Visiting Deia, Spain
Deia is one of the most beautiful villages on the Spanish island of Mallorca! It may be small, but there’s plenty to do: hike among sun-kissed mountains, snorkel in crystal turquoise water, or learn more about its star-studded history. Here are the must-sees for your visit.
Explore the Cute Streets
The streets of Deia, Spain, are quintessentially Mallorcan, home to pink-colored stone cottages with emerald green and midnight blue shutters. One of the simplest pleasures is soaking up the beauty of a typical morning in the village. Grab your camera and take some charming photos of the cobblestone streets, flowerpots, local market stalls, and the stunning vistas of the olive terraces and mountains.
Note: Deia is still a local village, so please respect the people who live here. For example, don’t sit outside people’s houses or walk down private pathways.
There’s also a lovely walking path that snakes through town, hugging the mountain edge and offering sensational views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Coast Path Route
One of the nicest hikes is from Deia along the coast to Puerto Soller via the charming hamlet of Llucalcari. This walk takes about 3 hours, leading you along the cliffs under the shade of vibrant pine trees. As you go, you’ll pass beautiful Calas (coves), which are perfect for a dip. You’ll also walk through stunning orange and olive groves on your final descent to Soller.
Tip: Stop for lunch in Puerto Soller and enjoy the views from the waterfront restaurant terraces. Afterward, you can take the 203 bus back to Deia, Spain. (see the full bus schedule here)
Serra de Tramuntana Mountains
If you’re a more experienced walker, try hiking to Es Teix, the mountain peak looming over Deia, Spain. The walk is challenging to the top, but once you’re there, you’ll only have free-roaming goats and cows for company. Bring a picnic with you and enjoy sensational panoramic views!
If you have the energy, you can also continue on to the neighboring town of Valldemossa. It’s a 5-hour walk from Deia, but you can catch the 203 bus back.
Book a private hiking tour in Mallorca (choose your route!)
Cala Deia, Mallorca
Cala Deia is the village’s famous local cove. With its pebbly beach, craggy cliffs, verdant pine trees, and abandoned boat houses, it must be one of the most romantic places in Europe.
The water is the most magical part of all, though! Because of the rocky seabed, the water is crystal clear, shimmering in various shades of blue and green. This transparency makes it perfect for snorkeling as you explore hidden caves and discover some vibrant Mediterranean sea life.
Note: We recommend bringing some water shoes with you to get into the water more easily.
Jellyfish/Medusa
With such beautiful water, it’s no wonder that the local jellyfish have also made Cala Deia their home! It’s really magical to watch them floating through the water. However, you do need to be careful as their sting, although not harmful, can be painful. Because of this, we recommend taking a snorkel with you for better vision.
You can also look out for the flags at Cala Deia. These show you when it’s ok to swim or when you need to be more aware of jellyfish. However, if you’re really nervous, we recommend trying nearby Puerto Soller instead. At this sandy beach, sightings are rare.
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Ca’s Petro March
After a morning of cliff jumping and snorkeling, grab lunch at one of the most famous restaurants on the island: Ca’s Petro March. The restaurant, made famous from many TV series and movies, is the best place to eat freshly caught seafood. Plus, its location right on the edge of the Cala makes it the perfect spot to watch the yachts sail in. Reserve your table online here
Getting to Cala Deia, Spain
Cala Deia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca, and its popularity has brought with it large crowds. Especially in July and August, finding parking down at the Cala can be near impossible. Moreover, the road is very narrow and windy, especially near the bottom, making queues very likely. Make sure you’re a confident driver if you want to attempt it!
To avoid this, we recommend parking in town and walking down to the Cala. It’s a beautiful walk through olive trees and farmland, with lovely views of Deia and the Tramuntana Mountains. On your journey, you may even spot the odd mountain goat or free-roaming donkey.
Tip: The walk is about 25 minutes down to the Cala and takes longer on your way back up. As it can get hot in the middle of the day, we recommend visiting the beach in the early morning or evening.
Aperitif at the Belmond Hotel
For a unique experience, go for a drink or dinner at the iconic La Residencia Belmond Hotel. It’s one of the most famous hotels in Europe!
The hotel is known for its star-studded guest list, with the likes of David Bowie, Harrison Ford, Bob Dylan, and Princess Diana having stayed here. Dine like ‘royalty’ on the elegant terrace as you look across the Tramuntana Mountains—the view only broken by cypress and citrus trees.
Make sure to reserve a table well in advance, as tables get booked up quickly. You should also dress up for the occasion, as it’s a fine dining experience.
Treat yourself to an overnight stay at La Residencia Belmond Hotel. Book your room here.
Local Bar: Sa Fonda
You should also check out the infamous Sa Fonda Bar, located in the very center of the village. The rustic bar is legendary for its summer parties, frequented by locals and celebs alike who come here to drink and dance the night away. At the weekends, there’s often live music, too!
Sunset Viewpoints in Deia, Spain
Watching the sun go down in Mallorca is a magical experience, and the idyllic backdrop of Deia makes it even better! The entire road that leads along this western coastline (from Valldemossa to Soller) is incredibly scenic. It follows along sheer cliffs with open views of the shimmering sea and the beautiful olive tree terraces.
One of the best viewpoints to watch the sun go down is Mirador de sa Foradada, which is about halfway between Deia and Valldemossa. (here is the exact location)
Arrive early to grab a parking spot and enjoy a cocktail at the viewpoint bar, which plays chill music as you watch the sunset. The spectacular view out to sea and the rock formation of Sa Foradada is breathtaking!
