Autumn conjures up images of red, yellow and brown leaves, pumpkins and bonfires, but here in Mallorca, although the air is crisper, the sky is still a bright blue. Lower temperatures that offer respite from the long, hot summer days are one key advantage of the fall and winter season. The sun is still shining, the sea is still warm, but it is now cool enough for sports and outdoor activities in and around the island’s southwest.
Palma Marathon
Taking place every year in autumn, this popular international event draws a cosmopolitan crowd of runners and spectators who fill the historic streets of the Old Town. If you live in Palma, you have an excellent view of the race from your balcony or terrace, so you can cheer along the runners and enjoy the celebratory ambience. At Easter, Semana Santa is another main event that you can enjoy from the balcony of the Old Town: it gives you VIP access to the best views–just one of the reasons why Palma is one of the best places to live on the island. While you are in the city–whether living or visiting–don’t forget to check out the historic buildings, excellent restaurants and endless shops and cafés to soak up the unique atmosphere.
Hiking in Mallorca
For those of us who are not marathon runners, there are plenty of other sports to enjoy when the temperatures dip. Take advantage of the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there are countless trails for hiking, especially in the Puigpunyent area. For example, Puig de Galatzo is probably one of the most popular hikes, taking around 4 hours to the summit. A medium difficulty, this trek has some steep climbs and scrambles to the top of the world where you can take in the 360 degree views. If that mountain trail is a bit adventurous, try this: start at the pretty Camp de Mar beach and walk along the coast to Port Andratx, with the option to continue to Sa Mola or Cala Llamp. Only 11 kilometres, this walk allows you to admire the views over the Mediterranean Sea and take in the sounds and sights of Mallorcan flora and fauna. Furthermore, while you are in the Port de Andratx area, you can peruse some of the excellent properties for sale.
Cycling in Mallorca
Renowned amongst cyclists, Mallorca is attractive all year round for its picturesque scenery and mountainous terrain that is perfect for hardcore training or leisurely rides. Around the island’s southwest, there are many attractive routes of varying difficulty that incorporate sea views with countryside and pit stops at pretty traditional villages like Calvià and Es Capdellà. There is a 30 mile loop ride from Port Andratx to Costa de Calma, and another from pretty Cala Fornells north to the spectacular village of Banyalbufar that is built into the mountainside. Check out our property portfolio in Santa Ponsa and Cala Fornells here.
Walks along the beaches of Mallorca
Or you could simply take a walk down to the beach, especially when they are more deserted on a wintry day. Take a picnic of traditional pa amb oli and local seasonal fruit like figs and pomegranate and enjoy the spectacular views out to sea, which still might be warm enough to swim or paddle board! Discover one of the countless walks and beaches across the island’s southwest including Palma and its promenade, Cala Major, Illetas, Portals and Santa Ponsa.
Anyone for tennis in Mallorca?
The home of Rafa Nadal, Mallorca is a dream for tennis fans. In Santa Ponsa, the most sought-after residential area in the southwest, the Mallorca Country Club, established in collaboration with Wimbledon, is the new home of lawn tennis in Southern Europe. With 16 tennis and padel courts, including six grass and five clay, the Mallorca Country Club also offers a swimming pool, wellness centre and restaurant.
This year, the first ATP Mallorca Tennis Championships took place at the club and the sponsorship was headed up by Engel & Völkers Mallorca Southwest with the support of all the Group throughout the island.
In October, Palma Tennis Club in Santa Catalina hosted the Legends Tennis Tournament as part of the ATP Champions Tour. The event was also an enjoyable gastronomic experience with some of Mallorca’s finest restaurants in attendance, along with music and a great atmosphere. This western neighbourhood of the city is very cosmopolitan with a mixture of well-heeled expats, locals, and yachties. As a result, there are myriad restaurants, bars, cafes and quaint houses and streets with a village feel along with a central market which offers fresh fish, vegetables, oysters and sushi that you can enjoy along with a local vermouth.
We wish you a wonderful, fun-packed autumn and year ahead!
You would like to spend the cooler months of the year in your own property on Mallorca in the future? We are happy to help you find your new home, whether it's a villa with a sea view, a house with a Mediterranean garden or an apartment in the city.
