Shopping in Mallorca - Paradise for Shopoholics

Holidays are here at last, finally there is the time and energy for a mad shopping spree - Mallorca is a shopping paradise in the sun. Whether posh designer fashions, leather goods from Inca or typical Majorica jewellery, Mallorca is a place that has something for all consumer tastes.

Shopping tour in Palma de Mallorca

Central Palma is a Mecca for the fashion-conscious holidaymaker. Just behind La Seu Cathedral, you will find Passeig Borne the main shopping artery and one of the island's premier fashion destinations. The boutiques offer exclusive designer fashions from international fashion labels. Hugo Boss has moved into a three-storey shop, and on the opposite side, luxury manufacturer Louis Vuitton sells fashion accessories, handbags and travel accessories.

In the prestigious Avenida Jaime III, Cartier and Montblanc are just two of the big-name stores. A trip down one of the narrow winding side streets off the main shopping streets is always exciting. Several independent labels such as Miss Zelánea, Exclusive and Bossa have boutiques on the ground floor of historic buildings. The Rialto Living store is one of the top 50 lifestyle stores in the world.

Shoes, belts and purses from Inca

Inca is a town of 30,000 at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, which has a centuries-old tradition of leather production. Most tourists to Mallorca heading to Alcúdia bypass Inca without realising the hidden treasures of the old town and the out of town warehouse style shops on the outskirts are a true shopping paradise.

Designer boutiques and fashion stores line up on the Carrer des Hostals in the heart of the town. Plaza de España has a covered shopping forum with restaurants and shops. In front of the city gates, several leather outlets are very tempting options for shoppers. Inca is the home of the "Camper" brand of shoe and the purses, leather belts and accessories are instantly recognisable as top-class quality. Famous fashion brands like Mango, Springfield and Benetton have outlet stores on the Carrer des Comerc.

Majorica beads from Manacor

In the southeast of the island lies the town of Manacor, which is a famous pearl processing centre. Majorica pearls are artificial pearls, which are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and one of Mallorca's main exports. For more than 100 years, the precious pearls in Manacor have been processed into jewellery. Every year, hundreds of items of Majorica jewellery are bought by tourists as a unique souvenir of their holiday.

Perlas Majórica is the largest producer of Majorica pearls. For interested visitors, a demonstration workshop has been set up, where qualified craftsmen process the precious pearls into pieces of jewellery. In the adjacent outlet store, you can buy some rather unusual items although be warned that it can become quite crowded in the summer. Several travel companies offer coach trips to the exhibition and sales rooms.

Shopping at Mercat de l'Olivar

Mercat de l'Olivar is the largest fresh market in Mallorca and a visit to the huge market hall is an experience that appeals to all the senses. Stalls selling numerous types of Spanish sausage and cheeses as well as fruit stands with bulging displays lined the aisles of the market. Here you get everything you need for the kitchen. Mallorcan products such as oranges, almonds, aubergines and olives are also available, as well as exotic spices, wine from Andalucia and pasta from Italy. Fresh fish and seafood are served in a separate hall. Scallops, cod and fresh oysters are offered by the traders as well as anything you might need for sushi.