Mallorca in Winter: Your Seasonal Travel Guide (2024)

Palma de Mallorca is the well-known capital of Spain’s Balearic islands and a hot spot for tourists in the summer. It’s famous for its crowded beaches, bumping clubs, mouthwatering cuisine and sunshine that seems to permeate its every corner. But what about winter time? Is Mallorca in winter still all that it’s cracked up to be? The answer is actually yes! Though the weather may not be as hot and bright, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this island during the winter holiday season. Skip the cold and the ski slopes and visit Mallorca instead! Here’s what you need to know about winter in Mallorca.

How Is The Weather In Mallorca In Winter?

There’s a reason why many people from northern Europe choose to vacation in Mallorca while traveling to Spain during the winter months. It is much warmer than this part of Europe and also North America with high temperatures of about 15 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) and lows around 8 degrees Celsius (47 Fahrenheit). Though this may not be hot enough to go swimming, there are still fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy like hiking, biking, and even boat tours. If you’re from a place that’s colder in the winter, you may feel tempted to dress lighter than usual. However, in November, December, January, and February, it’s worth noting that the locals still dress warm during this time. Therefore, if you don’t want to feel like an outsider, sport their winter fashion! Boots, warm shoes, long skirts, loose fitting trousers, jumpers, sweaters, scarves, and jackets are all good choices.

What To Pack For Winter In Mallorca?

In addition to packing warmer fashion options for this part of Spain in December, there are other items that you should include in your luggage for your Mallorca trip. Here is a short list of the essentials:

• Travel Adapter Plug– You will need one if your plugs are not designed for European voltage. 

• Beach Blanket– Even if you don’t go swimming, you can still enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Mallorca’s beaches. Pack a beach blanket to take with you on the go to watch the sunset one day.

• Flip Flops/Beach Sandals– Though it may not be great to wear these all day when you’re exploring Mallorca in the winter, flip flops and beach sandals are great to pack for those long walks on the beach when you want to see the sunset.

• Reusable Water Bottle– If you plan to go hiking, go biking, or spend all day seeing Mallorca’s sights, these are good to pack to make sure that you stay hydrated during your trip.

• Sneakers/Trainers– Sneakers/trainers are important so that you stay comfy while wandering around.

How To Get Around Mallorca In Winter?

There are plenty of ways to get around Palma Mallorca in the winter, but in my opinion, the best way to explore the island is by rental car so that you can discover the most hidden gems and secluded areas. I usually hire cars through Holiday Extras because of they show all the fees upfront. I had a great experience hiring a car in Mallorca through them. Driving in Mallorca in winter is also very easy, due to not many cars being on the roads.

However, if you feel like you won’t be super adventurous enough to rent a car, you can visit much of the island by bus from the main bus depot. The public transport in Mallorca is very good. The bus cost is very cheap and leaves directly from Plaza de España in La Palma’s old town if you decide to stay there. This Plaza is the hub for all onward journeys around the island, which not only includes the bus but also the train as well. In my opinion, the best train trip is from Palma to Soller. This train route is very popular since it runs through the island’s scenic mountains. If you want to witness the most majestic views on Mallorca, this is a great journey to start!

Discovering the Winter Wonders of Mallorca

Just because the winter months are considered the off-season in Mallorca doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy them. Many of Mallorca’s beaches are deserted in winter, which means you can have them all to yourself or with little people around. The calm seclusion of these sandy beaches helps to create an ambience of a hidden paradise. Go on a winter picnic and bring a bottle of wine to toast to your holiday.

Speaking of wine, wine tasting is also an awesome winter activity that you can experience in Mallorca. With more than 70 bodegas on the island, there are dozens of local wines to choose from. I recommend following the official Wine Route for the Binissalem DO, a small town in central Mallorca most famously associated with wine production.

After exploring some vineyards, you can continue your day of leisure by going to one of Mallorca’s salsa clubs. In La Palma, 1,2,3 y a Bailar! specializes in a Latin party with Cuban grooves that will have you dancing the night away. Going out to this place as well as other clubs in the town will be much more enjoyable in the winter since you’ll avoid large crowds. Don’t be afraid to let loose and have some fun!

Winter Activities in Mallorca

Along with secluded beaches, wineries and salsa clubs, there are also other winter wonders you can enjoy in Mallorca. From seeing the sights of La Palma to indulging in luxury spas, there’s something here for all types of travelers in the winter. There’s hiking for outdoorsy folks, picturesque villages for those who prefer going off the beaten path, and museums for history lovers. Here’s what I recommend doing on your trip.

1. Explore Palma de Mallorca

La Palma is the exciting Mediterranean capital of the island of Mallorca. From shopping at contemporary boutiques to indulging in a variety of delicious foods at top restaurants and food markets, there’s something for everyone. Art lovers can walk the charming lane of Via Veri to browse stylish interior design shops and art galleries. History lovers can check out the Palma Cathedral, a Gothic Roman Catholic with a 44 meter tall nave, the second highest nave of all Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Travelers who love charming cobbled streets and winding alleys can discover the old town, Casco Antiguo, home to the peaceful Bishop’s Garden and Arab baths. And if you’re yearning for an amazing view of the water, look no further than the Paseo Marítimo, a sea road that is essentially the nautical center of Palma’s bay area. The options for tourists are pretty much endless!

