Discerning Traveller’s Guide to Visiting Mallorca In Winter
Written by Jaillan Yehia
Sailing in Mallorca
As Autumn turns to Winter, it may not be the most popular time to take to the skies for a flight to the Balearic Islands, which are of course better known as summer holiday spots – but for the discerning traveller that very fact makes it perfect.
I share a few thoughts on why I think an off season break to Mallorca makes a lot of sense, where to go on the Mediterranean’s biggest Balearic Island and explain why I’ve always found Mallorca in Winter, and in fact any of the Balearic Islands off season, especially appealing…
If you’re thinking of a visit to Mallorca in Winter you’ll know that the popular Spanish island – and the largest in the Balearics – is best known as a summer holiday destination for European tourists.
The island is usually seen as a family-friendly place to visit and as mainly the preserve of the package holiday crowd.
Mallorca in winter can be pretty laid back
But there’s plenty of luxury, style and indulgence to be found on Mallorca if you know where to look, and what better time to visit than out of season when you’ll have to share the land and seas with far fewer tourists.
Even in January the weather in Palma, Mallorca’s capital city, is pleasant – it gets an average of five hours of sunshine a day making the mild climate a delight for those in the grip of a UK winter.
The resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova are the most famous package holiday destinations here and the thought of a high season trip to one of these destinations would have those seeking a luxury break running for cover.
The cafes and shopping are still going strong in Mallorca in Winter
But it may surprise you to learn that there’s another side to Mallorca especially in Winter.
At this time of year you can explore the old city, hire your own yacht, go shopping in quiet boutiques, ride an historic tram through orange groves, or simply soak up the sun on one of the island’s white sand beaches without the package tour crowd, well, crowding your view.
I’ve been a fan of the Balearics off season for years, always visiting in Autumn and Winter when the sunshine is especially welcome and the whole place feels like a sleepy well-kept secret.
It’s also a nice time to set aside a few days if you want to try some of the island’s outdoor pursuits – there’s great hiking and biking, and sailing is very popular with winter visitors too.
The milder temperatures allow you to really exert yourself even in the middle of the day but its still warm enough to get out onto the water or into the hills most days.
Once the peak of the summer season starts to wind down in October (the season really starts in May) you could of course visit Mallorca’s well-known resort towns like Alcúdia or pretty Puerto Pollença which are lovely alternatives to their bigger counterparts.
Mallorca has some cute villages and towns to explore
However for truly discerning travellers keen on a Winter getaway in Mallorca, and not wedded to the idea of staying right on the beach I’d recommend being based in the charming town of Soller – or if budget permits, choose the upmarket and bohemian village of Deia.
Both are artsy and quaint, atmospheric and adorable places to spend some time, and will keep you occupied with shopping and coffee stops as long as you like.
Palma de Mallorca’s Gothic cathedral is equally appealing in Winter
If you’re more of a city soul you should consider a trip to the buzzing capital Palma – the city has stunning historic architecture, a fun restaurant and bar scene and an intimate charm which you can’t get in most Spanish cities (apart from my beloved Valencia) and as a Port cities there are plenty of boating options available.
The city has been regenerated with millions of Euros of investment over the past decades and as around half of the island’s 800,000 population live here, nothing closes down off season, meaning its combination as fully working city as well as holiday destination make it a great candidate for getting the most out of your visit to Mallorca in Winter.
Tags: Balearics, Mallorca, Spain
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