The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of four main islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — set in the western Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. Renowned for their crystalline turquoise waters, dramatic limestone mountains, and a stunning array of hidden coves, the islands attract everyone from beach lovers and hikers to world-class clubbers and luxury travelers. Each island has its own distinct character: Mallorca offers the most variety with its Gothic capital Palma, the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains, and a world-class food scene; Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its prehistoric monuments and pristine wild beaches; Ibiza is globally famous for its nightlife and bohemian spirit; and tiny Formentera offers some of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary beach scenery.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Ensaïmada pastry (boxed)
Mallorca's iconic spiral pastry packaged in round boxes perfect for carrying home
Price: €5-30
Where: Any bakery or La Colmena in Palma; airport shops
Sobrassada mallorquina
Mallorca's distinctive spreadable pork sausage with paprika; vacuum-packed for travel
Price: €8-25
Where: Mercat de l'Olivar Palma; farm shops across Mallorca
Gin Xoriguer
Menorca's famous gin distilled from wine spirit in copper pot stills since the 18th century
Price: €15-30
Where: Xoriguer Distillery Mahón; supermarkets and wine shops across Menorca
Hierbas ibicencas
Ibiza's traditional herbal liqueur made from wild herbs including rosemary, thyme, and fennel
Price: €10-20
Where: Any supermarket or wine shop in Ibiza; Dalt Vila shops
Avarca sandals
Traditional Menorcan leather sandals with a simple design - the island's most famous craft product
Price: €25-60
Where: Avarcas Coinga shops across Menorca; markets in Mahón and Ciutadella
Mallorcan olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil from Mallorca's centuries-old olive groves in the Tramuntana
Price: €10-30
Where: Farm shops along the Ma-10 road; Mercat de l'Olivar Palma
Ceràmica mallorquina
Traditional hand-painted Mallorcan ceramics featuring olive motifs and earthy island colors
Price: €15-100+
Where: La Cazuela, Palma; craft markets across Mallorca
Ibiza salts and wellness products
Natural sea salts from Ibiza's Ses Salines salt flats, used for beauty and cooking
Price: €8-25
Where: Las Dalias hippie market; organic shops in Ibiza Town
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Las Dalias Hippie Market, Sant Carles, Ibiza
Ibiza's legendary hippie market running since 1985 with handmade jewelry, bohemian clothing, leather goods, and artisan food
Where: Carretera Sant Carles km 12, 07850 Sant Carles de Peralta, Ibiza
Hours: Saturdays 10AM-8PM all year; also Mondays and Tuesdays in summer
Mercat de l'Olivar, Palma
Palma's main covered food market with fresh produce, meat, fish, and prepared foods
Where: Plaça de l'Olivar, 07002 Palma, Mallorca
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-2PM
Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma
Neighborhood market surrounded by excellent restaurants and tapas bars
Where: Carrer de Soler, 07013 Palma, Mallorca
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-3PM
Alcúdia Sunday & Tuesday Market
One of Mallorca's biggest outdoor markets with clothing, crafts, food, and local products
Where: Plaça de la Porta de Mallorca, 07400 Alcúdia
Hours: Tuesdays and Sundays 9AM-2PM
Mercat Municipal, Ciutadella, Menorca
Beautiful covered market in Menorca's former capital with local cheese, meats, and vegetables
Where: Plaça de la Llibertat, 07760 Ciutadella, Menorca
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-2PM, Fri also 6PM-9PM
Punta Arabí Market, Santa Eulària, Ibiza
Large hippie market at the Punta Arabí resort with hundreds of artisan stalls
Where: Carretera de Santa Eulàlia a Es Canar, 07840 Santa Eulària, Ibiza
Hours: Wednesdays 10AM-7PM (May-October)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Passeig del Born, Palma
Palma's elegant tree-lined boulevard with luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and upscale boutiques
Best for: luxury fashion and designer brands
Carrer del Sindicat, Palma
The old town's main shopping street with local designers, artisan ceramics, and food shops
Best for: local designers, souvenirs
La Marina, Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town's waterfront area with designer boutiques, jewelry, and high-end fashion
Best for: designer fashion, jewelry, luxury brands
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Fan Mallorca Shopping, Palma
Large modern shopping center near Palma with major Spanish and international brands
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM
Porto Pi Centro, Palma
Palma's largest shopping center with cinema, restaurants, and fashion brands
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not typical in shops but may be possible at markets, especially for larger purchases
Markets like Las Dalias and Punta Arabí may accept offers if buying multiple items
Fixed prices are standard at all established stores and restaurants
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export cultural heritage items or antiques over 100 years old without a permit
Tax Refund: VAT (IVA) refund available for non-EU visitors on purchases over €90; get the form in-store
Duty Free: EU travelers have no duty-free limits within the EU; non-EU visitors have allowances on alcohol and tobacco
Shipping: International shipping available from most large stores and markets; La Colmena ships ensaïmadas worldwide