Mercat de l'Olivar
Since 1951, Mercat de l'Olivar has been the largest and most important covered market on the island — a cathedral of colour, aroma, and flavour where locals still do their daily shop alongside curious visitors. Over 100 stalls pack two halls with everything from glistening llampuga and escopinyes to paprika-red sobrassada and aged Mahón cheese.
What to Buy & Taste
The fish hall is extraordinary: look for llampuga (dolphinfish), gambetes (tiny local prawns), and whatever landed that morning at Palma's port — stallholders will tell you exactly where it came from.
On the charcuterie counters, seek out sobrassada bearing the red IGP seal — the authentic Balearic cured sausage — alongside Mallorcan almonds, confits of local oranges, dried fish, and Es Trenc salt.
For sweet cravings, head to the bakery stalls for a warm ensaimada or a slice of the island's beloved almond cake, both absurdly good with a short café con leche.
Eat In, Not Just Shop
The upper-floor gastrobars will grill the fish you just bought downstairs — an only-in-Mallorca move that turns shopping into lunch in under ten minutes.
Oyster and cava stands dot the food court; pull up a stool, order a glass of local white, and watch the market hum around you.
The market blends traditional Mallorcan charm with modern gastronomy: there are sushi counters and gourmet tapas alongside the century-old pickle jars.
Practical Tips
Arrive before 9 am to shop alongside locals and claim the freshest fish; by midday the atmosphere is lively and sociable but the prime catches are gone.
The market sits between Plaça d'Espanya and Carrer Sant Miquel — walkable from almost anywhere in the old town — and has its own underground car park.
Most vendors accept card; the market is fully accessible with lifts and escalators between floors.
Mercat de l'Olivar on video
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