Mallorca is a treasure trove for those who love exploring local markets, tasting regional specialties, and uncovering authentic island life. Its lively markets, charming villages, and scenic coastal routes provide a perfect backdrop for memorable shopping and culinary adventures. We especially enjoy tours like the Cap de Formentor: Market, Beach, and Alcudia Tour, which combines stunning scenery with culture, and the 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma, offering a hands-on taste of Mallorcan cuisine. Whether you’re after fresh produce, handmade crafts, or learning to cook traditional dishes, Mallorca won’t disappoint.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best shopping & market tours on the island. Each offers a unique way to experience Mallorca’s vibrant local life, from bustling markets to scenic coastal drives, helping you pick the right trip for your interests and schedule.
1. Cap de Formentor: Market, Beach, and Alcudia Tour
This full-day tour is a well-rounded experience that takes you to some of Mallorca’s most iconic spots, combining local market visits, scenic drives, and beach relaxation. It starts with a guided visit to a traditional market—perfect for enjoying local produce and crafts—before cruising along the stunning coast of Formentor. The route offers panoramic views that are hard to beat, especially from the Formentor peninsula, where the rugged cliffs meet shimmering waters. The tour also includes free time in Alcudia, an ancient town with cobbled streets and a lively market, and a stop at the Port of Pollença for some leisure or a quick snack.
Rated 4.4/5 with nearly 500 reviews, this tour is praised for its friendly guide and varied itinerary. “Carmel and the driver are so accommodating and fun,” shared one reviewer, highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere. The combination of beach time at Formentor and walking through Alcudia’s old town makes this a versatile option, especially if you want a taste of both coast and culture.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive day out with scenic views, local markets, and free beach time, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and culture at a reasonable price.
2. 4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma
For a hands-on culinary experience, this small-group cooking class in Palma offers a perfect blend of market exploration and food preparation. The tour begins with a visit to a traditional mallorquin market, where you’ll select fresh ingredients for your meal. Afterwards, you’ll head to a local chef’s home to prepare a seasonal four-course meal, learning classic Mallorcan techniques along the way. The class is intimate, with a maximum of 28 participants, ensuring personal attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Rated 5.0/5 from 28 reviews, this experience stands out for its warmth and authenticity. “Deborah was super nice and explained things well,” said one traveler, emphasizing the personal touch. The inclusion of local ingredients like Iberico ham and typical sausages makes this a true taste of Mallorca. Plus, you get to enjoy your culinary creations with glasses of local wine.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to learn Mallorcan recipes and improve their cooking skills while enjoying a small-group atmosphere. It’s a delicious way to bring home a piece of Mallorca.
3. Mallorca: Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop
This workshop emphasizes cultural and culinary traditions, exploring Mallorca’s regional ingredients, family recipes, and seasonal foods. You start by visiting the famous Mercat de L’Olivar, where the guide explains the significance of local products, from fresh vegetables to artisanal meats. Then, in a cozy kitchen, you’ll prepare a three-course meal based on age-old family recipes, including dishes that highlight Mallorca’s culinary heritage.
Rated 5/5 from 19 reviews, participants praise the warm, informative guidance and delicious results. “Deborah explained everything clearly and accommodated our dietary needs,” shared one. The workshop includes visits to iconic spots like the Forn de la Llotgeta bakery, founded in the 18th century, giving a sense of local history and food culture.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in cooking traditions and local food history, this experience provides a well-rounded taste of Mallorca’s culinary roots. It’s perfect for travelers who want to cook, learn, and eat like a local.
4. Palma: 2.5-Hour Chinatown Market Tour
Discover the authentic side of Palma’s Chinatown with this lively tour focused on the district’s weekly green market and bustling streets. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore the Pere Garau Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood where international food stalls and colorful shops line narrow streets. You’ll sample dishes from all over the world, giving you a taste of Palma’s multicultural flair.
Rated 4.7/5 from 18 reviews, visitors enjoy the different perspective this tour offers. “We really enjoyed the tour,” said one participant, noting how it revealed a side of Palma many visitors overlook. It’s an excellent choice for foodies interested in global flavors and authentic local life without the fuss of large-group tours.
Bottom Line: If you love exploring ethnic markets and trying diverse dishes, this shorter tour provides an immersive look at Palma’s multicultural side.
5. Formentor with Boat Trip + Local Market
For those seeking a full day of varied experiences, this tour combines a shopping trip, scenic coastal views, and a boat ride. It starts with a visit to a local market, giving you a chance to buy fresh produce or souvenirs. Then, enjoy a coach drive along the stunning northern coast, with stops at the Colomer viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the Tramuntana mountains.
The highlight is a boat trip to Port de Pollença, offering a water-based perspective of Mallorca’s rugged coast. After the boat, you can explore the marina or relax at the beach. Rated 4.0/5 from 72 reviews, this tour is valued for its variety and scenic drives. One reviewer mentioned, “The boat trip to Cape de Formentor was magnificent,” highlighting the boat’s role in showcasing Mallorca’s seaside beauty.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a mix of shopping, scenic views, and boat adventure—a good choice for active travelers who enjoy multiple experiences in one day.
6. Arta Caves and Market Excursion
This day trip combines culture, history, and nature with visits to the vibrant Artà Market and the spectacular Artà Caves. Starting from No frills Excursions, it includes a guided exploration of the caves’ magical formations—a must-see for fans of geology and natural beauty. The tour also features free time in Artà, a picturesque town with narrow streets and local shops, and a visit to the Sant Salvador Sanctuary for sweeping views of the surroundings.
Rated 4.3/5, visitors enjoy the mixture of natural wonders and cultural sights. The caves, with their impressive formations, are often a highlight, and the market gives a glimpse into local crafts and foods. The tour provides a balanced day of adventure and relaxation.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent option for travelers wanting to combine natural wonder with market shopping and a taste of Mallorca’s charming towns.
How to Choose Your Mallorca Shopping & Market Tour
When choosing among these options, consider your budget, interest in food or scenery, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after an immersive culinary experience, the cooking workshops (link to #2) and traditional food tours (link to #3) are excellent. For scenic coastal drives combined with market visits, the Cap de Formentor tour (link to #1) and Formentor with boat trip (link to #5) stand out.
If your time is limited but you want a quick cultural fix, the Palma Chinatown Market Tour (link to #4) offers a short, lively experience. For those interested in natural wonders mixed with local markets, the Arta Caves and Market (link to #6) strikes a good balance.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the more popular cooking workshops and full-day excursions, which tend to fill up fast. Check availability in advance, and consider your activity level—some tours involve walking or boat trips, so be prepared.
Final Thoughts
Mallorca offers a diverse array of shopping, market, and culinary tours suited to different interests. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic coastal routes and markets of Formentor, eager to learn authentic Mallorcan recipes, or want to explore Palma’s multicultural district, there’s a tour for you. For a well-rounded day, the Cap de Formentor: Market, Beach, and Alcudia Tour is hard to beat, offering scenic beauty and cultural insights. For those who love hands-on experiences, the cooking workshops provide lasting skills and tasty memories.
Remember, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these engaging experiences. Mallorca’s lively markets and scenic spots await—get your reservations in now and prepare for some authentic island adventures.