15 best things to do in Mallorca in Winter (2023 guide)

Are you planning a trip to Mallorca in winter? Read on, as I go into exactly what makes this island tick in the winter months!

With achingly beautiful beaches, mouthwatering gastronomy and a charming culture, there are so many reasons to visit the glorious Balearic Island of Mallorca.

It’s a popular summer destination – but what about visiting Mallorca in winter?

I’ve been to Mallorca a couple of times in the cooler season – in both November and January.

So, if you’re wondering what this sun-soaked island is like in the cooler months, look no further.

We’ve detailed everything you want to know about Mallorca (sometimes called Majorca) in winter below!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.

What’s Mallorca in winter like?

Sitting in the midst of the Mediterranean, Mallorca is Spain’s largest island.

It’s frequently known as a party island, popular in the summer with all-inclusive holidayers.

There’s nothing wrong with that – I love a sun-soaked all-inclusive as much as the next person – but there’s so much more to the island.

When you think of Mallorca, do you think of capital with hundreds of years of history, spectacular mountains with twisting hiking and cycling trails, incredible unique gastronomy and charming towns with delightful architecture?

If you visit Mallorca in winter, the temperatures will be cooler (although not too cold!), but you’ll have the chance to enjoy all of the above!

Mallorca isn’t as commonly thought of as a glorious winter travel destination the same way the Canary Islands are (check out my posts about Tenerife in winter and Lanzarote in winter to see why!), but this blog post should persuade you why it’s well worth visiting in the off-season!

What’s the weather like in Mallorca in the winter months?

Compared to most other European destinations, Mallorca has mild winters. It’s definitely not as hot as the summer season, but it’s still pretty pleasant! 

However, you’re likely to still have some nice winter sun in Mallorca, depending on what time of winter you visit.

Here’s a useful table with the highs, lows and average days of rain.

MonthAverage High Temperature (°C)Average High Temperature (°F)Average Low Temperature (°C)Average Low Temperature (°F)Rainy Days
November20688466
December16618467
January15597456
February15598466
March17639485

Things to do in Mallorca in winter

Take a vintage train through the mountains, see the stained glass of Palma Cathedral up close, walk by beaches, sample wine at some of the island’s best vineyards… there’s much more to meet the eye when it comes to Mallorca in winter! Here are the best things to do.

1. Take the Palma to Soller train

Winding through the Tramatauna Mountain Range, the Palma to Soller train is without a doubt one of my favourite things to do in Mallorca. It’s an hour-long journey that takes you from the island’s capital to the charming and historic town of Soller in the north.

Dating back to 1920, the historic train is an experience in itself, but you’ll enjoy some of the island’s phenomenal mountain views as you trundle past.

I wrote all about this experience on my other blog – check it out here.

2. Explore Soller

The vintage train takes you right to the pretty town of Soller.

The name Soller is derived from the Arabic word “solier” meaning bowl – named due to the fact that it’s located in a mountain valley valley.

The town thrived through fruitful agriculture, trading lemons and wine with Marseille independently from Palma.

French influence lingers, and the magnificent Neo-Gothic church, designed by Joan Rubid, stands as a notable landmark.

Soller has a gorgeous church and plenty of eateries, as well as independent shops on winding streets.

3. Take the historic tram to Port de Soller

Once you arrive in Soller, you can take a historic tram to Port de Soller!

This town sits on the northern coast of the island and, because it was inaccessible for a long time, it was untouched by mass tourism in the 70s.

Port de Soller is a classic Balearic town, boasting a gorgeous harbour with boats bobbing gently on the water.

In the background, see hills sloping down towards the coastline. Away from the coast, there are epic viewpoints and plenty of quaint streets lined by independent restaurants and souvenir shops.

4. Explore Palma de Mallorca

The historic city of Palma is incredibly underrated. With a massive Cathedral that dates back to the 13th century standing out against the skyline of the city centre and charming streets that are lined with historic buildings, this city has so much to offer.

Visit museums, dine at incredible tapas restaurants and drink at Mallorcan wine bars, or even head down to the beach when you get a window of sun!

Palma’s not often considered a city break destination, but there really is so much to do here – and it’s perfect in the cooler winter months!

Things to do in Palma include: 

  • Visiting Palma Aquarium, which is a short bus ride from the city. 
  • Walking around the shopping streets and purchasing souvenirs like Mallorcan pearls. 
  • Seeing the historic Arab Baths
  • Learning about history at Bellver Castle
  • Soaking in Urban Spa
  • Es Baluard Museum, which details the history of Palma and Mallorca.
  • RCD Mallorca Stadium Tour, where you can learn all you need to about Mallorcan football!

5. Cycle along the coastline

Fancy exploring Mallorca on two wheels?

There’s a long seafront promenade around Palma leading to S’Arenal.

Here, you can take in gorgeous vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and some of the island’s beautiful beaches.

This track is very flat, so it’s ideal for families or people who aren’t that confident when riding a bike.

Don’t want to cycle? You could always hike it!

6. Take to the mountain trails

If you’re more experienced with cycling, you could head to the mountain trails!

