Date of publication 19/12/2023
What to see in Mallorca in winter
A closer look at that See in Mallorca in Winter, perfect inspiration for your next holiday.
Some of our hotels in Mallorca remain open in winter, giving you the perfect opportunity to discover another side of the island beyond the lively spring months and the peak summer season.
If that sounds like your kind of trip, read on for ideas for visiting monuments and storybook villages, connecting with nature, and savoring Mediterranean cuisine. Every kind of getaway has its own rhythm: traveling with children is very different from going as a couple. Whatever your plans, you’ll find places to stay as well as practical tips for planning a winter getaway to Mallorca.
Why visit Mallorca in winter
Mild weather even in the colder months
Mallorca in winter. The words alone conjure up beautiful scenes. The island’s average annual temperature is around 64°F (18°C). From November to March, Mallorca experiences its coldest days and nights of the year, yet the weather remains pleasant and sunny compared with continental Europe.
Beautiful beaches and coves, blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate in every season, alternate with cultural attractions and peaceful moments bathed in winter sunshine. Rising from the Mediterranean forests and the Tramuntana mountains are traditional villages that seem lifted from a storybook, romantic hotels that offer a cozy refuge from the cold, and places where families can slow down and discover a different side of the island together. Christmas markets, vintage trains, and bookstores with character all have a place here, too.
Fewer crowds and a more authentic atmosphere
The island’s best-kept secrets are easier to uncover when there are fewer people around. Staying at All-Inclusive hotels in Mallorca at a time when local routines and everyday island life take center stage lets you experience Mallorca without the usual crowds. Quiet walks, neighborhood bars, sports activities in small groups, and virtually empty beaches can all be harder to come by at other times of year. Lower occupancy also means winter can bring good deals on flights and accommodation.
Monuments to visit in Mallorca in winter
Palma Cathedral
Palma Cathedral is one of Mallorca’s defining landmarks. Known to Mallorcans as "La Seu," its imposing silhouette is reflected in the waters of Parc de la Mar (on a sunny day, you’ll want to linger at one of the nearby terraces), while its rooftop offers some of the best views over the capital, accessible on guided or self-guided visits. Inside, Gothic, Renaissance, Modernist, mid-century, and even Surrealist elements coexist.
King James I ordered the cathedral to be built in 1229 as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, his patron saint, after making a promise to her while caught in a shipwreck that, as the cathedral itself attests, he survived. Its main portal was completed in 1601, during the late Renaissance.
Bellver Castle
Mallorca’s art scene is full of contrasts, bringing heritage and the avant-garde together across the island. The legend of Bellver Castle’s secret passage, commissioned by James II (James I’s successor), goes back centuries. Several theories attempt to explain why the king ordered this underground passage connecting the palace with the sea to be excavated. One suggests it was intended as an escape route in the event of an attack.
While enjoying winter at hotels in Mallorca, a visit here can feel like stepping into a period film. When this circular fortress was built in the 14th century, round castles were virtually unknown in Europe, making Bellver Castle a rarity. From its heights, you can take in one of the island’s most memorable panoramas: Palma and its bay, with a 1.9-mile forest surrounding the walls as the castle rises 367 feet above sea level.
La Llotja
Spending a day in Palma brings plenty of small stops with remarkable beauty and historical value. Continuing with Gothic architecture, La Llotja, or the old merchants’ exchange, is a civic building dating from 1420 to 1452, attributed to sculptor and architect Guillem Sagrera. In its single open-plan hall, white light plays across pale stone as six columns without bases or capitals rise like palm trees toward lofty vaulted ceilings, creating an almost otherworldly space.
During the Middle Ages, merchant exchanges were meeting places for traders and centers of commercial and banking activity. Palma’s La Llotja also served as the seat of the island’s government. Today, it hosts free temporary exhibitions.
Els Talaiots de Son Fornès
The Els Talaiots de Son Fornès archaeological site, near the town of Montuïri, preserves traces of the island’s prehistoric past. Among its remains are two circular talaiots, structures built using Cyclopean masonry, a technique in which towers or dwellings were constructed from enormous fitted stones without cement or mortar, and associated with defensive purposes. These structures could reach heights of up to 23 feet. These unusual monuments have only been found in Mallorca and Menorca and are associated with the Talaiotic culture, which takes its name from them.
The Roman city of Pollentia
The Roman city of Pollentia, the empire’s capital in the Balearic Islands, lies in present-day Alcúdia, in the north of Mallorca. It marks the beginning of urban life on the island. The consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus founded it in 123 BC. Even then, the city had a sewer system and drinking water, remarkably advanced infrastructure for its time. Visitors can explore the remains of its theater, forum, residential quarter known as La Portella, and other nearby areas.
