 Stepping out in style isn’t hard to do in the shoppers’ paradise of Palma de Mallorca
Everywhere you look there are shoes – thousands of them. From comfy Campers to lime-green snakeskin skyscrapers, Mallorquins have a love affair with footwear. In Palma, the capital, there is even a street almost solely dedicated to shoes – C/ San Miguel – where you can pick up anything from cute pumps in ice-cream shades and the latest funky trainers to those acid-bright heels senorinas have such a passion for.
Further up the street is Custo Barcelona, with its colourful clubwear, and a Camper shop stocking a vast range of the eco-friendly firm’s quirky styles.
And if you’re not already hyperventilating into your El Corte Ingles jumbo shopper, most of the stores are open till 8.30pm every night. Just make sure you don’t leave your shopping expedition, UK-style, until Saturday afternoon or you will be faced with locked doors and barred windows as all Palma shuts up shop by lunchtime.
Of course, the big Spanish names such as Zara and Mango (find them in the main shopping areas around Passeig del Born and Jaume III) stay open all day. But point your feet in the direction of the narrow side streets and you will be rewarded with hundreds of fabulous boutiques selling original designer pieces that don’t cost a packet.
From Placa Major, trot past the open-air market and you’ll find yourself in Placa del Marques del Palmer. On the right is L’Aguila, a beautiful, Gaudí-esque building awash with DKNY handbags, Miss Sixty flip-flops and fabulous heels. On the left in Pimkie you’ll find cute casualwear in brights and whites – not a piece in black or beige in sight.
If your feet need a break after so much excitement early in the day, take a left and head for Ca’n Joan de S’aigo on C/de C’an Sanc, a chocolate shop straight out of Willy Wonka’s wildest dreams. Inside, admire the ancient Mallorquin tiles, the opulent chandeliers and the traditional cake stands – then order a hot choc you could stand up in, accompanied by a sticky ensaimada. Mallorquins love this confection – a kind of Danish pastry with all manner of fillings. Try the unusual sweet/savoury version filled with sobrasada (Mallorcan sausage) and sprinkled with icing sugar for brunch if you dare.
Words: Ruth Walker Read the full article in our June 2009 issue. |
