The northwest coastal village of Deia is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in Mallorca.
Located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range’s Teix Mountain, Deia is a relaxing, laid-back holiday resort. It is popular among travellers who want to enjoy the dramatic and beautiful scenery in a warm and friendly location.
What is Deia Like?
Despite having a small population, Deia has played host to some big names like Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, who owns property in the village. Many descendants from bohemian local artists have also made this incredible area their home.
Located in a ravine and part of a landscape that has a World Heritage Site status, the village of Deia is one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets.
The Tramuntana Mountains offer a unique and striking backdrop to the Mediterranean village.
The great shopping and dining options make this destination well worth visiting, while there are also many cultural and natural areas to explore.
History & Culture of Deia
The small village of Deià dates back to prehistoric times when settlers lived in the caves and used the natural springs. By the eighth century, however, Arab settlers had made the area their home.
By the 1200s, crusades saw the introduction of Christianity to Mallorca. Miramar, Son Rullan, and Ca l’Abat saw the construction of Roman-Catholic monasteries during this time.
The conservation of the land began in 1867 when Archduke Luis Salvador arrived from Austria and wanted to ensure the beautiful area was well-maintained. The early 20th century saw a number of artists move to Deià, including the poet and novelist Robert Graves.
As well as being an established fishing locale, Deià is known for producing olives and citrus fruits.
Beaches in Deia
Any trip to Mallorca should include a visit to at least one beach. With so many great options around the island, there will be a few beaches worth checking out.
Deià Bay
In nearby Cala Deià, you will find a small cove with a shingle beach. While it may not have the stereotypical golden sand, it is still a beautiful location with crystal-clear waters and two seafood restaurants.
Llucalri
Llucalri beach is two miles away, and its freshwater springs offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy natural mudbaths.
Olive groves and a pine forest make this a great hidden spot that is sometimes popular with nudists.
It is also a popular and unique location to enjoy beautiful sunsets across the Mediterranean.
Things to Do in Deia
Eating and drinking in Deià are sought-after options, but we will go into these in more depth later.
In terms of activities, there are a number of excellent hiking routes suitable for all levels of walkers and fitness, from beginner to expert.
There are lots of interesting places to visit, including the Deià Archeological Museum, Son Marroig House, and Miramar Monastery where you will be able to learn more about the area’s rich history.
The Es Verger tennis court is an excellent option for people who want to practise their forehands and backhands, and many nearby hotels have excellent gym and spa facilities for relaxing and exercise.
Hotels in Deia
When it comes to hotels in this hidden gem, Deia has lots to offer. Below are just some of the excellent options available.
Sa Pedrissa
Deia’s Sa Pedrissa hotel is an adults-only hilltop paradise that offers its guests unbeatable views and all the perks of luxury accommodation.
With only nine rooms, you won’t be battling for sunbeds or bothered by busy chatter in this renovated country house dating back to the 17th century.
The hotel is just 2.5 km from Deia and offers the most wonderful views across the Mediterranean and the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains.
The hotel boasts a beautiful pool overlooking the sea, and rooms have contemporary decor that complements the hotel’s interesting past.
The Es Pi restaurant offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience with great breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus to choose from.
Private lunch and dinner experiences at Es Mirador de Sa Pedrissa are an occasion to remember and cost €225 per person.
Hotel La Residencia
The Hotel Belmond La Residenci a is a world-class accommodation option that tops many lists for its setting, service, and quality. It was owned by Sir Richard Branson before being taken over by the Belmond group.
Located on the edge of Deia between the Mediterranean and Tramuntana Mountains, the hotel oozes class. It has a range of accommodations to suit all needs, including rooms, suites, and a villa.
You can enjoy private swimming pools, fireplaces, terraces, and dining areas at this unique and beautiful location.
Dining experiences at El Olivo, Cafe Miro, Son Fony, and the Pool Restaurant offer everything from casual to formal dining.
Guests will love the selection of treatments available at the spa, which also features an indoor pool, treatment rooms with terraces, a jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art gym.
There are lots of excellent activities at the Belmond La Residencia hotel. The current art curator Cecilie Sheridan is always happy to discuss the hotel’s art collection with guests, and you can also cocktails (and art) on the lawn, as well as petanque masterclasses for sporty visitors.
Guided cycling and hiking tours of the Tramuntana Mountains are also available.
