10 Things to Do in Mallorca in February

February marks the end of winter hibernation. It is the time when Mallorca dusts off its most festive side to enjoy Carnival to the fullest. And only during this month will you have the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful sights on the island: the almond trees in bloom.

What's more, you can explore the traditional markets without the crowds, enjoy the famous coves on your own or visit the tourist attractions without having to book days in advance. And there are many more things to do and see in Mallorca. Let me tell you about them. Let's get started!

The cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the Lonja and the Consulate of the Sea are some of Mallorca's main attractions. But in the busiest months, it's difficult to enjoy all their beauty, which is not the case in February.

A really fun way to explore these places is to book a tour of Palma de Mallorca, as you'll be accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the history and secrets of the area so you can see it through different eyes and enjoy it even more.

To end the day, I recommend visiting Portixol, an old fishing neighbourhood in Palma that still retains its seafaring essence, but mixed with a bohemian touch. It is always bustling with a lively atmosphere, ideal for trying something typical such as a llonguet, an oval-shaped bread roll that can be filled with a thousand delicacies.

Mallorca boasts a spectacular coastline where large sandy beaches alternate with cliffs and charming coves. Enjoying the latter almost in complete solitude is a privilege that is only available for a few weeks a year. February is a fantastic month for this.

When booking a boat trip around Mallorca, bear in mind that February can be a month of rough seas, so don't forget to check the forecast before booking.

Sa Calobra is one of the most beautiful and best-known coves on the island, and its incredible crystal-clear waters mean it is often included on boat trips.

Other of the best coves in Mallorca

• Cala Mondragó
• Caló del Moro
• Caló des Màrmols
• Cala Magraner

If you like thrills or need to make plans with children in Mallorca, set aside at least one afternoon to have a great time at the Fira del Ram.

This is one of the largest travelling funfairs in Spain. It features dozens of attractions for all ages, from a huge Ferris wheel to traditional bumper cars, pirate ships and shuttle rides. And don't forget the stalls where you can test 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 venue that is perfectly equipped for this type of event and well connected by bus to the city centre. The fair usually lasts from the end of February to mid-April.

Other activities for children

If your visit doesn't coincide with the Fira, don't worry, there are still plenty of fun things to do with the family in February in Mallorca:

• Palma Aquarium: 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'll cross the Mallorcan mountains aboard a historic vehicle.
• Explore the Caves of Drach: four large, spectacular caves connected to each other that are between 5 and 11 million years old.

The Tramuntana mountain range, a World Heritage Site, is Mallorca's natural treasure. Throughout its length and breadth, it hides countless spots of outstanding beauty.

If you like trekking or mountain biking, here you can explore countless perfectly signposted routes of varying difficulty, which are very quiet in February.

I particularly recommend Es Camí des Correu, a medieval royal road that links the towns of Esporles and Banyalbufar. It is just over 8 kilometres long and takes you through forests of holm oaks and pines.

Other routes through the Mallorcan mountains

• The route around the historic town of Valldemossa.
• And the one that runs between Sóller and Fornalutx.

Exploring these routes is a great way to admire the natural beauty of the island and soak up the atmosphere of some of its prettiest villages.

Urban routes

If you're not a big fan of outdoor activities or prefer something quieter in the capital, but still want to get around and enjoy the fresh air, I recommend booking a bike tour of Mallorca.

For three hours, you can explore the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca accompanied by a tour guide who will reveal the city's most interesting secrets.

It's inevitable that February will bring some colder or even rainy days. This is the perfect excuse to discover some very interesting places that are sometimes overlooked due to lack of time or because the pleasant temperatures encourage you to enjoy other outdoor activities.

If you like art, there are some museums in Mallorca that are a must-see:

• Mallorca Fundació Miró Tickets: the brilliant artist had a close relationship with the island, which led him to donate a fascinating 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
• Contemporary Art Museum of Palma
• Juan March Foundation
• Sa Bassa Blanca sculpture museum in Alcudia
• Chopin Museum in Valldemossa
• Robert Graves Museum in Deià
• Fang Museum in Marratxí, dedicated to pottery
• Inca Footwear and Leather Museum.

The street markets held in many towns in Mallorca are known for their lively atmosphere. And in February you'll enjoy them like never before. Why? Because there are fewer people than in other months of the year and you can stroll around the stalls and stop at them at your leisure without feeling rushed.

The best known are those in Sineu, Alcudia, Inca and Sóller. However, whatever market you visit in Mallorca, you'll find countless typical products and souvenirs to fill your suitcase.

