When you think of Majorca, you probably picture sandy beaches, blue waters, or culture in the capital of Palma. Or perhaps lively bars and nightlife in some of the bigger resorts, such as Magaluf. But the microclimates in Majorca are also fascinating, with their ever-changing landscape and topography.
What is a Microclimate?
Microclimates are defined by many different factors such as:
- Moisture
- Temperature
- Winds
- Latitude and Longitude
- Topography
- Elevation
It’s basically the conditions and environment of a small-scale area that differ from the surrounding areas, this is what makes Majorca’s microclimates so interesting.
Majorca is the largest Balearic Island 🏝
Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Also known as Mallorca, the island packs a lot of history and modern adventure for the savvy traveler.
The location of the island in the Mediterranean Sea can create a ‘Mediterranean front’ of its own weather. The northern part of the island has high winds that not only make it good for sailing but also great for windsurfing. Conditions will be worse here in the winter months than in the southern part, as stronger fronts prevail and the winds can make conditions dangerous.
Companies such as Water Sports Mallorca teach vacationers the finer points of surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing and much more. With water temperatures between 21° and 26°C (70°F-79°F) from June to August, this is the time to hit the water.
Microclimate influence of Tramuntana range ⛰
Not only is its geographic location a factor in the microclimate of Majorca, but also the topography. For a small island, there’s a very distinctive microclimate, creating its own conditions, independent of the overall weather.
One reason for the microclimate is the Tramuntana mountain range (locally known as Serra de Tramuntana). These mountains act as a barrier for clouds and rain. This is known as the rain shadow effect, the windward side is generally pelted with rain, and even snow, but the leeward side is warm and dry. See the Diagram rainshadow Below:
A drawback is that villages and towns in foothills get more rain than the interior and eastern regions of Majorca.
Therefore, the valleys are generally warmer and drier, but can also come under the influence of the nearby sea. For visitors travelling to the region, it is important to consult an extended forecast before departing.
Extreme weather in Majorca ⛈
Meteotsunami
While much of Europe is enduring heatwaves, the Majorca microclimate has taken a bit of a battering in recent years. Majorca and Menorca were struck by a meteotsunami in July 2018, with extensive damage to many holiday locations.
This freak weather event caused tsunami-like waves from storms, with a meteotsunami related to weather and barometric pressure so meteorology factors as opposed to a tsunami which is generally connected to geology, with movement on the seabed or ‘underneath’.
It was reportedly the first time a meteotsunami struck Majorca.
Flash flooding
Then, just three months later, flash flooding in Majorca killed 12 people. Spanish tennis superstar, Rafael Nadal, was famously pictured helping with the clean-up in Sant Llorenc. Close to the Love Island House!
Nadal was born in Manacor, a town and municipality on Majorca. He also used his nearby tennis academy to help shelter those left homeless.
On your bike 🚵♂️
Thanks to the mountainous regions of the island, it is has become a favourite training spot for cyclists. The challenging topography attracts not only recreational riders, but also the best professional teams who will train there in the winter.
There are numerous companies, such as Trek Travel, that offer a wide variety of tours to those who want to tour the island on two wheels. This is a prime example of how the Majorca microclimate can deliver unique conditions, ideal for those who love the great outdoors.
Dragon Caves of Majorca ⛰
The island adventure continues beneath the land as well as above it. The rich history of this land has been forming for millennia and continues to this day.
Nature has played one of its biggest roles with the formation of the Dragon Caves (locally known as Cuevas del Drach) Extending almost 1200 meters, these caves are one of the most popular spots on the island.
