Inca

History & Culture in Inca

Inca's early history

Inca has its place in Mallorca’s early history as the home to several Talaiotic settlements which were inhabited way back before the Romans occupied the island. During the Islamic period, the town was known as ‘Inkán’ and, from this time some traces remain such as the "sinies" and the "ganats" or "foggara", different systems employed by the Arabs to draw underground water.

Winemaking and leather craftsmanship

Inca and its surrounding area were mass producers of wine between the 17th and 19th centuries but the plague of phylloxera destroyed the industry. This is when its residents focused on tanning and leather craftsmanship. With the implementation of the rail system and a gas factory, this industry boomed.

Traces of its wine producing are still very much on show as many old wine cellars have been converted into restaurants and ooze character thanks to the original winemaking artefacts on display. They are known as ‘cellar’ restaurants and are best known for serving authentic Mallorcan food. The good news is that wine production in the area is on the rise again and already producing some top quality wines.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Inca

History, architecture and culture

Inca’s quite a mish-mash of architecture and there are a few buildings and other sights and attractions of interest to culture vultures visiting the area. 

The churches are the main attraction, particularly the Baroque-style parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore which was originally built in the year 1248. However, the present building dates back to the 18th century and is the third one occupying the same site. 

Other historical places of interest in the municipality of Inca, equally Baroque, are the Convento Dominicano de Santo Domingo, the Church of San Francisco and its cloister, the Puig de Santa Magdalena and the Convento de Sant Bartomeu.

The main square, Plaça d'Espanya is home to the town hall, the legendary Spanish steps, and plenty of nice cafes. It’s a great place to kick back with a coffee and watch the world go by. 

The museum of footwear and leather ‘Museu del Calçat i Ia Pell d'Inca’ exhibits machinery and other objects related to the leather industry.

Dining in Inca

Inca is famous for its ‘cellars’, old wine-cellars turned into characterful restaurants featuring traditional dishes at reasonable prices. You can expect homemade hearty food from which you will come away feeling more than satisfied.

Away from these establishments are contemporary places serving high-quality, locally inspired dishes with a modern twist, often with a lunchtime menu that you'll find particularly popular amongst tourists and locals. 

For a more casual vibe go modern and try the latest international food trends - there are plenty of restaurants offering these.

Events in Inca

Inca, being a large residential town, has a thriving events calendar with theatre, exhibitions, live music concerts and sports events taking place throughout the year. Here are just a couple of the biggest and best to keep an eye out for.

Dijous Bo

Inca hosts Mallorca's biggest autumn fair, known as the Dijous Bo or Good Thursday. It was originally an agricultural fair that has grown to include exhibitions, music concerts, fireworks and all-night parties. It takes place across various weekends in October and November.

Inca Jazz festival

Throughout July, Inca puts on a spectacular jazz festival within the historical building of Claustre de San Domingo which is a huge draw for jazz music lovers on the island at this time of year. Keep an eye on our events calendar for the dates.

Inca market

Inca is home to one of Mallorca's biggest markets. Every Thursday, the streets around Plaça d'Espanya are taken over by row upon row of stalls. You will find plenty of leather here, plus jewellery, carved olive wood, lace and fresh produce from across the island. If you appreciate a good flower arrangement, make sure you head to Plaça d'Espanya as it transforms into an open-air flower show.

Things to do in Inca

Inca is a year-round destination. The town and its surrounding villages provide an attractive base for those keen to immerse themselves in some genuine Mallorcan culture as well as those who like to indulge in outdoor pursuits. So enjoy some wine tasting and vineyard tours, or go shopping for leather goods. 

Shopping

Leather is the word in Inca. You will find leather shops littering the town, while Thursday’s market offers lots of options of varying quality with some bargains to be had. Alternatively, visit the large leather outlets on the outskirts of town. For high-street shopping, head to Avinguda del Bisbe Llompart which has famed Spanish brands along with some independent shopping stores. Carrer des Hostals, adjacent to Plaça d'Espanya, is where you will find boutique shops selling international designer labels.

See our Activity Guide

Cycling in Inca

Cyclists will enjoy the rolling country lanes within close proximity to Inca, which is also within easy reach of the craggy Serra de Tramuntana for thigh-busting climbs and some of the most famous cycling routes on the island.

See our Cycling Guide

Hiking in Inca

There are plenty of charming hill villages close to Inca such as Lloseta, Selva or Mancor de la Vall. These are good places to start hikes and explore the countryside.

See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Holidays Rentals in Inca

Staying in short-term rental accommodation is a wonderful way to experience your holiday in your own time and space. With the freedom to cook, relax and come and go as you please, there are a number of beautiful rural establishments in the surrounding countryside, along with some lovely private fincas available to rent, ideal for larger groups.

Hotels in Inca

There are very few hotels in Inca itself, but there are boutique hotels dotted around the outskirts of the town that are within walking distance. 

How to get to Inca

By car

Inca is just under a 30-minute drive from Palma airport. Head towards Palma along the Ma-19, then use the Ma-20 ring road around the city before taking the Ma-13 all the way to Inca. Alternatively take the hassle out of driving and book a private transfer.

Public transport

There is a direct bus to Inca from the airport. 

See our Getting Here Guide