Inca – a vibrant city of tradition and leahter in Mallorca
Inca, nestled in the heart of Mallorca, invites you to explore its vibrant market, renowned for artisanal crafts and local delicacies. Wander through ancient streets lined with historic buildings, savor the rich flavors of traditional Mallorcan cuisine, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of this charming, bustling town. Let’s take a look at what to see and do in Inca.
Experience the freedom of exploring Inca’s renowned leather market by renting a car in Mallorca and discovering a wide array of high-quality products. From handcrafted bags and belts to stylish shoes and jackets, the market offers exceptional craftsmanship. A short drive brings you to this vibrant hub of Mallorcan tradition and style.
Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
What to see and do in Inca: Discover the city
Although Inca is Mallorca’s third-largest city, it remains relatively unknown to many. The journey to Inca reveals a treasure trove of experiences.Â
Inca lies roughly in the middle of Mallorca, midway between Palma and Alcudia. You can reach Inca by train from Palma or drive along the MA-13.
Renting a car in Mallorca provides flexibility to explore at your own pace, uncover hidden gems, and easily access various attractions. Discover “What to see and do in Inca” with ease, from its vibrant markets to historic landmarks and local cuisine.
Why is Inca called the “Leather City”?
Inca boasts a rich history of leather production. When you visit Inca, you’ll find numerous shops selling leather goods like shoes and bags. If you go to Inca on a Thursday, explore the bustling market, where you might snag a great deal.
Inca’s market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, local products such as cheese, wine, oil, sausages, and various leather fashion items.
If you can’t make it on a Thursday, Inca still has several charming shopping streets, such as Carrer de Hostals or Avinguda del Bispe Llompart. Here, you’ll find many well-known brands. On the outskirts of Inca, visit Camper’s large store and Lottusse for footwear, along with Jysk and Müller for other goods.
Another highlight when you visit to Inca is the city’s leather museum. The museum showcases machines from the leather industry, historic footwear, and photographs chronicling the city’s leather history.
Inca: A residential City
The charm of Inca lies in its residential nature. Unlike many tourist-centric areas in Mallorca, Inca is home to around 34,000 locals, thriving year-round due to affordable housing, central location, and excellent transport links, especially the train network. This local vibe also means you can enjoy dining at reasonable prices compared to more touristy towns.
More about What to see and do in Inca after the Video section
Video (will be updated)
What to see and do in Inca? Food and Wine!Â
Inca and its surrounding countryside were major wine producers between the 17th and 19th centuries. Despite a decline due to the wine bug, Inca shifted focus to leather crafting, which flourished with the advent of the railway network.
The town retains its wine heritage, with several old bodegas transformed into restaurants, offering a unique ambiance with their original wine house furnishings. Savor classic Mallorcan dishes like the vegetarian Tumbet here.
Inca is once again gaining recognition for its wine production. Notable wineries include Bodega Nacra, known for a well-balanced white wine, Bodega Son Bordils , producing characterful wines at reasonable prices, and Bodega Santa Cartarina, founded by Swede Stellan Lundqvist. Bodega Munar is also in the Inca area.
Discover Mallorca’s finest wine. Read all about it at Palmallorca.com.
Other sights when you go to Inca
Beyond the vibrant market on Thursdays, Inca boasts several notable religious sites. Visit the Church of Santa Maria la Major or the Cloisters of Sant Domingo, which play a significant role in the city’s social and cultural life.
Stroll through Placa d’Espanya, enjoy a coffee at a café, and admire the city’s architecture, including the beautiful town hall. Inca’s permanent food market, open Monday to Saturday, is also a delightful spot to buy seasonal fruits, fish, or simply relax with a coffee.
Inca, like many other Spanish cities, has a bullring. Although bullfighting has seen a decline due to audience disinterest and political measures, the arena occasionally hosts cultural events and bullfights.
Excursions from Inca – Ermita de Santa Magdalena
Many visitors hike to the Hermitage of Santa Magdalena, though it is also accessible by car or bicycle. Located about 6 km from Inca’s center, the route is mostly flat, with a slight incline and a few hairpin turns in the final 2 km.
Dating back to the 13th century, the monastery has housed various religious orders and schools, undergoing renovations, the latest in 1994. Situated atop Puig de Inca, it offers panoramic views of Mallorca’s landscape. There’s also a restaurant with stunning views, perfect for a meal after your hike.
Go and explore our travel guides to Mallorca’s captivating destinations, from the vibrant city life in stunning Palma to the sun-soaked shores of Alcudia and Puerto de Pollença. Don’t miss the charming mountain villages of Sóller and Deià , where nature and tradition blend harmoniously. Also take a look at the hot spot for wine lovers – Binissalem.
Photos: All pictures in the article – What to see and do in Inca – by Palmallorca.com – Mallorca Community
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