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Deià, Things to do, hotels, market
Deià is one of the most beautiful areas of Mallorca, and enjoys the most privileged location in an evergreen valley on the slopes of Tramuntana directly to the azure coast.
Due to the beautiful settings the area has to offer, Deià is one of the most popular places to get married in Mallorca, e.g. at the marble pavilion at Son Marroig or the hilltop church of Sant Joan. Deià is without a doubt one of the most romantic areas on the island, and it is almost impossible not to fall in love with it.
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Why visit Deià
Is Deià worth a visit?
Deià enjoys a privileged location on the coast of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana. The area displays a unique natural beauty that only a few other places can produce.
Beside from the beauty of the area, Deià is also home to some very romantic hotels and good eateries e.g. the famous seafood restaurant next to the scenic beach, Ca’s Patró March, known from the hit series “The Night Manager”.
Things to do in Deià
Deià has a great location when it comes to sights and tourist attractions in the mountains! Deià itself is home to the Casa Museu de Robert Graves, home of the famous writer, and the archaeological museum founded by William Henry Warden. At the highest point in Deià, the church and cemetery is located, do go and visit. The cemetery is the resting place of many famous people and the church has been the scene of several celebrity events such as the wedding of Caroline Corr.
Close by, you will find the estate of Son Marroig and the curious rocky formation of Sa Na Foradada offering breathtaking views over the coastline.
VISIT THE COASTAL ESTATE OF SON MARROIG
The estate of Son Marroig is iconic to Deià, namely because of the famous marble pavilion overlooking the azure coastline standing in front of the mansion. Son Marroig used to belong to the famous archduke, Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who is one of the most significant figures in exploring and reporting about Mallorca throughout history. Salvator turned every rock on the island to understand the unique nature of this place and wrote his renown work called “Die Balearen“, but was especially taken by the Tramuntana, which is why he bought several properties here. Son Marroig offers a unique exhibition of the archduke’s personal items, furniture and works, as well as the beautiful gardens and views over the coast.
VISIT THE HOUSE AND MUSEUM OF ROBERT GRAVES
Deià is often referred to as “village of the artists”, namely because so many famous artists have lived ore visited. One of those who lived here, was famous author, Robert Graves, who wrote several epic pieces such as I, Claudius and The White Goddess among others here in Deià. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the home of one of the most influential authors of modern times, and explore his personal life and work station in depth. The house and museum of Robert Graves is a great attraction in Deià, and we are lucky that the foundation has made it possible to visit.
THE CHURCH OF JOAN BAPTISTA AND THE CEMETERY
In the heart of Deià rises a hill on which the church and cemetery is situated on top of. The church is a symbol of Deià’s independence and the interior preserves a remarkable Baroque altarpiece. Climbing the hill via the cobblestone path will get you to one of the most peaceful places in the area of Deià offering divine views of the valley and coastline. Stroll about on the cemetery and visit the beautiful church that has been scene to several celebrity wedding ceremonies, for example the ceremony of Caroline Corr.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF DEIÀ
The charismatic American painter and amateur archaeologist, William Henre Waldren, was another artist to fall in love with Deià and Mallorca. Waldren was so occupied by the Mallorcan prehistory that he built and created this small museum where he could exhibit his findings for others to enjoy.
WALK OR SAIL TO SA FORADADA
Sa Foradada is one of nature’s wonders, a curious rocky formation and islet that extends from the property of Son Marroig. Sa Foradada was the scene of a brutal battle between Mallorcans and attacking corsairs from North Africa who tried to raid the town in 1582. It was famous adventurer archduke Ludwig Salvator who created the path to this amazing place.
THE OLD WATCHTOWER OF PEDRISSA
Torre de sa Pedrissa enjoys one of the most privileged and beautiful locations in the Deià area, 270 m above sea level. The tower was built back in the 17th century as a part of a network of watchtowers that communicated via smoke signals when enemy ships were spotted in the sea. The trip to the Pedrissa tower is challenging yet very rewarding, you’ll get a chance to explore the most scenic and beautiful places of the area.
ENJOY A DAY ON THE BEACH
Cala Deià offers a wonderful and natural cove protected from most winds. Cala Deià is a small beach of stones and gravel. It measures about 70 m in length and features a small pier. Cala Deià is beautiful and very popular, which is why you might encounter large crowds of guests during the summertime.
PUT YOUR GOLFING SKILLS TO THE TEST
A short drive from Deià you will will find the Golf Son Termens, in the area of Bunyola, a beautiful and challenging 18-hole course set in a mountain valley.
DISCOVER THE TRUE BEAUTY OF TRAMUNTANA
The best way to truly experience the magic of Tramuntana is by following some of the popular hiking trails in the area. Walk to the magnificent viewpoints, hidden gems, and let yourself be seduced by the scents of the Mediterranean wildlife. Some of the most emblematic trails from Deià leads to the sa Foradada rocks and to the picturesque areas of Port de Sóller and Banyalbufar.
