As summer recedes it’s easy to get into ‘hunkering down’ mode, but I wanted to let you know that there’s still time for a Foodie Cycling holiday this year! Instead of resigning yourself to the cold months, embrace autumn and come to Mallorca for a cycling adventure around the beauty of our island. But why autumn? Below, I outline the reasons why autumn is a great time for a Foodie Cycling holiday.
Perfect Cycling Conditions
As summer crowds disperse, the island feels much quieter and more peaceful. Which means the roads are less busy too, so you’ll have a nicer cycling experience here in Mallorca, whether you challenge yourself with the magnificent lighthouse ride or perhaps a gentler trip around the pretty village of Alcúdia. Less people also mean more choice too – whether that’s your pick of the best bicycles, the nicest room with a lovely terrace in a special hotel or that perfect table with an uninterrupted sunset view. The weather will also be on your side allowing you to get the most out of your rides. Autumn is sunny and warm, so although you’ll have lots of sunshine it won’t be too hot to cycle.
Olive and Wine Harvest
Despite Mallorca having less visitors in autumn, it’s a busy time for many Mallorcans because the end of summer heralds the harvest. Olive trees will be weighed down with plump olives and the vines are also bulging with juicy grapes. This is a special time to be in Mallorca and with harvest comes some traditional festivals and opportunities for visitors to get involved in island customs. The wine festival in Binissalem called Festa des Vermar is one such event. There is a grape treading contest plus a ‘battle of the grapes’ which gets very messy – plus lots of wine is enjoyed by everyone! For the olive harvest, the Fira de l’Oliva festival is celebrated in Caimari towards the end of November at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. A celebration of ‘liquid gold’, you’ll see how an olive press works, sample flavoured oils, admire olive wood handicrafts plus participate in some traditional games.
Seasonal Foodie Experiences
As with every European country, the change of the season marks an adjustment in how we eat, and Mallorca is no exception. Come autumn, we’ll be eating slightly differently to chime with what’s growing in the trees, fields and forests. Mushrooms are certainly something I look forward to cooking with and we all have our secret spots to forage! In the markets you’ll see the rich colours of pumpkins and pomegranates and at restaurants soup and stews feature more frequently, loaded with seasonal ingredients such as aubergine, sweet potato and wild mushrooms. As part of your Foodie Cycling holiday, I like to prepare a picnic for you, and this gives you the chance to try regional delicacies including meats, cheeses, pastries, fruit and salads, to be enjoyed in the warm autumnal sunshine.
Explore the Island
As with all my itineraries, I create them individually for each client, getting to know a little about you so I can put together the best trip possible for you. During autumn, with the lessening heat, you have a great opportunity to explore more of the island. You might like to see another side to Mallorca whilst hiking, and I can recommend some beautiful routes for you to enjoy, in between your cycling days of course! As Mallorca is a working island that exists beyond tourism, come autumn restaurants and shops are all still open – let me recommend to you some of my favourite places to shop and the best foodie experiences. Wherever your interest lie, I can incorporate it into an itinerary that you will love.
So, who is coming to Mallorca this autumn?
