Out Of Office Winter Sunshine: October In Mallorca

Refusing to believe Winter is almost here? Emily loves a last ditch attempt at sunshine with October breaks – this year, a trip to Mallorca.

There’s no denying that I am happiest in the height of Summer. September isn’t so bad either, as the days are still long and occasionally hot, and everyone is tanned and full of new starts. However as October creeps up, I start to get nervous – when will I next wear my flip flops? Do I really have to switch into my winter coat? Will I ever enjoy a long sunny evening again?!

My strategy for the last 3 years has been a last blast of sunshine holiday around the middle of October. Unlike in the depths of winter, you really don’t have to go too far to find sunshine at this time. Previously, I’ve been to Perugia, Malaga and Granada – and I’ve lain around a pool in hot sun and swum in the sea wherever possible. Beaches are either empty or frequented by locals, enjoying the chance to reclaim their territories from the hordes of tourists of the summer months. Restaurants are quieter but haven’t shut down for the season yet, flights and hotels are cheaper, and it’s just a great time to travel.

A few weeks ago, I went to Mallorca. Flights to Palma are direct from London and you’re there in under 2 hours. If you can stand the early start, get the first one and be there in time for breakfast. On the way home, get the late evening flight after a relaxed dinner by the sea. This is an excellent approach if you’re low on holiday time as you can easily make a weekend feel like a proper break.

Mallorca really did win my heart. The flight is easy, and it’s an island that has something for all types of travellers. Don’t be fooled into thinking this place is all Magaluf style bars and sunburnt Brits. Hire a car and explore the hidden gems – just remember to buckle up on the mountain roads!

We drove from the (ultra efficient and modern) airport up to the stunning town of Banyalbufar which is surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range and endless vineyards. Spend the afternoon at the Instagram ideal beach with crystal clear waters and snorkelling to die for. The evening must be spent tasting the local wines, made metres away from the small strip of restaurants where you can sit out late into the evenings.

Our second absolute highlight was the beach at Deia – a place with a fabulous mix of celebrity villas, and bohemian artists who swim in the sea each morning. It’s a choice of a hair raising drive down a steep mountain road with hairpin bends, or a long walk through the olive groves clutching your beach bag. Rest assured, it’s worth it. Sit and bask on the rocks, dip in the sea, then wander over to the most amazing clifftop restaurant you’ll possibly ever eat in.

Cala Fornells is another ideal spot to spend a lazy day or two, catnapping in a small cove which has beautiful views for miles out across the water. It’s up and over the hill from a much busier resort called Peguera but the combination of the two works well – have lunch and hire a paddle board in Peguera, then head over to Cala Fornells to see houses built into the rock and tiny sailing boats bobbing up and down.

If you’ve missed the boat for this year, what about booking a trip for Spring time? Thoughts of the sea will get you through the darkest of winter evenings and temperatures pick up again in Mallorca from early March…

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Images © Emily Eaves for TWOP hairy woman займ 15000 на картузайм на карту визазайм без поручителей деньги в займ спбзайм под залог машинысбербанк онлайн займ