10 Things to Do in Mallorca in Winter

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...

Every 31st December during the winter in Mallorca, the traditional Festa de l'Estendard is celebrated in the city of Palma. It dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest civil celebrations in Europe.

It commemorates the reconquest of Mallorca from Muslim rule by King Jaume I.

Different commemorative events are held, which are highly recommended for curious travellers who want 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.

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, as in winter the island is famous for its clear skies, with little rain and few clouds, which makes it easier to observe the stars or other natural phenomena such as the solstice.

The Baluard Museum organises a small celebration every year that includes observing 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.

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.

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.

• Biniaraix Ravine Route.
• Route of the Ermita de la Victoria Chapel.
• Route to Puig de Galatzó.
• Route to Torrent de Pareis.
• 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.

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, as you will avoid crowds and have more space to enjoy the place.

On arrival you will find ancient caves that are thousands of years old and defined as an impressive archaeological phenomenon. Inside you will find Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world.

The Cuevas del 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. Therefore, I recommend booking an excursion to the Caves of Drach online to secure your ticket, which costs approximately 64€ all-inclusive.

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: lasts from mid-December to January 6th and has spectacular Christmas decorations, local food and dozens of stalls selling original gifts.
• Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor in Palma: lasts from the end of November until the 5th of January and 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, there is no shortage of good food and the appearance of stellar characters such as Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men.

The festivities in honour of Saint Anthony and Saint Sebastian cover the whole half of the month, so if you are in 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 range 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. You can find the detailed programme on official websites such as the Palma Town Hall website

The Fiesta del Quarteró is held on the last Sunday in January. This celebration, which is free and open to the public, is an ancient and traditional event that celebrates the end of the harvest season. The festivity was off the Mallorcan radar for several generations and was revived 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. And, to get there from the city, you can take bus 204.

The best way to enjoy the celebration is to take a cultural route through the village, listen to the live music, try the traditional food and watch the dance performances.

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. And they start in La Rambla street and follow a route that goes all around the historic centre of Palma. Don't worry about getting a ticket, as you don't have to and it's free of charge.

During the festive season in Mallorca you can 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: located in Port Adriano. Open every day from 12h to 18.30h. Opening hours may vary on bank holidays, 24th and 31st December.
• Ice Park: it is set up 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.

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. Also, if you go to Mallorca at Christmas time, you can enjoy a number of exclusive dishes of the season.

The tour includes tastings in some of the best restaurants in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, as well as the guide, and you can book it online days before your visit.

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.