Hotel d’Es Puig
For a more central location that offers easy access to the main street, the Hotel d’Es Puig is an excellent option. The hotel’s laid-back atmosphere and tasteful style make it a great place for visitors looking for convenient and comfortable accommodation.
Apartments, suites, and double rooms are available here. There is an air-conditioned outdoor swimming, fitness suite, and honesty bar, making it an excellent option for travellers.
Es Molí Hotel
The Es Molí Hotel is located just outside Deia. It offers a tranquil break with beautiful gardens and a complimentary shuttle bus service to and from La Muleta beach.
A large spring water pool is heated to make it the perfect place to swim or soak, and the extensive dining options make this a popular hotel.
Choose from 76 single, double, and family rooms that are all tastefully decorated and still have many characterful original features – perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of the stunning surrounds.
Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the nearby hill.
Restaurants in Deia
Deia’s restaurants have welcomed a list of famous visitors over the years, including Princess Diana and David Bowie.
Take a look at the excellent options below, including a Michelin-starred restaurant:
Es Raco d’es Teix
The intimate vibe and high-quality cuisine available at Es Raco d’es Teix make it easy to see why this restaurant was awarded a coveted Michelin Star.
Head Chef Josef Sauerschell’s impressive CV would be enough to draw crowds, but his elaborate menu makes this a busy and sought-after option.
Restaurante Sebastian
The Restaurante Sebastian is another excellent option that Deia offers visitors. Traditional Mediterranean food with an Asian twist is served up in the former stable.
This is a great option for a unique and memorable dining experience.
El Barrigon Xelini
El Barrigon Xelini offers an excellent tapas selection and a great atmosphere for a more laid-back dinner.
You will also enjoy spotting all the famous faces who have dined here over the years that have their picture on the walls.
Nightlife in Deia
Sa Fonda is the most famous spot to enjoy late-night drinks and partying through the summer months. This stylish bar regularly welcomes celebrities like Kate Moss and is known for producing great food and drink.
The area is more commonly known for its breathtaking views and excellent restaurants. However, there are still some great bars worth visiting.
Events in Deia
The Deia International Music Festival welcomes hundreds of musicians every year. They perform a number of concerts that are enjoyed by the locals and visitors. The festival runs from May to September.
You can expect an eclectic mix of professional and amateur musicians to perform, making it a culturally rich event in the Deia calendar.
Another great festival that Deia celebrates in early Autumn is the Deia Art Festival. Visitors get to enjoy exhibitions and talks celebrating literature, art, and music.
The Writers Walk is a popular event during the Deia Art Festival that sees ten writers holding talks in ten secret locations around Deia.
Shopping in Deia
With so many artistic locals in such a small area, Deia is known for having an excellent selection of galleries and boutiques for people to browse.
While it is far from the largest shopping district in Mallorca, the unique shopping opportunities set it apart.
You can make the 30 km trip to Palma for a more extensive shopping trip. You will find an excellent selection of shops, bars, and restaurants here.
As the capital of Mallorca, Palma offers an excellent range of shops and entertainment.
How to get to Deia
Travelling to Deia is typically straightforward because of the excellent transport links.
Travelling from Palma is relatively easy. Anyone flying into Palma International Airport shouldn’t struggle to get there.
The 203 bus from Palma to Deia usually takes around one hour and should cost around €5.
Taxis take around half the time a bus will but will cost you significantly more. The half-hour journey shouldn’t cost more than €50 though.
Car hire is a handy alternative that will give you more freedom on your break. Public transport can be significantly cheaper than taxis. The buses can be a great option if you plan to travel often.
The route from Palma to Deia takes you directly north along the Ma-1110 and Ma-10 and should take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Surrounding areas of Deia
Exploring the surrounding area around Deia will provide stunning views and the opportunity to cool off in the ocean at Cala Deià. You will also have the opportunity to visit some more incredible towns.
There is a great range of cafes, shops, and boutiques to visit in Valldemossa. The historic Real Cartuja Monastery and cobbled streets are also worth exploring.
If you have decided to hire a car, driving to Soller will let you enjoy the scenic views and make the most of the botanic garden and natural science museum.
La Casa de Robert Graves is a short drive from Deia and is a museum dedicated to his works.
Alternatively, you can explore the Serra de Tramuntana if you enjoy hiking. Not only will you get to enjoy a more active expedition, but you will also be able to enjoy a UNESCO World Heritage sight.
