Mallorca, is home to a village that seems to have stood still in time: Deià. Nestled in the hills of the Sierra de Tramuntana, Deià is a corner of paradise where history and culture merge with dreamlike landscapes.
In this article, we will take you on a virtual journey through Deià, revealing its hidden treasures, cosy hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exciting events that await you in this picturesque corner of Mallorca, also known for its bohemian history and where many artists have resided in search of inspiration, such as the British writer Robert Graves, who penned one of the great bestsellers of the 20th century, “I, Claudius“.
Deià, a magical corner of the island of Mallorca, enchants visitors from all over the world with its natural beauty, artistic charm and rich history. Here are the main attractions not to be missed:
Cala Deià. This small cove is a paradise for nature lovers, which has been featured in numerous commercials, TV series and films. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the restaurants by the sea offer delicious fresh seafood dishes.
Robert Graves Museum. “Mallorca is paradise, if you can bear it“. With this phrase the American poet Gertrude Stein convinced Robert Graves to come and live in Mallorca after the First World War. This museum pays tribute to the famous British poet Robert Graves, who lived in Deià for many years. Explore his life and work in this charming museum, known worldwide for his bestseller, “I, Claudius”.
In the centre of Deià, you will find the Church of San Juan Bautista. This 13th century church is an architectural jewel overlooking the village, where you will find the cemetery of Deià, known for its beauty and colour. Its location on the top of a hill offers impressive panoramic views, where you can see the sunset and the whole valley that embraces Deià.
The village of Deià is an exceptional starting point for excursions in the Tramuntana mountain range. In fact, the GR211 route runs through the entire Serra de Tramuntana. You can go to the beautiful valley of Sóller or to the small village of Valldemossa.
You can also take the Camí dels Pintors, which runs along the coast between Deià and Sóller and was used by painters in the 19th century to paint their landscapes. You can go hiking or mountain biking through this mountainous landscape declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Casa Museo Son Marroig. This historic estate and museum is located in a spectacular setting overlooking the sea. It was the residence of Archduke Luis Salvador, considered to be the first great traveller or tourist, who was the pioneer behind the projection of the island of Mallorca. It is a perfect place to learn about the history of Mallorca and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Deià, on the other hand, has long been a haven for artists and musicians, where we find a bohemian legacy. Explore the local art galleries and enjoy live music in the town’s bars, as Bar Sa Fonda. Deià is a place where natural beauty combines with rich history and cultural life, making it a must-visit destination for visitors to Mallorca.
On the other black side, Deià was also known by the locals many years ago (70’s – 80’s) for its large trafficking of narcotics and contraband.
Explore these attractions and immerse yourself in the true essence of this charming town.
As well as exploring the village and its coastline as well as the spots we have mentioned above. The Mirador de Sa Foradada
is a popular hike that rewards you with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and this peninsula. In fact, at the end of the hike in the sea, you will find the Sa Foradada Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious paella overlooking the sea and this small natural cove.
Deià is known for its exclusive selection of boutique and luxury hotels, with charm that adapt perfectly to the peaceful atmosphere of the village. Among them we highlight:
– Belmond La Residencia. Historically considered one of the best hotels in Mallorca, and highly regarded by the locals, it offers luxury and elegance in a picturesque setting. Its private suites or its haute cuisine restaurant, El Olivo, will make your stay in Deià a memory to last a lifetime.
– Hotel Es Molí. In a historic Mallorcan manor house, this hotel is located in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, where you can enjoy its 15,000 m2 of gardens or its large spring water swimming pool, as well as its different restaurants and bars, located in different locations. It has private access to the sea for hotel guests
– Hotel Hoposa Costa d’Or. An adults only hotel located on the hill of Llucalcari. An oasis overlooking the sea and in the heart of nature with a rural essence and authentic Mallorcan style. You will find 41 rooms in Mallorcan style, many of them with panoramic views of the Tramuntana Mountains, the Mediterranean Sea and the hill of Llucalcari
– Hotel d’Es Puig. In the heart of the village lies this small boutique hotel, for a simple and personalised stay. An ideal retreat to start your plans in Deià, being relatively close to all the amenities of this magical village.
Deià hosts several exciting events throughout the year. San Juan, patron saint of Deià, takes place at the end of June and features live music, local food and crafts.
The Deià Classical Music Festival attracts talented musicians from all over the world from June to September. 45 concerts with national and international artists make it the centre of the classical music programme in Europe.
To get to Deià, you can fly into Palma de Mallorca airport and then take a taxi or hire a car for a scenic journey of approximately 45 minutes.
Another option is to take the train from Palma to Sóller and then continue by taxi to Deià. This would be aroung 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the EMT BUS 1, from the Palma Airport and then in Estació Intermodal in Plaza españa, TIB 203 to Deià, which would take about 1 hour and 15 minutes approximately.
Its name, from the period of Muslim domination (10th to 13th centuries), “daia,” means “village,” and its history is a testimony to natural wonders and ingenious developments.
During the Muslim domination, Deià prospered thanks to its ingenious agriculture.
Its mountainous terrain led to the construction of ingenious margins that allowed the creation of small cultivable plots on sloping land.
In addition, the inhabitants developed an advanced irrigation and drainage system that is still used in the region.
With the arrival of the Christian conquest in 1229, Deià was assigned to the Comte de Roselló and was integrated into Valldemossa. This change marked the beginning of a long process that culminated in the administrative and judicial separation of Valldemossa in 1583.
In the following centuries, Deià experienced growth driven by olive farming, fishing, citrus fruits and livestock. The natural charm and simplicity of Deià attracted artists and bohemians at the end of the 19th century.
Figures such as Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, the composer Manuel de Falla, the painters Russinyol, Leman and Junyer, as well as the poets Robert Graves and Laura Riding, found inspiration in this corner of Mallorca. Many of them decided to make Deià their forever home, as evidenced by the local cemetery. Today, Deià retains its historical and natural charm while balancing agriculture, the arts and tourism in a careful and sustainable way, preserving its stunning scenic surroundings. With a population of around 850 inhabitants, Deià remains a place where past and present intertwine in harmony, offering visitors a unique Mallorcan experience.
Deià is close to other interesting destinations in Mallorca. Valldemossa, with its famous monastery, is a short drive away. You can also explore the coastal town of Sóller or visit the charming harbour of Port de Sóller. In short, Deià is a special corner of Mallorca that combines natural beauty with a rich history and a vibrant gastronomic and cultural scene. Whether you are looking to relax in a luxury hotel, explore scenic trails or sample delicious local cuisine, Deià has something for everyone who loves Mediterranean beauty and authentic culture. Come and discover this hidden treasure on the island of Mallorca.
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