Guía Repsol honors Mallorca's Christmas Soletes: Monastery Bakery to Churros Bar

Nine suns for Mallorca's festive spots — from the monastery oven to the churros counter

When in December the street lamps on the Passeig del Born cast their warm light on shivering strollers and the scent of freshly baked ensaimadas drifts from a small bakery on the Plaça Major, there is a little more anticipation in the air. Just in time for the holidays, the Guía Repsol has published its Christmas selection: nine venues in Mallorca were awarded a so-called "Solete de Navidad" — places that stand out during Advent for character, craftsmanship and affordable prices.

Which places were highlighted?

Six of the awarded businesses are in Palma: the Convento de Santa Magdalena monastery, the traditional Forn i Pastisseria Reina María Cristina, the tapas spot Quina Creu, the venue La Sang, the pastry shop of Lluis Pérez and the churros stop Barquillos Galindo. Outside the capital, Forn Can Felip in Selva, Sant Francesc in Inca and Desportiu in Esporles won their place on the list.

Notable point: for the first time a religious community appears in the selection with the Convento de Santa Magdalena. According to the operators, old recipes are preserved there and passed down across generations — an example of lived culinary tradition away from large kitchens.

What does this mean for everyday life on the island?

For those of us on site, it means more than just a sign on the door. It means slipping into the Forn i Pastisseria on a rainy morning, feeling the heat of the oven and watching the counter over a cup of coffee. It means sharing churros at the Barquillos Galindo counter in the evening while the Tramontana wind whistles outside. These moments keep Mallorca alive in the cold season — small rituals that bring locals and visitors together.

Why is this good news?

First, the award brings attention to businesses that often combine traditional craftsmanship with local ingredients. Second, it signals that quality is not only found in expensive Michelin-starred restaurants but also in neighborhood spots, bakeries and family-run businesses. Third, visibility during the pre-Christmas period helps stabilize revenue in an otherwise quieter season — important for employees and suppliers on the island.

Small tips for supporting the awarded places

If you want to participate: reserve early, buy vouchers on site, put together gift baskets with regional products or choose weekend times outside main dining hours. For company parties, it is recommended to host smaller groups on different days so the atmosphere is preserved and businesses are not overloaded.

A look at the Balearics and beyond

With these nine new Soletes, the number of gastronomic businesses awarded in the Balearics rises to 205; four venues were honored on Ibiza and one on Menorca in Mahón. Nationwide, the Guía Repsol now lists more than 5,000 awarded places; they are also available via the app — handy when you are looking for a warm spot to drop in spontaneously.

You can already feel it in Mallorca's alleys: small places give the island a familiar touch during Advent. A narrow seating area, the clinking of cups, a shop assistant quickly wrapping a package of local almond cookies — these are the scenes that remain. By consciously shopping here now or reserving a table, you contribute to the island's vibrant culture.

In the end the message is simple and pleasing: culinary quality has many faces. This selection invites you to seek out, this December, the places that speak to you directly — handcrafted, uncomplicated and with a pinch of island heart.