Deia Travel Guide - Expert Recommendations & Advice

Limpet-like, the village of Deià clings to the Tramuntana.

I write for Condé Nast Traveler, Olive .... Read more

Why go to Deia?

Last updated 1 February 2011

Located more or less in the centre of the coastal side of the Tramuntana mountain range, Deià is a fantastic base for exploring the smaller towns and villages of the region, for hiking and biking, and generally getting back to nature. It’s always had huge allure for those looking to get away from it all, right back from when artists and writers like Robert Graves first discovered it in the 1950s and 60s, to the Hollywood A-listers who’ve made it their second home today. The piercing light given off when the deep blue horizon meets the sapphire blue sky; the jagged peaks and hand-hewn terraces that make up the landscape; the general bonhomie of the place that teems with bars, restaurants and the good life - all these things make it the perfect retreat for discerning travellers.

Stars in your eyes

The chances of you running into Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, or Claudia Schiffer, are extremely remote. However, their ‘presence in spirit’ does mean that if you like fine dining, luxury hotels and living the high life in a very low-key way, you’ll find pint-sized Deià ticks all the right boxes.

Village hopping

To get the most out of stay in Deià, renting a car is crucial. This is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Spain and the more you can see of it the better. The road wraps around the cliffs from Valldemossa all the way to Sóller, in itself a breathtaking drive. But I urge you to make a beeline for some of the smaller villages too. Among these, Fornalutx probably boasts the most awards for prettiness closely followed by Orient (towards Pollensa), and Esporles, Estellencs and Banyalbufar (all towards Calvià).

Outdoors adventures

If you’re a more active kind of traveller, you’ll find plenty to keep you breathless. The steep, heady trails of the Tramuntana can take you on hour-long rambles, or full day hikes, depending on your mood, and the snorkelling is wonderful off the region’s secluded coves.

Culture vultures

Or, you can tap into your creative side. There are plenty of outlets for pursuing a passion for art (luxury painting courses at La Residencia), creative writing workshop (www.balearicdiscovery.com) and music at the Deià International Music Festival (www.dimf.com).