From Andratx: Formula Sunset Driving Tour

The thrill here is not just watching Mallorca’s sunset, but reaching it behind the wheel of a three-wheeled Slingshot. The two-hour route runs from Paguera along the coast toward Palma, then turns back through Port Andratx and the mountains near Camp de Mar.

I especially like the mix of city and coastal scenery, with a photo stop by Palma’s cathedral and a later pause at the Dique del Oeste marina. I also like that you get to drive, not simply ride along, while a guide leads the group and keeps the outing moving together.

The main catch is practical: the cars have manual gears, and drivers must be at least 21 with two years of experience. The $69 price also excludes €30 driver insurance, with a €350 excess, so factor that into your budget.

Five things to know before you go

• You drive a three-wheeled Slingshot: The tour is a hands-on road trip, not a sightseeing ride in a van.
• The route links coast, Palma and mountain roads: Expect stops at Malgratz Island, the Dique del Oeste marina and Port Andratx.
• Port Andratx is the sunset stop: The timing is built around a pause to watch the evening light.
• Manual driving is essential: If you cannot drive a stick shift, you cannot take part as a driver.
• One car is shared by two people: If you book for two, you get one car and can switch drivers along the way.

From Paguera, Mallorca’s coast becomes the road

The tour begins with a short orientation from your guide, then sets off from Paguera along the coast of Calvià. The first stretch is part of the appeal: you are not being whisked straight to a viewpoint, but travelling through the island in a small, unusual car that makes the drive itself the activity.

A Slingshot’s three wheels give this outing a different feel from a standard car tour. You get the pleasure of handling the vehicle and taking in the scenery at road level, while following a guide rather than navigating the route alone. That guided format matters on an unfamiliar drive, especially when the roads begin to curve and the group has different levels of confidence.

The driving is a genuine part of the experience, so the manual transmission rule is not a minor detail. You need to be comfortable operating a stick shift before you book. One driver described returning to manual driving after nearly seven years and finding the familiar skills came back; that may be encouraging if you have driven stick before, but it is not a substitute for being able to control the car confidently.

The tour lasts two hours, which keeps it manageable as an afternoon activity without taking over a full day. The route includes several stops, but expect the majority of the outing to be spent on the road. If your priority is a long visit inside Palma’s sights, this is not the right format. If you want a moving view of the coast and city, with time for photos, it makes more sense.

Malgratz Island offers the first pause

The first stop is at beautiful Malgratz Island, a chance to get out of the car and take in the coastal setting. It breaks up the drive early and gives you a moment to look around rather than focusing only on the road ahead.

This stop is also a useful change of pace. The tour combines active driving with short pauses, so you can enjoy the views without spending the whole outing seated. The available details do not specify how long you stay here, so think of it as a brief stop rather than a dedicated island visit.

If you are comparing this with a boat trip or a walking excursion, keep the distinction clear. You are seeing the island from the route’s stop, not taking a separate excursion around it. The value is in the varied drive and viewpoints, not in an in-depth visit to any one place.

Palma gives the route a city landmark

From the coast, the tour continues toward Palma, passing the Nautical Club and the cathedral. These are among the route’s most recognisable city sights, and they provide a striking contrast with the coastal and mountain stretches.

You should treat this as a drive through Palma, not a guided walking tour of the city. The route gives you a look at the cathedral and the waterfront from the car, but does not include a visit inside the cathedral or time to explore the surrounding streets. That distinction is important if Palma’s architecture or museums are high on your list.

The second stop is at the Dique del Oeste marina, where you have time to take photos before the return journey. It is a practical pause at the waterfront, and a chance to stretch your legs before getting back in the car. For a short tour, the combination of city views and a marina stop adds variety without making the schedule feel like a checklist of distant landmarks.

Port Andratx is the sunset destination

The route turns back in the direction of Port Andratx, where the group makes its third stop to watch the sunset. This is the emotional centre of the outing: the drive gives you the approach, and the pause lets you look out over the harbour as the evening light changes.

Because the tour is built around sunset, the exact start time will depend on the available schedule. Check the starting times for your date rather than assuming the same departure time throughout the year. Sunset can be a memorable way to finish a drive, but it also means the timing is less flexible than a daytime tour.

The stop is a viewing break, not a meal stop. Food is not included, and the tour information does not promise time for dinner in Port Andratx. If you want to eat afterward, plan that separately. Bring warm clothing as advised, particularly if you are sensitive to the cooler air later in the day.

