10 Things to Do in Mallorca in February
Mallorca is a wonderful island that has a special charm in winter. Visiting it in February allows you to discover some of its most unknown and fascinating facets. Would you like to know them?
February marks the end of the winter lethargy. This is the time when Mallorca dusts off its most festive side to fully experience Carnival. And only during this month will you have the chance to contemplate one of the most beautiful images of the island: the almond blossom.
In addition, you can stroll around its traditional street markets without crowds, enjoy its famous coves on your own or visit its tourist attractions without having to book days in advance. And there are still many more plans to enjoy Mallorca. Let's get started!
1. Get lost in the old town of Palma de Mallorca
The cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the Lonja (fish market) and the Consulado del Mar are great attractions in Mallorca. But in the busiest tourist months it is difficult to enjoy all their beauty, which is not the case in February.
A very fun way to explore these places is to book a tour of Palma de Mallorca, as you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you the history and secrets of the area so that you can see it with different eyes and enjoy it even more.
To end the day, I recommend you visit Portixol, an old fishing district of Palma that still conserves its seafaring essence, but mixed with a bohemian touch. It is always enveloped in a lively atmosphere, ideal for trying something typical like a llonguet, an oval-shaped bread roll that can be filled with a thousand delicacies.
2. Take a boat trip to a cove
Mallorca can boast of having a spectacular coastline where large sandy beaches alternate with cliffs and coves full of charm. Enjoying the latter almost in solitude is a privilege that is only available a few weeks of the year. February is a fantastic month for this.
When booking a boat trip in Mallorca, bear in mind that in February there may be days with rough seas, so don't forget to check the forecast before booking.
The cove of Sa Calobra is one of the most beautiful and best known on the island, and is often included in many boat trips due to its incredible crystal clear waters.
Other of the best coves in Mallorca
- Mondragó Cove
- Caló del Moro
- Caló des Màrmols
- Magraner Cove
3. Have fun like a child at the Fira del Ram
If you like thrills or need to make plans with children in Mallorca, book at least one afternoon to have a great time at the Fira del Ram.
This is one of the biggest travelling funfairs in Spain. There are dozens of attractions for all ages, from a huge Ferris wheel to traditional bumper cars, pirate ships and shuttles. Not forgetting the stalls where you can show off your aim or buy some sweets.
It takes place at the Son Fusteret site, located on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca. It is a perfectly conditioned space for this type of event and is well connected by bus to the city centre. The fair normally lasts from the end of February to mid-April.
Other activities for the little ones
If your visit does not coincide with the Fira, don't worry, there are still fun plans for the whole family to enjoy in February in Mallorca:
- Palma Aquarium: you can discover the natural wealth of the Mediterranean by strolling through its depths and learning about marine life.
- Take a trip back in time on the Sóller Train: you will cross the Mallorcan mountain range aboard a historic vehicle.
- Visit the Drach caves: 4 large and spectacular caves connected to each other that are between 5 and 11 million years old.
4. Explore the trails and cycle routes
The Tramuntana mountain range, a World Heritage Site, is Mallorca's natural treasure. Throughout its length and breadth it hides countless corners of enormous beauty.
If you like trekking or mountain biking, there are countless routes here that are perfectly signposted, of varying difficulty and very little crowded in February.
I especially recommend Es Camí des Correu, a royal path of medieval origin that links the towns of Esporles and Banyalbufar. It is a little more than 8 kilometres long, with holm oak and pine forests awaiting you.
Other routes through the Mallorcan mountain range
- The one around the historic town of Valldemossa.
- And the one that runs between Sóller and Fornalutx.
These routes are a good way not only to admire the natural beauty of the island, but also to breathe in the essence of some of its most beautiful villages.
Urban routes
If you are not a great lover of outdoor activities or you prefer something quieter in the capital, but which allows you to move around and enjoy the open air, I recommend you book a bike tour of Mallorca.
For three hours you can discover the entire historic centre of Palma de Mallorca accompanied by a tourist guide who will tell you the most interesting secrets of the city.
5. Enjoy the museums of Mallorca
February inevitably brings colder or even rainy days. It is the perfect excuse for you to discover very interesting spaces that are sometimes overlooked due to lack of time or because the pleasant temperatures invite you to enjoy other outdoor activities.
If you like art, there are museums in Mallorca that are a must-see:
- Mallorca Fundació Miró Tickets: the brilliant artist had a close relationship with the island that led him to donate a very interesting collection of thousands of pieces to its capital. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Saturday afternoons.
- Museum of Sacred Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Palma
- Juan March Foundation
- Sa Bassa Blanca museum of sculptures in Alcudia
- Chopin Museum in Valldemossa
- Robert Graves Museum in Deià
- Museum of Fang in Marratxí, dedicated to pottery
- Footwear and Leather Museum in Inca.
6. Fall in love with the markets of Mallorca
The markets that are held in many towns and villages on Mallorca are known for their liveliness. And in February you will enjoy them like never before. The reason? Because the crowds are smaller than in other months of the year and you can stroll around the stalls and stop at them with all the peace and quiet in the world.
The best known are the ones in Sineu, Alcudia, Inca and Sóller. However, in any street market you visit in Mallorca you will find an infinite number of typical products and souvenirs to fill your suitcase with.
