Majorca is synonymous with beaches and picture-perfect coves, no doubt. Now, would you believe us if we told you that this island can be even better in the months that go from December to March? And no, we are not talking without a base. If you want to know what to do in Majorca in winter, you are in the right place, since we bring you some good ideas to get the most out of your trip to the Balearic Islands.
And if you want the experience to be even better, you just have to get a rental car in Majorca and start exploring this unique destination. We assure you that the time of the year will not be an impediment (among other things, because of Majorca’s pleasant climate). See for yourself!
Go hiking in Majorca …
It is not the first time that we suggest hiking trails in Majorca. However, each time of the year is ideal for traveling specific itineraries, depending on the landscape and temperatures. Therefore, we want to share the best proposals to enjoy winter trekking with you.
One of the most successful destinations at this time is the Tramuntana mountain range, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. Away from the main tourist spots of Majorca, it is a treasure for many visitors. This mountain range extends along the northwest coast of the island, from Andratx, in the south, to Cape Formentor, at the northernmost point, and has six peaks above 1,000 m above sea level. Why not explore its most photogenic corners?
A good option is to follow the GR-221 path along the central axis of this mountain range. The itinerary, known as the Dry Stone Route, starts in Valldemossa and passes through Deià, Sóller and Pollença, undoubtedly some of the most beautiful villages in Majorca. The road is well signposted and has accommodation for all budgets.
Another hiking route in Mallorca that you should not miss in winter is the Artà route, where some of the best caves in Majorca are found – with permission from the Coves del Drach – to Lluc, which accommodates the most important sanctuary of the island . Just follow the GR-222.
… or cycling routes in Mallorca
Regardless of your age, experience or fitness, in Majorca you will always find the route that best suits you. In addition, the conditions are unbeatable to practice this sport: lots of sun, little rain and practically empty roads. Hence, cycling is an ideal option from October to May. The central plain of the island, known as Es Pla (‘el llano’, in Catalan), brings together beautiful routes between the main Majorcan towns and rural areas. Those looking for a greater challenge can take the mountain roads of Tramuntana, some of which remind of the Alps or the Pyrenees. In fact, it is no coincidence that many professional cyclists choose Mallorca to train in winter.
Do you need ideas? Here you have cycling routes in Majorca for the whole family. Choose yours!
Enjoy the canyoning in Majorca
We don’t lose sight of the sports in Majorca: if you like climbing or geology, this is your perfect destination at any time of the year, both in summer and winter. Since much of its geography is limestone, the island is ideal both for those who wish to do canyoning and for those who are not afraid of large vertical walls. Go down the rivers, rappel, swim in whitewater and challenge the imposing silhouette of the Majorcan cliffs: adventure is guaranteed. Of course: to carry out these activities, it is necessary to be accompanied by local guides to ensure your safety and that of yours. In addition, companies specializing in outdoor sports will advise you on the best option. One of the most popular is the torrent of Sa Fosca, which attracts athletes from other countries.
Do you feel like climbing in a group? In that case, remember that in ROIG Rent a Car we have a transport service for sports clubs.
Play golf in Majorca
With 300 sunny days a year, Majorca is an unbeatable destination for golfers looking for a pleasant climate to practice their favorite sport. Majorca has 23 golf courses scattered throughout the island, located in sceneries for all tastes. Choose from a field surrounded by palm trees, such as Alcúdia, or perfect your putt among pine trees with exceptional views to Palma, something that is possible in the sophisticated Real Golf de Bendinat, in the insular southwest. And that’s not all: many have hotel rooms or apartments near the golf course.
Among the best golf courses in Majorca, the Son Vida, the oldest on the island, or the Vall d’Or Club, which opens its doors in the estate d’Es Turó and offers magnificent views over the Mediterranean. Do you want more suggestions? In that case, do not miss our recommendations on where to play golf in Majorca.
Enjoy wine tourism in Majorca
The Majorcan wine industry developed gradually after the phylloxera epidemic that affected the European vineyards at the end of the 19th century. Although the production of Majorcan wine is rather modest, the quality of its wines does not allow discussion. In addition, the diversity of the soil on the island makes it possible to produce a surprising variety of wines. We invite you to visit Binissalem and Santa Maria, both within walking distance of the island capital, Palma de Mallorca, and two of the main wine production centers.
Most of the 60 wine cellars in Majorca organize guided tours and tastings in which the center of attention is the nearly 300 types of wines on the island. From the big producers in the center of the island to the small projects promoted by small entrepreneurs, in towns like Banyalbufar, the range of options is huge.
Contemplate the flowering almond trees of Majorca
Since we talk about nature, why not take advantage of your getaway to enjoy one of the most evocative prints of the Majorcan landscape in these dates? Indeed, one of the things to do in winter in Majorca is to admire the flowering of almond trees.
Towards the end of January and during the month of February, the four million almond trees are covered with white and pink flowers, as if it were a shower of snowflakes. Legend has it that these trees were planted during Arab rule by a leader who wanted to please a Scandinavian queen, who longed for landscapes that reminded her of her homeland. Be that as it may, seeing this little gift of nature will leave you speechless.
Attend the Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià festivities in January
Although the calendar of festivals in Majorca offers events throughout the year, two of the main festivals in Majorca take place every year in January. The first is in honor of Sant Antoni, the patron of the animals, which takes place on January 17. Although each Majorcan town has its own festive program, the most traditional act is usually a blessing of domestic and farm animals by a priest. The most popular Sant Antoni festivals in Majorca take place in Artà, Pollença and Sa Pobla.
The next day, or the next weekend, depending on the year, it is the turn of the festival of Sant Sebastià, which is lived with special intensity in Andratx. During the celebration, fires are lit in the streets and squares, and barbecues are held. The star product is botifarró, a traditional local sausage that is usually consumed irrigated by a delicious Majorcan wine. Bon Appetite!
Vibrate with Carnival in Majorca
In Majorca, the carnival is called the festa dels Últims Díes. The festivities start on Thursday Lardero and continue throughout the weekend with concerts, dances and parades of people in costumes. The most massive carnivals are those of Palma de Mallorca, with Sa Rueta in the first place, followed by the great Rúa on Sunday. Thousands of people attend to see about fifty floats and a great number of people following, who leave in the afternoon from Carrer Baró de Pinopar and walk around the city to the Plaça de Joan Carles I, where the awards ceremony takes place.
The Camestortes de Algaida parade is also very popular, where floats accompany the parade. However, the most interesting part of the celebration is a trial held for a doll that ends with the execution of this peculiar inmate and a funeral entourage accompanied by the Algaida Music Band.
You can also attend the Fava Pelada celebration, in Puigpunyent, which consists of a dinner with beans and a costume parade, or stop by the Carnival of Artà, with a small children’s parade and a popular costume parade enlivened by a music band. This is completed with a highly awaited flour battle in the Plaça del Conqueridor.
By the way: during these days, eating the indefectible ensaïmada is very traditional. Do not forget to taste it on your trip to Majorca one of the most irresistible Majorcan gastronomy specialties!
Of course, also the best museums in Majorca or stroll through some of the markets and open-air markets of the island.
Thus ends our list of suggestions for plans and proposals on what to do in Majorca in winter. However, if you want to send us other suggestions, do not hesitate to write to us.