More about: Best Things To Do In Mallorca In October
Late summer is the best time of the year for travelers who want to enjoy the true essence of Mallorca, away from the vacation months. As elsewhere in Europe, it is usually a period full of festivities celebrating the harvest season.
At this time of year, the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range is tinged with a soft reddish hue as temperatures drop to more temperate levels and the beaches empty out. It is a perfect season for hiking, mountain walks and even a dip in the sea. As you can see, in October Mallorca still has a lot to offer and here I tell you all about it.
1. Taste the gastronomic delights of the local villages
The month of October ushers in a wide variety of festivities throughout Europe, and Mallorca is no exception. Many of the island's rural villages celebrate with traditional fairs where you can enjoy live music, street markets, shows and parties. Some last longer than others, as is the case of Llucmajor's autumn fair, which lasts for the whole month.
Food becomes the center of attention in the festivities, and it is then when Mallorca pays tribute to its local products: the llampuga in Cala Ratjada or the llonguets, a gastronomic show held on the first weekend of the month.
There are also special events dedicated to sobrasada in Campos on the third Thursday of October, to sweets in Esporles on the first Sunday or to red peppers in Felanitx on the Sunday after San Lucas, which makes this fair the last of the year there.
One of the favorite dishes is the local dessert ensaimada, and as a tribute to this traditional Mallorcan delicacy also the municipality Inca dresses up with the food and agriculture fair "Dijous Bo". An event that gives that sweet touch to the season of celebrations. I leave you a link with the best gastronomic tours in Mallorca.
2. Shelter from the rain at the Rafa Nadal Museum
October is a great month to travel to Mallorca but you have to take into account that you may have some rainy days. Therefore, you can dedicate one of those days to get to know first hand the numerous trophies of the best Spanish tennis player by visiting the Rafa Nadal Experience Museum.
Located in the municipality of Manacor, where the tennis player is from, this museum offers exhibitions not only of Nadal's career, but also of other great athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Pau Gasol.
You can enjoy a day of interactive games practicing in the F1 simulator, riding a bike or practicing rowing. Undoubtedly, this plan is ideal if you are traveling to Mallorca with children for which I recommend you to buy them in advance to avoid queues.
3. Support local commerce at the Alcúdia Fair
The Fira D' Alcúdia is held in the old town the first weekend of October. This fair has an agricultural and commercial theme, with many local businesses taking the opportunity to showcase their products.
On the Saturday of the fair the Estol del Rei En Jaume, a troupe representing characters from Mallorcan history and tradition, takes to the streets with a concert in the evening. This is the first Christian king in Mallorca, responsible for the expulsion of the Moors and the repopulation of Catalonia, which is why today Catalan is the official language of the Balearic Islands.
That same day in Sant Joan is celebrated the Fiesta del Butifarrón, the well-known Spanish sausage that can not miss in the festivals and that is tasted from dawn until late at night.
This village can be reached by one of the many boat trips you can do on the island.
4. Drink beer like a real German at the Oktoberfest
One of the most important events worldwide is the beer festival in Munich, but with so many Germans living and visiting the island, it is not surprising that it is also a big event in Mallorca.
Although the main star is the beer, you can't miss the food carts and even special areas for the little ones, a perfect opportunity for the family to have a great time.
Unlike the original which starts in September, the Mallorcan Oktoberfest is held in the first three weeks of October. The venue is the House of Son Amar in Palma and tickets can be purchased in advance through its official website.
5. It's time to dance at the Tango Festival
In the city of Palma, every year in mid-October, the greatest exponents of tango come together. For a whole week, dance classes, shows and parties in the purest Argentinean style are offered.
Undoubtedly, this is a unique opportunity that brings together not only Argentinean and Spanish talent, but dancers from different parts of the world come together every year to show their own style of dance.
Passes to attend the exhibitions and participate in the events are sold through its official website, and include a series of classes given by the greatest exponents of this art.
6. The best of international and local cinema at Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
Recognized as one of the fastest growing international film festivals in Europe, independent film is used to strengthen the creative community of filmmakers.
Over seven days, the film festival program is designed to showcase a culturally diverse mix of features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, children's films, experimental films, animated shorts, student films and a feature and short film screenplay competition, as well as a virtual reality section.
As if that weren't enough, the "Made In Baleares" category features films produced and directed by the Balearic Islands' most talented filmmakers. In fact, it was this section that gave birth to the festival, as a means of inspiration for local producers and a way to strengthen ties with the national and international community.