There is also a museum displaying artifacts uncovered during excavations, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Pollentia’s inhabitants. Surrounded by olive trees and pines, the site sits within a quiet, peaceful setting, a natural continuation of the sense of calm you’ll find while staying at spa hotels in Mallorca that remain open in winter, such as Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma.
Villages in Mallorca in winter
Fornalutx
Winter is an ideal time to set out on memorable excursions from beachfront hotels in Mallorca and explore the villages of the mountains and inland areas. Fornalutx has been named Spain’s most beautiful village on several occasions. It lies in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. The scent of orange and lemon trees drifts through its narrow streets, passageways, and staircases, some with more than a thousand years of history. Traditional stone houses with green shutters in classic Mallorcan style contrast with the vivid pinks and reds of bougainvillea.
Deià
If you’re wondering what to do in Mallorca in winter, you may simply need to experience the quiet pleasure of exploring its most distinctive villages wrapped up against the cooler weather. In Deià, long a meeting place for artists and bohemians, you’ll find yourself between the Serra de Tramuntana and the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the character of both. The mountains are lush and untamed, while the cove below feels intimate and inviting. Stop for a drink at the legendary Sa Fonda, enjoy Mallorcan food at one of the restaurants along the Archduke Luis Salvador route, visit the village museums, or watch the famous sunset at Sa Foradada.
Banyalbufar
Mallorca’s winter charm comes naturally in places like Banyalbufar, a small village overlooking the sea, known for the terraced fields carved into its mountainside. Its main crops are tomatoes and grapes, the latter used to make its well-known wines. Food lovers and cyclists alike choose Banyalbufar as a place to slow down and reconnect with the island’s distinctive way of life. Whatever brings you here, this setting makes the experience all the more rewarding.
Sóller
Sóller’s name comes from the Arabic term suliar, meaning "golden bowl." Perhaps it refers to the valley of orange trees surrounding the town. Or maybe to the Mediterranean sun falling across its grand houses and historic buildings, which glow in the light. Its old town, including Plaça de la Constitució, the Church of Sant Bartomeu, the former Banco de Sóller, and Carrer de Sa Lluna (named after the large stone moon carved above the entrance to one of its houses), calls for a stroll before returning to your hotel in Mallorca.
Nature and hiking in winter
Routes through the Serra de Tramuntana
Hiking routes through the Tramuntana are rewarding throughout the year. On sunny or overcast winter days, they have a particular pull. Some begin and end in the mountain villages, while others cross forests before emerging at secluded coves. Exploring the island on foot takes you into remote, tucked-away places you might never otherwise reach. Ask at the front desk of our All-Inclusive hotels in Mallorca about excursions suited to your hiking experience.
S'Albufera Natural Park
Once you begin exploring Mallorca through its natural surroundings, a different side of the island comes into view. At S'Albufera Natural Park, two activities stand out: hiking (or cycling) and watching birds in the wild. This is the largest wetland ecosystem in the Balearic Islands, made up of several protected habitats. Wetlands and lagoons, Mediterranean dunes, and sandy beaches provide a haven for more than 300 bird species and make the park rewarding to explore at any time of year.
The flavors of a Mallorcan winter
Seasonal dishes and pastries
At our hotels in Mallorca, local ingredients take pride of place. Beyond the Mallorcan ensaimada, one of the island’s best-known pastries alongside almond gató and coca de patata, traditional winter dishes fill kitchens across Mallorca with the aromas and flavors of home cooking.
Arròs brut is a brothy, spiced rice dish prepared with meats and local sausages such as sobrasada and butifarrón. Frit mallorquí combines sautéed pork or lamb offal with potatoes, peppers, sea fennel, and other local herbs. Sopes mallorquines may come as a surprise: thin slices of brown bread soaked in a broth made with winter vegetables such as cabbage and Swiss chard.
Markets and local products
The food markets in Palma’s neighborhoods and weekly markets in Mallorcan towns offer an excellent introduction to the island’s culinary traditions. In the capital, don’t miss Santa Catalina and Mercat de l'Olivar, both open daily. The weekly markets in Inca, Pollença, Alcúdia, and Santanyí combine food stalls and local produce straight from nearby farms and businesses, including Mediterranean herbs, fruit and vegetables, wines, and cheeses, alongside antiques, footwear, and crafts made on the island.
What to do in Mallorca in winter with children
An outing to S'Albufera Natural Park
What should you visit during a winter stay at family hotels in Mallorca? Natural settings are a great place to start, giving children the chance to learn about caring for animals and plants while having fun. At S'Albufera Natural Park, they can discover birds and other small creatures of the wetlands, including butterflies and amphibians. The park is home to protected wildlife as well as valuable plant species, including the marsh orchid. Nearby, beside Playa de Muro, Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro makes a welcoming winter base. The hotel is next to the park and right on the seafront, with bright family rooms.
