Inca

21 September 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 an 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, an indoor municipal pool, business incubation hubs and plenty of supportive retail businesses, this town and the surrounding villages make this an attractive and affordable place to live.

Getting There & Walk Score #

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!

Walkability is high here too.

Walk Score for Inca
Walk Score for Inca

History #

Mallorca, up through the late 19th Century, was predominately agricultural with light industry. 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.

This particular town is steeped in eclectic and interesting history. The earliest inhabitants were of Islamic descent and are rumoured to have settled in the town long before the arrival of the Romans. Very little can be found from this period, although the remains of certain systems that were installed to help manage the flow of water in the town (almost like small viaducts) are still present today.

Despite facing devastation, the people of Inca chose to adapt their skills and focus on their production of leather goods. The art of tanning and preparing the hides into some of the finest bags, shoes, coats and purses has taken years to perfect - and production is still booming today! You only need to meander through the streets for a few moments to see why Inca is often referred to as ‘The City of Leather’- if its top quality, individual products that you want, then Inca won’t disappoint!

For more on the history of leather. goods and shoes, read Mallorca Shoes.

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 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:

Must See #

Museum of Footwear and Industry
Av. del General Luque, 223, 07300 - Inca

Tel. +34 871 911 643 Email: [email protected]

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.

Open every day, and all year round, this large museum is home to some of the finest leather products on the island. From affordable to ‘HOW MUCH?!’ these hand crafted goods are undeniably beautiful. The museum explains and demonstrates every element of the leather crafting process, and is a must when visiting Inca! Entry is free, and how much you spend is up to you.

Food, Drink & Lodgings #

The town of Inca and the surrounding villages have many places in varying price points to please the most discerning palate. Literally, you'll find scores of restaurants. This town has something for everyone. Inca is bursting at the seams with great places to eat and drink.

If it’s traditional food at affordable prices that tickles your fancy, then Restaurante Canyamel will tick all of your boxes! Located just outside of the town centre, this well-established restaurant has been serving up some of Mallorca’s finest dishes for a number of years. Open 6 days a week from 1-4pm, Restaurante Canyamel serves only at lunchtime, and is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. Booking is advisable, as by 2pm there will be queues trailing all the way down the street! At just €11 per person for the menú del día (including a drink) this really is one of Mallorca’s most affordable eateries.

Restaurante Canyamel
16 Calle Jaime, Inca 07300
Tel: 971 50 75 72

Although everyone enjoys a buffet, we also can’t deny that many of us like to sample a few of the finer things in life… perhaps a little local cuisine that comes with a slightly larger price tag - yet delivers a taste sensation that is hard to forget. If you’re reading this thinking that all sounds great, then Santi Taura is a must on your visit to Inca!

Santi Taura is a family run restaurant that is tucked away in the sleepy village of Lloseta, just a short 10 minute drive from the centre of Inca. Each day a ‘surprise’ set menu is offered - customers pay €42 per person and are treated to 6 stunning dishes, consisting of the best local products that are available each season. The service is intimate and personal, and although the setting is not as glamorous or elaborate as other restaurants on the island, the food is simply the star of the show! An average evening meal for 2 people (including alcohol and soft drinks) will set you back around €130 - and although not so affordable for a regular trip out, it certainly makes for a fabulous dining experience (once in a while)!

Santi Taura
48 Calle Juan Carlos, Lloseta 07360
Tel: 656 73 82 14

The surrounding villages have a great selection of Agrotourism hotels, restaurants and bed & breakfasts. One we love because of it combines an organic working farm, natural setting to see the best of the authentic Mallorca and easy drives to the best beaches and other activities is Hotel Rural Monnaber Nou & SPA in Campanet. Click here >> Brochure for Hotel Rural Monnaber Nou.

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 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 other 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

Charm Factor #

If you are looking for a working town with full services and amenities, centrally-located with easy access to mass transit and high-speed internet, Inca is your place. You may have to stretch your definition of charm. The area's beauty grows on you once you make a home here in this town. With accessibility for all of life's daily needs, we think Inca is a great place to live, work and play.

21 September, 2021

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