September/October 2025


attract the more discerning traveller. There are so many beaches and beautiful


coastlines in Menorca,


including several naturist beaches, and the magnificent, cliff-protected sweep of Cala Galdana on the south coast. On the north coast, the pretty, whitewashed port of Fornells is another must-see, with seafront restaurants where fish literally swim past your table. A ten-minute drive from the airport takes you to one of many lovely coves, such as Cala Binidali – perfect for those seeking a ‘fly and flop’ break.


Car Hire – The Easy Option


Car hire is plentiful and easy to navigate at Menorca’s relatively small airport – and is essential if you want to see more of what the island has to offer. We’ve tried several providers, but


the best by far is Auto Pons Ferreries. They don’t operate an airport desk – instead, you collect your car directly from the car park using a simple key arrangement, then just drive off. Payment can be made online or in person to the lovely Sarah at their Cala Galdana office at any point during your stay. No damage excess means peace of mind, and you simply return the car to the same car park before your flight home. It’s the ‘Carlsberg’ of car hire


experiences, and frankly, unmatched anywhere else. We know – we’ve tried dozens across the Med. So, why not just kick back in the summer


heat as we did in mid-June, relaxing on the soft sands of Sa Caleta? After ten previous visits to Menorca,


we’ve seen most of the island’s fascinating sights. Now, we’re more than happy just to unwind on this exceptional package holiday in lovely Menorca.


WHILE many travellers flock to the Balearic Islands in summer, it’s after the crowds disperse that the archipelago truly comes into its own. In the second half of the year, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza


offer a more authentic glimpse into island life, where art, tradition, and gastronomy take centre stage. It’s a time to explore the rich culture and standout calendar dates that define the islands in their truest form.


Mallorca


Palma’s La Nit de l’Art on 20th September is a cultural and artistic celebration that stands out among the abundant events on Mallorca. For one night, Palma transforms into an open-air museum with the city’s leading museums, galleries, and artist-owned spaces opening their doors free-of-charge until midnight, providing art lovers and culture vultures with a rare chance to explore exhibitions, installations and performances in the capital’s historic quarter. As we move into November, Palma hosts the TaPalma food festival from 5th-9th November, where attendees can follow a city-wide route of creative tapas and cocktail pairings, with the best voted by the public and local judges. More than 50 establishments participate, and the routes include the areas of Santa Catalina, Paseo Marítimo, and Palma city centre, giving foodies an innovative and unusual way to explore the city bite-by-bite. Away from the capital, Calvià will welcome FLEM, the Festival of Expanded Literature in Magaluf. Promoted by independent bookstore Rata Corner and INNSiDE by Meliá, this festival aims to bring literature and culture to new audiences with the most recent edition attracting over 10,000 attendees. This year’s edition will take place from 2nd-5th October and will welcome legendary Irish author, John Boyne, who wrote the profound and impactful novel ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’. Over four days, the event will offer a rich programme of experiences linked to literature, books, art, and music, challenging the conventional boundaries of cultural spaces. Food will take centre stage during the Mostra de la Llampuga in Cala Rajada from 10th-12th October. This quirky festival celebrates the arrival of the migratory Mahi- Mahi fish, also known locally as ‘Llampuga’, to the Balearic waters during the autumn months. The festival is jam- packed with inventive seafood dishes prepared by local chefs alongside craft exhibitions, Habanera (Cuban singing) competitions, and the cooking of a giant paella to conclude the festival on the Sunday.


Menorca Menorca, Mallorca’s little sister, offers a rich tapestry


of cultural experiences that honour its age-old traditions while embracing a vibrant creative spirit, one that has drawn artists and innovators of all ages to the island. September marks the final weeks of Menorca’s famed equestrian fiestas, known as ‘jaleos’, when skilled riders on rearing black horses parade through town plazas to the lively rhythms of local bands.


Highlights include the island’s largest festival, Festes de la


Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Mahon, held annually at the start of September, featuring fireworks, horse parades, live music, and street markets. The Cala en Porter Fiestas take place a few weeks later on 20th and 21st September, and represents a lively conclusion to the season with community feasts, traditional dancing, and live music concerts. The cultural calendar extends into the shoulder season with Menorca Doc Fest from 4th October until 12th November. This multidisciplinary festival is a spectacular celebration


of documentary cinema, photography exhibitions, and workshops across Menorca’s two main cities: Mahón and Ciutadella. With thought-provoking themes exploring


social, environmental, and cultural issues, the programme also features Q&As, walking tours, and community-led initiatives, creating a vibrant space for reflection, dialogue, and connection.


Ibiza


The White Isle, renowned for its world-class nightlife scene during the summer seasons, becomes a foodie haven on 19th and 20th September with the arrival of La Feria de la Cerveza & Feria Gastro Ibiza y Formentera. Taking place at the Recinto Ferial de Ibiza, this delicious two-day celebration of local and international flavours invites guests to discover over 200 craft and international beers, gourmet stalls packed with Ibizan delicacies such as ‘cerdo negro’ (black pork) and ‘sobrasada’ (traditional Balearic cured sausage), plus live cooking show, wine tasting, and a festive and vibrant atmosphere.


As we move into the winter months, the island welcomes The Ibiza Light Festival, a celebration of art, technology, and creativity that transforms Ibiza’s Old Town into a vibrant open-air gallery of light installations, projections, and interactive experiences. Taking place in November with firm dates yet to be announced for the 2025 edition, this festival allows tourists to explore Ibiza’s creative legacy through a new and modern lens. For more information on things to do in the Balearic Islands over winter, check out spain.info.


www.nitravelnews.com


WINTER IN THE BALEARICS | 61 A Season Beyond Summer


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80