From Andratx: Formula Sunset Driving Tour

The best part of this Mallorca outing is the combination of open-air driving and sunset scenery. You steer a three-wheeled Slingshot from Paguera toward Palma, pass the Cathedral and Dique del Oeste, then reach Port Andratx as the light softens over the coast. It is part road trip, part driving thrill, and part sightseeing tour.

I like the route’s variety, from the Malgratz area to Palma’s waterfront and the mountain roads near Camp de Mar. I also like that the guides keep the group together while still allowing confident drivers to enjoy the cars. The main catch is simple: you must drive a manual transmission, and the extra driver insurance costs €30 with a €350 excess.

Key points at a glance

• Manual Slingshot driving: You need to be at least 21, have two years of driving experience, and know how to use a stick shift.
• Three scenic stops: The route pauses at Malgratz, Dique del Oeste near Palma, and Port Andratx for photos and sunset.
• Two hours on the road: The tour packs coastal views, city sights, a marina, and mountain roads into a short afternoon outing.
• Guides praised by name: Javier and Alex have been specifically praised for their friendly, capable leadership.
• One car for two people: With a booking for two, you share one car and may change drivers during the route.
• Bring the right gear: Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, warm clothing, a passport or ID card, and a credit card are required or recommended.

Why this route works so well at sunset

This is not a standard sightseeing ride where you sit behind glass and watch Mallorca pass by. You are part of the action, with the road, wind, gears, and traffic all demanding your attention. That makes the scenery feel more immediate, especially on the curving roads outside the towns.

The timing gives the outing a clear purpose. You leave Paguera in the afternoon, make your way toward Palma, and reach Port Andratx for the final stop. Sunset is not an afterthought added to a driving trip. It is the payoff at the end of the route.

The tour also gives you a useful taste of several parts of southwest Mallorca. You see the coast around Calvià, the island of Malgratz, central Palma’s waterfront, the Dique del Oeste marina area, and the mountain roads around Camp de Mar. You will not explore any one place in depth, but you get a broad, active introduction to the region.

Getting started in Paguera

You meet at the Formula Tours office and should arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because the guide needs to explain the cars, the route, and the driving expectations before the convoy leaves.

The orientation is especially important if you have not driven a three-wheeled vehicle before. A Slingshot is not a normal rental car, and the open design gives you a much stronger sense of movement. You will also need to be comfortable changing gears manually. If you cannot drive a manual or stick shift car, this is not the right activity for you.

The minimum age for the pilot is 21, with at least two years of driving experience. The minimum age for a copilot is three. A child seat is available if necessary, but children under three cannot join the tour.

A helmet and one cold drink per person are included. You should arrive with closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip flops, and other open footwear are not allowed, which is sensible given the pedals and exposed design of the cars.

From Calvià to the Malgratz stop

The first stretch leaves Paguera and follows the coast through the Calvià area. This is where the outing begins to feel different from a normal car tour. You are not simply looking through a window. You are managing the car while taking in the sea views and nearby hills.

The first stop is at the beautiful Island of Malgratz. The pause gives you a chance to get out, take photos, and enjoy the setting without also watching the road. Since the entire experience lasts only two hours, stops are designed for a quick look rather than a long visit.

That is worth keeping in mind if you want a detailed coastal walk or plenty of time at each viewpoint. This tour is about movement and variety. You see several notable places, but the driving remains the main event.

Palma’s Cathedral and waterfront

The route continues toward Palma, Mallorca’s capital. You pass the Nautical Club and drive in front of the Cathedral, giving you a memorable city view from the waterfront road.

This section adds a useful change of pace. After the more open coastal roads, you get a look at Palma’s urban waterfront and one of the island’s best-known buildings. It is a quick pass rather than a guided city visit, so you should not book this tour expecting time inside the Cathedral or a walking tour of the old town.

The second stop is at the Dique del Oeste marina area. Here you can take photos before returning along the Paseo Maritimo in the direction of Port Andratx. The stop is practical as well as scenic. It breaks up the driving and lets you enjoy the views without trying to photograph them from behind the wheel.

For me, this is one of the tour’s strongest features: the route does not stay on one type of road. You get coastal scenery, Palma’s waterfront, marina views, and later, mountain roads. That range helps justify the short two-hour format.

Port Andratx at golden hour

The third stop is in Port Andratx, where you watch the sunset. This is the moment to slow down and enjoy the setting. After the noise and concentration of driving, the stop provides a calm finish to the outward route.

Port Andratx is also a fitting place for the final pause because it gives the tour a scenic goal. You are not simply returning to the office after a loop. You reach a major coastal viewpoint at the best time of day, then begin the return drive as the evening light changes.

Sunset times vary during the year, so the exact feel of the stop depends on the season and the scheduled departure. The experience is described as a sunset tour, but you should check the available start time for your date before booking.

The return through Camp de Mar

After Port Andratx, you return to the Formula Tours office through the mountains. The route includes views over the golf courses of Camp de Mar, adding another type of scenery before the tour ends.

This return leg is not just transport back to Paguera. It is part of the appeal for anyone who enjoys driving. The mountain roads bring curves and changes in elevation, and the open cars make the drive feel more active than a standard coach excursion.

