Lloseta is a small municipality of about 6,500 people in central Majorca, at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, in the area known as the Raiguer, between Inca and Binissalem. Away from mass tourism, it is an example of rural, artisan Majorca.
The village
The centre revolves around the parish church and the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de Lloseta, which holds a small statue of the Virgin found, legend says, by a shepherd in a cave. Next to it is the Aiamans palace, the residence of the village's lords, with its garden. The streets are quiet, with stone houses and small shops.
Shoes and cement
Like neighbouring Inca, capital of Majorcan shoes and leather goods, Lloseta has a long tradition of shoe factories, some working for international brands. The village is also known for its large cement works, now the subject of conversion projects for clean energy production.
Hikes and surroundings
Paths lead from Lloseta into the Serra de Tramuntana, such as those to Alaró and its clifftop castle, and to Mancor de la Vall (see Majorca's nature). The area is the Binissalem wine country, with wineries to visit (see Spanish wines). Inca has its big Thursday market and the Dijous Bo fair in November (see entertainment).
Getting there
Lloseta is linked to Palma by the Palma-Inca train, in about half an hour, and by motorway. It is a quiet base for exploring the interior and mountains.