There are tonnes of mountain bike trails in Mallorca, and winter is the ideal time to enjoy them – you might still work up a sweat, but it’s the perfect temperature for exercise!

There are mountain bike trails all over the island. For the best information about all of them, check out Rock and Ride’s Mountain Bike Guide e-book

They have something for every level!

7. Go hiking 

Winter is also a great time to go hiking. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains offer some challenging but incredible hikes, most of which have amazing views of the Balearic Island sprawling below. 

The Torrent de Pareis Gorge Walk traverses from Escorca to the coast, takes about five hours, and traverses through one of Mallorca’s best natural wonders. 

If you want to stick to the coast, there are some incredible coastal hikes in Mallorca too. Try the east coast hike from Cala Romantica to Cala Varques, which is about 7km in length and should take about three hours. 

8. Do a walking tour around Pollença

There’s a free walking tour that you can do around Pollença, a town in North Mallorca, every Thursday – and it runs throughout the winter! 

This historic walking tour begins at the Covent de Sant Domingo, dating back to the 17th century, and traverses to the Pollença Museum, the Joan March Gardens, the Our Lady of the Angels church and the Calvari Steps, which lead up to a spectacular viewpoint where you can see the gorgeous northern coastline. 

9. Visit wineries

Spanish wine is world-famous, but have you tried Mallorcan wine?

There are vineyards all over the island, and Vins Nadal Winery in Binissalem is one of the best.

Here, you can taste a range of delicious reds, whites and rose wines, and sample some traditional Mallorcan snacks too.

You’ll also learn about the origins of the company, where a guide will tell you all about how they make wine in Mallorca!

The wine-tasting area and the cellars are indoors, so you can visit Vins Nadal Winery even if it’s raining outside.

10. Road trip around the beaches

Mallorca is a relatively quiet island, and the road infrastructure is good, meaning that it’s a great place for road-tripping.

During the winter, the roads are especially quiet as you won’t be driving through the summer crowds!

Here are some of the best places to visit on a Mallorca road trip itinerary.

  • Cala Santanyi Beach: One of the more popular beaches in Mallorca, Cala Santanyi Beach is situated in a valley amongst two rocky cliffs and boasts a large stretch of sand.
  • Caves of Dranch: Home to one of the biggest underground lakes in the world, Caves of Dranch have a maximum depth of 25 metres below ground level and extend for 1,200 metres in length.
  • Cala Mesquida: This white sand beach is popular for snorkelling in the summertime, but in the winter, it’s wonderful for walking along!
  • Cap de Formentor: A must on any Mallorca road trip, Cap de Formentor is where the Tramuntana Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Valldemossa: Situted in the Tramuntana Mountains, Valldemossa is a quaint village just 15 minutes north of Palma.

Of course, there are so many other places to visit on a road trip around Mallorca – just rent a car, drive around and see what you find!

11. Try out Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is a fantastic activity that you can do in Mallorca any time of year.

You’ll take to the skies from Cala Milor, taking in birds eye vistas as you ascend higher.

You’ll see incredible beaches and mountains during two hour ride, and enjoy a glass of champagne after you land.

Click here to read more about hot air ballooning in Mallorca and to book.

12. Arabella Golf Mallorca

Known as the leading golf resort in the Mediterranean, Arabella Golf Mallorca has four different courses and is in gorgeous natural surroundings, just five minutes from Palma.

The winter is a great time to play golf. You won’t be too hot standing in the sun all day, but it’s generally warm enough to be outside for an extended amount of time.

You can book a session with Arabella Golf on their website.

13. Inca Market 

There’s only one place to be on a Thursday in Mallorca – the Inca Market!

Purchase everything from fruit and veg, flowers, artisanal soaps and other goods.

It runs from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm every Thursday.

Inca is connected to Palma by train, so it’s very easy to reach!

14. Eat plenty of tapas!

It’s no surprise that one of the best things to do on this Spanish island is to devour tapas!

Whether you fancy Spanish olives, local cheese, patatas bravas, chorizo or padrons, peppers doused in salt, you’ll love the dishes here.

There are tonnes of tapas bars in Palma, including Ombu Tapas and Cocktails and Bodega La Rambla.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, Bar Espanya has lots of excellent plant-based tapas dishes.

15. Enjoy the rest of the island’s gastronomy

  • Can Cera: Located in the five-star adults-only hotel with the same name, Can Cera serves delectable tapas from all over the island.
  • Calatrava: The ideal place for breakfast, Calatrava has a balcony with incredible views of the sea.
  • Moli des Torrent: This is a glorious restaurant located in a 14th century windmill!
  • Sabores de Sandra: The prime vegan restuarant of the island, Sabores de Sandra serves burritos, pasta, risotto, empanadas and more!

Where to stay in Mallorca in winter

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallorca in winter!

While some resorts close their doors come November, others stay open throughout the year.

Here are some areas where you can make the most of Mallorca’s winter attractions and recommended hotels:

Palma

The gorgeous capital of Palma de Mallorca is the largest city in Spain’s Balearic Islands and it’s a fantastic place to stay in the cooler months.