The guides lead the convoy and keep the group together. That balance matters. Confident drivers can enjoy the Slingshot’s handling, while less experienced participants are not simply left behind. One account described the roads as challenging and the logistics as well managed, including when some participants had trouble keeping pace.

You should still be honest about your driving ability. This is not a race, and the guide decides how much freedom is suitable for each driver. If you are nervous about curving roads or manual gear changes, the ride may feel more demanding than a normal sightseeing trip.

One car or two?

If two people book together, you receive one car and can change drivers during the route. That arrangement makes the $69 per person price more appealing for couples or friends who both want a turn behind the wheel.

If you want two separate cars, you must make two separate bookings, one person per booking. This is an important detail to settle before paying, since a booking for two does not automatically mean two vehicles.

The shared-car setup also affects the feel of the outing. One person drives while the other rides as copilot, then you may switch on the way. That can be a good arrangement because both people get to experience the Slingshot without paying for a full vehicle each.

What the $69 price really includes

At $69 per person, the tour offers a lot for a two-hour activity. You get a guide, helmet, one cold drink, the Slingshot driving experience, three scenic stops, and a route that links the southwest coast with Palma and Port Andratx.

The value is strongest if you want an active outing rather than a passive view from a bus. You are paying for the vehicle, the guided route, the group logistics, and the chance to drive roads you may not know well. The scenic stops add sightseeing value, while the manual car adds the main thrill.

There are two costs to add to your budget. Food is not included, although the tour is only two hours and includes one cold drink. Driver insurance costs €30 at the office. It is full insurance with an excess of €350, so you should understand that financial responsibility before setting off.

A credit card is listed among the things to bring. You should also carry a passport or ID card. The information does not specify the amount of any deposit, so ask the office about the insurance and any payment requirements when you arrive.

The guides and the pace

The guide has a big effect on this kind of outing. You need clear instructions before departure, safe leadership on the road, and enough flexibility to handle drivers with different skill levels.

Javier has been praised for his guiding, and Alex has also been singled out as friendly and helpful. Other feedback highlights the guide drivers’ skill and their ability to let capable drivers enjoy the cars without losing the slower members of the group.

That is the right balance for a mixed group. A purely cautious ride could make the cars feel pointless, while an aggressive pace would be uncomfortable for many people. The available information suggests that the guides adjust the experience to the group and the driver’s ability.

The tour is offered in Spanish, Dutch, French, German, and English. If you need a particular language, check availability when selecting your departure.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this for adults and families with older children who want a short, unusual activity in southwest Mallorca. It suits people who enjoy driving, coastal views, mountain roads, and a little adrenaline but do not want to spend an entire day on a road trip.

It is especially good for couples because two people can share one car and switch drivers. It also works for friends who want something more memorable than a restaurant meal or standard boat outing.

You should think twice if you dislike manual cars, feel uneasy on winding roads, or want a relaxed sightseeing trip with no driving responsibility. The Slingshot is the attraction, but it is also the reason this tour demands more from you.

The open design means you should prepare for changing temperatures. Sunglasses are useful during the brighter part of the route, while warm clothing is specifically recommended for the later drive. A towel is also listed among the items to bring, though the activity details do not explain exactly when you will need it.

Practical booking advice before you go

Choose closed shoes with a firm fit. Do not arrive in sandals or flip flops, since those are not allowed.

Bring your passport or ID card, credit card, sunglasses, and warm clothing. If you are booking for two, decide in advance who will drive first and confirm that you both understand the one-car arrangement.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca plans are still shifting.

The published rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 176 ratings, with especially strong praise for the cars, scenic route, guides, and sunset timing. The most useful takeaway is not simply that people enjoyed it. It is that the experience works best when you arrive ready to drive a manual car and accept a lively, guided pace.

Should you book the Formula Sunset Driving Tour?

Book it if you want to combine a real driving experience with Mallorca sightseeing. The route is varied, the sunset stop gives the outing a clear highlight, and the guides help make the convoy manageable for drivers with different levels of confidence.

Skip it if you cannot drive a manual transmission, want extensive time at each stop, or prefer a quiet ride where someone else handles the road. For the right person, $69 is a fair price for two hours of coastal roads, Palma views, mountain scenery, and a three-wheeled car that makes the journey the main attraction.

FAQ

Where does the Formula Sunset Driving Tour start?

The tour starts at the Formula Tours office in Paguera. You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts two hours.

What places does the route visit?

The route starts in Paguera, follows the coast through Calvià, stops at the Island of Malgratz, continues to Palma and the Cathedral area, pauses at Dique del Oeste, reaches Port Andratx for sunset, and returns through the mountains near Camp de Mar.

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 cannot drive a manual or stick shift car.

How old must the driver be?

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

Can children join the tour?

Children can ride as copilots from age three. A child seat is available if necessary. Children under three cannot join.

Can two people share one car?

Yes. A booking for two people provides one car, and you can change drivers during the route. If you want two separate cars, you need to make two bookings, one person per booking.

What is included, and what costs extra?

The tour includes a guide, helmet, one cold drink per person, and a child seat if needed. Food is not included. Driver insurance costs €30 at the office and includes a €350 excess.