Inca

21 septiembre 2021

Less affluent than the coastal areas and definitely more multicultural than some of the more mono cultural expat enclaves. ~ Expat Resident of Inca

Quick Overview

By the 1930s, this bustling town had over 100 shoe factories and paved the way for industrial revolution here in Mallorca. If you are driving toward Alcudia on the MA-13, you will see the outskirts of Inca and the surrounding villages of Caimari, Selva and Buger. Inca is the third largest municipality on the island. Famed for leather products that are sold internationally, this town is now an entrepreneur's dream with access to high-speed internet and a great transportation hub. With a new private hospital center, this town and the surrounding villages make this an attractive place to live.

Getting There #

One of the greatest things about Inca is its accessibility. Whether you choose to travel by rail or road, you can guarantee your journey will only take around half an hour from Palma city centre. Apart from its direct motorway connection, Inca’s railway operates a regular service and the A32 bus that runs from Palma to Port de Pollença also makes regular stops. Although not the most eye catching or elegant of destinations in Mallorca, Inca is enclosed by rolling hills and craggy mountains, allowing for some fabulous cycle trails too!

History

In the late 19th Century, an aphid infestation devastated the island’s wine industry by killing vines, so many people turned to the shoe trade. Some of these family run shoemakers still exist and their brands are now known all over the world.

By the 1930’s the town of Inca was well-established as Mallorca’s shoe headquarters with around 100 factories producing all kinds of footwear. This is the reason Inca is a great transportation hub here on the island and an easy place to live if you don't want to own a car.

For more on the rich history of shoemaking on Mallorca, visit the Museum of Footwear and Industry in Inca, located in a pavilion of the former General Luque Infantry Barracks. It was designed by Majorcan architect Francesc Roca (1909 – 1910), although it was later remodeled several times by government architect Guillem Reynés Font. This is a must-see for the history of shoes and also architecture on the island. With COVID, a visit might not be easy so check out this link for a series of videos and events at the museum >> Videos of Events at the Museum of Footwear and Industry

Inca Church

Co-Working Spaces #

Shared offices are becoming more the norm as long as homes have access to high-speed internet and telephone services. With several options including "Green Co-Working Spaces," Fábrica Ramis is a centrally-located commercial co-working space with facilities to support both internal and external functions of any sized business. With flexible break out rooms that serve as showrooms, exposition space, events and festival spaces, this place has a commercial kitchen to offer food expos, music events and outdoor garden space.

Inca Garden Sunset Mountains

Local Sights #

Inca is an interesting town in the sense that it really does look quite dull and unattractive, especially when its neighbouring towns of Lloseta and Selva possess so much beauty. it’s a little like two Cinderellas with one ugly sister! However, there is some stunning architecture on display, notably the impressive Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. This baroque style building, dating back to the 18th century, towers over the square and stands proudly at the heart of the town. The juxtaposition of such intricate architecture against modern housing has an endearing charm all of its own.

There are a few Baroque style buildings that adorn the streets of Inca, mainly other convents or churches- all beautiful in their own right, but not quite as exquisite as the Church of Santa Maria.

Unlike many of the popular towns here in a Mallorca, Inca doesn’t boast to have a beautiful beach or hill side location, so it really does rely on its compelling history of crafts to entice the visitors. One of the most popular attractions here is the Museum of Footwear and Industry (see below for links).

The top attractions to visit in Inca are:

Sights to Visit #

Museum of Footwear and Industry

For more on the rich history of shoemaking on Mallorca, visit the Museum of Footwear and Industry in Inca, located in a pavilion of the former General Luque Infantry Barracks. It was designed by Majorcan architect Francesc Roca (1909 – 1910), although it was later remodeled several times by government architect Guillem Reynés Font. This is a must-see for the history of shoes and also architecture on the island. With COVID, a visit might not be easy so check out this link for a series of videos and events at the museum >> Videos of Events at the Museum of Footwear and Industry

Shopping and Markets #

Inca is one of just a few towns here on the island that benefits from both an indoor and an outdoor market. Every Thursday, the streets are illuminated with rows and rows of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, hand crafted products (leather of course) and more pastries than you could dare to dream about! This market is a huge tourist attraction during the summer months, and many tour operators offer a shuttle bus service into the centre of the town, so that all holiday makers can enjoy this fine display of Mallorquin produce!

If you fancy a more contemporary shopping experience - or maybe you simply prefer purses to potatoes, then the indoor market has something for you! A variety of boutiques and independent clothing stores, you can guarantee you’ll find some unique and interesting items!

Inca Thursday Market

Fiestas & Annual Highlights #

One of the largest celebrations in Inca is the Dijous Bo Fiesta. Taking place in mid-November, this autumn fair is a fun filled day for the entire family! Translating (from Catalan) as ‘Good Thursday’, this spectacular day can see up to 200,000 people lining the streets of Inca, partaking in fairground games, food, drink and dancing. It really is a sight to behold! Although the main celebrations are held on the Thursday, for days before and after (its Spain, we love to party!) local competitions and games are held throughout the town! Residents from all over the island travel to celebrate Dijous Bo - why don’t you join them!

For more on this fiesta (fair), click here for the official website >> Dijousbo.es.

Dijous Bo Festival
Dijous Bo - Inca
Dijous Bo Inca

Living in Inca #

Residing in Inca is remarkably affordable which may seem surprising considering the size of the town. However, in this case, Inca’s inland location benefits buyers, as prices are significantly reduced in comparison to its coastal cousins (Alcudia) and Can Picafort.

Property mainly consists of apartment style living, unless you choose to look further afield in Selva and Lloset, where fincas are the property of choice. Purchasing in Inca will cost you around €185.000-200.000 and this price would secure you a three-bed, two-bathroom apartment. As mentioned before, Inca is not the most attractive of towns, and this is reflected in the architecture of the properties where many buildings are comprised of simple, yet spacious, apartments. Although the outside of the property may not be as endearing as rustic finca, its practicality, central location and spacious interior means that you certainly get your money’s worth!

Rental prices are also affordable, for a similar property (three bedrooms, two bathrooms) you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €550-700 per month (excluding bills). In comparison to other large towns, and especially those with such fabulous transport systems, Inca makes big town living very affordable!

Medical Care #

Always a plus for any individual or family, all towns on Mallorca have access to good medical care. Inca offers the added bonus of three PACs in close proximity and a private, full-service hospital centrally-located. The surrounding areas also have PACs for urgent care and doctor's offices that provide full-service treatments.


Sporting Amenities #

While many people are active hikers and cyclists, families need recreational activities nearby. The Municipal Pool in Inca provides great space for swimming events with this olympic-size indoor pool

Inca indoor municipal pool mallorca

21 septiembre, 2021

Localización

Get Directions

En este sitio se utilizan cookies para ofrecer una experiencia más personalizada.

Puede obtener más información de las mismas en nuestra "Política de cookies".