique del Oeste stop

As the route reaches Palma, you pass the Nautical Club and go in front of the Cathedral. These are pass-by sights, not extended visits, so treat them as a quick taste of the capital rather than a substitute for time exploring Palma on foot.

The second planned stop is at the marina of Dique del Oeste, where you can take photos. It offers a chance to pause and look back at the waterfront before the return leg. If you’re hoping for a guided tour of the Cathedral or time to wander around the city centre, this outing isn’t designed for that.

One useful detail: the routes shown on posters may not match the route you take. The exact path can vary, and the planned third stop is conditional. If knowing the route in advance matters to you, ask the staff before departure rather than assuming every advertised point will be included.

Port Andratx, if time and traffic allow

The possible third stop is Port Andratx, an attractive and exclusive area in the southwest. The stop depends on time and traffic, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the trip. If it fits, it adds another coastal pause before the return to the office.

From there, or after the earlier stops if Port Andratx isn’t included, the route heads back toward Paguera. It passes through the mountains, with views of the golf courses at Camp de Mar. This final stretch adds a different feel to the outing: the coast gives way to higher ground and winding roads.

The mountain section is a highlight if you enjoy driving curves and taking in broad views. If those roads make you tense, remember that this is a guided group drive, not a relaxed transfer. One person found the uphill pace too fast and felt unsafe, a reminder that the same route can feel exciting to one driver and uncomfortable to another.

What the price covers, and what it doesn’t

At $69 per person, the tour includes a guide, helmet rental, child seats and one drink per person. You’re also paying for the chance to drive a distinctive car along a varied route, rather than simply being driven between viewpoints. For a two-hour activity, it can be good value if the driving is as important to you as the scenery.

The extra cost to plan for is driver insurance: €30, payable at the office. The cars have full insurance with an excess of €350, so make sure you understand the terms before setting off. The stated insurance charge is separate from the per-person tour price.

The cars have drawn mostly positive comments for being fun and well kept. Still, individual vehicles can differ: one driver reported that a car sounded noisy and as if its gearbox might be wearing, though it performed well. If you notice a problem during the briefing, raise it with the staff before you leave.

One drink is included per person, but don’t count on a large supply of refreshments during the drive. Bring what you need to stay comfortable, especially in warm weather. A participant suggested carrying more cold water in the support vehicle, so it’s sensible to ask what will be available rather than assume.

Sharing a car, children and the driving rules

If you book for two people, you get one car, and you may switch drivers along the route. To have two separate cars, the booking instructions say to make two bookings, each for one person. Check that arrangement before booking if both people want to drive their own vehicle.

The minimum age for the driver is 21, with at least two years of driving experience. The minimum age for a copilot is three, and child seats are included. If you’re bringing a child, consider whether they’ll be comfortable in a motor-focused activity with a helmet and a two-hour drive.

The manual gearbox is the firmest limitation. This tour is not suitable for someone who can’t drive a manual transmission, and it is not a good place to learn. Make sure the person who will drive meets both the age and experience requirements, and bring a valid driving licence along with your ID.

Who will enjoy this most

I’d choose this tour if I wanted an active way to see several sides of southwest Mallorca in a short time. It suits confident manual drivers who like winding roads, unusual vehicles and scenic stops. It can also work for a parent and child, provided the child meets the minimum age and is happy riding as a copilot.

It is less suitable if your priority is a slow sightseeing tour, a guaranteed stop in every named place or a full visit to Palma. You spend much of the time driving, and the route can change with traffic and timing. Anyone nervous about speed or mountain roads should think carefully before booking.

If you’re visiting from a country where traffic keeps to the other side of the road, the guide-led format may help you settle in. You still need to be alert and comfortable driving abroad, but you won’t be navigating the route alone. Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses and a warm layer are sensible choices; the listed packing advice also includes a towel.

Booking can be flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Check availability for departure times, and arrive 30 minutes early. The tour runs with guides in Spanish, English, French and German.

Should you book the Mallorca Formula Car Tour?

Book it if you enjoy driving and want the scenery to come with a little engine noise and excitement. The strongest reasons to go are the variety of the coastal and mountain route, the photo stops and the chance to take the wheel of a three-wheeled car. The 4.7 rating across 506 bookings reflects a consistently popular outing, though it doesn’t remove the practical limits.

Skip it if you can’t drive manual, dislike winding roads or want a quiet, leisurely look at Palma. Before paying, confirm you’re comfortable with the €30 driver insurance charge and the €350 excess, and remember that Port Andratx is not guaranteed. For the right driver, this is a lively way to see a good slice of Mallorca in two hours.

FAQ

How long is the Formula Car Tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Formula Tours office in Paguera. Arrive 30 minutes before the activity begins.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides are available in Spanish, English, French and German.

Do I need to know how to drive a manual car?

Yes. The cars have manual gearboxes, and you cannot take the tour if you can’t drive a manual transmission.

How old must I be to drive?

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have two years of driving experience.

Can a child ride as a copilot?

The minimum age for a copilot is three. Child seats are included.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guide, helmet rental, child seats and one drink per person.

Is driver insurance included in the price?

No. Driver insurance costs €30 and is paid at the office. The cars have full insurance with an excess of €350.

Can two people share one car?

Yes. A booking for two people provides one car, and you may change drivers along the way.

Is the Port Andratx stop guaranteed?

No. The stop depends on the time and traffic.