Mallorca is best known as a summer destination, due to it´s fantastic sandy beaches, coves and waterparks. Not to mention of course, the beautiful days filled with bright sunshine and temperatures of around thirty degrees celcius. The reality is, it is perfect for a lazy beach vacation, because it´s simply too hot for many to go out and actively explore the island, during the hot summer months. Mallorca in the winter is the absolute perfect time for the independent, adventurous traveller to visit the island. The cooler climate during this time, makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, touring and shopping and being only a couple of hours flight from most major European airlines, what is to stop you enjoying a break in the winter sun?
Our top 10 favourite things to do in winter in Mallorca are:
1. A Visit To Palma
Palma, although substantially quieter during the winter months, is open all year round. A compact harbour city packed with shops, bars, cafes, great restaurants, museums, galleries, cool hotels, and diverse nightlife. The best time to go is at Christmas, when the streets are covered in Christmas lights. You can enjoy a hot chocolate (which are normally so thick you could eat them with a spoon) at one of the local pavement cafe´s paired with some fresh churros.
2. Santa Catalina
This is the place to be in winter, for locals and tourists alike. Filled with gorgeous, affordable tapas restaurants- you can end a hard day´s shopping with a glass of vino and some local tapas. If cocktails are more your thing, we can recommend Bar Havanna.
3. A Trip To The Beach
Most people find it difficult to find a place to lay your towel on the beaches during summer, as they are just so popular! If you are one of these people, then you are going to love a day at the beach in the winter! Stroll along the beach, with the Mediterranean breeze cooling your cheeks, whilst enjoying the fresh smell of the sea salt and the cold sand between your toes.
4. Two Christmases
In Spain, Christmas is essentially celebrated twice. Once on the 25th of December and again on the 6th of January (known as the Three Kings festival) Parades take place all over the island on the evening of the 5th of January and are a must for all Spanish families. This is experiencing Spanish tradition at it´s finest.
5. January Sales
The same as any European destination, the sales in Palma start at the beginning of January. Less tourists at this time, means more bargains for you to pick up! With a varied selection of boutiques and high street chains, there is something for everyone.
6. The Markets
The Mercat Olivar and the Santa Catalina markets are absolutely worth a visit, for stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables and even to experience the sights and smells on offer. The Santa Catalina market is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 8:00 until 13:00. The Mercat Olivar market is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:00h to 14:30h and on Fridays from 14:30-20:00h.
7. The Almond Blossoms
Everyone likes to take pictures as a memory of their holiday and amongst the stunning scenery, you can find the beautiful almond trees in full blossom, lining the streets and reminding you just how beautiful Mallorca really is.
8. Mountain Hikes
Although snow in Mallorca is not that common in the touristic parts of the island, if you go for a hike, you will have a gorgeous view of the snow capped mountains. A healthy day out in good company- what more could you ask for?
9. Spectator Sports
Palma is home to 1st Division football club RCD Mallorca whose home games against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are a big draw for visiting football fans no matter what their affiliation. There are two trotting tracks in Mallorca with events every weekend, a motor car racing circuit, and throughout the year there are car rallies, professional cycling tours and yachting regattas.
10. Sight Seeing
Not just in Palma, but all over the island are monuments, churches, galleries, gardens, museums, mansions and castles with historical and cultural interest, as well as being lots of fun to visit. The history of the island from the Phoenicians to the Arabs and Jews, to the Catalans and Christians, is still there in the buildings and monuments they left.
When selecting to visit a destination in the out of season months, it is important to select the right resort. The Marriott Son Antem comes highly recommended and you can Contact Us to enquire further about our timeshare rentals here.