Palma de Mallorca, January 2024. Mallorca is an ideal Mediterranean winter destination offering direct flights from main European cities, a mild and sunny winter climate and a great variety of activities and sports. This winter over 44% of the island’s hotels will remain open so that visitors can enjoy the quieter pace and discover different aspects of the island which have lesser appeal in the hot summer months.
Mallorca’s great outdoors in winter…
The island’s 262 beaches can be equally enjoyed in winter for walking, exploring and picnics. The Sierra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is probably at its most beautiful during the winter with plenty of hikes of all types and for all fitness levels. Explore the island’s varied countryside with a wide range of activities and sports … and its natural wonders in winter.
Vuelta Mallorca – a cycling challenge around Mallorca
For cyclists, winter is the best time to explore the island’s varied terrain. The Mallorca Challenge Vuelta, which takes place this year on January 24th-28th, is a race around the island with a series of four professional one day road cycle races and is part of the UCI Europe Tour.
Winter city break
Palma makes a great winter city break and this year more hotels in the city are open. Disconnect for a few days and enjoy gastronomy, culture, art, architecture and relaxation that Palma has to offer.
Experience an authentic Arab Bath
In Palma old town you can visit the ancient Arab Baths that were built during the Muslim rule of the city and are believed to date back to the 10th century. If you want to experience the ancient tradition of visiting arab baths, the Hammam al Ándalus, located in Palma’s town centre, is open all year round. Entrance to the Hammam, to include a 30-minute massage, starts from 66€. Book online.
One-day Spa Pass
Book a full day experience at the recently opened Kimpton Aysla Mallorca hotel, which features a Maison Codage spa, and has one of the largest indoor swimming pools and wellness facilities on the island. Located only 20 minutes’ drive from Palma, it is open all year round. A one-day pass costs from 65€ per person – check the website for treatments and special offers.
Fiestas
Sant Antoni – after Christmas the Mallorquins still find plenty to celebrate in winter; Sant Antoni is the patron saint of animals and is celebrated around the island on the 16th and 17th of January with fires and open barbecues to cook your own “botiforrons” (local sausage). The celebrations culminate in a spectacular firework display with “dimonis” devils. On the 17th locals will take their animals to the local church to be blessed.
San Sebastián – is the patron saint of Palma, and this fiesta is celebrated from the 19th-28th of January with concerts of all styles of music from rock to flamenco. Open fires are also a main feature on the 19th with a “correfoc” literally “running with fire” display of “dimonis” and fireworks which make an exciting finale to the celebrations.
Carnival – Over the weekend of the 10th-11th February, Palma and the rest of the island will celebrate carnival. A fun, colourful display and an opportunity for children and adults to dress up.
Art, culture, architecture, and local crafts – from exploring museums to exploring the island’s weekly markets.
Gordiola – watch artisans at work during a visit to the Gordiola glassblowing factory in Algaida. With a history spanning 300 years, its traditional glass has recently been awarded cultural UNESCO heritage status, honouring the traditions of their trade which have been maintained for three centuries and over eight generations. The factory has its own museum.
Explore the orange groves of Sóller
The locals will tell you that the orange juice from Sóller is the best in the Mediterranean. Discover why the Sóller Valley is famous for growing citrus fruits direct from the farmers of “Sa Vinyassa”, an organic orchard which covers an area of 18.000 m2 and is located under the impressive rocks of the Alfabia ridge, between the picturesque villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix. The guided tour, which costs 18€ per adult and 10€ per child, lasts two hours and includes a glass of orange juice and a snack.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10am-3pm. Reservations online.