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A panoramic view of Artá, Mallorca with terracotta rooftops.

Discovering beautiful Mallorca in Winter

Mallorca is a famous summer destination. With its beautiful beaches, no wonder. But the island also has a lot to offer in winter, with lesser crowds and great temperatures. Especially suitable for central or northern Europeans that want to escape the coldness of winter. Are you ready to lose yourself in the discovery of Mallorcan culture and amazing landscapes?

The weather in Mallorca in Winter

While many central European countries have countless foggy days in November, Mallorca still has a few days with temperatures above 20° Celsius. December is a bit colder, but you can still catch some of the warmer days. When the sun is out, it’s strong and you can even wear a T-shirt. However, rainy and windy days are not impossible. If you are sensitive, always carry a scarf. The wind can pick up quite a bit and make the temperatures feel colder. 

In January and February the highest temperatures lay at 15° celsius. At night it can be very cold at some places with a few degrees below 0. The mountain range Sierra de Tramontana with the highest peak of an altitude of 1.445 meters can also be covered in snow during winter. Snowfall is not impossible. The last time, winter 2023 it even snowed in the Mallorcan towns.

The great outdoor activities

The great thing about Mallorca is that it offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are even more fun with the more comfortable temperatures of winter. Sightseeing is another activity that is much more enjoyable without the tourist crowds of summer. 

Cycling and Beach at Albufera

The Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca is located in the north near the Port d’Alcudia. It is the biggest wetland of the Balearic islands and since 1985 a protected nature reserve. 

Signposts describe the nature area. An extensive network of gravel roads allows cyclists and hikers to explore the Albufera. Be aware that cyclists are only allowed on designated roads. You can find multiple lookout towers to watch birds or see the wetland from above. At the visitor center you find shelter with benches, a great place for a break. 

The visit at the nature reserve is for free. You just need a permit stamp that you can get at the visitor center, which is open from 9 am to 4 pm (not on Christmas days and New Years Day). The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm, from October to March. 

  • Stone building with arched windows under a blue sky, flanked by barren trees.
  • Sunny landscape with clouds over a clear field and distant mountains, framed by trees.
  • Tranquil river with reflection of trees and reeds under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
  • A peaceful, sunlit pine forest trail with roped fence boundaries.
  • Row of palm trees against the sky over a field and distant mountains.

Near Can Picaforte is a part of the nature area right next to the beach. There you discover a different landscape to the Albufera. It is sandy and different trees line the paths. 

If you want to explore the Albufera with the bicycle you can start from Sa Pobla. From there you need to cycle a bit on the road towards Playa de Muro. But after a while you can enter the nature area and enjoy the calm path.

If you prefer walking through Mallorcas amazing nature park you can actually take the bus from Palma towards Can Picafort. The journey takes 1 h 24 minutes. You can get off at the Canal de Siurana, right between Playa de Muro and the Albufera. 

Tranquil beach with turquoise waters, and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Hiking to the Alaró castle 

This half day hike lets you explore not only the nature of Mallorca but also its history. 

The circular route to the Castell d’Alaró starts at the Alaró village. This hike is 12,6 kilometers and leads you up the castle of Alaró from where you have an excellent view. At the castle you can find a little bar and restaurant, even simple accommodation options. 

From the Alaró castle the path continues with downhill and uphill parts but a long stretch downhill. Passing through hilly terrain with olive trees and donkeys on the side of the path. 

Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes because the hiking path is rather rocky. 

At Alaró you have a few options to have a bite to eat. For instance the Can Fressa Café offers various toasts, burgers and cakes. It even has a selection for vegans. Another option is the Forastera micro brewery that offers Mallorcan brewed craft beer. 

Mirador de Es Colomer – Winter views of the cliffs

The peninsula out of the town Port de Pollença has amazing viewpoints. Unfortunately when I was there in November the street all the way to the lighthouse and Mirador Cap de Formentor was closed. However the Mirador de Es Colomer and the Albercutx Watchtower are totally worth it. The view from the platform above the sea and the cliffs to the right were breathtaking. Visiting these famous view points in Mallorca in winter has several positive points: finding parking is easy (there is no public transport there) and no matter the weather you can enjoy the views without crowds. 

