Even though snow is predicted in Mallorca for Friday at an altitude of 700 m, November can be a lovely month in the Balearic Isles. There have been a number of Novembers when we splashed in the Mediterranean Sea when the children were little and, in fact, friends of ours were in the sea only ten days ago. The sun is still up most days and deserted beaches appeal for a leisurely stroll even with the waves all chopped up and the sunbeds stored away for the off-season.

Off-season is a bit of a misnomer or certainly an inaccurate appraisal. It all depends on who says what and who does what. In excess of 1,000,000 tourists came through PMI airport last month, and if last year’s November is any indication, this month just under 500,000 visitors will think that some quality time on the Isla de la Calma could be a good idea.

Things you can do in Mallorca in November and actually all through the quieter months of the year, include walking, hiking, cycling, joining a retreat or a sanctuary, playing a round of golf, putting in some hunting, mushrooming, bird watching, caving, fishing, rock climbing, wine tasting, celebrating any of the many gastronomic delights of Mallorcan food, visiting monasteries, getting to know the island capital, Palma, a little better by doing a guided tour of its historic quarters, getting into better shape by indulging in one of the wellness spas on the island, sipping a devilishly sweet xocolate, watching some glass blowing, riding on horseback, you name it. The possibilities are endless. Hotel rates are lower now, flights are cheaper in November as well, and if you ask me, the Mallorcans are friendlier now that the hectic Summer season is over. I love the off-season, I like sweet November.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: November 22nd, 2010. The time was 13:46:14.