The Hotels Viva Blog

Typical Gifts and Souvenirs from Mallorca Perfect for Taking Home

Written by Elisabeth Blue | Sep 18, 2023 11:30:00 AM

If you've ever visited or plan to spend a few days in Mallorca, you'll already know that it's a place filled with beauty and unique culture, history, and traditions. And one of the best ways to remember your visit and all the experiences you've had here is by taking home or gifting to your loved ones upon your return, one of the many typical gifts and souvenirs you can find on the island: whether at markets, craft shops, or specialized souvenir stores. The options are endless!

In case you're interested in knowing what the typical gifts and souvenirs from Mallorca are, we're going to share with you some of the most popular ones. Let's get started!

 

 

These are the most typical souvenirs from Mallorca

Mallorca offers a wide range of typical products and souvenirs that allow you to take a piece of your journey on the island back home. To fully enjoy your visit, it's essential to choose well-located accommodation with all the amenities that ensures you don't miss out on anything during your trip to Mallorca. At Hotels VIVA, we invite you to explore all our hotels, located in some of the island's most privileged locations, where we have everything prepared so you won't lack anything on your trip to Mallorca.

So, pack your suitcase, land on the island, and discover some of the most typical souvenirs from Mallorca:

Mallorcan Ceramics

Mallorcan ceramics are an integral part of the island's culture and heritage. This artisanal tradition has been kept alive for centuries and is recognized for both its quality and aesthetic beauty. On the island, there are two villages in particular, Pòrtol and Marratxí, which are especially known for their ceramic production. Mallorcan ceramic pieces are unique and reflect the life and landscapes of Mallorca. The most recent collections are inspired by the island's lifestyle, combining tradition with a modern touch. Moreover, several companies in Mallorca specialize in hand-painted ceramics. These pieces add a pop of color to any table and reflect the vibrant Mediterranean style of the island. They are also essential for preparing many traditional dishes of the island.

In summary, each piece of Mallorcan ceramics is unique and carries a piece of the island with it, making it a perfect gift or memento to take home.

Ensaimadas

The ensaimada is a delicious traditional pastry from Mallorca, recognized worldwide and widely considered one of the best Spanish sweets. Its name comes from the word "saïm," which in Catalan means pork lard, a key ingredient in the original recipe. The ensaimada is a kind of sweet bread, spiral-shaped, and covered with powdered sugar. The texture is light and fluffy, similar to a croissant but with a softer and less flaky texture. Undoubtedly, another quintessential Mallorcan souvenir.

Ensaimadas can be plain or filled with various ingredients such as cream, chocolate, "cabello de ángel" (a type of pumpkin preserve), or you can even find them with pieces of sobrasada on top, a typical Mallorcan sausage. Although ensaimadas can be enjoyed throughout the year, they are especially popular during festivals and are often given as gifts. To make it easier to transport them, all establishments that sell them offer the option to place them in a round cardboard box if you specify that you are traveling.

 

 

Siurells de fang

Siurells de fang are one of the most emblematic and traditional souvenirs from Mallorca. They are small ceramic figures, usually painted white with details in green and red. Siurells represent various shapes and figures, which can be people, animals, or mythological creatures. But what truly sets Siurells apart is that they are not just decorative figures: they are also whistles. Each Siurell has a small hole in the back and a kind of whistle at the base. When blown through the hole, the Siurell emits a characteristic sound.

The origin of Siurells de fang is uncertain, but they are believed to date back to prehistoric times. Some consider them talismans used to ward off evil spirits. Today, Siurells are a popular souvenir among visitors to Mallorca and can be found in souvenir shops all over the island. Each one is unique and handmade, making them an authentic and special gift.

 

Roba de Llengües

Mallorcan fabrics, also known as "Roba de Llengües," are a type of traditional fabric from the island of Mallorca. This fabric is characterized by its zigzag stripes or geometric patterns reminiscent of flames, hence its name.

The technique for creating this pattern is called ikat, which is an ancient process of dyeing threads before weaving them. This process requires skill and precision, and each piece is unique due to the small variations that occur during dyeing and weaving. Mallorcan fabrics are used to make a variety of products, from bedding and curtains to bags and cushions. You can also buy them by the meter to use in your own sewing projects.

Mallorcan fabrics are another of the most typical gifts and souvenirs from Mallorca, and with your purchase, you'll be supporting local production workshops and family businesses.

Mallorcan Pearls

For decades, the island has been producing high-quality pearls, especially in the town of Manacor. These pearls are created using a unique process that involves applying multiple layers of pearl essence onto a solid core.

This long tradition has made pearls an integral part of Mallorcan identity, appearing in a variety of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

As you can see, pearls are another popular Mallorcan souvenir due to their beauty and the tradition they represent.

Mallorcan Sobrasada

Mallorcan sobrasada is a raw and cured sausage native to the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca. It is made from ground pork, paprika, salt, and various spices.

Sobrasada mallorquina has become an iconic product of Mallorca due to its unique flavor and the tradition surrounding it. With centuries of history, this sausage is an integral part of the island's culinary culture. It can be spread and is often consumed on bread, but it is also used in a variety of recipes, from tapas to more complex dishes. Additionally, there are two main types of sobrasada: white pork and black pork. The latter is a native breed of the Balearic Islands and produces a higher-quality and more flavorful sobrasada.

For all these reasons, Mallorcan sobrasada is a popular souvenir for visitors to the island. Taking home a sobrasada is a way to bring a piece of Mallorcan culture and gastronomy with you.

 

 

In conclusion, Mallorca offers a wide range of souvenirs to take home and remember your visit to the island. From Mallorcan pearls, reflecting the skill and tradition of local artisans, to sobrasada, a unique sausage that is a distinctive flavor of Mallorcan cuisine. Additionally, there are many other local products you can consider, such as liquors and pastries (ensaimada is not the only typical sweet from Mallorca).

Gift and specialty shops throughout the island offer a variety of high-quality handmade souvenirs for every budget.