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Sa Foradada
This viewpoint is also the starting point for the walk down to Sa Foradada, a stunning rocky outcrop at the bottom of the cliffs. Sa Foradada means ‘the perforated’ as there is a large 18-meter wide hole — creating an ‘eye’ for you to look through.
What’s really special is that you can only reach this remote and untouched beach by walking or boat. Because of this, it’s far less busy than other coves on the island! The route follows along a zigzagging path through the olive terraces with beautiful views. Although it’s a long walk, particularly on the way up, it’s well worth it once you see the crystal-clear waters.
There’s also a tiny restaurant here where you can grab a bite to eat as a reward for your efforts. Please note that you should always reserve a table in advance, particularly as it closes by 4 PM.
Note: The walk is about 3 km each way, taking about 1 hour downhill and a little more to come back up. The path from Sa Foradada is not lit, so make sure to leave enough time to return before dark.
Visit the Cemetery in Deia, Mallorca
Although visiting a cemetery might seem eerie, the one in Deia is the total opposite! This spiritual spot sits on top of the highest hill in Deia, with an almost 360-degree view of the village, the mountains, and the sea. Local residents are buried here, including artists and poets, such as Robert Graves, who came to Deia many years ago and made it their home.
Robert Graves Museum
Robert Graves was a famous British poet who, like many creatives, found inspiration and tranquility in the picturesque setting of Deia, Spain. Moving to the island in the ‘20s, the poet immersed himself in village life, hosting poetry recitals and parties while working from the comfort of his beautiful home.
These days, his house is now a museum which you can visit to see exactly how the great poet lived. There’s even the original printing press inside!
Entry Fee: 10 EUR per person. Open 9 AM – 4 PM in the winter/9.30 AM – 4.30 PM in the summer. Reserve your spot here
Deia Hotels
Deia is a small village, so there aren’t many hotels, apart from The Belmond (the ultimate luxury stay in Deia!). Book your stay at the Belmond
However, you will find plenty of houses and apartments for rent. Especially in winter, when most restaurants shut down for the season, it’s well worth booking self-catering accommodation such as this. There’s even the odd hostel, mainly used by walkers who use Deia as a stopping point on their route.
Tip: Deia Hotels can get booked up quickly, especially in peak months. If that’s the case, consider staying elsewhere on this northwestern stretch of coastline. For example, Valldemossa, Soller, or Puerto Soller.
How Many Days in Deia, Mallorca?
Deia is one of the most dreamy locations and a fantastic spot to explore the more remote northern part of the island on your Mallorca itinerary. We can easily imagine staying here for weeks to gain a deeper understanding of this magical village!
However, accommodation options can be limited, and its legendary history among the rich and famous can make it more expensive. If that’s the case, you could also stay elsewhere in Mallorca and visit Deia on a day trip. Its compact size means a day is more than enough for seeing the highlights.
How to Visit Deia, Spain
Mallorca has one international airport just outside of Palma. Flights arrive from all over Europe and Spain, and during peak months, direct routes from the USA are available. The airport is massive, so allow a reasonable amount of time to walk to and from your gate.
Hire a car from the airport and drive up into the mountains for the ultimate freedom on your trip!
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Palma to Deia
If you don’t have a car, public buses also leave from Palma to Deia. To get there, you must first take the A1 Airport Bus into the city. Buses depart every 15 minutes and cost 5 EUR one way (cash only).
Get off at Plaça d’Espanya, where the Estació Intermodal Bus Station is located. Take the escalators down underground, where you’ll find connections by bus to destinations all over Mallorca. To get from Palma to Deia, take the 203 TIB bus (see full schedule here)
However, if you choose to drive, always arrive at destinations like the Cala first thing in the morning. This ensures you avoid traffic and find a parking place.
Live like a local: book scooter or motorbike rental from Palma
Please be aware that driving in the northwest of Mallorca can sometimes be a little sketchy! The mountain roads are narrow, and the streets down to the Calas often have large boulders and steep drops. If you want to rent a car, ensure you’re a confident driver and opt for full coverage when choosing your car insurance.
How Much Does Deia Cost?
Although Spain is generally known as a cheap European destination, Mallorca is noticeably more expensive due to the high tourist influx.
Deia, in particular, is known for its celebrity clientele, attracting the rich and famous to its gastronomic restaurants and high-end hotels like The Belmond. However, if you look in the right places, you can still find some ways to cut your budget. For example, grab a delicious Ensaimada for breakfast, pack a picnic for the beach, or take public transport to reach nearby towns. (Learn more about how to travel cheap)
Deia Restaurants
Deia’s restaurants are fantastic, offering countless fine dining options, traditional tapas, or more unique fusion plates. As it gets busy in the summer, always reserve a table in advance; we recommend eating outside in Deia as the terraces usually have fantastic views. Some of our favorites are:
- Restaurant Nama
- Restaurant sa Vinya
- El Olivo (Belmond)
- Sebastian
- Trattoria Italiana
- Ca’s Patró March
Tip: In mainland Spain, restaurants don’t open until after 8 PM. Because Mallorca is more set up for tourism, they open a bit earlier. Please note that most restaurants in Deia close during the winter season.
Best Time to Visit
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best times to visit Deia, as it’s still sunny but with fewer crowds.
The winter months are also just as beautiful, with cooler days that are better for sightseeing. However, because Deia is in the mountains, the weather can change quickly. For example, the mornings are usually clear, but clouds arrive in the afternoons. That being said, it’s only a short walk to the local beach, Cala Deia, where the weather is often completely different!
Note: The village is very hectic during the summer, especially in the peak month of August. Although this is the best time to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, it can sometimes feel tainted by the crowds. If you travel during this time, you should make reservations well in advance for parking, restaurants, hotels, and tours.
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