Cliffs overlooking the sea with waves crashing against the rocks below.

There are even a few hiking options, to deserted bays, in this area. The hike to Cala Bóquer starts at the second last roundabout in  Port de Pollenca, in the direction to the mirradors. The hike is 5.5 km and not very steep. As the terrain is rocky, bring good shoes. At Cala Bóquer you can enjoy different views and the small pebble beach invites you to rest. 

You can also take the road to Pinar de les Arenes and go down to Cala Murta. Another beautiful pebble beach. A 3.5 km long path leads you to this beautiful hidden beach. 

Viewpoints and winding mountain street

Back to Mallorcas mountains. A real gem to explore in winter: The little village Caimari is the starting point to either drive up the mountains or right dive into the hiking adventure. 

If you are traveling by car, be aware that the village Caimari has really narrow streets and limited parking. It is better to pass through the village and continue on the mountain road. Next to the road there are often parking lots and from there you can easily take a hiking trail.

For instance, to reach the Mirador de Caimari, you can park the car right at the first curve. Follow the signs, you need to climb a few ladders to reach the viewpoint, with fantastic views over the little town. 

But if you are looking for more challenges, the hike Mirador de ses Rotes – Puig dels Albellons might do it for you. The trail is 4.7 km long, steep and not easily marked. Takes you through rocky terrain and the amazing nature. 

If you don’t want to hike and just want to take in the mountain scenery, there is a scenic drive that will take you along the winding mountain road. There are several stops along the way where you can take in the beauty of the mountains.

Cultural experiences in Mallorca during winter

Even multiple cultural events take place during Christmas in Mallorca. Starting with the Advent time in December, the Three Kings day to the big Sant Antoni festival. You can also get a glimpse of the Mallorcan culture by visiting historical towns.  

Artá and the fortress Santuari Sant Salvado

Artá is a small historical town in the northwest of Mallorca. The fortress Santuari Sant Salvado is overlooking the town and lush green vegetation. It is the main attraction of the Artá and was constructed in the 14th century. In order to reach it you have to climb a few stairs. Along the way you might meet a few cats. You can wander around the fortress and admire the historical building or the excellent view. 

Artá is also known for pottery and basket weaving. The latter one is one of the oldest handicrafts of the island, according to archaeological excavations.

  • Old stone building with arches and tower against a blue sky.

You can find such pottery and basket products in some of the shops in the pedestrian zone. Next to the town hall is also a theater, at the Plaça d’Espanya. Artá was by far one of my favorite places to visit in Mallorca.

Every Tuesday morning there is a weekly market in Artá, if you are looking for unique souvenirs.  

Sineu oldest Mallorcan market

Sineu is a traditional town in the middle of Mallorca. Its weekly market is considered the biggest and oldest market of Mallorca. It is held every Wednesday morning. There you can find anything, from clothing to fruits, plants, tools, gift items, even animals. You can stroll through the lovely town of Sineu and take in the buzzing atmosphere of the market. There is even live music at some squares. If you are an introvert and need to recharge your batteries while having a bite to eat there is the Restaurant Sa Mola 13. This restaurant is already on the way outside of town. It has a lovely interior, vegan offers and is less busy than the cafés at the market.

  • Old stone church with bell tower under a blue sky, with market stalls and people in front.
  • White chickens in a cage with a sign indicating "10 € per unit".

Day of the Balearics

On the 1st of March 1983 the autonomous state of the islands was granted. It’s a big day full of celebrations. In Palma de Mallorca is a medieval market, the Consolat de Mar, a government building open to the public and you can participate in free tours.
And of course the gigantes y cabezudos are not to be missed. These are huge puppets with big heads that date back to the Middle Ages. You can find them at any traditional festival in Mallorca, also the Sant Antoni festival. They perform a Mallorcan folk dance. Very fascinating to watch. If you have a chance to attend a traditional Mallorcan festival you should take it!

