Make it Majorca in winter and you’ll have balmy beaches, culture-stuffed towns and plenty of history all at your fingertips. Plus, it’s quieter and there are fewer crowds and queues for attractions than in summer!
Temperatures are still around the mid to high teens throughout winter too, so it’s the perfect place to escape those chilly UK climes and soak up a bit of sunshine.
You can head to Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, year round with Jet2holidays, which means pre-Christmas getaways, ‘Twixmas’ breaks and new year trips are a doddle. Here are just a few of the things you could get up to…
Explore the capital
Head to Palma and mingle with the locals as you shop, dine and sightsee your way around the city. Explore top sights without the hustle and bustle of summer tourist crowds and enjoy cheaper entry to certain attractions.
Don’t miss: Palma’s magnificent cathedral, La Seu. It’s even more spectacular when it’s lit up with twinkling lights over the festive period.
Have a serene sandy beach all to yourself
Many of Majorca’s beaches are pretty much deserted in winter, so you can stroll the sands, enjoy the peace and quiet and feel the salty sea breeze in your hair.
Don’t miss: Es Trenc’s famed Caribbean-like shore and white sand. The nature reserve that backs the beach is also worth wandering.
Follow the Wine Route
There are more bodegas dotted across the island than you can shake a corkscrew at, which means wine fans will be in their element. To be more precise, there are around 70 to choose from and they offer everything from wine tours to tasting sessions.
Don’t miss: The renowned Binissalem DO wine route at the heart of Majorca – it features fourteen of the island’s top producers.
Hit the sun-speckled fairways
A lot of Majorca’s top golf courses offer reduced green fees during the winter months so you can play a round at a much cheaper price. Driving ranges and professional lessons can also be cheaper, making it a great time to practise your swing.
Don’t miss: The 18-hole Alcanada Golf Club near Alcudia which showcases some seriously stunning sea views.
What’s on in Majorca in winter
Looking for events and activities to enjoy while you’re here? Look no further as we’ve rounded up some of the best!
NOVEMBER
Fira de sa Carabassa
This age-old tradition sees the town of Muro celebrating the humble pumpkin. Local restaurants produce special menus featuring the ingredient and ‘biggest pumpkin’ competitions also take place.
Dijous Bo
Like nosing around street markets? You’ll love it here in Inca when the Dijous Bo agricultural fair comes to town – usually on the third Thursday in November. Hundreds of market stalls are set up in the streets selling everything from handmade trinkets and leather goods to local delicacies and freshly baked treats. People come from all across the island to browse and shop here!
DECEMBER
Midnight Mass at La Seu Cathedral – 24 December
Join one of the island’s largest Christmas Eve celebrations as you head to midnight mass at Palma’s magical cathedral. Families come together to celebrate the ancient Cant de la Sibil.la tradition and sing festive hymns with a choir.
New Year’s Eve – 31 December
Ring in the new year in Majorca with feasts, street parties and all-night dancing. In Palma, the celebrations start with the Festa de l’Estandard, which commemorates the liberation of Majorca from its Moorish rule. Flowers are laid at the statue of the King, then couples, friends and families gather to dine and dance the night away.
JANUARY
The Parade of the Three Kings – 6 January
Also known as Cavalcada dels Reis Mags, this ancient tradition marks the end of the Christmas period. Three kings in full costume parade through the streets handing out presents to children and spreading cheer to all. You’ll see it take place in towns and villages right across the island.
Sant Antoni festival – 16 and 17 January
Majorca celebrates its patron saint of animals by hosting street parades, parties, bonfires and animal blessings in many of the churches. It’s one of the island’s oldest traditions.
Fiesta Sant Sebastia – from 19 January
Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Palma, is celebrated for around two weeks every January. You’ll get to see exhibitions, tours, parades, kids’ parties, live music, and much more during the festival.
FEBRUARY
Fira de la flor d’ametler – first weekend in February
This almond blossom festival showcases the amazing almond trees that grow on the island – and they are here in their thousands! You’ll need to head up to Son Servera in the north east for this one, and don’t forget your camera – the stunning almond trees in their pretty pink and white colours are not to be missed!
Please note, some events may change. Please check locally for accurate and up-to-date times, dates and locations.