When you step onto the sun-warmed streets of Majorca, you leave behind the frantic pace of modern life. Here, time unfolds gently, inviting you to savour moments that linger long after you’ve left. As you explore beyond your all inclusive hotels, you’ll notice how the rich local culture and ancient traditions unite to offer something beyond your typical holiday.
There’s no need to rush from one tourist spot to the next. Immerse yourself in the everyday rhythms and tastes that have shaped this island for centuries.
The Heart of Majorca: A Culinary Renaissance
Majorca’s cuisine blends Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients, which reflects a fresh awakening, combining tradition with innovative flair. Instead of flashy restaurants, you’ll find small, family-run establishments where recipes have passed through generations.
Try sobrasada, a cured sausage seasoned with paprika, or tumbet, vegan friendly vegetable medley like ratatouille, layered with potatoes, aubergines, and red peppers.
There’s also arroz brut, a rice dish with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices but my favourite is suckling pig which is only served on special occasions. (You can find this dish at Sabor in London)
To truly appreciate the island’s flavours, eat where the locals do. Small coastal towns like Sóller or Deià offer tavernas where the produce comes straight from the nearby fields or sea.
These places embody a respect for seasonality and provenance. Take your time ordering, ask the server about the day’s fresh catch, and allow the chef’s pride in their craft to shine through every mouthful.
Markets with a Story: Where Locals Shop and Dine
As with all Spanish neighbourhoods, there are local markets that serve the locals. Instead of doing a weekly shop, they tend to shop daily for fresh local produce.
In Majorca, step into any of the local markets, such as the bustling Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma or the weekly market in Inca for leather goods. The fresh fruits, herbs, and cheeses tell you about the island’s agricultural heritage.
The weekly Sineu Market is one of the oldest and most traditional markets where you will find fresh produce, local crafts, and even livestock. For vintage shopping and antiques, head to Consell Flea Market, every Sunday.
Don’t just browse, engage with the sellers. They will eagerly share which olives were picked that morning or the differences between almond varieties.
Order a freshly squeezed orange juice or a slice of ensaïmada, a traditional spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar, and savour it on a bench nearby.
Bring home some memories from Majorca with unique artisan souvenirs like Majorcan pearls, Majorcan pottery and locally made needlework & basketwork. For kids, look for Siurells, there will love these clay figures with a whistle in the base.
From Vine to Glass: Majorca’s Wine Journey
Majorca’s vineyards have flourished under the Mediterranean sun for centuries. There are over 70 wineries on the island which range from renowned estates to family run bodegas.
There are two main wine regions in Majorca. The most renowned is Binissalem, located in the center of the island, northeast of Palma. It holds the Denominación de Origen (DO) status, which was the first official wine designation in the Balearic Islands. This region is known for its Manto Negro grape, which produces deeply colored, aromatic red wines with velvety tannins. A good time to visit is in September when they celebrate the Festa des Vermaran annual grape harvest festival.
Pla i Llevant is a DOP wine region in southeastern Majorca with a Mediterranean climate and lime-enriched clay soils. Pla i Llevant wines are diverse, from white, rose and red wines, often fruit-driven and mouth-filling, with smooth tannins.
You can tour the vineyards, learn about the painstaking process of hand-harvesting, and sample wines that capture the island’s unique terroir.
Many wineries welcome visitors for tastings paired with local cheeses and olives. Make a booking in advance, as these intimate experiences often fill quickly, especially during harvest season.
Beyond the Plate: Cultural Experiences in Majorca
Your holidays to Majorca will become richer when you venture beyond food and drink and embrace the cultural heartbeat.
Explore ancient villages like Valldemossa or walk the old mule tracks threading through Tramuntana mountains. Festivals such as the Fira de Sant Bartomeu reveal local crafts and traditional dances, connecting you to the enduring heritage.
Consider joining a pottery workshop or attending a small concert in a historic chapel, where the music and surroundings meld into something deeply memorable.
