Inca Market

The Basics

Inca Market attracts droves of tourists—especially in summer—and locals with its well-priced goods displayed in stalls spread around Inca’s historical streets and squares. Shop stands specializing in locally made leatherware: Expect chunky bags, purses, and shoes from Inca’s famous Camper, a brand produced in town. Other goodies include textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and fresh and gourmet foods.

While you can travel to the market independently, it pays to visit on a tour that includes convenient round-trip transport. In summer, market tours run from Palma, along with resorts such as Alcudia and Magaluf. All tours provide free time to explore and some add a wine-tasting at one of Inca’s wine cellars. Other options include full-day, island-wide tours that stop in Inca to allow you to browse its leatherware outlets.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Inca Market is a must for shoppers wanting to buy Mallorca’s leatherware and other local goods.

• The market is free to enter and extends across Inca’s center.

• The stall-lined streets are largely pedestrianized and wheelchair-accessible, although some are hilly.

How to Get There

Inca lies about 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Palma and is easily reached by public transport. Regular trains leave from Palma Intermodal Station as do hourly Nos. 340, 351, and 390 buses. Drivers, meanwhile, should follow Palma’s Ma-13 highway and take exit 27 for Inca—parking is available near the market. Inca is accessible by direct buses from north coast resorts such as Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia and via bus-and-train journeys from south coast towns such as Cala d’Or.

When to Get There

The Inca Market runs every Thursday from morning to early afternoon, year-round. It gets very busy in the height of Mallorca’s tourist season from July to August when you will have to weave through crowds. Whenever you visit, however, arrive as early as possible to bag the best deals.

What to Buy and Do at Inca Market

In addition to leather goods, shop for wicker baskets and handwoven, patterned “ikat” tablecloths and bedspreads at Inca Market. When you’re done shopping, make the most of Inca’s culinary credentials—its cafe-bars are renowned for ensaimada, a traditional Mallorcan pastry, while its cosy cellar restaurants are atmospheric spots for a traditional Mallorcan lunch served with local wine.