Are there any traditional Mallorcan dishes featuring local spider crab I should try on the island?

If you find yourself exploring the coastal towns around Mallorca, keep an eye out for dishes made with peix aranya, the local spider crab that captures the island’s maritime spirit. Around fishing villages like Port de Sóller and Pollença, peix aranya often stars in suquet de peix, a comforting fish stew blending fresh crab with potatoes, tomatoes, and island herbs. This stew is a hearty celebration of the sea, simmered slowly to bring out the crab’s natural sweetness and depth.

Another beloved way to enjoy the spider crab here is in arroz caldoso—a soupy rice dish infused with saffron and sometimes complemented by clams or mussels. The crab’s flavor enriches the broth, making each spoonful a fragrant taste of the Mediterranean coast. On occasion, you might also encounter peix aranya a la plancha, where the crab is simply grilled over an open flame, allowing its delicate, briny flavors to shine through with barely any adornment.

Sampling these preparations in seaside towns or traditional restaurants around Alcúdia or Cala Figuera connects you with Mallorca’s culinary heritage, where local ingredients are respected and showcased. Pairing your meal with a glass of Binissalem wine or a digestif of Hierbas will deepen the experience, evoking the island’s blend of land and sea traditions in every bite.