How to Spend the Perfect ‘Tardeo’ Saturday in Palma de Mallorca
- Iván González Gaínza
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In Spain, especially here in Mallorca, “tardeo” is more than just a trend - it’s a way of life. But what exactly is it?
Tardeo refers to a social ritual that combines everything we love about going out - great food, drinks, music, and friends – but it all begins in the afternoon. Think of it as a daytime night-out, or a ‘happy few hours’ that stretch into the early evening. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the vibrant energy of Palma’s culinary scene during the day, and then return home at a respectable hour!
Here’s one of our ideas for the perfect ‘tardeo’ Saturday in Palma de Mallorca - starting with a timeless classic and finishing with a sweet treat, with plenty of culinary bites along the way.
Click here for the Google Maps route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oyGZJGCG4rAfZkNz5
1. Start Strong at Bar España
Carrer de Can Escursac 12 Opens at 1:00 PM
You can't get more traditional than kicking things off at Bar España, a beloved institution that sets the perfect tone for a tardeo. Sip on a classic vermouth and nibble on a pintxo or tapa as the buzz of the early afternoon begins to build momentum around you. With its authentic atmosphere and unbeatable location, it’s a perfect way to ease into the day.
2. Seafood and Sparkling wine at Mercat de l’Olivar
Plaza del Olivar, Palma
From Bar España, head over to the Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma’s bustling indoor market and a foodie paradise.
First stop: Ostras Cocedero
Stands 33BC, 38ABC, 44ABC–47ABC
Manolo, a second-generation seafood specialist, serves up the finest oysters, kipper, and salt cod, paired with crisp champagne or white wine. It's the perfect gourmet pairing to get the afternoon flowing.
3. Fusion Flavours at Kraken
Stand 41abc Open 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Next, head over to Kraken, where international dishes meet local Mallorcan ingredients, all sourced fresh from the market and nearby La Lonja. Expect bold flavours, inventive pairings, and a chef’s dedication to same-day freshness. It’s a bite of culinary creativity in every dish, perfectly paired with a crisp white wine.
WINE TIP: A glass of Adega Do Demo Bitoku is a great choice.
4. High Energy Tapas at Mercat Negre
Stand 6A Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you’re looking for the soul of the tardeo scene, Mercat Negre delivers. Created by Pau Navarro (of Clandesti fame), this stall is pure fun: loud music, wild creativity, and playful tapas with flair.
Pair your bites with some unique wine and get swept up by the lively atmosphere.
Warning: You may not want to leave! But do try – as there’s more to come.
WINE TIP: Order a glass of Miguel Castro Maillo Ojo y Coillo to pair with one of their fish dishes.
5. Ibérico Perfection at Corte Jamón / Iván Aleixandre
Stands 12 & 13
Before wrapping up the market tour, make sure you stop at Corte Jamón, where Iván Aleixandre carves up Mallorcan cured meats like a master. From sobrasada to premium jamón ibérico, everything here is rich in flavour. Grab a glass of wine and a mixed platter - you won’t regret it.
FOOD TIP: Iván has some amazing cheese from Quesos Cerrón and a cracking Wagyu Cecina.
6. Coffee & Cake at Ca’n de Paris
Just outside Mercat de l'Olivar. Open until 6:00 PM on Saturdays
After a few hours of gourmet indulgence in the market, it’s time for something sweet. Stroll across to Ca’n de Paris, a French bakery run by Yohann and Natacha Gressent, who are fifth-generation pastry experts. Their tarte au citron is particularly exquisite. Everything is handmade with love and… Normandy butter.
Sit outside on their terrace and soak up Palma’s golden afternoon light.
WINE TIP: If you would prefer a glass of wine instead of a coffee, we recommend a glass of Barahonda Rosado.
7. Evening Extras: Cocktails or Wine to Wind Down
If you still have energy (and room), why not gently glide into the evening with a visit to:
Opens at 7:00 PM
An innovative cocktail bar with friendly staff, creative concoctions, and a vibe that’s perfect for continuing your tardeo into night-time.
Alternatively, if you need a walk to burn some calories and clear the head, take a relaxed stroll to:
Paseo Mallorca
We’ve been fans since their Alcudia days, and now their larger Palma location is a wine lover’s dream. Expect top-notch Mallorcan and Spanish wines, fresh dishes, and a terrace where you can people-watch as the day winds down.
WINE TIP: Sip on a glass of Esteban Celemín Señora Vale on their terrace.
Final ‘food for thought’
Tardeo in Palma is the ultimate way to savour the city – with its food, drink, energy, and charm - all before the sun goes down. So next time you're in Palma on a Saturday, skip the siesta and join the tardeo crowd. We promise your taste buds will thank you.
Do you have some favourite tardeo stops in Palma?
Let us know! We’re always hungry for new ideas.
Tardeo Map Route
To make your tardeo even easier, we’ve created a custom Google Map route with the stops marked in order: Tardeo Palma Route – View on Google Maps
Google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oyGZJGCG4rAfZkNz5
Top Tips
· Most of the Mercat de l’Olivar gastronomy food stalls close by 4:00 PM – so give yourself time to visit them!
· But, you don’t need to do them all if you want to keep your pace relaxed - tardeo is all about enjoyment, not rushing.
· Stay hydrated (especially when there is plenty of wine involved).
· And don’t forget to book ahead where possible, particularly if you're planning to continue into the evening.
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