Off-Season Mallorca: The Best Time

It's mid-October. As I write, it's 86ºF outside (30ºC). The olive harvest is about to begin, but the sea is still warm enough to swim. The tourist season is slowing down, and the coming months are filled with village fairs, festivities, concerts and a not-to-miss international film festival. The following events take place yearly.

1. The fall season is the best time to walk through an ancient olive grove. The harvest has begun, and some olive estates invite guests to participate in the picking.

2. The Tramuntana Mountain Range was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. Cooler off-season weather is the ideal time for a hike. Discover the dry-stone route, with multiple routes that take several hours to several days. While some routes are easy to follow, others are best done with an experienced hiking guide.

3. Evolution Film Festival is celebrating its 13th anniversary and going strong! This year, the wonderful Annette Benning will grace us with her presence. Can hardly wait! I've got my tickets to the opening gala event.

4. November brings us TaPalma, a yearly gastro event. Palma's bars and restaurants let their chefs shine, so gather your travel companions and get ready for a savor-packed experience!

5. Speaking of fairs! Produce is the main ingredient of many of Mallorca's autumn fairs and local markets. An authentic tasting celebration of cheeses, sausages, pickles, salted meats, fruit and vegetables, sweets... Popular dance and traditional music liven up the celebration and attract visitors.

6. Mallorca's most important fair and one of the largest in the Balearic Islands is Dijous Bo. It takes place in Inca on the second Thursday in November and attracts over 200,000 visitors! While food is a hot topic at this fair, its numerous agricultural and commercial activities reflect the richness of Mallorcan traditional foods.

7. Celebrate! Numerous festivities occur in Autumn and Winter, celebrating island traditions and history. And "dimonis" (demons) are held in high regard! One of the most colorful takes place in Palma in January, celebrating the feast day of Saint Sebastian, Palma's patron saint.

8. Sports! Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the off-season, attracting Sunday riders and professional cyclists from around the world. And why not take a swing in one of 20 beautiful golf courses spread throughout the island?

9. Christmas markets are held in village and town squares throughout Mallorca. Check out Puerto Portals' activities to round out the Christmas season.

If you want to try local cuisine, it's best to get out of Palma and into the villages. Below are a few casual restaurants ideal for lunch or dinner that I have tried and recommend.

• Traffic Restaurant is set in the village of Alaró's main plaza. It is a peaceful getaway with indoor and outdoor seating.

• Restaurant Terra Mar & Foc is located in Alaró. A relaxed family restaurant specializing in grilled meats and seafood.

• Antic Celler San Toreó in Sineu: Visit the village market on Wednesday mornings and have lunch in a real "cellar."

• Santuari de Cura: Located at the top of Randa mountain, dine with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

• Try Ca's Pentinadó, located next to the train station in Sóller, for authentic local dishes since 1880.

• Mirabona is located in the mountain village of Caimari. Delicious food, Km 0, beautiful views.

• Sa Tafona de Caimari: Located on the site of a modern olive press, the traditional menu is very popular with the locals.