What to Do in Mallorca in November

When the weather turns wet, Palma Aquarium is the perfect indoor escape for the whole family.

• Open all year, even in November
• Home to the Big Blue tank with 11 sharks
• Pirate ship and open-air gardens
• Located in Can Pastilla, a short drive from Palma

Palma Aquarium sits in the seaside resort of Can Pastilla, just a short drive from the city of Palma. It opened in 2007 and has been a firm family favourite ever since. The park is themed around the seas and oceans of the planet. Different exhibits recreate the colourful sensations of diving beneath the waves. You can see Mediterranean aquatic life, then float through a tropical sea exhibit. The main draw is the Big Blue - one of the most spectacular aquariums in Europe. It is over 9 metres deep and houses 11 sharks. There are also open-air gardens and a fun pirate ship for kids. Plan for at least half a day here.

Step into a world that is 10 million years old at the Caves of Campanet, a hidden gem in the Tramuntana mountains.

• Discovered accidentally by a farmer in 1945
• 40-minute guided tours in small groups
• Part of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range
• Ideal for families and geology lovers

The caves are located a short drive from Palma, close to the small village of Campanet. The story goes that in 1945, a local farmer searching for water stumbled upon an opening. Curiosity led him to explore, and that orifice became the entrance to the Caves of Campanet. Today, the caves are regarded as one of the highlights of the Serra de Tramuntana. Tours last about 40 minutes and are organised in small groups. You will move through different chambers and see impressive rock formations. The caves are a great option for families, especially on a rainy November day.

Saddle up at the largest horse ranch in Mallorca, where riders of all levels find their stride.

• Located in Son Serra de Marina, northeast Mallorca
• Horse riding for all levels, including children
• Mini-farm with llamas, ostriches, and more
• Rides on the dunes for experienced riders

Rancho Grande sits in Son Serra de Marina on the northeast coast of the island. It is the biggest horse ranch in Mallorca, with a setting that is both spectacular and relaxed. The ranch offers something for everyone. Short rides are available for young children. More experienced equestrians can ride on the dunes. Beyond the horses, there is a mini-farm with farmyard animals running loose. You will find chickens, ducks, and a rabbit called Thomas. Maria the Dutch milking cow relaxes in her usual spot. Coco the llama and Pepito the ostrich are also popular characters. November's mild weather makes a trail ride especially pleasant.

Mid-November brings the TaPalma Tapas Festival, a food lover's tour through the city's best bars.

• Held in the middle of November
• Sample tapas and cocktails at multiple venues
• A great way to explore Palma's food scene
• Much quieter than summer festivals

The TaPalma Tapas Festival takes place in the middle of November. It is a wonderful way to sample Palma's many and varied tapas and cocktail bars. You can walk from one bar to the next, trying a small dish and a drink at each stop. The festival is much less crowded than summer events. This is a chance to eat and drink like a local. Many bars that would normally be packed in August are relaxed and easy to get into. The festival gives you a reason to explore different neighbourhoods of Palma, with a snack and a glass of something good waiting at each corner.

Tucked near the palace, Bar Abaco is a hidden courtyard bar with an unusual cocktail menu and singing birds.

• Hidden bar near Palma's palace
• Large cocktail menu with creative drinks
• Courtyard with little singing birds
• Quiet atmosphere in low season

Bar Abaco is one of those places you find only if you know where to look. It sits near the palace in Palma, tucked away from the main streets. The courtyard is filled with little singing birds that flit around while you drink. The cocktail menu is fairly big, with unusual options you will not find in standard bars. One visitor enjoyed a banana daiquiri-esque drink. In November, the bar is very quiet. The atmosphere can feel more like a library than a lively night spot. But if you want a calm, memorable evening with a good cocktail, it is a perfect spot.

La Perla is a well-known seaside restaurant near Illetes, famous in Sweden and beloved for its pasta.

• Owned by the Ingrosso family, well-known in Sweden
• About a 30-minute walk from Barceló Albatroz Illetes
• Serves pasta and other Italian-inspired dishes
• Good atmosphere for a relaxed dinner

La Perla is located near the hotel Barceló Albatroz Illetes, about a 30-minute walk along the coast. It is quite known in Sweden because the Ingrosso family owns it. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and is a nice spot for a relaxed evening. One visitor enjoyed the pasta and noted the food was generally good, though some dishes were a bit spicy for their taste. In November, you can walk in without a reservation most nights. The area around the restaurant is quiet, and the sea views are still enjoyable even if it is too cool for outdoor dining.