Delight your ears at the Port de Sóller Classical Music Festival
The Museo de la Mar is the venue for this wonderful music festival, with the museum's outdoor patio overlooking the sea and its spectacular sunsets. There is no doubt that this is an impressive place to enjoy the wonderful views of Puerto de Sóller, harmonizing with the classical music concerts.
Pianist Alexander Malter is the artistic director of the event and has been linked to the music of the region since 2005, bringing a wealth of musical knowledge and artistic experience to Puerto de Sóller.
Tickets can be purchased online and offer single tickets or the possibility of a discount if purchased together for four concerts.
8. Fit your running shoes for the Palma de Mallorca Marathon
The increasingly popular Palma de Mallorca Marathon brings together thousands of runners in numerous competitions: a marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometer race and the Palma children's race.
The routes along which the way to the finish line is traced usually include some of Palma's most emblematic monuments, such as the cathedral, the bay promenade and the historic center of the city, which makes this sporting experience one more opportunity to get to know the Mallorcan jewels hidden among its streets and monuments.
Can you imagine running through Palma with hundreds of runners at your side and an audience cheering you on at every step? It is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences to remember.
9. A glimpse into the past at Classic Week
Car lovers gather in Port Adriano, usually the third week of October, for the exciting Mallorca Classic Week. Attendees can admire classic cars, have an entertaining time with pin-up girls, music and much more.
The atmosphere during this week is like being transported to American events, as there is even a children's race and exhibitions of cars that are mostly of American origin.
If speed and adrenaline behind the wheel are your thing, this is definitely something you won't want to miss during your visit to Mallorca. However, to participate, be sure to register beforehand on the official website.
10. Come to a wine tasting in Consell
This municipality stands out for its vineyards, so much so that it is part of the Binissalem denomination of origin. To honor the title, Consell celebrates its wine fair on the first Sunday after Sant Lluc, which is usually the third week of the month.
The street of Sant Bartomeu and the surrounding area dresses up for a party, which includes the extensive variety of bars and restaurants through wine tasting and a gastronomic sample of the main products of the region.
How about the weather in Mallorca in October
The October weather makes Mallorca much more pleasant to visit, as the sweltering heat of July or August gives way to an average of 20°C, a temperature that decreases in the last few days, although historically the average is still around 16°C at the end.
Although October is the rainiest month of the year for the island, it is still not very rainy. The likelihood of rain is one or two days a week, so a waterproof jacket is more than sufficient.
The water temperature ranges between 22 and 22 degrees, which allows you to still enjoy the beach and the sea, but without the heat peaks of the Mallorcan summer- the perfect excuse to take a nice swim in the famous beaches of the Mediterranean Sea!
Therefore, Mallorca in October, avoiding the rainy days, is an ideal season for a bike ride, to practice your favorite outdoor sport such as quad biking or to attend one of the many festivals that flood the region with colors and excitement.
Although the island is small, the weather can vary considerably even in the closest villages, and it tends to be warmer in the tourist towns of Alcudia, Santa Ponce and Cala d'Or, while in the higher and northern regions it is more common for temperatures to remain cooler and with a greater chance of rain.
Villages with their own charm
October is a great time to visit the most charming villages of the island: Fornalutx or Orient. Also a must is the village of Valldemossa, where you can visit Chopin's house and enjoy the typical potato coca.
And we could not miss the village of Soller and its iconic port, where we can enjoy the typical Mallorcan prawns, taking advantage of the journey between one and the other in the streetcar that dates from 1912, ideal for admiring the mountains and orange groves. Undoubtedly one of the best excursions to do in Mallorca.
Of course, the city of Palma de Mallorca has many places worth visiting, such as the cathedral or the Bellver Castle. The old town with its stores and restaurants is also a good starting point for one of the city tours, culminating with a dinner in one of its many restaurants and bars to discover Mallorca's vibrant nightlife.
Finally in this list of must-see villages, the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range offers many hiking trails suitable for all levels, among many other activities, and is home to the Lluch monastery, one of the most visited places in the mountains and the whole island.
With the crowds of tourists diminishing, the heat that in summer is suffocating and finally mellows, and so many things to see and do, October is a great time to enjoy the best of Mallorca, what are you waiting for to see it with your own eyes?