Road Trip: Palma to Valldemossa & Deià

One of the most picturesque and culturally rich road trips in Mallorca takes you from Palma to Valldemossa and Deià. This drive through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains combines stunning landscapes, charming villages, and artistic heritage, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the island.
Distance: 30 km (Palma to Valldemossa), 45 km (Palma to Deià)
Drive Time: ~25 min (Palma to Valldemossa), ~40 min (Palma to Deià)
Best For: Nature lovers, history buffs, art enthusiasts, and couples
🚗 Route Overview & Highlights
Stop | Distance from Palma | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Palma de Mallorca | 0 km | Historic Old Town, Cathedral, shopping |
Valldemossa | 20 km | Chopin’s monastery, cobbled streets, mountain views |
Mirador de Sa Foradada (Optional Stop) | 33 km | Best sunset views on the west coast |
Deià | 40 km | Artists’ village, Mediterranean views, charming streets |
🌆 Starting Point: Palma de Mallorca
Begin your road trip in Palma, Mallorca’s vibrant capital. If you have time before leaving, visit:
✔ La Seu Cathedral – A Gothic masterpiece with Gaudí’s influence
✔ Passeig des Born – A beautiful shopping street with chic cafés
✔ Santa Catalina Market – Stock up on local snacks for the drive
💡 Pro Tip: Fill up your tank before leaving Palma—gas stations are rare in the mountains!
🏞️ Stop 1: Valldemossa – Mallorca’s Fairytale Village
Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, Valldemossa is one of the most charming and historically rich villages in Mallorca. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, and lush green surroundings make it a must-visit for every traveler.
📌 What to See & Do in Valldemossa:
✔ Real Cartuja de Valldemossa – The famous monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand lived in the winter of 1838.
✔ Carrer de Rectoria – A picturesque street perfect for photography.
✔ Mirador des Lladoner – A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views.
✔ Local Pastry: Coca de Patata – Try this traditional sweet bun with coffee.
💡 Fun Fact: Valldemossa has been home to famous writers, musicians, and painters throughout history, inspiring some of their greatest works.
🌅 Optional Stop: Mirador de Sa Foradada
If you have time, take a quick detour to Mirador de Sa Foradada, one of Mallorca’s best sunset viewpoints. The famous rock formation, Sa Foradada, is a dramatic peninsula with a large hole in the middle, making it a favorite for photographers.
✔ Best visited in the late afternoon or sunset.
✔ Hike down to the rocky bay for a swim.
✔ Enjoy a coffee or cocktail at the nearby Son Marroig estate café.
🎨 Stop 2: Deià – The Artists’ Retreat
Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Deià is known as Mallorca’s artistic capital. It has attracted famous figures like Robert Graves, Pablo Picasso, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
📌 What to See & Do in Deià:
✔ Wander the narrow stone streets and soak in the village’s bohemian charm.
✔ Visit the Robert Graves Museum to learn about the British poet’s life in Mallorca.
✔ Stop by Deià Cemetery – The final resting place of Graves and a great viewpoint.
✔ Enjoy fresh seafood at a cliffside restaurant with Mediterranean views.
✔ Hike down to Cala Deià, a small rocky beach with crystal-clear waters.
💡 Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Driving Tips & Practical Info
✔ Best Time to Go: Spring & autumn for mild weather and fewer tourists
✔ Road Conditions: Well-maintained but narrow and winding—drive cautiously
✔ Parking:
• Valldemossa: Paid parking lots available near the center.
• Deià: Limited parking—arrive early to find a spot.
✔ Gas Stations: Fill up in Palma—very few gas stations along the route.
✔ Car Rental: Book your rental with DiscoverCars.com for the best deals.
Road Trip Summary: Palma to Valldemossa & Deià
Stop | Highlights |
---|---|
Palma | Historic center, shopping, cathedral |
Valldemossa | Monastery, Chopin Museum, cobbled streets |
Mirador de Sa Foradada (Optional) | Breathtaking coastal views |
Deià | Artistic village, Robert Graves Museum, Cala Deià |
Book Your Trip!
✔ Find the best car rental deals at DiscoverCars.com
✔ Explore Mallorca’s hidden gems on your own schedule
✔ Enjoy the freedom of the open road!
🔗 More Road Trip Guides? Check out:
📍 Road Trip: Palma to Sóller – A scenic drive through the Tramuntana mountains.
📍 Road Trip: Sóller to Sa Calobra – Drive Mallorca’s most breathtaking coastal road!