Inca

About Inca

Inca is the third largest town on Mallorca and sits half way between Palma and Pollensa. While it is predominantly residential and industrial, its central location and famous market and cellars attract plenty of tourists. After Palma, it is one of the most well connected towns on the island. The train and public transport system put everywhere else within reach.

Here we provide all the information you want to know about making the most of a visit to this Mallorcan town.

History & Culture of Inca

Inca has a long history of settlement. Traditionally it was home to Talaiot settlements, which were inhabited when the Romans occupied the island. During the Islamic period the town was known as ‘Inkán’.

The surrounding land is particularly fertile, and home to lots of large orchards and groves.

Inca is best known in Mallorca for being the leather capital of the island. This was reinforced when in 1871 a native of Inca, Antonia Fluxa, opened the first shoe-making factory on the island. Camper is still going strong today, their headquarters are in Inca and their factory outlet attracts lots of shoppers.

In recent years Inca has benefitted from large-scale renovation projects. While the traditional buildings and squares still hold the same appeal, many of the surrounding roads have also been pedestrianised.

Major attractions in Inca

Inca’s biggest single attraction is its weekly market, which is held every Thursday. It’s one of the biggest on the island and fills many of the streets in the centre of town. While it’s predominantly known as a leather market, you will discover a wide variety of choice while exploring the stalls.

If you’re interested in the culinary heritage of the island, then the cellars of Inca are one of the best places to discover it. These small restaurants offer a range of local dishes, and provide visitors with a truly authentic dining experience.

Its architectural and cultural heritage is interspersed with more modern buildings that have undergone renovation. The main church of Santa María la Mayor is a must for anyone interested in the cultural history of the area. Being such a large town also means there are several convents and monasteries, some of which welcome visitors.

Things to do in Inca

While the town of Inca itself is largely residential, there is fantastic shopping available. The markets and leather factories don’t offer the huge discounts they once did, but there are still plenty of bargains to be had. The surrounding areas feature something for everyone. There’s the beauty of the open interior of the island, and many quaint villages within easy reach.

Its excellent transport links mean it’s easy to head to the beauty of the northern coastline, or south to the capital of Palma. For those with their own transport, Inca is conveniently located close to the main motorway that runs the length of the island, making it an excellent base for those looking to branch out and explore further afield.

Restaurants in Inca

Inca’s streets are littered with al fresco coffee shops and cafes, but it is the cellars converted into small intimate restaurants that most people associate with the town. One of the appealing aspects of them is the traditional feel and hidden charm. This is apparent in Cellar C’an Marron, where a humble wooden door hides a quaint restaurant serving some of the best regional dishes.

Celler Can Amer is a traditional cellar restaurant, almost opposite the indoor market in the leather town of Inca and has been the Torrens family restaurant since the ‘60s. Dishes are appealingly presented on modern tableware, and service is efficient.

One of the best-known restaurants in the centre of town is the Joan Marc Restaurant. The minimalistic interior decoration and modern style create a unique ambience. The menu and quality of the dishes is amongst the best in Inca.

Hotels in Inca

The centre of Inca has surprisingly few hotels in relation to its size. More rural hotels on the outskirts of town seem to be more popular with people staying in the area.

One such hotel is Casa Del Virrey. The converted building offers relaxing surroundings that are peaceful and quiet while still being close to a major town. The décor is very traditional Mallorcan.

Sa Vinya des Convent also offers guests the best of agrotourism while being within easy reach of Inca. The traditional building features stately decoration that creates a very classical ambience.

In the nearby village of Lloseta you will find Cas Comte Petit Hotel, which attracts a lot of tourists who want to enjoy the tranquility of this small village but still be only a few minutes away from the heart of Mallorca.

Events in Inca

Having such a large population means there is plenty of entertainment in Inca. It is home to a busy schedule of shows, concerts and sporting events.

Inca is also home to Mallorca’s biggest autumn fair. The Dijous Bo started out as purely an agricultural fair. Over the years, in typical Mallorcan style, it has grown into more of a party than a fair. It now features parties that go on all night, fireworks and live music. The event takes place on the third Thursday of November.

Living in The Area

Property in the centre of Inca consists mainly of apartments and townhouses. Being such a heavily developed town means there are more conversions and renovations available than new properties.

Much of the international community around Inca can be found in the nearby villages rather than the town itself. Manacor de la Vall, Selva and Lloseta provide a more rural environment within easy reach of the town. Being in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains gives locals the perfect location for hiking and cycling.

The nearest International school is The Academy in nearby Marratxi. The town itself offers everything you could need in your day-to-day life. Travelling to Palma is easy; with two trains every hour leaving Inca train station.

The differences between recently renovated parts and older parts of Inca have led to large differences in property prices. The surrounding rural areas tend to offer larger villas at more consistent prices.

Due to its sheer size there are always a good number of properties for sale in and around Inca, and like the rest of Mallorca, the real estate market appears to be getting stronger.

If you are looking for advice in order to buy, sell or rent a property in this or any other area of Mallorca, please do not hesitate to have a look at our selection of reliable and professional real estate agents on the island.

Surrounding Areas

Although Sineu is the geographical centre of the island, Inca is considered by many to be the heart of Mallorca. This central location makes it ideal for anyone travelling to many different parts of the island.

Open countryside and small villages dominate the immediate surrounding area, such as nearby Costitx or Alaro. Many of these villages have large international communities, and offer locals a friendly place to relax and pass the time.

We hope this abc-mallorca guide to Inca has been useful. Check out our other guides which reveal all that Mallorca has to offer for those in search of a luxury lifestyle.

More Places on Mallorca

We hope you found this article about Inca useful and that you discover new and amazing places as a result of our recommendations.

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Enjoy Mallorca!!