10 Things to Do in Mallorca in Winter
With temperatures much warmer than many other European cities, winter is a fantastic time to visit Mallorca and enjoy the many activities on offer.
Mallorca | ©Mika Laitinen
It is no secret that visiting Mallorca at any time of the year is a spectacular experience. Being the main island of the Balearic archipelago, there are always celebrations, festivals and fun activities to see and do in Mallorca.
But if you have decided to travel to Mallorca in winter and you are looking for unique activities to enjoy during your holidays, the island offers a great number of them. In this article I'll leave you with some of my favourites in case you want to include them in your itinerary...
1. Get to know the Festa de l'Estendard (Estendard Festival)
Every 31st December during the winter in Mallorca, the city of Palma celebrates the traditional Festa de l'Estendard (Festival of the Standard). This celebration dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the oldest civil celebrations in Europe.
Although it has undergone minor modifications over the centuries, the essence remains the same: to commemorate the reconquest of Mallorca from Muslim rule by King Jaume I.
In the city of Palma different commemorative events are held that are well worth seeing and are highly recommended for curious travellers who are looking to learn about Mallorca's turbulent, historical past.
Where it is held
- The presentation of flowers takes place on the eve of the celebration at the statue of the King located in Plaza d' Espanya.
- The ceremony of the Standard is held in Plaza de Cort.
- And the mass in the Cathedral of Mallorca.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, as this is a free event. However, it may be worth booking a guided tour of Palma on the same day, as it usually passes through the locations where the celebration takes place.
This is a way of getting a better understanding of the festivity, as you are accompanied by an expert guide.
2. Watch the Winter Solstice at Es Baluard
The phenomenon known as the winter solstice takes place in the last third of December.
Mallorca is one of the best places to appreciate this phenomenon thanks to its particular climatic qualities.
The Baluard Museum organises a small celebration every year that includes the observation of the solstice from the terraces of the museum. From here you get a privileged view of the Cathedral of Mallorca to observe the way the sun rises through the main façade.
Where it takes place
The Baluard Museum is located right in the historic centre in the Plaza de la Porta de Santa Catalina.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, the event is free. However, I recommend that you don't just take in the exterior image of the building and take the opportunity to book tickets to Mallorca Cathedral, as the inside is absolutely spectacular.
Fun fact
Winter on the island is famous for its clear skies, with little rain and few clouds, which makes it easy to observe the stars or other natural phenomena such as the solstice. Mallorcans are well aware of this fact and every year they gather at their favourite observation points.
3. Go on hiking routes
Winter is an excellent time for outdoor sports, such as hiking and cycling.
Famous for its sunny, clear and cool days, Mallorca in winter has little rainfall and far from the scorching heat that characterises the summer months.
You can book a hiking tour on an organised excursion or you can set off on your own. In any case, enjoying the stunning nature of the island is a must, as it is one of the best activities in Mallorca.
Best hiking routes in Mallorca.
In Mallorca you will find some iconic hiking routes. The options are plentiful and I recommend each traveller to do their own research based on their particular skills and level of endurance.
Below is a list of options to explore:
- Biniaraix Ravine Route.
- Ermita de la Victoria Hermitage Route.
- Route to Puig de Galatzó.
- Torrent de Pareis route.
- Route to Castell de Alaro.
More accessible alternative
If adventure and nature are not your thing, but you want to enjoy Mallorca's fine winter weather in a slightly more active and different way, I recommend you book an electric bike tour around Mallorca. You won't get too tired, but you'll get moving while you get to know the island's capital.
4. Take a trip to the Drach Caves
Considered by tourists and locals alike as one of the best tours in Mallorca, winter is an excellent time to visit the Caves of Drach, especially if it is your first visit to the island and you want to enjoy its incredible natural landscapes.
On arrival you will find ancient caves that are thousands of years old and defined as an impressive archaeological phenomenon. Inside is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
The adventure to the Caves of Drach is one of the most popular excursions in Mallorca and visiting them in winter is ideal to avoid crowds and have more space to enjoy the place.
Where to go
The Caves of Drach are located at the eastern end of the island of Mallorca, in the small town known as Porto Cristo. The journey from Palma Mallorca takes approximately 1 hour by car.
How to buy tickets
This adventure is one of the most popular organised excursions on the island. I recommend booking an excursion to the Caves of Drach online to secure your ticket, which costs approximately 64€ all-inclusive.
5. Enjoy the Christmas markets in Mallorca
One of Mallorca's most beautiful winter traditions is its colourful and lively Christmas markets. It is a tradition that is celebrated year after year for the enjoyment of the whole family.
On your tour of the markets, be prepared to enjoy activities such as musical performances, dance shows and acrobatic shows, but also children's workshops, Christmas character presentations, craft markets and local gastronomy.
Main Christmas markets in Mallorca
- Christmas Market in Puerto Portals: it lasts from mid-December until January 6th and has spectacular Christmas decorations, local food and dozens of stalls selling original gifts. The opening hours are from 12h to 22h, approximately.
- Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor in Palma: lasts from the end of November until the 5th of January and in addition to the usual food and gift stalls and live performances, you will find a beautiful exhibition of nativity scenes.
- Christmas Market in Pueblo Español: located in the area of Son Dureta in the city of Palma, it is worth a visit in winter to enjoy the Christmas decorations. There is no shortage of good food and the appearance of stellar characters such as Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men.
6. Take part in the Fiestas of San Antonio and San Sebastiá
The festivities in honour of Saint Anthony and Saint Sebastian cover the whole half of the month, so if you're coming to Mallorca in January for a few days, this is one activity you shouldn't miss.
For approximately 10 days, the whole island is immersed in the best of festive atmospheres. Although the programme of activities varies from year to year, you will find a wide variety of activities, such as sporting competitions, religious events, concerts and fireworks shows in the bay.
The most endearing spectacle is the Verbena de San Sebastián, held simultaneously in the main squares of Palma with live music, a large bonfire and lots of food and drink.
Where it is held
Although most of the events take place in the Plaza Mayor de Planas, there are also venues such as the Cathedral of San Sebastián.
You can find the detailed programme on official websites such as the Palma Town Hall website
On the other hand, the liveliest fiestas for Sant Antoni take place in Sa Pobla, Manacor and Artà. The bonfires and the presence of the dimonis (devils), who are the real stars of the celebrations, are particularly noteworthy.
7. Join the Quarteró festival!
On the last Sunday in January, the Quarteró Festival is held. This ancient and traditional celebration was meant to celebrate the end of the harvest season. The festivity was off the Mallorcan radar for several generations and was rescued a few decades ago by the locals.
It consists of a full day of celebrations and takes place on a historic finca in the small town of Bunyola. It is ideal to include in an itinerary of just a few days, such as a 5 day trip to Mallorca or less.
The best way to enjoy the celebration is to take a cultural tour of the town, listen to the live music, sample the traditional food and watch the dance performances.
Where it takes place
In the small, charming municipality of Bunyola, located to the north of Palma. To get there from the city by public transport you can take bus 204, which takes you directly to the venue in a journey lasting just 20 minutes.
How to buy tickets
The event is organised every year by the Escola de Ball de Bunyola and is free for all audiences.
8. Get to know "Sa Rua", the Carnival of Mallorca
The colourful Carnival in Mallorca is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations of the year. So, if you go to Mallorca in February you should make the most of the opportunity to enjoy its two forms:
- The Sa Rueta children's carnival: it holds a morning parade with colourful floats, games and fun prizes.
- The Sa Rua adult carnival: starts after 5 pm and includes a colourful parade and subsequent celebrations.
Both can take place on the same day or on different days, depending on the organisers' preference.
Where it takes place
Generally, the parades start in La Rambla street and follow a route that goes through the entire historic centre of Palma.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, it is a free event.
9. Enjoy ice skating in Mallorca
During the festive season in Mallorca it is possible to enjoy activities more suited to colder climates, such as the traditional winter ice rinks.
They are set up every year between the last days of November and the first days of January.
In my opinion, if you are going to Mallorca with children for the winter holidays, this is an activity that you should do as a family. The only requirement is to be at least 4 years old to rent skates and enjoy the rink.
Ice rinks in Mallorca
- Christmas Fun Park: there is a rink of approximately 300 m2, as well as other traditional games. It is located in Port Adriano. It is open every day from 12h to 18.30h. On public holidays, 24th and 31st December the opening hours may vary.
- Ice Park: the ice rink is approximately 420 m2 in size and is installed every year in Parc de Ses Estacions in Palma. It operates every day from 12 noon to 8 pm. On public holidays, 24th and 31st December, the opening hours may vary.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at the venue, the price starts at 5€ and includes skate rental.
10. Take the opportunity to go on a gastronomic tour of Mallorca
As well as visiting the Balearic Islands for their good climate and beautiful scenery, gastronomy is another factor that attracts travellers from all corners.
Mallorcan gastronomy has its secrets and the best way to discover them is on one of its famous gastronomic tours around Mallorca.
Winter is one of the best times to do this type of activity, as the streets of the city are cool and clear. What's more, if you go to Mallorca at Christmas time, you will be able to enjoy a number of exclusive Christmas dishes.
Where the tour takes place
The tour includes some of the best restaurants in the heart of Palma de Mallorca.
How to buy tickets
Gastronomic tours in Mallorca can be booked online days before your visit.
You will find numerous companies in the city offering this service for prices of around €100 per participant. This amount includes the expert guide and recipe tasting at each of the stops.
Mallorca's tourist influx in Winter
Winter in Mallorca coincides with the low season in the Balearic Islands. This season runs from November until the arrival of Easter, when the flow of tourists increases significantly.
This is the perfect time to avoid crowds and enjoy the lowest prices of the year. It is highly recommended for travellers accustomed to cold climates who can even enjoy activities at sea (the beach or a boat trip in Mallorca) without major inconveniences.
It is also recommended for all those travellers who want to enjoy the Balearic Islands without the overcrowded tourism that you are sure to find the rest of the year.