For lovers of antiques, there are also markets where you can go in search of old treasures. If we are talking about fame, it is essential to mention the Consell market. It is open on Sundays from 8:00 to 14:00 in the industrial estate of this town, located just 30 kilometres from the Mallorcan capital.
7. Don't miss the blossoming of the almond trees
Did you know that there are more than six million almond trees on Mallorca? This traditional crop is a great source of income for the island. Moreover, in February it gives rise to a delightful visual spectacle. The fields are dressed in white and pink and remain so for the few weeks that the blossom lasts.
But as well as contemplating the beauty of the landscape, it is the perfect occasion to taste a typical sweet made with almonds, such as the Mallorcan gató, and to buy products made both with the fruit and with the blossom or wood of the almond tree.
And perhaps while you admire the landscape you wonder why the colour of the blossoms is different. Here is the answer: if they are white, they are sweet almonds, while if they are pink, the fruit is bitter.
Where to see almond blossom
There are many places where you can admire this peculiar image of the island:
- The Tramuntana mountain range
- Inca
- Llucmajor
- Son Servera.
The latter is precisely where the Almond Blossom Fair is held, a showcase to learn more about this crop and its importance for the island.
8. Enjoy a gastronomic experience
I suggest you take a route through the flavours and aromas of Mallorca. You are sure to be surprised. If you are one of those who have only tried ensaimadas or cocas, I can already tell you that you still have a lot to try on the island.
February is also a great month to indulge your palate. Hot dishes are in season, but there is no need to neglect those that are served cold. In Mallorca there are dishes to suit all tastes, whether you are looking for traditional flavours or signature cuisine. I recommend:
- Arros brut or "dirty rice": a rich rice dish with vegetables, sausages and meat, among other ingredients.
- Roast suckling pig or Mallorcan fried pork: hearty dishes, the latter made with pork or lamb.
- Tumbet, trampó or Mallorcan soup: these are all light dishes based on vegetables grown in the island's vegetable gardens.
- Try the various Michelin-starred restaurants on Mallorca. In February you won't have so much trouble booking.
Don't forget to accompany each feast with a good wine
I cannot fail to mention in this section the excellent local wines. The island has a long wine-growing tradition and two designations of origin: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Therefore, any of its wines is a great choice to accompany your meal.
In addition to a wonderful culinary experience, you can also immerse yourself in the production of these wines. Mallorca has a good number of wineries where you can find out more about them and take part in a tasting or two.
9. Experience Carnival like any other Mallorcan
February is the month of Carnival, and in Mallorca it is also celebrated in style. Here it is called Sa Rua and begins on Dijous Llarder, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.
The traditional parades of troupes and floats flood the streets of the island's different municipalities with joy.
It is a must if you are travelling with children, as the youngest ones have their own celebration, Sa Rueta, a children's carnival in which there is much more than just parades. It is a day in which they can enjoy a host of activities, from workshops to competitions to musical performances in the street.
There is also room for gastronomy
And if you have a sweet tooth, these festivities will delight you. Be sure to try the traditional sweets of this time of year, such as coca de tallades or carnival ears.
10. Immerse yourself in the most romantic sunsets
The beauty of the Mallorcan coast is indisputable and watching the sun go down at sunset is a real privilege. If you are travelling as a couple, I recommend it, as it is a very romantic plan to put the finishing touch to the Valentine's Day celebrations on the 14th of February.
There are countless viewpoints from which you can let yourself be carried away by the magic of the moment:
- Sant Elm: is a small village located at the most easterly point of the island. From its privileged location the sunset is shown in all its splendour, with the added attraction of the islet of Sa Dragonera as part of the postcard.
- Cape Formentor: this is another of the ideal spots to enjoy a romantic sunset. You should bear in mind that the road to reach the lighthouse is very winding and at times runs along the edge of the cliffs.
- Es Colomer viewpoint: if you prefer a less complicated access point. From here you can enjoy fabulous views of both Cape Formentor and the Tramuntana mountain range.
Temperatures in February in Mallorca
Being surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea means that the climate on the island is not harsh. Thanks to this, Mallorca offers a wide variety of activities in winter.
In February, the average temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius, but on some particularly sunny days it can be slightly warmer. However, don't get overconfident and don't try to be brave enough to go for a swim, as the sea water is still cold and does not exceed 14 degrees at this time of year.
It is advisable to pack warm clothes in your suitcase, especially if you are planning to visit the Tramuntana mountain range. The climate there is much colder than in the flat area of the island, and it can even snow on the highest peaks. Don't forget to bring a mackintosh, as rainy days are rare in February, but the wind can be very humid.
The influx of tourists in Mallorca in February
Mallorca has enough attractions to visit at any time of the year, but February is the low season. This is especially noticeable among foreign tourists, who prefer other dates to visit the island. In fact, the number of visitors from other countries can be up to ten times higher in the peak summer months.
All of this makes February a perfect month for touring the island and visiting its major attractions without traffic jams or waiting times. You can even improvise some plans as the day dawns without fear of them going wrong. And two added advantages: cheaper flights and hotels and more affordable prices in general.