Indeed, we’ll always have the shopping malls. The shops—places where our minds seem to be in “disconnect mode,” but the truth is they’re where we make our brains work the hardest. As we were saying, when we’re on holiday—here in Mallorca in your case (or perhaps in Menorca)—whenever the weather takes a turn, we usually head to places that keep our minds occupied and protect us from the rain and cold. Of course, generally speaking, these places all have something in common: we spend money.

Whether it’s strolling around a mall with its shops (which we can’t escape from), having a coffee or cappuccino, a glass of wine or a soft drink while grabbing a snack, or deciding to watch a movie at the cinema… we always spend! Since this is a reality, we need to mention it—but we’ll do so from a realistic perspective. 🙂

That is to say, these three shopping malls are the strategic places where you’ll find the most people on rainy, cold days. And there’s no distinction here: both locals and tourists alike. All of them share the same goal—sheltering from bad weather, but not exactly sheltering their wallets (ourselves included, because we all do it). Whether it’s cash, cards, or wherever you keep your money, it’s always at risk.

So, let’s get to it! And focusing on the island we’re on: Mallorca. On the island of the Balearic capital, you’ll find a total of three shopping malls that delight their visitors. Whether it’s watching a movie in the original version, eating a pizza with a special flavor, or visiting stores you don’t have in your city, these malls have an answer for each and every one of your questions and cravings.

PORTO PI

We could say it’s the most “urban” of the three, since it’s located on one of Palma’s busiest streets, Avenida de Gabriel Roca, which is the same street that runs along the Paseo Marítimo of the Balearic capital. In other words, if you’re there, walk a little further straight and turn the corner, boom… there it is. (It also connects to another of Palma’s best-known streets, Avenida de Joan Miró, in the iconic neighborhood of Gomila).

Porto Pi offers shops, restaurants, cinemas (including one of the island’s premium theaters), and even supermarkets inside. It’s also the oldest shopping mall on the island, as it was the first to open, back in 1995, giving all Mallorcans a place to find whatever they might need. It quickly became a reference point for young people, serving as a Saturday afternoon meeting spot where we’d spend the day combining cinema and fast food. The meeting point par excellence of the time, without a doubt.

MALLORCA FASHION OUTLET

This shopping center opened in 2002 on the Palma–Inca road, in the town of Marratxí. Originally called Festival Park (and let’s be honest, among friends it still is), it gave us a more spacious, out-of-the-city option where spending several hours was easy. It offers international clothing brands (including some luxury ones) that are always a big draw, along with restaurants of every theme you can imagine.

Another key attraction—then and now—has been the cinemas. Thanks to the company Cinesa, the island got 12 new movie theaters, which welcome thousands of people daily who want to see the latest releases. From films in their original versions to remakes brought back so us “millennials” can sing along to the anthems we sang when we were “younger” (we still are).

FAN MALLORCA

The most recent arrival on the island is FAN Mallorca, located in Coll d’en Rebassa, where the iconic Carrefour is found (known as Continente by the “old-timers”), halfway between Playa de Palma and Palma, right after the airport. A pilgrimage spot seven days a week, thanks to its wide variety of shops and restaurants (plus its Artesiete cinemas), it guarantees that anyone who visits will find what they need.

Another major draw is the best-known Irish store in Europe, Primark, which brings the latest fashion trends to everyone on the island. It equips the younger generations with the chicest looks, as if we were watching a catwalk show straight out of London’s coolest streets.

Whatever your motivation, in these shopping malls you’ll find what you’re looking for.
ENJOY! (And spend responsibly 🙂 )