2. Indulging in Hotel Spa Luxury

If you’re looking to relax after a long day of traveling or are interested in getting a beauty treatment before hitting a beach or salsa club, don’t be afraid to indulge in the island’s hotel spas. These luxury relaxation havens offer tourists a place to wind down during their winter getaway and can provide you with a nice dip in the water that you may not be able to get at the beaches during the colder months. I recommend checking out the jacuzzi at the Can Cera Boutique Hotel Spa in Palma. Located right in the heart of the capital, this 13th-century manor house was renovated to create one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the town. You can recharge your energy in their sauna, jacuzzi and hammam, and even book a beauty treatment and massage. The next day, you’ll feel rejuvenated enough to go on a new adventure around the island.

3. Visit Mallorcan villages

Get a nice city break in Mallorcan villages for charming old world vibes and local hospitalities. Many of these small towns have been around since medieval times, where you can find a mix of Spanish, Moorish and Ancient Roman structures. You’ll find hidden gems in the Tramuntana mountain range, picturesque villages along the island’s crystal blue coastline, and centuries-old wineries throughout Mallorca’s fields of green.

I recommend visiting Valldemossa, Mallorca’s highest town in the Serra de Tramuntana, which is filled with cobblestone alleys, quaint stone houses, and vertical gardens. You’ll get some of the best pictures on the island if you visit! For photo enthusiasts, I also recommend visiting the coastal town, Deia, considered an artist’s hideaway due to the plethora of art galleries. Due to its picturesque nature, it’s also a well-known getaway spot for the rich and famous. Princess Diana and Kate Moss have both vacationed here.

4. Trekking the Tramuntana mountains

The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers some of the best winter-oriented hiking routes around the island. Winter is great for trekking because it will be easier to find local guides for more difficult mountains, and you won’t have to share space with too many people during your hike.

To see the majority of the Tramuntana mountain range, I recommend trekking the Dry Stone Walk. This is a long distance hiking route of 135 km, which splits into eight stages throughout the mountain range. This hike is very busy during the spring and autumn due to the scenic views, which makes winter the perfect season to walk it. Some parts of this trail are accessible without a guide, but some areas like the Esporles to Valldemossa and Valldemossa to Deià, are a bit more difficult and should be done with someone who is skilled enough to guide you through them.

Overall, on the Tramuntana mountains, there are various points where hikers can re-fuel and spend the night, so you don’t have to worry about completing the trek in such a short time frame.

5. Visit Mallorcan Museums

Mallorca is home to an abundance of history, art and culture, and there are three museums that I recommend visiting to witness it all. The first one is Es Baluard, one of the largest museums on the island devoted to modern and contemporary art. Its galleries are home to both local and international artists, which can give you a unique perspective of the island’s art compared to the worldwide contemporary and modern art scene.

The next museum to visit is the one inside the Almudaina Royal Palace. This enormous royal building is open to the public, and the museum inside holds precious tapestries, paintings and some Islamic and Gothic style architectural details that are a marvel to see. The last museum that I recommend is the Mallorca Museum, one where you can learn about the island first hand for those who want an even greater taste of Balearic culture.

6. Winter Beach Walks

Like I said before, the beaches of Palma de Mallorca are pretty secluded in the winter, which can give you a peaceful ambiance if you’re planning on taking a winter beach walk. Here are the top beaches I recommend visiting during the winter in Mallorca for an amazing calm scenery:

1. S’Amarador Beach

S’Amarador beach in the southeast of Mallorca is in a natural park that protects its beautiful white sands, making it the perfect place for a beach walk. Even beyond the winter season, it’s relatively isolated, so the secluded vibes are available all-year-around.

• Playa S’Arenalet des Verger

Playa S’Arenalet des Verger is a relatively unknown virgin beach located in the Serra de Llevant Nature Reserve. To get there, you’ll definitely be going on a long beach walk since you’ll have to hike for at least an hour and a half along the coast. Overall, the hike is definitely worth it. You’ll witness azure waters, fine sands, and the beauty of peaceful seclusion.

• Cala Formentor

Cala Formentor is in northern Mallorca with pristine views of green mountains, boats and sunsets! The best place to view the sunset is the Cap de Pera Lighthouse, which is just a short drive away from the beach. Take a long walk on the sand and then head there after.

7. Experience Mallorca’s Winter Cuisine

Autumn and winter are the perfect times to indulge in the traditional Mallorcan dishes. First, there’s the freshly cooked potato donuts called bunyols, popular autumn sweets that are served with a generous topping of sugar. And then, there’s the savory Arros brut, a delicious hot rice similar to a paella, with a combination of seasonal meat, veggies and rice in a soup-like consistency.

If you’re visiting the island around Christmas time, then you’ve got another savory treat in store for you too. Lechona Asada is definitely a seasonal Mallorcan dish that you can’t miss. It includes a 24-hour marinated pork cooked with herbs like rosemary, garlic, bay leaf and brandy that will remind you of the home comforts of winter. Check out restaurants in La Palma, as well as local villages, to find these dishes during your holiday.

If you happen to visit Palma de Mallorca in December, don’t miss taking part in the TaPalma tapas festival, which showcases the best tapas bars in town. This is a fantastic Mallorcan gastronomic experience that you shouldn’t miss.

For more similar articles about Mallorca, check out my recommendations below:

• Unique things to do in Mallorca
• How to spend one day in Palma de Mallorca
• What to do in Mallorca when it rains
• Three days in Mallorca itinerary

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