CHALLENGE YOUR STAMINA ON THE WEAVING ROADS
Let your self be overwhelmed by intimidation and impression, while trying to grasp what lies ahead. The weaving roads that hugs the steep cliffs, the hundreds of hairpin turns, the ascents and descents of more than 6% in gradient. Yes, cycling in Tramuntana is a challenge, but what an adventure and amazing experience! Visit some of the most places such as Port de sa Calobra, the famous Lluc monastery and picturesque village of Valldemossa, while feeling your body pumped with adrenaline.
VISIT A LOCAL ART GALLERY
Deià is known as the “Village of Artists”, a place where creativity and inspiration is found everywhere. There are multiple interesting galleries to visit in the village, such as Sa Tafona, Gres Gallery and Holló Manuella Andrada. If the selection of galleries in Deià does not suffice your hungering art-heart, head to the nearby villages of Valldemossa and Sóller and discover amazing galleries such as Ca’n Prunera and Fundació Coll Bardolet.
BROWSE THE LOCAL SHOPS
Deià is home to a nice selection of small shops hidden in the charming narrow streets of the picturesque village. The fact that they are not all lined up next to each other but rather scattered, actually enhances the shopping experience making it much more personal and you will enjoy browsing each store thoroughly much more. Shopping in the local stores is a great opportunity to bring home something unique.
IMAGE GALLERY
Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Deià
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FAQ
Recommendations for accommodation in Deià include:
- Hotel es Molí
- Hotel des Puig
- Hoposa Costa D’or
Cala Deià is located not far from the village itself, but due to the mountainous landscape, a walk takes about 30 minutes. You can access the beach by car, but beware you might not be able to park here. The drive should take less than 10 minutes.
Events in Deià
Traditions and festivities in Deià
Unlike many other villages in Mallorca, Deià only celebrate two main events during the year, the festivities of Sant Joan dedicated to the patron saint and the festivities of Our Lady of August, patron saint of Lluc Alcari.
Below you can find a bit more information of the two annual traditions celebrated in Deià.
June
On June 24th, the feast of John the Baptist is celebrated as he is the patron saint of Deià village. On the day itself, the villagers gather in the parish church, which also carries protection of the saint, for a mass. However, already in the middle of June the festivities begin and a full program of fun and cultural events are on the schedule every year. You can look forward to a wide range of exhibitions, games, contests, sports and performances of dancing and music groups. Typically, there are also a range of activities specially aimed at children and elderly.
When: Mid-June
August
On August 15th, the charming hamlet of Lluc Alcari celebrate its patron saint, Our Lady of August. The day starts with a solemn mass in the small chapel followed by a series of cultural events that varies from year to year.
When: August 15th
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
Get to know the area of Deià
About Deià
Deià is a small but very charming village and municipality set in a picturesque green valley that opens to the coastline. The municipality comprise about 1,000 inhabitants divided in the five population centers; Deià village, Lluc Alcari, Ses Coves, s’Empeltada, Son Coll and Sa Cala. The municipality covers a surface of some 1,500 hectares, or 15 km2, whereof most of it (approximately 1,400 hectares) is categorized as protected area.
The name of Deia (or Deya) comes from the Moorish conquest of Mallorca, back in the 10th-13th. century. The Muslims called the area “Ad-Daya”, which simply means “hamlet”.
Deià has for long been known as a place of fine arts and culture thanks to the reputation as a retreat for artists who throughout the last two centuries has come here for inspiration. In the streets you will find a number of art galleries and local boutiques, as well as the famous Sa Fonda bar where a number of celebrities has been.
The natural beauty of the area has for years made Deià one of the most exclusive and romantic holiday destinations in Europe.
History of Deià
Below you can read the story of Deià and how the area has developed from prehistoric times to contemporary times.
Prehistory
The prehistory of Deià is closely linked to the strategic location of the area, high above sea and rich of natural resources such as water sources, fertile soil and plenty of hunting game. The first vestiges of human occupation in the area date from the Bronze Age, presumably from around the third millenium BC, when people lived in natural caves. A total of 22 artifacts and human remains has been discovered by archaeologist Mascaró Pasarius, whom highlighted the caves of Son Salvat, Sa Gravillera de Son Puig, Cova de s’Estret de Son Gallard, Cova del Dimoni, Cova de sa Torre des Moro de Miramar, Cova de Betlem, and ses Coves Negres, as being some of the most important.
Cova de Betlem, located in the stream of Deià, is famous for some unique and quite controversial engravings on the walls which has been interpreted as a hunting scene from an imprecise age.
Practical Info
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Town Hall: +34 971 639 077
Public Transport
Bus lines: 210
Power Supply
220V