Deia
With the towering mountains of the 'Serra de Tramuntana' as its backdrop, this ancient village, sits about an hours drive from Palma, on the sides of a valley. Lined with a fantastic system of open irrigation channels that date back to Moorish times the hills are lined with crops and fruit groves. Built long before the days of town-planning the people just got it right, limited to local materials they built houses that fit perfectly into the landscape. Deià has been a haven for artists, musicians and writers since the early 20th century, many of them making their permanent homes in and around the Village.
Beaches around Deia
Travel down a winding road through pretty olive groves and find the cove of Deia, where the few remaining fishermen still go out at dawn to cast their nets. The cala can be reached by car and there is a car park at the bottom, but beware it's very busy in the Summer. The sandy bay of Pto Soller is about a fifteen minute drive, or for those with no fear of a dramatic drive Pto Vallesmossa is a completely untouched spot at the bottom of a steep and winding road.
Things to do in Deia
Located in the heart of the mountains this is a superb place for walking holidays as there are a number of paths, and tracks to follow around the hillside. Down on the beach make the most of the rocky faces and discover the fish by snorkelling or arranging a dive trip. For the super fit this offers excellent mountain biking territory and if you're a road cyclist join the Tour de France teams who use the mountain roads as training practise for the great tournament.
Things to see in Deia
The Cartuja de Valldemossa where Chopin resided for one winter is situated in Valdlemossa and is an interesting museum dedicated to Chopin, and the old days when the building was a monastery. If you arrive around 11.00am in the morning there is often someone playing the piano in the main building. Son Marroig was the home to the Archduke Salvador who was enamoured with the island and set up many of the laws governing territory that still abide today. His residence, Son Marroig is an interesting testament to him. The building is worth visiting anyway during the day time for the magnificent views and music concerts take place throughout the summer. One of Deia's most famous residents was Robert Graves, and you may end up sitting next to son Tomas in one of the cafes and bars of the village. His former home is now a museum to him and offers an insight into life in Deia during his life time, dramatically different to moder times.
Places to eat in Deia
Can Quet which is part of the Hotel Es Moli has a mouthwatering menu featuring traditional European cuisine with a modern twist. The carefully produced dishes are art in themselves. Delicious. Es Raco des Teix in Deia is run by Josef Schauerschell, a fine restaurant with a Michelin star and amazing views. El Olivio in La Residencia hotel has a superb reputation for star spotting as much as its food. The Hotel Valldemossa Restaurant a short taxi ride away has the best reputation in the area and is one that we recommend. Restaurant Can Costa, on the road just the other side of Deia offers very traditional Mallorcan fare, rabbit with onions, pork in cabbage etc and is in a traditional old farmhouse. Great to experience real Mallorcan food.
Places to stay in Deia
For the ultimate in comfort try La Residencia, once owned by Richard Branson and now run by exclusive hotel company Western and Orient the hotel imposes its beautiful building in the centre of the village. On the outskirts of the village with manicured gardens the traditional Es Moli. A hotel with one of the prettiest locations on the island is the Sa Pedrissa with a magnificent pool and views over the sea.
Unique features of Deia
The location is simply stunning, but Deia is considered the cultural capital of Mallorca. As a result this has become a location preferred by stars and celebrities and features quiet cafes, and bars, with an erudite air about them. Deia has no coach parking facilities so its never really busy and only independent travellers can access this pretty mountain village.
Market day – As a small village Deia does not have a market, if you're seeking the market experience try Soller on a Saturday
Main fiesta – The festival of John the Baptist takes place in June around the 24th and music, fun and frolics take place for six days.
Golf – The nearest greens can be found at the charming Son Termens, a golf course in a valley which is just beautiful, alternatively head back to Palma to Son Vida , Son Quint and Son Muntaner.
Spa - The main spa in Deia is at La Residencia where you can book in for any number of treatments.
Parking - there is parking along the road and a couple of small parking areas, all require payment in the blue zones.
Email: paula@balearicdiscovery.com
Tel: +34 971 875 395
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