When in Palma, make sure you take the time to visit the neighbourhood of the old fishermen’s quarter, Santa Catalina, named after Mallorca’s patron Saint, Santa Catalina Tomas.
This delightful artistic and boho neighbourhood has retained its character and still has a close-knit community feel despite the changes in recent years and a newer breed of trendy resident and shopper. It is not unusual still to hear neighbours, who have lived here all their lives, shouting a greeting across the road to one another !
At the heart of the community is its market place, Mercat de Santa Catalina. You can still see the traditional family-run stalls heaped high with row upon row of gloriously fresh fruit and veg and hear the fishmongers shout out the days prices.
Its position above the largest of Palma´s marinas, has seen the arrival of a new international crowd joining the older residents, drawn largely by this wonderful market, the oldest in Palma.
It is not unusual to jostle for position in a queue with chefs and stewards shopping for the discerning palate of the super yachts moored below.
New stallholders have arrived in recent years to satisfy international tastes, offering hand made burgers, spices from around the world, fresh pastas, international wines and a hugely popular sushi bar.
Beyond the walls of the Santa Catalina market, the international mix continues.
Bunched together in the tightly knit streets this area has become a mecca for the latest trendy restaurants such as Duke, Basmati, Sa Fulla and Sumaq Peruvian/ Japanese fusion to name but a few. Every palate is catered for. It has also become the ´go to` late night destination for bars and boogying.
You will also find yoga studios, such as Earth Yoga, offering daily classes to both locals and visitors.
You are spoiled for choice for cakes and bread at bakeries such as Thomas´ Bakehouse, and there are numerous vegan restaurants and juice bars as well as an eclectic range of designer shops.
So come hungry and be ready to shop in this fantastic little neighbourhood.
Mercat open 07.00am -17.00 Monday to Friday 07.00am -14.00 Saturday.
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