Mallorca in November: Why Late Autumn Is Our Favourite Secret

Ask people who live on the island when they love it most, and many will say November. The summer crowds have gone and the countryside turns lush again. Village life slips back into its own rhythm.

The weather. Days are often in the high teens or around 20°C, which is perfect for walking and cycling. The sea keeps some summer warmth early in the month, so a brave swim is possible. Rain is more likely than in summer, but it usually comes in short bursts. Pack layers, a light waterproof and proper shoes.

Walking season begins. November is prime time for the Tramuntana trails. The GR221 is at its best when it's cool enough to climb comfortably and the air is clear enough to see across to the coast. (See our guide The Dry Stone Route GR-221.)

Autumn on the plate. This is harvest time across the island:

• Olive oil: olives are picked and pressed, and the first new oil appears.
• Mushrooms: after the first rains, locals head into the pine woods for esclata-sangs, the prized red-milk mushroom. Mancor de la Vall celebrates them with its own mushroom fair.
• Pork: it's also the start of the matances season, when families make sobrassada and butifarró. Our guides Sobrassada: savour traditional Mallorca and Fiesta of the black pudding explain more.

Dijous Bo in Inca. In mid-November, Inca holds Dijous Bo ("Good Thursday"), the island's biggest traditional fair. Expect livestock, crafts, food stalls and seemingly half of Mallorca in the streets. Inca's leather and shoe outlets make it worth a morning on its own.

Quieter, better value, cosier. Autumn rates are gentler, and you'll often have the pool terrace, the walking trail or the village bar almost to yourself. Evenings mean fireplaces, long dinners and early nights.

Good to know. Some rural hotels close for the winter from November, so it's worth checking before you set your heart on one. Tell us your dates and we'll show you which of our hotels are open.