Beyond the sunshine, beaches and tumult of Mallorca's more touristy side, as known the world over, we can find another island - one that holds within itself the essences of a culture thousands of years old, enriched by a great diversity of civilizations who have populated this land.

In the very heart of the island stands a town with a strong heartbeat and hard-working people, one with an industrial past; one that spins upon itself to offer the visitor a perfect communion between past and present.

Inca stretches out its arms at the very foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Historically a regional capital, today Inca fills that role with redoubled energy; hence the town is well-equipped and well-provided with public services. The town of Inca is spread over an area of 5,851 hectares, or 58.21 Km2. The land does not rise to a great height, except at Puig de Inca (also known as Puig de Santa Magdalena), 287 metres high, and Puig de la Minyó (or Puig de la Creu), at 307 metres.

Located at a crossroads, Inca developed historically as a trading post, thanks to the initiative and drive of its businesspeople. Parts of the town centre are traffic-free and are best enjoyed while walking along at a leisurely pace. Strolling along Inca's labyrinthine streets can be very pleasant, especially if the visitor likes rediscovering the kind of select, traditional store with friendly service that has disappeared from most of our towns and cities.

Perfectly combined with this upbeat urban image designed by and for people, we can find, inserted as if by a magician's hand, buildings of pre-eminent historical value and undeniable beauty that transport us back to a splendid past.

With the passing of the years, history has left us magnificent examples of architecture to admire. St. Dominic's Cloister, today restored as a cultural centre; the church of St. Mary the Elder; the Cloister of St. Francesc; and St. Bartomeu's Convent, where an enclosed community of nuns still lives, are some of the sights to see.

Inca has an industrial past, and the signs of this are very much present today. Inca, town of leather and footwear. So much so that a good part of the world's most important makes of footwear are headquartered here. Camper, Lottusse, Farrutx, Barrats, George's… the list of prestigious footwear makers goes on and on. They all vie with one another to offer the best quality and design, and draw to the town each year thousands of people wanting to put their feet into a pair of the best shoes in the world. No-one can get away from Inca without one.

Inca is a lively, active town, handily situated for every part of the island. The excellent communications by road mean that one can get to Inca from Palma or the tourist area of Alcúdia in just 15 minutes. What is more, the railway connections are extraordinarily good.

Here's a tip: the best times of year to lose yourself in Inca, are winter and spring. Steep yourself in heritage, treat yourself to gastronomy and go shopping. The "heart of Mallorca" awaits you with all this, and more.
 

Inca, right in the center!

Come and enjoy it!