Mallorca: Formula Car and Buggy combo tour

There are few Mallorca tours that let you switch gears, literally, and drive two very different fun machines back to back. On this Formula Tours combo, you ride a manual slingshot and an automatic buggy, then spend real time looking out over the Sierra de Tramontana.

I like the simple recipe here: great driving time, a small group (up to 10), and viewpoints that make the whole route feel worth it. You’ll also get a guide in several languages and a bottle of water, which sounds basic until you realize how warm it can feel in the mountains. One drawback to plan around: the day is built around 2 to 3 stops, so if traffic is slow you may not get the exact timing you hoped for, and the “photo time” can be shorter than you imagine.

Sierra de Tramontana Adrenaline With a Manual Slingshot and Automatic Buggy

This is a 2-hour, small-group drive that mixes coastal roads, mountain viewpoints, and the swishy southwest side of the island. You start along the coast of Calvià, reach the first photo spot facing the Malgratz area, then head into the Tramuntana for the main viewpoint stop. After that, you change vehicles and continue toward Port d’Andratx.

You’re not just riding along. This is a hands-on experience where you drive both types of vehicles in the same tour. That’s the big appeal, but it also means your driving situation matters. The slingshot uses manual transmission, while the buggy is automatic, so your comfort with manual cars is the make-or-break detail.

Key Highlights You Can Actually Use When Planning

• Two vehicles in one tour so you get manual slingshot driving plus automatic buggy driving back to back
• Sierra de Tramontana viewpoints with a main coastline and mountains stop, not just quick pulls over
• Up to 10 people means less chaos, more time paying attention to the road (and your guide)
• 2 to 3 stops total, timed by route, daylight, and traffic, so build your expectations around flexibility
• Small-group guidance in German, English, Spanish, and French so you can follow instructions fast
• Water included plus helmet if needed, which helps you focus on driving instead of logistics

What Your 2 Hours Look Like, From Calvià Coast to Port d’Andratx

This tour is built like a scenic loop with a few intentional pauses. You start at the Formula Tours garage, then head out with your guide. From there, the schedule is straightforward: drive first, stop for photos, drive again, and end with the return route that passes notable southwest scenery.

Because it’s only 2 hours, every minute counts. You’ll do real driving time between stops, and the stops themselves are meant for quick viewpoints and photos rather than long sightseeing walks.

The opening drive, along Calvià and toward the Malgratz photo stop

Right away, you’ll get an explanation from your guide on how to handle your vehicle. Then you begin driving along the coast in the Calvià area. The route is positioned to give you a steady flow of changing scenery as you head toward the first stop.

Your first meaningful pause is in front of the island of Malgratz, where you have about a 10-minute stop. This is not a long beach break. Think: camera, quick checks of the coastline views, and back in the vehicle. If you like skyline photos or you want a nice postcard view without a long hike, this is exactly the kind of quick stop that works.

Practical tip: plan to have your sunglasses on and your phone ready. The rules say sunglasses are mandatory, and you’ll be driving in bright conditions.

Es Grau in Estellencs, the main viewpoint where the route shines

Next comes the big one. You head toward Es Grau in Estellencs for the main stop, built for an impressive view over the coastline and the Sierra de Tramontana. This is where the tour justifies itself.

Why? Because the mountains and coastline combo is the entire point of the Tramuntana. From this kind of lookout, you understand why these roads get talked about at all. You get that layered perspective of sea, cliffs, and mountain ridges, all in one direction.

The tour changes vehicles here. That means you’ll spend a chunk of time not only looking at the view but also switching driving styles. It’s a smooth transition in concept, but you should stay alert during the swap. You will need to shift from manual technique (slingshot) to automatic ease (buggy), or vice versa depending on where your starting vehicle begins.

Potential drawback: you’re told you’ll have between 2 and 3 stops total, and the route timing depends on traffic. If the day runs tighter, you might feel like you got less “slow sightseeing” than expected. Still, the main viewpoint is typically the anchor moment.

Port d’Andratx and the return with Camp de Mar golf course scenery

After the main stop, you continue direction Port d’Andratx, described as an exclusive and beautiful area in the island’s southwest. Again, don’t expect a long guided walk through town. This tour is about driving and seeing the region from the road.

Then you return toward the office, and you’ll pass through mountain sections with views that include the Camp de Mar golf courses area. This is the kind of scenery that hits even if you are not golfing, since you’re seeing the terrain and coast from the right angles, not just looking at buildings.

If you like driving your route rather than standing in crowds, this wrap-up road scenery is a good closer. It leaves you with the feeling that you actually traveled through the island, not just around one small zone.

Slingshot vs Buggy, and the One Rule That Changes Everything

Here’s the essential reality: you will drive both vehicles. That means you should match your expectations to the transmission rules.

The slingshot is manual

The slingshot uses manual transmission. The tour explicitly warns you that you need to know how to drive manual cars. If you only drive automatics, this is not the tour to “try anyway.” You’ll be operating the clutch and gears in a vehicle that is part thrill machine, part mountain-road challenge.

