Palma's main fresh-food market, a covered hall of fishmongers, butchers, cheese stalls and produce counters. The upper floor has tapas bars and a small cafe. It is the best place to see local products such as sobrassada, Mahón cheese and the Mallorcan ensaïmada pastry.
Mercat de l'Olivar is Palma's main fresh-food market, located on Plaça de l'Olivar in the El Mercat district, a short distance north of Plaça d'Espanya, on the island of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands. The covered hall is organised around counters of fishmongers, butchers, cheese stalls and produce vendors, and it supplies many of the city's restaurants as well as local households. Visitors can see the day's catch laid out on ice, hanging cured meats, and Mallorcan specialities such as sobrassada, the soft paprika sausage, along with Mahón cheese and the spiral ensaïmada pastry. The upper floor has tapas bars and a small cafe, so it is possible to eat at the market after browsing. Entry is free, and food is sold by weight. Expect to spend 45 to 90 minutes, and more if stopping for a meal. Tapas cost about €8 to €20. The market is open Monday to Saturday from about 07:00 until around 14:30, although individual stalls keep varying hours and some bars and restaurants stay open later; it is closed on Sundays. Mid-morning is the best time, when stalls are fully stocked and the bars are lively but before they start closing for the day. Early morning is the choice for locals and chefs, while Saturday is the busiest day. The market is about a 10-minute walk from Plaça d'Espanya, and most EMT bus lines stop at the square. It is a good place to see everyday Palma life, and visitors can pick up picnic supplies or edible souvenirs. Photographing stalls is generally acceptable, but asking a vendor first is polite.
| Admission | Free entry; fish, cheese, sobrassada and produce sold by weight |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Sat from about 07:00 to 14:30 (stalls keep varying hours; some bars and restaurants stay open later); closed Sundays |
| Typical visit | 45–90 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning, before the stalls close for the day |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk north of Plaça d'Espanya; most EMT lines stop at Plaça d'Espanya |
| Address | Plaça de l'Olivar, 4, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain |
Location
Plaça de l'Olivar, 4, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
39.5739, 2.6535 View on map
Highlights
- Fresh fish, meat, cheese and produce counters
- Local products such as sobrassada, Mahón cheese and ensaïmada
- Upper-floor tapas bars and cafe
- Everyday local atmosphere in El Mercat district
- Free entry with food sold by weight
Tips for visiting
- Visit mid-morning before stalls begin closing
- The market is closed on Sundays
- Ask a vendor before photographing their stall
- Bring cash for small purchases
- Try the upper-floor tapas bars for lunch
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays, when stalls are full and crowds are manageable; Saturday is busiest.
Accessibility
The market is a covered hall with generally level floors, though aisles can be narrow and crowded. Visitors using wheelchairs should check access to the upper floor.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 45 to 90 minutes, longer if they eat at the tapas bars.
Is the market worth it for kids?
Children may enjoy the fish counters and colourful produce, but the aisles can be crowded on busy mornings.
Is photography allowed?
General photography is accepted, but visitors should ask vendors before photographing them or their stalls closely.