Palma Guide – The best markets in town
As we always like to say… when in Palma. Or even better… when at Nakar Hotel. This fantastic city is our home. And we count ourselves lucky every day to experience the many things it has to offer. We want to help you make the most of your time in this metropolis, so we created our ‘Palma guide’. It features our recommendations on where to go, what to see, what to do and where to eat. Because we like to take care of you and make your holiday run as smoothly as possible. Let’s go!
With Christmas fast approaching, our minds are currently focused on one thing: food, food and more food. Okay, our thoughts may occasionally stray to gift buying and wrapping, but 99% of the time we’re mentally (and physically) savouring all the deliciousness the festive season has to offer. And because we’re in a foodie mood, we thought we’d share some of the best markets the island has to offer. Visiting a market has been, for decades, a tradition for Majorcan people.
Markets are a pretext to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, go for a walk, snack and enjoy the traditions of the island. And in Palma the markets have changed to become mandatory stops for everyone who visits the capital of the Balearic Islands. Palma’s most important markets are Mercat de l’Olivar, Mercat de Santa Catalina and the Pere Garau market. But we recommend two of the traditional ones and one extra market. If you have time, the must-visit markets of Palma are: the Olivar Market, the Santa Catalina Market and the Gastronomic Market of San Juan.
Best food markets in Palma
Mercat de l’Olivar
This gem of a market is located in the beating heart of Palma, right between the Plaza España and Calle San Miguel. Founded in 1951, the market has become an integral part of our city’s identity, and has served as a lifeline to the people who have lived here for generations. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 2.30 pm, on Fridays from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm and on Saturdays from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Mercat de l’Olivar offers a wide selection of fresh, local and high-quality products. In addition, you can enjoy a varied gastronomic offer that includes oysters, wines or tapas while discovering the stalls of the market. One of the things we love most about this market however is the special atmosphere that will pick you up and carry you away. The hustle and bustle here are real, and it makes you feel alive.
Mercat de Santa Catalina
We have to confess that the Santa Catalina Market is our favorite market. It’s located in the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, very close to Nakar. The vibe here is much more relaxed and laid back. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, and it has about 50 food stalls. Dining here is about more than food. It’s about living and breathing the ingredients and experiencing true culinary tradition.
Picture: Arume Sushi Bar, Santa Catalina
Some of the most famous eateries at the Mercat de Santa Catalina include Ca’n Frau, as well as the Oyster Bar, La Tapita and Es Mercat Bar. Our recommendation: choose fresh products from the stands and watch them be cooked at one of the bars.
San Juan Gastronomic Market
This is one of the newest of Palma’s markets. However, this is not a traditional market, since there are no fruit, vegetables or meat stands. The San Juan Market has a total of 17 food stalls, cafes / bars, a bakery, a cocktail bar and a multifunctional space for cooking classes, private tastings and product presentations. The food here is next level. Think llonguets, tapas, pizzas, hamburgers, sushi, thai cuisine, omelettes, oysters, sausages, broken eggs, fish, paellas or croquettes – all in one place. The San Juan market is open from Monday to Sunday from 12 a.m. to 12 a.m., it’s located in S’Escorxador.
Mercat 1930 – Paseo Marítimo
The latest addition to Palma’s ‘market scene’ is ‘Mercat 1930’, a gastronomic market located right on Paseo Marítimo, Palma’s promenade. This market is all about togetherness, enjoying a nice vermouth with friends and sampling a diverse selection of foods and flavours. There’s a reason why this market has become so popular amongst Mallorca’s residents. With a modern and comfy interior design, good music, great quality food and a fun atmosphere, Mercat 1930 is your go-to spot to meet with friends.