An afternoon at a Christmas market
What can you do in Mallorca in winter as Christmas approaches? Christmas markets bring an extra sense of excitement to the festive season. On the island, the Puerto Portals Christmas Market has become one of the most popular with visitors. Rather than a snowy postcard setting, this one unfolds beside the beach, with colorful stalls lining the marina.
Iberostar Waves Cristina is a hotel designed for families, where children can feel comfortable and at home. It remains open year-round and is around a 15-minute drive from Puerto Portals.
A literary tour of Palma’s bookstores
A family trip to Mallorca can also be a cultural experience. Drac Màgic, in the historic center, is one of Palma’s oldest bookstores. It has a dedicated children’s and young adult section, as well as a space for events and exhibitions open to all ages. Baobab is a bookstore specifically for children, where play and literature come together. They’ll love choosing a new book from the shelves. La Salina, in Santa Catalina, also has a space for younger readers, with a carefully chosen selection of titles in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, as well as a reading area, workshops, and a distinctive feminist and nature-focused philosophy.
A ride on the Sóller Railway
A Mallorcan winter also calls for a historic activity that gives children a glimpse into the island’s past while keeping the experience fun. A ride on the wooden Sóller Railway, which has remained largely unchanged since 1920, fits the bill perfectly. This historic train and living museum, dating from the 1920s, travels through the northern mountains and between Sóller, its port, and Palma, passing coastal and inland scenery before reaching the Art Nouveau Palma railway station.
Romantic things to do in Mallorca in winter
A couples’ spa session
Mallorca’s wellness culture makes a stay at spa hotels in Mallorca an appealing choice for a romantic getaway at any time of year. At Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma, wellness sessions for couples can be paired with walks along the shore and excellent food near Palma. The hotel has an adults-only rooftop, a champagne bar with sunset rituals, and rooms designed for unwinding. Sharing a little time to relax together adds something special to a winter getaway.
Dinner by the sea
From brunch to dinner, beachfront hotels in Mallorca bring together sea views, an inviting atmosphere, and cuisine made for two. After a restorative spa experience, continue the evening with dinner near the water at a romantic restaurant inspired by the Mediterranean love of good food. Katagi Blau, at Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma, brings Mallorcan and Asian cuisine together on its rooftop. Its name means "beneath the sky, there is no other like it."
Experience Palma’s typical "tardeo"
Palma's "tardeo" is the art of heading out for afternoon drinks on weekends and holidays, then simply seeing where the day takes you, carried along by the energy of the city's neighborhoods and bars. The afternoon stretches on at an easy pace as you drift from one spot to the next, soaking up the atmosphere. It usually begins around midday and continues until dinner, perhaps ending with a cocktail. The main gathering place is the Santa Catalina neighborhood. Give it a try during a stay at adults-only hotels in Mallorca.
Where to stay in Mallorca in winter
The Iberostar hotels in Mallorca that remain open in winter sit on the seafront beside some of the island’s best beaches and coves, with convenient connections to Palma, the capital, as well as other key locations such as the airport and port. Choose the hotel that best suits you and the kind of trip you have in mind.
Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma is ideal for couples’ trips and food-focused getaways. Choose Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma for a wellness break combining beach and city time. Iberostar Waves Cristina and Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro are excellent options for winter family vacations filled with nature and fun.
How to plan your winter getaway
Getting there and around the island
The easiest way to reach Mallorca in winter is by plane. Palma Airport is about 6 miles from the city center. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or transfer to your hotel, then get around by public transportation, bicycle, or on foot. Another option is to rent a car when you arrive, giving you greater freedom to explore. If you arrive by ferry from mainland Spain or another island, Palma’s port lies opposite the old town, right in the city.
What to pack
Pack midweight winter clothing such as sweaters, long pants, coats, trench coats, and puffer jackets. Bring comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, especially if you plan to go hiking.
Dress in layers: mornings and evenings may be cooler, while the midday sun can feel surprisingly warm, making it easy to shed a layer or two. Even in winter, don’t forget your swimsuit. You never know when you might feel like taking a dip in the sea. Or slipping into the hotel’s heated hot tub.
Book your winter getaway to Mallorca
Why save a destination of beautiful beaches and coves for summer alone? Mallorca’s Mediterranean climate lends itself to many different kinds of getaways throughout the year. The island brings together the sea, culture, food, sports, and history. Book a winter getaway at our hotels in Mallorca and discover the island at its most natural pace.
