Guide to Deia
The idyllic village of Deia sits on a hilltop and extends down into the valley below. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’ mountains, it has pretty houses with green shutters and is topped by its ancient church.
Since it became home to poet and novelist Robert Graves in 1932, it has gained a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians and writers. Nowadays, it is still a favourite with rich foreign residents, such as actor Michael Douglas, but is also visited by sightseers because it is an example of the ‘real Majorca’. Down a dusty track through the olive groves is the ‘cala’ or cove, a small shingle beach in an attractive cove, where the few remaining fishermen still cast their nets. The cala can also be reached by car, but this is the long way round, and the walk is very pleasant.
The surrounding area has picture postcard villages of Fornalux and Biniaraix and the small elegant town of Soller, the end of a breathtaking mountain ride from Palma. Close by is Valldemossa, made famous by Chopin in 1838 when he took George Sands to continue their affair away from the gossip of Paris. The monastery is the focus of any visit and there are various ‘museums’ inside including one with modern art by Picasso, an old pharmacy and a library where monks would meet for half an hour a week – their only human contact.
For a low key seaside resort with a small sandy beach, visit Port de Soller where you can hire a boat to take you up the coast to visit pretty Cala Tuent and Torrent de Pareis.
Since it became home to poet and novelist Robert Graves in 1932, it has gained a reputation as a haven for artists, musicians and writers. Nowadays, it is still a favourite with rich foreign residents, such as actor Michael Douglas, but is also visited by sightseers because it is an example of the ‘real Majorca’. Down a dusty track through the olive groves is the ‘cala’ or cove, a small shingle beach in an attractive cove, where the few remaining fishermen still cast their nets. The cala can also be reached by car, but this is the long way round, and the walk is very pleasant.
The surrounding area has picture postcard villages of Fornalux and Biniaraix and the small elegant town of Soller, the end of a breathtaking mountain ride from Palma. Close by is Valldemossa, made famous by Chopin in 1838 when he took George Sands to continue their affair away from the gossip of Paris. The monastery is the focus of any visit and there are various ‘museums’ inside including one with modern art by Picasso, an old pharmacy and a library where monks would meet for half an hour a week – their only human contact.
For a low key seaside resort with a small sandy beach, visit Port de Soller where you can hire a boat to take you up the coast to visit pretty Cala Tuent and Torrent de Pareis.
Take time to go…