For lovers of antiques, there are also markets where you can hunt for old treasures. If we're talking about famous markets, we must mention the one in Consell. It opens on Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm in the industrial estate of this town, located just 30 kilometres from the Mallorcan capital.

Did you know that there are more than six million almond trees in Mallorca? This traditional crop is a major source of income for the island. What's more, in February it brings a delicious visual spectacle to life. The fields are dressed in white and pink and remain so for the few weeks that the blossoming lasts.

But as well as admiring the beauty of the landscape, it's the perfect opportunity to try some typical sweet treats made with almonds, such as gató mallorquín, and buy products made from the fruit, flowers or wood of the almond tree.

And perhaps while you're admiring the landscape, you'll wonder why the flowers are different colours. Here's the answer: if they are white, they are sweet almonds, while if they are pink, the fruit will be bitter.

Where to see almond trees in bloom

There are many places where you can admire this unique image of the island:

• The Tramuntana mountains
• Inca
• Llucmajor
• Son Servera.

In fact, the latter is home to the Almond Blossom Fair, a showcase for learning more about this crop and its importance to the island.

I suggest you take a tour of the flavours and aromas of Mallorca. You're sure to be surprised. If you're one of those who has only tried ensaimadas or cocas, I can tell you that you have a lot more to taste on the island.

February is also a great month to indulge your palate. Hot dishes are appealing, but that doesn't mean you have to ignore those served cold. In Mallorca, there are dishes to suit all tastes, whether you're looking for traditional flavours or more creative cuisine. I recommend:

• Arrós brut or "dirty rice": a delicious rice dish with vegetables, sausages and meat, among other ingredients.
• Roast suckling pig or Mallorcan fried suckling pig: hearty dishes, the latter made with pork or lamb.
• Tumbet, trampó or Mallorcan soup: these are all light dishes made with vegetables grown in the island's vegetable gardens.
• Try the various Michelin-starred restaurants in Mallorca. In February, you won't have too much trouble getting a table.

Don't forget to accompany each feast with a good wine

I cannot fail to mention the excellent local wines in this section. The island has a long wine-making tradition and two designations of origin: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. This means that 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 number of wineries where you can learn more about them and take part in the occasional wine tasting.

February is Carnival month, and Mallorca celebrates it in style. Here it is called Sa Rua and begins on Dijous Llarder, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.

Traditional parades of floats and marching bands fill the streets of the island's towns with joy.

This is a must-see if you are travelling with children, as they have their own celebration, Sa Rueta, a children's carnival with much more than just parades. It is a day when they can enjoy endless activities, from workshops and competitions to musical performances in the street.

There's also room for gastronomy

And if you have a sweet tooth, these festivities will delight you. Don't miss out on the traditional sweets of this time of year, including coca de tallades and carnival ears.

The beauty of the Mallorcan coast is undeniable, and watching the sun set is a real privilege. If you're travelling as a couple, I highly recommend it, as it's a truly romantic way to round off your Valentine's Day celebrations on 14 February.

There are countless viewpoints from which you can let yourself be carried away by the magic of the moment:

• Sant Elm: this is a small village located at the easternmost point of the island. From its privileged location, the sunset can be seen in all its splendour, with the added attraction of the islet of Sa Dragonera as part of the picture postcard view.
• Cabo Formentor: this is another ideal spot to enjoy a romantic sunset. Bear in mind that the road to the lighthouse is very winding and runs along the edge of cliffs in places.
• Es Colomer viewpoint: if you prefer a place that is easier to access. From here you can enjoy fabulous views of both Cape Formentor and the Tramuntana mountains.

Being surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea means that the climate on the island is not harsh. As a result, Mallorca offers a wide variety of activities in winter.

In February, the average temperature is around 15 degrees, but on some particularly sunny days it can be slightly higher. However, don't be fooled into thinking you can go swimming, as the sea is still cold, with temperatures not exceeding 14 degrees at this time of year.

It is advisable to pack warm clothes in your suitcase, especially if you plan to visit the Tramuntana mountains. The climate there is considerably colder than in the flat areas of the island and it can even snow on the highest peaks. Don't forget to pack some waterproof clothing. Rainy days are rare in February, but the wind can be very damp.

Mallorca has enough attractions to visit at any time of year, but February is low season. This is particularly noticeable in foreign tourism, which prefers 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 this makes February the perfect month to explore the island and visit its main attractions without traffic jams or waiting times. You can even improvise some plans as the day unfolds without fear of them going wrong. And there are two added advantages: cheaper flights and hotels and more affordable prices in general.