Illetas Markets

Markets in Mallorca provide the ideal place to purchase some original Mallorcan products. In these picturesque, colourful and multi-ethnologic places you'll find nearly everything, from basic food produce to the ultimate fashion trend, all in a familiar relaxed atmosphere.

Most markets on the island are held in the morning from around 8:00 to 13:00, so you'll need to get there early and be prepared to haggle like a professional to secure the best bargains.

A traditional Mallorcan market is held every Monday along the Calle Major, close to the Parish Church of San Juan, in the town of Calvia. This market consists of more than 60 stalls, offering a variety of goods including food stalls, clothing, shoes and traditional craftsmanship.

Every Wednesday, with the exception of Public Holidays and Fiesta days, a large street market is also held in the centre of nearby Andratx. There's usually a good selection of locally produced fruit, vegetables and crafts on offer, along with a selection of other Mallorcan products including flowers and clothes etc.

There is evidence of this market dating back to the mid 19th Century, originally taking place in it's own building located in the Plaza de Espana. However, following its demolition during the 1960s, the market then moved to its current location, around 500 metres away on the Paseo de Son Mas.

Special market buses are always laid from the larger south coast resorts throughout the day, although these are always very full by the time they arrive at the market. So, if there are a number of you that can travel together it's often worth considering taking a taxi for the short trip.

If you have access to a car, or fancy a half day organised excursion, the biggest and most famous weekly market on Mallorca is held every Thursday morning around the streets of Inca. Although also selling a wide selection of other goods, Inca market is most famous for its leather goods, so expect to find a wide selection of leather shoes, bags and jackets.

With it's close proximity to the capital Palma, many people forget that most days markets are also held there too:

The Llotja del Peix is an early morning fish market that takes place Monday to Saturday throughout the year at Es Moll de Pescadors. You'll need to get there early as the night's catch of mullet, prawns, sardines and sea bass goes on sale at 6am. For more information telephone +34 971 721 182.

The Mercat Artesanal is a lively craft market which takes place on the Placa Major throughout the year. During the summer months it is open Monday to Saturday from10am to around 2pm, and during the winter on Fridays and Saturdays. Certainly during the summer months there is always a friendly atmosphere as it attracts a number of buskers and other street entertainers, whilst others just prefer to sit and watch the world go by from the open-air cafes.

The Mercat Olivar is Palma's main produce market, and is held Monday to Saturday 7am to 2pm in a hall in the Plaza Olivar, which is near to the Placa d'Espanya. The market is spread over two floor of the hall with fresh produce on the ground floor, plus meat and cheese upstairs.

Although the Pere Garau livestock market is not likely to hold much appeal for most of the visitors to Palma, it is nevertheless certainly worth a mention here. The market is held Monday to Saturday 7am to 2pm in the Placa Pere Garau, which is to the east of the city centre. Contact details for more information telephone +34 971 273 283.

As with its larger namesake in Barcelona, the Rambla is a flower market that takes place Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm, and again in the evening from 5pm to 8pm in the Passieg de la Rambla.

The Rastro is a flea market that has over recent years become somewhat of a Palma institution, growing to the point where it now takes over part of the Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga ring road every Saturday morning. There's always plenty of bargains, but there'll be well hidden amongst lots of junk too.

The Santa Catalina fruit and vegetable market is held in the Placa Navegacio, which is just to the west of the city centre, every Monday to Saturday from 7am to 2pm.

From late June to the end of September, a night of free entertainment now awaits you at Sa Bimbolla Night Fair and Market. With skilled artesans selling all sorts of arts, crafts and clothing, live music, special perfomances and fire shows, it promises to be the only place to be on a Sunday night in Palma. The party starts at 6.00pm and continues until 2.00am. It's held at Sa Possessio, Gremi Velluters 14, Poligon Son Rossinyol, which is just on the northern outskirts of Palma. There is plenty of free parking, or if you haven't a car you can take either a number 11 or 12 bus from Palma.

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This website was launched on 1 May 2002