Inca, Mallorca – The Island’s “Second City” & Market Capital

Inca, Mallorca – The Island’s “Second City” & Market Capital

🌍 Inca at a Glance

Located about 30 minutes by car or train from Palma, Inca is Mallorca’s third-largest town (locals often call it the “second city” after Palma due to its size and importance). Known as the capital of the Raiguer region, it sits between Palma and Alcúdia – making it a natural stop on the island’s main routes.

While not as touristy as coastal towns, Inca is famous for its weekly Thursday market (the biggest on the island) and its tradition of leather craftsmanship, especially shoes and handbags.


🛍️ The Famous Inca Market (Every Thursday)

Inca’s Thursday market stretches across the entire town centre and attracts both locals and visitors from across Mallorca.

  • Size: Hundreds of stalls with food, crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
  • Highlights: Fresh produce, cheeses, leather goods, jewelry, ceramics.
  • Atmosphere: Bustling, vibrant, and truly local.
  • Tip: Arrive by 10am — parking gets tricky later in the morning.

👉 Related: Best Weekly Markets in Mallorca


👞 Leather & Craft Heritage

Inca has been Mallorca’s leather capital for centuries, shaping the town’s identity and economy. It is home to international shoe and fashion brands such as Camper and Lottusse, but also to dozens of artisan workshops that keep traditional skills alive.

  • Visit Leather Outlets – Many shops and factory stores in Inca offer high-quality goods at discounted prices, from bags to belts.
  • Museu del Calçat i de la Indústria – This footwear and industry museum showcases the history of shoemaking in Mallorca, with fascinating displays of old machinery, tools, and designs.
  • Souvenir Tip – A pair of handmade Mallorcan sandals or a finely crafted leather bag is a practical and stylish keepsake that supports local artisans.

Beyond shopping, leather production remains a living tradition here. Walking around town, you’ll notice small workshops and boutiques side by side with modern outlets — a reminder of how deeply this craft is woven into Inca’s character.


🏛️ Things to See in Inca

AttractionWhy VisitPalma Weekly Tip
Monestir de Sant BartomeuHistoric monastery at the town’s heartCombine with nearby pedestrian streets
Santa Maria la Major ChurchStriking baroque church, a town landmarkGreat photo spot from Plaça Santa Maria
Claustre de Sant DomingoCultural centre hosting exhibitions & concertsCheck evening schedules in summer
Plaça d’EspanyaCentral square with cafés and shopsBest for people-watching during market days

🍴 Eating & Drinking in Inca

Inca is also known for its cellers — former wine cellars converted into traditional restaurants.

  • Celler Can Amer – Rustic atmosphere, known for sobrassada and Mallorcan classics.
  • Celler Can Ripoll – Historic cellar dating back to the 18th century.
  • Es Ginebró – Organic, local-focused restaurant with modern twists.

👉 Related: Traditional Mallorcan Dishes


🏨 Where to Stay

Most visitors stop in Inca for the day, but there are charming stays nearby:

  • Can Cota Boutique Hotel – Stylish rooms in a historic building.
  • Agroturismo Son Vivot – Rural finca experience just outside town.
  • Cas Comte Suites & Spa (Lloseta) – Luxury stay in a restored palace, 5 min away.

👉 Related: Agroturismo in Mallorca


🚆 Getting to Inca from Palma

ModeDurationDetailsPalma Weekly Tip
Train~30 minTIB line from Estació Intermodal (Palma) direct to Inca, frequent departuresEasiest and most stress-free on market days
Car~30 minVia Ma-13 motorway (same route toward Alcúdia)Parking limited on Thursdays — arrive before 10am
Bus~40–55 minSeveral TIB lines connect Palma to Inca and nearby townsGood budget option, but less frequent than trains

👉 Related: Driving in Mallorca


📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Thursday: For the market (arrive early).
  • November: Dijous Bo fair, Mallorca’s largest autumn festival, celebrating agriculture, crafts, and gastronomy.
  • Year-round: For shoe shopping and traditional food.

❓ FAQ – Inca, Mallorca

Is Inca worth visiting if I’m staying in Palma?

Yes — it’s only 30 minutes by train or car, making it a perfect day trip for shopping and the Thursday market.

What is Inca most famous for?

Leather goods, the Thursday market, and its rustic celler restaurants.

When is the Dijous Bo fair?

Usually the third Thursday of November, attracting thousands of visitors for food, wine, and cultural events.


🔗 Related Palma Weekly Guides

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