Short escape from autumn: Mallorca gives us a few more beach days

Short escape from autumn: Mallorca gives us a few more beach days

Anyone who walked through Palma early this morning first heard the familiar clattering of buses, the clink of espresso cups and thought: another wet, chilly autumn day. Then something happened that seems almost magical on the island — the clouds broke up, the air cleared, and suddenly it smelled of salt and pine again. For a few days, Mallorca feels like a small summer exile, as described in Late Summer in Mallorca: More Beach Days, Mild Nights and Relaxed Villages.

Where it's most worthwhile now

The forecasts confirm the impression: Wednesday and Thursday are the best candidates for beach weather. In Cala d'Or the street cafés were already filling up yesterday, sunglasses were taken out of the closet, and a few die-hards lay on the beach with a book in hand. Example temperatures: Alcúdia and Capdepera around 28 °C, Campos, Llucmajor, Sa Pobla and Palma about 27 °C. On the west coast, in Andratx and Sóller, it remains a bit milder at around 26 °C — but still summery enough for a coffee outdoors. For a related outlook on the weekend, read Short Late Summer: Saturday Will Be the Last Big Beach Day in Mallorca.

Sea temperatures, wind and small risks

The sea is pleasant: measurements show about Andratx ~23 °C, Pollença ~22 °C. Morning swimmers are common now — I saw someone yesterday gliding along the beach at nine in a swim cap, the birds screeched, the water glittered. A word about the wind: a southeast breeze picks up from time to time. Not a storm, but enough to make the sun lounger dance a little and to appreciate a wind shirt in the afternoon. Check AEMET forecast for the Balearic Islands for the latest wind and rain predictions. Sea temperatures may also rise in short heatwaves; see Mallorca swelters once more: Short heatwave brings late-summer warmth.

How to make the most of these days

My tip: get up early. The mornings are quieter, the ladies with large straw hats and the dogs still have priority on the promenades. If you have a choice, plan your beach day for Wednesday or Thursday and schedule bathing more in the morning. Sunsets are particularly photogenic right now — clear skies, rosy and golden tones over Playa de Palma or a sundowner in Portixol with the soft clatter of boats in the harbor.

What locals and businesses feel

For hosts, small bars and beach kiosks this is a welcome source of income between the main seasons. Many hotels are still open, and on Playa de Palma a season-closing event will even be celebrated this weekend — after that some businesses close for months. Such short warm spells help the local economy and give those who stayed a few carefree hours by the sea.

Don't forget plan B

An important note: the pleasure is time-limited. From next Saturday more pronounced rain is forecast again. Short showers can also occur during the week, so anyone planning a full outdoor weekend should remain flexible. Better pack a light jacket or a rain poncho in the car — and when in doubt, reserve a table indoors at restaurants.

Finally, a light local tip: those who are on the beach before nine in the morning find the island in a relaxed mood — only seagulls, a few fishermen and the first sun-seekers. The air tastes of the sea, and for a few hours Mallorca makes you forget autumn. Make use of the small window — pack your swimsuit, don't forget a wind shirt, and keep an eye on the sundowner.