Supermarkets and discount stores
Mercadona is the largest supermarket in Mallorca and across Spain. With over 1,600 branches it is available everywhere. Prices are medium to high, but the range is huge. You can find everything: fruit, vegetables, meat (good in-store butcher), dairy products, organic produce and also German items.
Opening hours: usually 8 am - 9 pm, Sundays 8 am - 2 pm (varies by location). The "Seleqtia" brand (Mercadona's own label) is good value.
Lidl is a German discount store with a strong presence in Mallorca. Prices are noticeably better than Mercadona (around 15-20% cheaper for basics). The range is smaller but sufficient. Lidl also runs regular promotions (Offertas) with very good deals.
Opening hours: usually 9 am - 9 pm, including Sundays.
Eroski is a Basque supermarket with good quality. Prices fall between Mercadona and Lidl. The number of branches is smaller, but it is present in larger towns. Eroski has a strong sustainability focus.
Carrefour is a French hypermarket chain. There are smaller "Carrefour Express" (convenience) stores and large "Carrefour" hypermarkets. The larger ones are ideal for bigger purchases and household goods. They often run promotions. Prices are similar to Mercadona.
Aldi is only present in a few locations in Mallorca (not everywhere). Where Aldi is available, the prices are excellent. But the network is small.
DIA is a Spanish discount store, found everywhere and cheap. Quality is acceptable but the range is smaller. Good for quick errands.
Weekly markets
The weekly markets (Mercados de abastos) in Mallorca are legendary. Fresh produce, local specialities, fish straight from the boat, fruit and vegetables from the farmer. This is the real Mallorca.
Mercat de l'Olivar in Palma is the largest and most famous. Open daily, best visited in the morning (7 am - 12 pm). Hundreds of stalls with fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese and olives. Prices are fair (often cheaper than the supermarket for fresh produce). The atmosphere is wonderful: old, chaotic and authentic.
Mercat de Santa Maria in Palma is similar but slightly smaller and more refined. Popular with tourists. Quality is very good. Wednesdays and Fridays are the main days.
Sineu market is famous throughout Mallorca. Every Wednesday from 8 am. The largest weekly market with over 300 stalls. There is everything: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, handicrafts and clothing. Prices are very good. It is also a tourist experience: busy, loud and lively.
Santa Maria market (Inca) every Thursday. A large market with good prices. Known for leather goods (historically) and household items.
Inca weekly market every Thursday. Similar to Sineu, slightly smaller. Good quality.
Markets are traditionally open Monday to Saturday mornings (until around 2 pm). On Sundays only a few markets operate.
Shopping habits in Mallorca
Spaniards shop differently from Germans. Lunch is the main meal (1-3 pm), dinner is very light (8-9 pm). Many people buy fresh produce daily rather than for the whole week.
That is why weekly markets are so important - they offer fresh products every day. As a German you are used to keeping a pantry stocked. That is possible too, but with cheap supermarkets nearby it is less necessary.
Many supermarkets have long opening hours until 9-10 pm. On Sundays most are open until 2 pm. Monday to Saturday: 8 am - 9 pm is standard.
Payment habits: Contactless payment is widespread everywhere. A Spanish bank account with a contactless card is practical. Cash is also accepted. Small change is useful (car parks, market stalls).
Prices and saving tips
Here is a comparison of typical products (2026):
| Product | Mercadona | Lidl | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 L milk | 1.10 EUR | 0.85 EUR | 0.90 EUR |
| 1 kg tomatoes | 2.50 EUR | 2.00 EUR | 1.50 EUR |
| 1 kg apples | 2.00 EUR | 1.50 EUR | 1.20 EUR |
| 1 kg chicken | 7.50 EUR | 6.50 EUR | 6.00 EUR |
| 1 kg fish | 15 EUR | 12 EUR | 10 EUR |
| Bread (500 g) | 1.20 EUR | 0.80 EUR | 1.00 EUR |
Saving tips:
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Buy fresh produce at the market, not the supermarket. You save 20-30% and get better quality.
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Use Lidl for basics (milk, bread, eggs, sugar). Mercadona for choice and convenience.
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Avoid tourist areas. On the coast prices are 30-50% higher than inland. Check out the best places to live in Mallorca to save on shopping too.
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Buy own-label products. Mercadona "Seleqtia" and Lidl "Alvalle" are inexpensive and good.
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Watch for promotions (Offertas). On Fridays and Saturdays you can often find 50% off on perishable goods.
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Online ordering works at Mercadona and Carrefour. You can order online and collect in store (Click and Collect), usually free of charge.
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Market timing: Shop in the afternoon (from 2 pm), when many vendors offer discounts rather than taking goods home.
Summary
Shopping in Mallorca is straightforward and affordable. Use Lidl for savings, Mercadona for convenience, and the weekly market for freshness and a bit of adventure. The food culture here is great - embrace it and enjoy fresh produce every day. For a detailed overview of the cost of living in Mallorca, see our separate article. Your wallet and your health will thank you.