1. Attend a traditional local festival

There are many local festivals on the island in winter time. In January, Sant Antoni (16^th & 17^th island-wide) and Sant Sebastià (10^th-25^th in Palma) celebrations follow Christmas and The Three Kings’ festivities. Palma honours its patron saint with a varied programme including concerts and a night of fire. February offers the almond fair ‘Fira de S’Ametler’ in Son Servera. Carnival – ‘Sa Rua’ – is celebrated at the end February.

2. Follow the Wine Route

With more than 70 bodegas on Mallorca, there’s plenty of choice if you want to try some of the excellent local wines. A great way to spend a day is to follow the official Wine Route for the Binissalem DO. A downloadable guide includes more than a dozen wineries to visit and interesting information about the area’s wines, towns, and villages.

3. Gourmet tour of Mallorca

Mallorca is a foodie’s paradise. With specialist delicatessens, fresh food markets and restaurants serving top-quality cuisine, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the flavours of the island. If you love cooking, follow in the footsteps of Maria Salinas and source the best ingredients direct from farmers with the Venda Directa scheme. Alternatively, tuck in to dishes prepared by the experts at one of the best restaurants or enjoy a culinary tour on the island.

4. Visit a museum

Become a culture vulture and discover some of Mallorca’s many interesting museums and galleries. A recent favourite is Inca’s smart contemporary museum of shoes and leather, where you’ll be amazed to see how much equipment is involved in making footwear. After a visit to the ‘Museu del Calçat i la Pell’, shopping at one of Inca’s leather outlets should be a must!

5. Pamper yourself in a spa

Resolve to indulge in some pampering beauty or wellbeing treatments to keep yourself feeling and looking well during the cooler months. Luxurious hotel spas open during winter include the Beauty Lounge Son Net, Ca Sa Galesa Wellness Spacio, Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort’s Bahari Beauty & Spa, Nixe Herbal Spa, Park Hyatt Mallorca, Steigenberger Golf & Spa Resort, Castillo Hotel Son Vida, and Arabella Sheraton Mallorca. In Palma, Sant Francesc Hotel Singular doesn’t have a spa, but does offer wellbeing and beauty treatments, using Anne Semonin products.

6. Go bargain-hunting at the market

Visit Consell on a Sunday morning for the popular weekly flea market in Mallorca, where about 300 stalls are set up from early morning. It’s a magnet for bargain-hunters as, among the huge number of second-hand goods, you can often find something you’ve always wanted, an interesting antique, or the perfect Mallorcan artefact for your home or garden. Arrive early for the best treasure!

7. Take a short break in an island hotel

A short break away on Mallorca (even if you live here) recharges the batteries and offers a change of scene. Several quality hotels around Mallorca stay open in winter and there’s plenty of choice in Palma – a great city break destination. See abcMallorca’s 101 Best Boutique & Finca Hotels and all about Mallorca’s restaurants for establishments open during winter.

8. Take tennis or golf lessons

Use the quieter winter months to schedule in some professional golf lessons or tennis lessons to improve your play. Most golf courses on Mallorca have pro instructors and practice facilities, and some courses offer reduced winter green fees. If tennis is your game, head to the Guillermo Vilas Tennis Academy in Palmanova or Tennis Mallorca in Magaluf to polish up your game.

9. Go walking in the Tramuntana mountains

Winter is an ideal time to walk or hike on Mallorca, and several local clubs – including Mallorca Hiking Club – exist for those who enjoy guided walks. Stride out on Mallorca’s only official eco-path, the Via Verde, between Manacor and Artà, or take up Nordic Walking – an increasingly popular sport on the island. In fine clear weather, follow the Dry Stone Route (GR221) in the Tramuntana mountains. For more info visit www.infomallorca.net  or www.mallorcahiking.com.

10. Visit Palma Aquarium

Open every day year-round, Palma Aquarium is a place where you can forget about the weather and enjoy discovering the fascinating creatures that populate our underwater world. Observe the sharks in Europe’s deepest shark tank, The Big Blue. An important conservation centre as well as tourist attraction, Palma Aquarium hosts occasional events during winter. Ask about short-term discount offers for residents/winter visits.

11. Explore rugged terrain by jeep 

Hire a jeep with friends and cruise around Puig Mayor, take the twisty road down to Sa Calobra or climb up to Randa for amazing views of literally the whole island. An ideal way for experienced drivers to tackle the island’s many bumpy minor roads, and even better fun in winter with less traffic around.

12. Dance the salsa

Discover Mallorca’s exciting salsa scene for authentic Cuban grooves and moves. Across the island many general dance schools offer salsa lessons and, in Palma, 1,2,3 y a Bailar! specializes in this hot Latin party dance. Once you’ve perfected your steps and hip movements you can show them off late into the night at one of the island’s popular salsa clubs.

13. Go skating or rollerblading

Palma’s seafront promenade is perfect for rollerblading. It’s a great way to enjoy the views and fresh sea air, and tone your body. In winter, with fewer people around, it’s easier for wobbly beginners. Or don some gloves and skate on ice at Palma’s seasonal ‘pista de hielo’ (until late January) in Parc de Ses Estacions.

14. Drink hot chocolate in a 300 year old cafe

This deliciously thick and comforting drink is a Spanish winter classic and often taken with ‘churros’. Here, we recommend trying it with one of the island’s sweet specialities, in a setting steeped in tradition. Choose a ‘cuarto’ at Palma’s 18^th-century Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo and, in Valldemossa, the emblematic ‘coca de patata’ is a must-try at Ca’n Molinas, opened in 1920.

15. Visit La Seu at Christmas

Palma de Mallorca’s magnificent Cathedral La Seu is particularly magical at Christmas. Experience a unique Mallorcan tradition by attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The service includes the prophetic chant ‘La Sibil.la’ – sung by a child or young person and interspersed by dramatic music played on La Seu’s impressive organ. Even if you don’t understand the language, it’s a moving experience.

16. Wander the old town of Palma without tourists

Discover historical buildings, small boutiques, and interesting cafes and bars, as you wander the peaceful atmospheric streets of Palma’s Old Town. Arm yourself with a tourist-office map and just wander; join a guided tour group, or hire the services of a professional local tour guide who’ll reveal fascinating facts and stories that the guide books don’t tell you.

17. Walk to Alaró castle, followed by a roast lamb lunch

The ruins of the mountain-top Castell d’Alaró in the centre region of the island date back to the 15^th century and, on a clear winter’s day, offer breathtaking views across Mallorca. Walk up from either Alaró or Orient or, for a shorter excursion, park near Es Verger. After walking down, treat yourself to the succulent roast lamb at this famous rustic Mallorcan restaurant.