Inca is one of those places in Mallorca that may go unnoticed at first, but no, you can’t leave the island without getting to know this town. It is halfway between the Serra de Tramuntana and the center of Mallorca; it is a quiet city, with a good atmosphere, many historical details to tell, and some of the most beautiful natural routes in the area.
Is it far from the tourist area? Yes, but that is precisely its charm. Come on, let us tell you what to see in Inca in detail.
The essential things to see in Inca
We are not going to lie to you, Inca is not very big, but it has several points that are worth discovering. One of them is the historic center. . Go to the Plaça d’Espanya and, from here, walk through the adjacent streets. You will see old houses, small shops, and some of the most traditional bakeries in the city. Very close by is the Church of Santa Maria la Major, one of the most emblematic buildings in Inca and a good reference point to orient yourself.
You can also stroll through the Cloister of Santo Domingo, a very quiet place, with arches and a central patio that is usually surprising because of how well preserved it is. And if you like the market atmosphere, it is held here on Thursdays, in the heart of Inca, with local produce stalls and a lot of movement in the streets.
But wait, there are still more things to see in Inca.
Nature and routes near Inca
Inca is a perfect starting point to explore the nature of the area. In just a few minutes you can find yourself on some of the most beautiful routes in the center of Mallorca. And there is something for all tastes and abilities: easy paths, more demanding ones, routes with viewpoints, hermitages, and many peaks to reach. Here are four alternatives for you to choose from.
#1 Puig de Santa Magdalena
The Puig de Santa Magdalena is the most classic and closest excursion to Inca. The ascent begins practically on the outskirts of the city and is an ideal route if you are looking for something simple, short, and with a final reward. The path is well signposted and combines asphalt with sections of track, so you can do it both on foot and by car.
At the top, the hermitage, a refuge, and an esplanade await you, from which you can see a large part of the Pla de Mallorca and, if the day is clear, even the Serra de Tramuntana in the background.
#2 Penya des Migdia
The Penya des Migdia is a very interesting alternative if you are looking for something of intermediate difficulty. The path will take you through forest areas, through more open sections, and to make several stops that are not a viewpoint, but serve as such. The summit is not very large, but it has a perfect panoramic view so you can take a few souvenir photos.
#3 Sa Pobla
If you like nature in a broader sense —wetlands, birds, wooden walkways, and completely flat routes—, then you have to go to Sa Pobla. It is the gateway to the s’Albufera Natural Park, one of the most important natural reserves on the island. Here there are no peaks or slopes, but flat paths where you can see birds, aquatic plants, and a landscape totally different from the coast of Mallorca.
#4 Puig Tomir
If you are looking for a demanding route, the Puig Tomir is one of the most difficult peaks to climb in the north of Mallorca. The truth is that it has slopes and sections that require being well prepared. And is there a reward? Of course, the reward is the best views of the island and a spectacular path in which you will cross holm oaks, rocky areas, old charcoal burners’ constructions, and natural viewpoints. Perfect if you want a challenge and come with enough time and desire.
Typical gastronomy of Inca and where to eat
Inca is a good place to sit at the table and try real Mallorcan dishes. Here gastronomy has a lot of weight and, in addition, it is closely linked to local produce. If you come hungry, you are in the right place.
One of the best-known dishes in the area is the frit mallorquí, which here they prepare as tradition dictates, with that homemade touch that gives it a more intense flavor. Sobrasada is also typical, and especially ensaimadas. Inca is famous for the quality of its bakeries and ovens in the historic center, and it shows as soon as you walk through the door.
If you want to taste the gastronomy of Mallorca in Inca and be satisfied, stop by one of the city’s cellers. They are old wine warehouses converted into restaurants where you can try dishes such as tumbet, roast lamb, or a well-served pa amb oli.
For something more informal, the cafes and small bars around the Plaça d’Espanya work very well. They usually have a daily menu and fairly extensive kitchen hours.
Other things to do in Inca
In addition to walking through the center and exploring nature, there are several cultural plans that are worth adding to your list of what to see in Inca. They are not huge places or large-format museums, but very local proposals that will help you better understand the history and identity of the city.
One of the most interesting places is the Museu del Calçat i de la Indústria, where you can see how shoes were made by hand, what tools were used, and why Inca was, for decades, one of the great footwear producing centers in Mallorca.
Very close by is the Cloister of Sant Domingo —which we have talked about before—, which in itself is worth visiting for its interior patio, but which also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. If you pass by there and find it open, go in without thinking.
Another place that people usually like a lot is the Fàbrica Ramis, an old building restored and converted into a cultural space where activities, markets, and events are organized. There is always something here.
And if you still have a while, you can go to the Mercat Cobert, the municipal market. It is small, yes, but it is one of the best places to get delicacies from small producers.
So… is it worth coming to see Inca?
After walking through the center, learning about its history, tasting its gastronomy, and exploring the surrounding routes, you will realize that Inca is one of those places that work very well as a base for touring Mallorca. It is in the center of the island, has good road connections, and is also just a few minutes from mountains, beautiful towns like Búger, some of the best coves in Mallorca, and a lot of great plans for your holidays.
Therefore, if you are organizing the trip, it is a very good idea to look for accommodation around here. And in Ideal Property we have some of the best rustic fincas and houses in the area: spaces designed to rest, to cook something if you feel like it, and, above all, to have the whole island at hand without complicating things.
Are you coming to make all the «what to see in Inca» that you have noted with us a reality?