Traditional Crafts of Mallorca: A living heritage to discover from Mon Port Hotel & Spa
Mallorca is far more than beaches, coves and mountain scenery. The island preserves a rich cultural heritage expressed through its traditional crafts, many of which are still practised today and passed down from generation to generation. From Mon Port Hotel & Spa in Port d'Andratx, guests can embark on a short but deeply enriching journey to explore the crafts that have shaped rural Mallorca: llata weaving, ceramics, dry-stone construction, oil production and beekeeping.
This article presents a selection of the most representative and accessible crafts on the island—perfect for a meaningful winter experience.
Llata: the art of weaving palm leaves
Llata is one of Mallorca's most emblematic traditional crafts. It consists of braiding dried leaves of the dwarf palm (garballó), the only palm species native to the Balearic Islands, to create baskets, bags, mats and decorative objects.
Although the municipality of Capdepera is the historical centre of this craft, smaller workshops and shops in the southwest region keep the tradition alive. For centuries, llata objects were essential in agriculture, fishing and daily household tasks. Today, they are prized as sustainable, natural and timeless pieces.
More information on Balearic craftsmanship:
https://www.caib.es/sites/artesaniaib
Mallorcan ceramics: clay, colour and tradition
Ceramics are another of the island's most enduring crafts. The villages of Pòrtol and Marratxí host some of the oldest pottery workshops, known for their red clay work and for producing the iconic siurells—hand-painted, whistle-shaped figurines in white, green and red.
Many of these workshops welcome visitors, offering the chance to watch master potters shaping clay on the wheel. The experience is both artistic and deeply Mediterranean. Visitors can purchase unique pieces such as dishes, jars, lamps or traditional siurells directly from the artisans.
Official information on Marratxí, Mallorca's ceramics capital:
https://www.ajmarratxi.net
Dry-stone construction: a UNESCO-recognised heritage
Dry-stone construction is more than a craft—it is one of the clearest expressions of Mallorcan identity. Walls, agricultural terraces, cobbled paths and shepherd shelters have been built for centuries without cement, relying solely on precision and balance.
This technique was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018.
Close to Port d'Andratx, areas such as Sa Coma, Sant Elm and S'Arracó offer excellent examples of dry-stone walls and terraces that shape the landscape with geometric harmony.
More on dry-stone heritage and the Serra de Tramuntana:
https://serradetramuntana.mallorcadigital.org/pedra-en-sec
Olive oil: traditional mills and ancient groves
Olive cultivation has been at the heart of Mallorcan life since Roman times. Several traditional oil mills continue to combine modern technology with ancient techniques.
The villages of Caimari and Selva, not far from Andratx, host small mills where visitors can learn about the process—from hand-harvesting olives to producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Most visits include tastings and the opportunity to buy directly from the producer.
Further information on Mallorca's olive routes:https://illesbalears.travel
Beekeeping: the flavours of Mallorcan honey
Beekeeping is another craft deeply connected to the island's landscape. Mallorca produces honey from rosemary, orange blossom, thyme, almond trees and wildflowers. Some local beekeepers offer guided visits explaining honey extraction, the importance of bees and the uniqueness of Balearic honey.
This craft brings together nature, gastronomy and tradition in a uniquely Mediterranean way.
A cultural route perfect for Mon Port guests
Exploring Mallorca's traditional crafts reveals a more intimate and authentic island—one where heritage is still alive in the hands that weave, shape, build, harvest and create. After a day discovering these historic trades, returning to Mon Port Hotel & Spa offers the perfect contrast: serene gardens, a relaxing spa and the warm atmosphere of Port d'Andratx in winter.
Mallorca's essence endures in its craftsmanship—and from the southwest, it is closer than ever.
