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TRAVELLERS’ NEEDS
SHOPPING IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS As elsewhere in Spain, the islands produce a wide variety of good leatherware, with Inca, in Mallorca, having a worldwide reputation for footwear. Those looking for items of clothing often head to Ibiza, which is known for its “ad lib” fashion trends and the prevalence of jewellery stalls. Locally produced ceramics also
make good souvenirs and are available on all of the islands, as are other island crafts including embroidery and basket work. Local produce should also not be ignored, and bringing home a string of garlic, some spicy sausages or a good bottle of Mallorcan wine is as good a way as any of remembering the holiday. 9am until 9pm. Some close for a siesta between 2pm and 5pm. Boutiques have similar opening hours. Shops along the beaches open virtually non-stop. These are the most reliable places to buy food and other basic articles. During high season most shops remain open seven days a week. Provincial towns and villages do not have such regular opening hours and are more attuned to the pace of life of the local people than to holiday-makers. Shops in small villages may also close at weekends.
Ceramics shop in Maó, Menorca
Where to Buy Souvenirs of the Balearic Islands can be bought almost anywhere and the number of small shops offering all sorts of knick-knacks and mementos is truly amazing. They can be found in the historic parts of towns, in tourist centres and near harbours and beaches. Almost every hotel has its own boutique. There are also numerous shops selling clothes and anything that may be useful on the beach, including mattresses, mats, hats, beach balls and sun-block creams. The items offered by boutiques can also be found in larger shopping centres, where you can buy food and various factory products. Palma has the largest choice of shops while Maó, in Menorca, has quite a few outlets and can cater for most holidaymakers’ tastes. Factory shops are good places to buy souvenirs.
They offer slightly lower prices and a much larger selection of goods. The specialist centres are also great places to hunt for souvenirs including pottery or synthetic pearls.
How to Pay When shopping in small shops, food stores and markets, it is customary to pay in cash. Elsewhere, all major cards are widely accepted.
Opening Hours
Markets
The large shops in tourist centres are usually open from
Markets are an integral feature of the Mallorcan scenery. They are held at weekly intervals, mostly in the provincial towns and villages of the island. They mainly serve the local population, although during high season they also offer many goods aimed at tourists. Besides everyday domestic items, most of them sell fruit, vegetables and sometimes locally produced sauces and preserves. Markets tend to start in the mornings and end early in the afternoon. Hippy markets are held mainly on Formentera and Ibiza. Aimed squarely at
Boutiques and restaurants along a seaside promenade
