What is a traditional Mallorcan dessert I should try while visiting the island?

Strolling through the old town of Palma or sitting at a seaside café in Port de Sóller, the scent of freshly baked ensaimadas often drifts through the air. This delicate, spiral-shaped pastry, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, is one of the island's signature sweets. Made with a rich dough that's both airy and buttery, ensaimadas are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat. You'll find them in bakeries across the island, from Manacor to Alcúdia, sometimes filled with pumpkin jam (cabello de ángel) or cream.

Another must-try is the almond cake, or gató de almendra, endemic to Mallorca’s culinary tradition and especially popular during festivals such as Sant Sebastià. Often served with a drizzle of local honey or accompanied by a glass of Binissalem wine, this dense, crumbly cake hints at the island’s historic almond groves. For a true taste of the Tramuntana, try tumbet, which, although savory, often leads into a sweet finish featuring fresh fruit or a shot of Hierbas, a fragrant local herbal liqueur. Whether enjoyed in a mountain village like Deià or by the turquoise waters of Cala Mondragó, these desserts capture the island’s sweet heritage perfectly.