If the weather isn’t too kind, you can still enjoy the museums and charming narrow streets, but it’s also only a stone’s throw away from some of Mallorca’s best beaches.

Plus, being the capital city, most of Palma’s bars and restaurants stay open throughout the year, generally having a much more local vibe than in the summertime.

Where to stay in Palma

The Boc Hostels

The Boc Hostels – Palma Albergue Juvenil has comfortable pod-style beds and a great vibe.

Choose from a dorm or private room, and enjoy the communal areas!

The four-star Melia Palma Bay is a beautiful place to stay in Palma, with rooftop views overlooking the coastline.

Rooms are comfortable, with cosy beds and all the mod-cons you’ll need.

Portals Nous

If luxury hotels are your thing (and you’re keen to get some cheaper rates!) head to Portals Nous!

Famous for its quality hotels and yacht clubs, Portals Nous is perhaps the most upmarket area of Mallorca.

In the summer months, it’s busy with tourists – but come in the winter time and enjoy some peaceful solitude, with some of the luxury hotels all to yourself! 

Where to stay in Portals Nous

One of the best boutique hotels on the island, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Mallorca has gorgeous architecture, with fresh and bright rooms.

There is a swimming pool on site, although you might not be able to use it during the winter!

Port d’Alcúdia

During the peak season, you’ll find crowds of tourists here enjoying the summer sunshine, but in the winter, the sandy coves of Port d’Alcúdia are a lot more chilled out.

There are plenty of all-inclusive hotels here, and it’s a great spot for families. 

Where to stay in Port d’Alcúdia

Grupotel Maritimo is a huge hotel that’s really close to the beach. There’s a lot to enjoy on site, including tennis courts, and the rooms are gorgeous too!

Port de Pollenca

Port de Pollenca is a gorgeous area with breathtaking views of the incredible north Mallorcan coastline.

 A great place for nature, Port de Pollenca has gorgeous beaches and plenty of restaurants in the town itself.

Where to stay in Port de Pollenca

Puerto de Pollensa cat Villas boasts one, two and three bed apartments, some with private pools. The villas are a perfect place to stay if you’re travelling with a group or family!

Port de Sóller

Located on the north of the island, Port de Soller was one of the last places where tourism touched on the island.

This meant that it stayed authentic for a long time! If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to stay on the island, check it out!

Where to stay in Port de Sóller

Hotel Miramar is a family-run hotel that’s right by the beach.

Rooms are friendly and colourful, with en-suite facilties and beautiful sea vistas.

What to pack for Mallorca in winter

Unless you’re heading up to the mountains, you probably won’t need your winter woollies in Mallorca in winter.

I’d recommend packing a jacket at the least, or a bigger coat if the weather forecast is cold.

Plus, pack a couple of jumpers, t-shirts and trousers – you probably won’t wear shorts.

Shoe-wise, I wore my Birkenstocks for most of the time when I was in Mallorca, but if it’s especially chilly, you might want to pack closed shoes and socks.

Mallorca in winter FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Mallorca in winter!

Can you swim in the sea in Mallorca in winter?

If you’re used to swimming in colder seas, you might find swimming in Mallorca in winter ok – but otherwise, it can be very chilly!

If you do fancy a plunge, don’t spend too long in there – the Mediterranean is very enticing, but it can be incredibly cold in January and February!

While there is lots of great SCUBA diving in Mallorca, with shipwrecks, colourful fish, octopus and more, most dining shops are closed during the winter months.

Diving is still a possibility for people with adequate equipment, but cooler temperatures mean that the sea can be freezing, and the demand just isn’t there for diving shops! 

Can you sunbathe in Mallorca in winter?

While there can be bright and sunny weather in Mallorca in the winter, you might only find that a few days are warm enough for full sunbathing!

However, you should have plenty of nice weather for enjoying lunch or some Pimms al fresco.

Is Mallorca worth visiting in December? 

Yes, Mallorca is worth visiting in December! The highs are usually around 16°C and there are lows of 8°C.

There are only around seven days of rain, so you’ll likely have some gorgeous sunny days while you’re here. 

However, if you want somewhere with warm weather that’s perfect for sunbathing and maybe even swimming in the sea, then check out Lanzarote in December!

Is Mallorca worth visiting in January? 

It’s worth visiting Mallorca in January if you want somewhere with slightly warmer weather than elsewhere in Europe. 

However, it is the coldest month in Mallorca, with highs of around 15°C and lows of 8°C. 

It’s still relatively dry too! 

Should I go to Mallorca in February? 

The weather is similar in Mallorca in February! 

How cold does it get in Mallorca? 

In the winter time, the lowest night time temperature can get to 0 °C. It usually hovers around 10°C on colder days. 

Are you ready for Mallorca in the winter?

From hiking in the mountains to golfing in the sunshine, to exploring Palma, to maybe even taking a chilly dip in the sea, there are so many things to do in Mallorca in the cooler months!

If you’re planning a trip to get some winter sunshine, Mallorca will not disappoint!

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