Wine tasting in Binissalem

Binissalem is a small town next to Inca. It is known for its wine production, after the harvest in autumn the town celebrates the “Festa des Vermar”. You can wander around town, check out the lovely church and take part in a wine tasting at a vineyard or discover one of the many wine cellars.  

Sa Pobla and Sant Antoni

Sa Pobla is a small town in the north of Mallorca. It is very Mallorcan, as are many towns off the coast of the island. You can tour the city, there are signs with information about the history of the town. If you are spending the winter in Mallorca you should definitely go to visit Sa Pobla in January. The famous Sant Antoni festival is celebrated during January, the highlight of the festival is on the 16th and 17th of January. The Sant Antoni is a traditional festival that is celebrated each year around the Sants birthday. The fires that are lit should symbolize the off out of bad forces. There is also an animal blessing that takes place around this time. 

Due to the Agricultural background of Sa Pobla there are various celebrations around food. You can witness the rice festival that is held every last weekend of November. There you can taste varieties of rice dishes.
Sa Pobla also has a weekly market that is held every Sunday morning. 

Christmas markets are also common in Mallorca. And on the island in the Balearic Sea you don’t need to freeze like in central European Christmas markets. You can find markets in Palma where handmade products are displayed.

Soller and Valldemossa

Other towns that should be on your winter itinerary are Soller and Valldemossa. Soller is considered the most beautiful town in Mallorca. Even Archduke Louis Salvador of Austria, who spent a great deal of time in Mallorca, learning the local dialect and studying the flora and fauna, declared it to be the most beautiful city on the island. In Soller you can visit various museums like the Can Prunera. You can see paintings from the Serra art collection and modernist exhibitions in the early 20th century mansion.
At the Soller museum you can get more background about the history of Soller. You can even engage in Agritourism and visit and take a tour at the citrus farm, Ecovinyassa.

Valldemossa nestled between the mountains gives it a special atmosphere. It is the birthplace for Mallorcas only Sant, Santa Catalina Thomas. A popular attraction is the Royal Charterhouse, which was the royal residence. 

The finca Son Moragues in Valldemossa is over 500 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the farm you can take part in an oil tasting and a guided tour. 

Getting around and accommodation

Many accommodations are closed in winter, therefore the options are limited. Typically summer holiday homes/hotels aren’t available.

But since the high season is over the prices are low. In addition to the closed holiday homes, typical summer holiday towns become ghost towns. Cycling through the streets of Playa de Muro reminded me of the time I walked through Bad Gastein between the seasons. 

Mallorca is very different in winter time. More relaxed and it might be easier to get to know the locals and the local culture. 

Interior of an empty train car with blue and red seats and silver poles.

Getting around in Mallorca without a car is doable. You aren’t not that flexible of course but you can still manage to get around. The train network is not extensive but it connects some major cities. The main train station in Palma de Mallorca is called Estació Intermodal/Plaça d’Espanya station. From there different lines leave to Sóller, Sa Pobla, Manacor with stops at Inca, Alaró–Consell, Sineu, and further connects to Artá.

You can still get to all the towns that do not have a train station by bus. Depending on the location you probably need to change once in order to reach your destination. The operating network in Mallorca is called TIB and you can look up the schedule or buy tickets on their website. Tickets aren’t too expensive with a single ride of 55 minutes distance between Palma and Sa Pobla; it is 7,50 Euros.

For adventurous travelers hitchhiking is also an option. It is an easy and fast way to get around. However at some routes that are less frequented it might take a while to get a ride. 

Cliffside view of Mallorca's coast with text "Must-visit places in Mallorca in Winter".
Image of Mallorca with text "Discover Mallorca in Winter" over a background of cityscape and sky.

The author of the blog

Lisi is an adventurous, mostly solo traveler from Austria. She likes to travel slowly, discover underrated countries/regions, and of course, learn about cultures. She has been traveling the world and creating travel content since 2016. With a degree in tourism management and a passion for travel and cultures, she wants to tell stories that inspire her readers and help them travel more consciously.

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