Blog / Mallorca

Mallorca Film Permit Guide: 53 Municipalities, Drone Rules, Sea Shoots & Road Closures

Mallorca is one of the Mediterranean’s most filmed islands, and also one of the more fragmented to permit. With dozens of separate municipalities plus coastal and environmental layers, knowing who to ask is half the job.

Why Mallorca is different: many municipalities, many rulebooks

Mallorca is divided into a large number of municipalities, each its own permitting authority with its own forms, fees and timelines. The island is often cited as having on the order of 53 municipalities, and the practical effect is simple: a single day that moves between two or three towns can mean two or three applications. On top of that sit regional rules for the coast and for protected natural areas, which apply regardless of which town you are standing in.

Sea shoots and the coastline

Beaches, cliffs and on-water work add maritime and environmental considerations to the standard municipal permit. Expect extra scrutiny in summer, when beaches are busy and access is restricted, and for anything involving boats, jet skis, drones over water or activity near protected marine zones. Tides, public access and seasonal limits all shape what is realistic.

Drone filming over Mallorca

Drone work in Mallorca follows Spain’s national framework, regulated by AESA under EASA rules, on top of any local restrictions. Coastal areas, towns, airports and protected zones carry additional limits, and the authorisation process runs on its own, longer timeline than a street permit. Treat drones as a separate workstream that you start as early as possible. Our dedicated drone guide goes deeper.

Road closures and traffic

Closing or partially restricting a road in Mallorca involves the relevant traffic authority and usually police coordination, plus the municipality. Narrow old-town streets and popular coastal roads are sensitive, and approvals depend on timing, alternative routes and the season. These need lead time and are rarely same-week.

Protected natural areas

Mallorca has significant protected landscapes, including mountain and coastal areas with conservation status. Filming there is possible but conditional, with limits on crew size, access, vehicles and equipment to protect the environment. The relevant environmental authority is the decision-maker, not the local town hall alone.

A realistic Mallorca timeline

• Single quiet municipality, small crew: often a handful of working days.
• Beach or coastal shoot in season: longer, with seasonal limits.
• Protected area, drone or road closure: two to six weeks, sometimes more.
• Multi-municipality day: pace it to the slowest permit, not the fastest.