Palma named Gastronomic Capital of the Mediterranean Islands 2026

Palma has been named Capital Gastronómica de las Islas del Mediterráneo 2026 by the Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía, an organisation made up of national academies from 17 countries including Spain and Portugal. The decision was unanimous. Mayor Jaime Martínez Llabrés presented the distinction on Tuesday 22 September in the courtyard of Can Balaguer, in an event that brought together restaurant owners, chefs, producers, market representatives and hospitality schools.

Academy president Rafael Ansón explained the choice by video, pointing to the city's history, culture, tourism and quality: "por razones de historia, de cultura, de éxito turístico y de calidad" ("for reasons of history, culture, tourism success and quality"). Martínez Llabrés said gastronomy is central to the city's identity: "La gastronomía forma parte indispensable de la identidad de Palma" ("Gastronomy is an indispensable part of Palma's identity"), adding that the title is a chance to raise its profile further: "Es una oportunidad para dar a conocer aún más nuestra gastronomía" ("It's an opportunity to showcase our gastronomy even more").

Chefs Koldo Royo and Andreu Genestra, president and vice-president of the Balearic chefs' association ASCAIB, pointed to the coexistence of "recetas tradicionales, innovación y reinterpretación" ("traditional recipes, innovation and reinterpretation") on Palma's tables, and to local products including olive oil, wine, sobrasada, llonguets, seasonal vegetables and fresh fish. They also flagged the city's recurring food fairs and events, among them Horeca, TaPalma, the Fira del Caragol, the Fira del Llonguet and the Fira de la Sardina.