If manual driving is your weak spot, you’ll want to skip this tour or be very sure you can handle manual comfortably before you show up.

The buggy is automatic

The buggy is automatic, so the driving here should feel more relaxed. Still, you are driving a vehicle on mountain roads, so you’re not going from gear to gear, but you are still focused on steering, spacing, and turning instructions.

In practice, this combo tour is fun because it changes your driving rhythm. If you’re comfortable with manual, you get the thrill of learning or pushing your technique on the slingshot, then you get that satisfying “easy mode” in the buggy.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and the Value Question

At $69 per person, this is positioned as a value play for Mallorca driving experiences. You are getting a guide, fuel, taxes, a bottle of water, and a helmet if necessary. There’s also a child seat from age 3, assuming you meet the age rules to be a copilot.

But there are two money details you should factor in so there are no surprises.

The insurance cost for the driver is extra

Insurance for the driver is paid at the office, at an extra 30€ per driver. The vehicles have full insurance with an excess of 350€. Translation: there’s coverage, but you still pay an extra amount tied to the driver insurance process.

Also, one of the review experiences involved an extra 30€ in cash, so I suggest you confirm how they want it handled when you arrive, and bring a credit card as required.

What you should budget for mentally

Even with that 30€ add-on, the overall pricing can still feel fair because you are:

• driving two vehicles
• guided through a scenic route
• included fuel and basic supplies like water

If your main goal is photos, a less expensive sightseeing option might suit you. If your goal is hands-on driving with mountain views, this is where the value tends to land.

Meeting Point and What to Bring (So You Can Focus on Driving)

You meet at the garage of Formula Tours. That matters because these tours move quickly once everyone is in position.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license
• Credit card
• Sunglasses
• Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed:

• Sandals or flip flops
• Alcohol and drugs

Practical note: closed-toe shoes are required. That’s not optional for comfort. With these vehicles, your feet need stability on pedals and controls.

Also, you’ll be driving in bright mountain light at likely angles, so sunglasses help both vision and comfort.

Who This Tour Really Fits

This tour is ideal if you want driving time and scenery together, and you don’t mind following clear rules.

Great fit for you if:

• You can drive manual transmission without stress
• You want a short, high-focus activity (2 hours) with big views
• You prefer small-group tours where you can hear instructions
• You like switching between two driving styles in one day

Not a great fit if:

• You cannot drive a manual car, because the slingshot is manual
• You’re under the pilot age requirement, since the minimum age for the pilot is 21, with 2 years of experience
• You don’t want to comply with safety and gear rules (sunglasses and closed shoes are mandatory)

Family reality check

There’s a minimum age for copilots: 6 years old. A child seat is included from 3 years old. So families can make it work if everyone meets the age and role requirements, but the adult driver rules still apply.

Tips That Make the Difference Once You’re on the Road

These are small things that can make a big difference in how smooth your experience feels.

• Practice your manual basics before you go, even a quick reminder. The manual slingshot requirement is explicit. Don’t gamble.
• Ask your guide what to expect from each stop, especially how much time you’ll have for pictures at the main viewpoint. The tour includes 2 to 3 stops depending on traffic.
• Wear your sunglasses immediately, not “later.” The rules are mandatory and the driving starts early.
• Keep your credit card on hand. They require it, and the driver insurance process happens at the office.
• Expect scenic stops, not long sightseeing walks. This tour is timed for driving and viewpoints rather than extended town time.

One more mindset note: if you’re hoping for long off-road tracks in the buggy, calibrate your expectations. The tour is about mountain-region roads and viewpoints. The driving still feels fun, but it is not described as a full dirt-trail adventure.

The Bottom Line, Should You Book It?

I’d book this tour if you want a compact Mallorca experience that combines real driving with the Sierra de Tramontana views. The manual slingshot requirement is strict, but if you’re comfortable with manual driving, the two-vehicle format is a smart way to get more variety in only 2 hours.

Skip it if you need automatic-only driving. The manual slingshot is a deal-breaker for some people, and this isn’t the kind of tour where you can easily “swap” to an all-automatic plan. Also, if your perfect day requires long photo stops and lots of extra help with photos, ask questions upfront. The route is organized around 2 to 3 stops, and timing can shift with traffic.

FAQ

Do I drive both the slingshot and the buggy on this tour?

Yes. The tour format is a combo, and you will drive both vehicles during the experience.

Is the slingshot manual transmission?

Yes. The slingshot has manual transmission, and you need to know how to drive manual cars.

Is the buggy automatic?

Yes. The buggy uses automatic transmission.

What is the minimum age to drive, and what age can a copilot be?

The minimum age for the pilot (driver) is 21, with 2 years of experience. The minimum age for a copilot is 6 years old.

Do I need a helmet?

Helmets are included if necessary.

Is there an extra insurance payment for the driver?

Yes. Insurance for the driver is paid at the office for an extra 30€ per driver. The vehicles have full insurance with an excess of 350€.

What should I bring and what should I avoid?

Bring your passport or ID, driver’s license, credit card, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid sandals or flip flops, and avoid alcohol and drugs.