Shopping in Palma de Mallorca
International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found in the area around Avinguda Jaume III. El Corte Inglés, the most popular department store in Spain, is also found along this modern avenue. H&M, another major store, is located in the Can Puig building, along Can Granada. There is also a modern shopping mall and hypermarket complex, the Centro Comercial Porto Pi, 2km (1 mile) from the city centre.
Key areas
The main shopping district in Palma is Plaça Major, where an outdoor craft market is held every Monday, Friday and Saturday morning. The roads around the square also lead to small, specialist shops that sell traditional items which are great to bring home as souvenirs. Another popular shopping area lies along Avinguda Jaume III and Passeig des Born, flanked by upmarket boutiques such as Loewe, Massimo Dutti, Mont Blanc as well as high-street brand Zara.
Markets
Palma is home to a variety of markets selling fresh fruit, seafood, organic produce and second-hand clothes and offers an opportunity to get a glimpse of local life.
The main market in Palma is Mercat de l'Olivar, on Plaça Olivar, home to a large collection of fresh produce ranging from colourful fruit to fish, vegetables and tapas.
Another interesting spot is the fish market, Llotja del Peix, at Es Moll de Pescadors. If you get here early, you’ll find the market bursting with energy as fishmongers hawk their catch of mullet, sardines and sea bass.
Pere Garau, in the eastern side of the city, is where local farmers from the countryside gather with their live animals. It’s quite a bustling place to visit especially on a Saturday morning. Palma’s Rambla is another good spot to people watch and although it’s not as busy as its counterpart in Barcelona, it’s equally lined with flower stands and pedestrians.
Opening hours
Most shops open Monday to Friday 0900-1300, 1630-2000 and Saturday mornings. Hypermarkets stay open all day, and the main department store, El Corte Inglés, Avinguda Jaume III 15, is open Monday to Saturday 0930-2130.
Souvenirs
There are several souvenir shops clustered around the city hall at Plaça Cort. You can find anything from local artisan shops selling leather to find handicrafts. Majorca Pearls are also highly popular - they are of great value and are locally produced. Pottery, olive wood and hand-blown glass are also typically Mallorcan and make for great souvenirs.
Tax information
IVA (value added tax) of 21% is charged on most goods and services in Spain. Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport, on goods worth €90 or more.
