Every Sunday and Tuesday the center plaza of Alceudia fills with hundreds of people eager to take home fresh olives, fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, cheeses, bread, crafts, clothing, and toys from the local farmers market.
The dizzying array of fresh fruits including melons, figs, dates, peaches, cherries, and nectarines, variety of fresh nuts, regional cheeses, and sausages showcase the bounty of the area. Winters in Alcudia are very rainy and in combination with the nonstop sunshine and warm temperatures of summer makes for a very productive agricultural climate. Fig and olive trees line our daily walk to the dig site and we take our morning break under a huge almond tree!
At the Alcudia market dozens of vendors sell everything from handmade baskets, faux pearls, and beach towels to candy, hand fans, and fresh orange juice during the market hours of 8 AM to 2 PM twice per week. Unlike in the US where we’re used to touching and handling produce before we buy it, market vendors here prefer to select an item for you and they are happy to pick out a ripe melon or scoop up a few fresh nuts from an open bag to let you try a sample.
Locally grown almonds are a special treat available at the market as are fresh macademia nuts, also grown in Mallorca. Regional cheeses and a large selection of fresh olives are another highlight. Prices are very reasonable too especially for locally grown cherries which were about $1.25 per pound. Prices are displayed in euros per kilo so it helps to be able to do some quick math in your head if you want to translate the price into dollars.
Below are some shots of the produce and people at the market.