The return over the mountains is part of the fun

After Port Andratx, the route heads back toward the office through the mountains, with views of the golf courses around Camp de Mar. This final leg helps make the outing more than a coastal out-and-back drive. You see a different side of the island and finish on roads that some drivers may find more demanding than the earlier sections.

The mountain stretch is a major reason this activity suits people who enjoy driving. One couple described the curving roads as a highlight, while another visitor called the drive exciting and a little nail-biting. That balance is worth keeping in mind: the thrill comes partly from the road, and a passenger or driver who dislikes bends or unfamiliar routes may be less comfortable.

The guide sets the pace for the group. The tour’s staff have been praised for handling mixed driving speeds, allowing confident drivers to enjoy the cars while making sure slower participants are not left behind. You should not expect to race or drive without limits. It is a guided group tour, and the experience depends on following the guide’s lead and sharing the road sensibly.

What the price covers, and what it does not

The listed price is $69 per person. It includes the guide, a helmet, a child seat if needed, and one cold drink per person. For a two-hour outing that combines a specialist vehicle, a guided route, several stops and sunset views, the price can be reasonable if the driving is as important to you as the scenery.

The extra cost to note is €30 for driver insurance, paid at the office. The stated excess is €350. Since the information does not clarify whether that charge applies per driver or per booking, check the terms when you book and budget for the additional fee rather than treating the advertised price as the full cost.

Food is not included. There is also no promise of a meal break, so eat beforehand or arrange dinner after the tour. A cold drink is supplied, which is welcome on a warm day but is not a replacement for food or a plan for your evening.

For two people, one booking means one car, and you can change drivers along the way. If you want two separate cars, make two bookings for one person each. That arrangement is useful for couples or friends who want to share one vehicle, but it is less suitable if both people specifically want a car of their own.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This tour is a strong fit if you like driving, want a scenic activity with a little adrenaline, and are comfortable with a manual gearbox. It also suits people who have already seen Mallorca’s main sights and want a different way to experience the coast, Palma and the hills in one short outing.

The driver rules narrow the audience. The pilot must be at least 21 and have two years of driving experience. The car is manual, so anyone unable to drive stick shift cannot drive on the tour. The minimum age for a co-pilot is three, and children under three are not suitable. A child seat is available if necessary.

It may be less appealing if you want a quiet sightseeing tour, a long stop in Palma, or a relaxing sunset outing without having to concentrate on the road. The driver is working throughout much of the experience, so the person at the wheel will see the scenery in passing and should keep attention on driving. If you are travelling as a pair, switching drivers can give both people a turn, though the tour does not specify exactly when or how long each person drives.

Practical details to sort out before departure

Meet at the Formula Tours office and arrive 30 minutes before the activity starts. The exact office address is not included in the details here, so confirm it in your booking information before setting off. The tour is offered with live guides in Spanish, Dutch, French, German and English.

Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a credit card, closed-toe shoes, warm clothing and a towel. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. The footwear rule matters: choose secure shoes suitable for operating a manual car, not just something comfortable for walking around the marina.

A helmet is included, as is one cold drink per person. Child seats can be provided if needed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking.

Guides named Javier and Alex have led tours, and the staff have been singled out for clear instruction, friendly help and keeping the group organised. You cannot count on a particular guide being assigned to your departure, but the guiding is a meaningful part of the format: you get an orientation before setting off and a leader to follow across the route.

Should you book the Formula Sunset Driving Tour?

Book it if you want Mallorca to be more than a view from a bus window, and you are genuinely comfortable driving a manual car. The mix of the coast, Palma’s waterfront, Port Andratx at sunset and the mountain return gives the two-hour trip a satisfying range. The three-wheeled Slingshot makes the journey itself the main attraction.

Think twice if the manual requirement rules you out, you want an unhurried visit inside Palma, or you prefer a calm ride with no driving demands. Before confirming, check the departure time, meeting address and insurance charge. For the right driver, this is a memorable way to pair an island sunset with a proper turn at the wheel.

FAQ

How long is the Formula Sunset Driving Tour?

The tour lasts two hours. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

What are the requirements for the driver?

The pilot must be at least 21 years old and have at least two years of driving experience. The cars have manual gears, so you must be able to drive a stick shift.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age for a co-pilot is three years old. Children under three are not suitable, and a child seat is available if needed.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guide, a helmet, a child seat if necessary, and one cold drink per person. Food and driver insurance are not included.

Is there an extra insurance charge?

Driver insurance costs €30 and is paid at the office. The stated excess is €350. Check the booking terms for how the charge applies to your party.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a credit card, closed-toe shoes, warm clothing and a towel. Open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.