Discovering the artisan soul of Mallorca 

Mallorca is not only known for its spectacular scenery of white sandy beaches and coves with crystal-clear waters and a World Heritage mountain range, but also for the legacy of craftsmanship that can be found in every corner of the island.

Since the beginning of times, the hands of Majorcans have shaped objects that are not only functional, but also part of the story of the island: ceramics, textiles and furniture that endure generation after generation.

Today, these traditions are still alive and, best of all, open to all who wish to learn from the true masters. Exploring Majorcan craftsmanship is not just about acquiring an object, it is about connecting with the soul of the island. We invite you to discover unique workshops and experiences to immerse yourself in this cultural richness.

Ceramics: a living tradition in Santanyí, Felanitx and Marratxí 

A heritage shaped by time 

Pottery has been an essential part of Majorcan daily life for centuries. From practical pieces such as jugs and bowls to colourful decorations, the ceramic tradition combines functionality and art. Local workshops still employ traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation, using the potter's wheel, hand moulding and glazing with natural glazes.

Where to find Majorcan ceramics 

Santanyí and Felanitx: In these towns, some workshops offer courses where visitors can learn to model their own pieces under the guidance of experienced potters. These spaces are perfect for those who are looking for a practical and creative experience. In Santanyí we recommend you visit the workshop ‘Cosas de Barro’, while in Felanitx you can make your own ceramic pieces in the workshop ‘Call Vermell’ by María Ramis Vidal.

Marratxí: Considered the epicentre of Majorcan ceramics, the Fang (Mud) Fair is held here every year, and you'll find workshops that offer guided tours to learn about the entire creation process, such as the Pilar Sastre Ceramics School.

The ‘gerreta felanitxera’, a real mystery

The tradition of ‘gerreta’ (or pottery) and ceramics in Felanitx is very old, and the artistic side is still being worked on today. Due to the abundance of clayey soil, it is very likely that the craft dates back to the pre-Talaiotic culture (the period when the first settlers on the islands of Mallorca and Menorca, 3rd millennium BC). We can also highlight the high quality of this clay, with characteristics that make it different from others: lightness, porosity, colour... As proof we can mention that George Sand wrote in A Winter in Mallorca: ‘...Felanitx, with its “gerretes”, which are so light and of such a fine grain that one could mistake its clay for a precious material...’.

The ‘felanitxera gerreta’: a relic of the past

The ‘gerreta felanitxera’ is appliqué pottery, a type of earthenware, generally purely decorative in the form of a ‘gerreta’ with two handles or with one handle decorated with appliqué and undercut. The applied decoration is very exuberant and baroque, because of the clay itself. Flowers, leaves, birds and shells covered the entire surface of the piece; the mouth of the piece had a nest or birds and often had openwork (holes) all around it. All this shows that they were not intended to conserve water and were therefore intended to be decorative. It is a very ironic object, linked to the identity of Felanitx. Not much is known about the origin of this ‘gerreta’, which does not function as a jug, although the first piece found dates from the 16th century. After a break of more than two hundred years, it was not until 1860, thanks to an artistic competition, that it resurfaced and was even exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. We could dream for a while and wonder whether it might be a reminiscence of the burial objects from the Talaiotic tombs. For the moment we leave it at a guess.

Until recently it was common for the parents of young people getting married to give them a ‘gerreta’ for their new home. Unfortunately, nowadays, this does not seem to have continued. We hope that this is a temporary loss and that one day some felanitxera or felanitxer will dare to revive this very typical craft.

The ‘llata’: the art of plaiting palms in Capdepera and Artà 

An art that grows between the hands 

The ‘llata’, or palm leaf plaiting, is one of the most deeply-rooted traditions in the essence of Mallorca. This art, which was born as a practical way of creating baskets, hats and utensils for everyday life, has evolved into an expression of cultural identity.

Where to learn more about ‘llata’ 

Capdepera and Artá: These villages are the heart of the ‘llata’. In Capdepera, some artisans open their doors to show the process from the drying of the leaves to the final plaiting, such as the ‘La Palma’ workshop. Both in Artá and Capdepera, you can find community workshops where you can learn this art directly from the locals, an activity to be done in community, several neighbours gather in a house, of all ages, and they usually sing or talk while they work. Reminiscent of a past when people worked hard but were much more socially connected.

Cabinetmaking and chair stringing: the woodworking tradition of Manacor and Son Macià 

The art of woodworking 

For decades, Manacor has been a reference for carpentry and joinery in Mallorca. From furniture that is passed down from generation to generation, to decorative details, the hands of Mallorcan cabinetmakers create pieces that are true works of art. In addition, the tradition of stringing chairs with natural bulrush, especially in Son Macià, is one of the traditions that, fortunately, is still very much alive.

Where to learn about cabinetmaking in Mallorca 

Manacor: Several cabinetmaking workshops, such as ‘Ebanistería Jarsu’ or ‘Carpintería y Ebanistería André Lieb’ offer visits where you can see the woodworking process and, in some cases, participate in the restoration of furniture.

Son Macià: Here, a master rope-maker who you will find at the local market every week continues to teach this technique in small workshops: a unique experience for those who wish to understand how craftsmanship transforms everyday objects into unique and timeless pieces.

Roba de llengos: the Ikat of Mallorca 

The textile tradition that never goes out of fashion 

The cloth of tongues, known in Mallorca as ‘roba de llengos’, has become an icon of Mallorca. Their unique design and Ikat weaving technique arrived on the island centuries ago and have become a cultural symbol of Mallorcan identity.

Where to see and learn about Majorcan ikat 

Some traditional factories such as ‘Teixits Riera’ in Lloseta or ‘Teixits Vicens’ in Pollensa offer guided tours to see how these fabrics are dyed and woven. Visitors can also purchase personalised pieces to take a piece of this tradition home with them.

At Inturotel Cala Esmeralda you can appreciate the beauty of these fabrics in the details that Isabel Lopez Vilalta, inspired by the local craftsmanship of our island, wanted to incorporate into the interior design project of this 1970s hotel that exudes Mediterranean authenticity and originality made in Mallorca: olive green and navy blue ikat cushions, blue banquettes, pink plaids, red armchairs... A real pleasure for those who love beauty.

Majorcan craftsmanship as a cultural experience 

More than objects, stories and sustainability 

Exploring Mallorca's local crafts is the best way to connect with its people, its history and its culture. Each piece created in the workshops reflects a conscious way of life that values sustainability and respect for natural resources. Buying handicrafts from Mallorca is the best souvenir you can take home from an unforgettable holiday. Once at home these objects will connect you with the island and its people, even if you are thousands of kilometres away.

Supporting local artisans not only preserves these traditions, but also boosts family economies and entire communities. Participating in a workshop, listening to the stories behind each technique and creating with your own hands offers an unforgettable and enriching experience. And you will contribute to keeping alive these professions, so crucial to weave a distinct cultural identity, very important in these times of monotonous and repetitive globality. Because when we travel to other places we like to be surprised by their culture, so different from our own. In this way, let us vindicate the local, the artisan, as opposed to what is manufactured thousands of miles away from our homes.

Mallorca, a piece of paradise for crafts and art

Mallorca is much more than a tourist destination. Its rich artisan tradition is an open door to its soul, its history and its essence. From the ceramic pieces in Felanitx to the palm baskets in Artà or the corded chairs in Son Macià, each object tells a unique story.

Visiting a workshop, learning from the masters and taking a part of this tradition with you not only brings you closer to Mallorca, but also makes you part of it. Do you want to discover it from its roots?