Guide to Visiting Valldemossa, Mallorca’s Hidden Jewel
We spent several weeks traveling around Mallorca. It was early winter, the weather was splendid, and there were very few tourists around. While we enjoyed all the places we visited, we absolutely fell in love with Valldemossa.
Nestled in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca’s UNESCO-listed mountain range, Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is a charming little town of cobbled streets and stone houses.
We spent our days strolling through its lanes, hiking the scenic trails that surround the town, visiting museums, and relaxing in the royal gardens. We’ll come back for sure!
How to Get to Valldemossa
By Public Bus
It’s easy to reach Valldemossa by public transport. Bus 203 connects Palma de Mallorca with Valldemossa, before continuing to Deià and Sóller.
There are around 20 departures a day, and the journey takes about 30 minutes from Palma’s Estació Intermodal (the city’s main bus and train station).
The journey is an attraction in itself, so try to grab a window seat on the left side for the best views of town. If buying a ticket on the bus, make sure to have small change ready.
By Car
Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore more of the island. There are numerous car rental offices in Palma, or you can get one online.
The road to Valldemossa, Carretera de Valldemossa (Ma-1110), begins as an easy drive through Mallorca’s fields before winding through the hills.
On arrival, you’ll find two parking lots on your right: the first is reserved for residents, while the second is for visitors. There are additional spaces along Carrer de la Venerable Sor Aina or Avinguda Arxiduc Lluís Salvador.
By Organized Tour
You can also visit Valldemossa on an organized tour. This one is pretty packed, but you’ll be able to visit all the main sites in the Serra de Tramuntana, including Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller. It even includes the historic train to Sóller.
If you are looking for something more relaxed, we suggest this wonderful tour.. It focuses only on Valldemossa, giving you time to soak up the local atmosphere and hike through the nearby hills.
For those coming from Alcúdia, there are several options. Our favorite is the one that takes you to Sóller, Port de Sóller, and Valldemossa in about seven hours.
Where to Stay
We highly recommend spending at least one night in this gorgeous town. The best hotel in Valldemossa is Hotel Valldemossa, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion. This boutique hotel blends Mallorcan heritage with contemporary art and features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a sauna, and sound baths.
If you prefer staying in the town center, we suggest Ca’s Papà. Located right next to the historic Charterhouse, it offers elegant rooms with views. There’s also a shared living room with a fireplace, a library, and a panoramic terrace.
For a stay outside the town, we recommend Agroturismo Son Viscos. This 18th-century farmhouse is surrounded by olive groves and offers magnificent views. We especially loved its large pool and spacious garden.
What to Do in Valldemossa
Visit the Charterhouse
The town’s main attraction is the imposing Charterhouse. Known in Catalan as Cartoixa de Valldemossa, it was the royal palace of King Sancho of Mallorca in the 15th century.
The large complex includes the royal church, the museum, and the King’s Palace (Palau del Rei Sanç). You can also visit the room where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent their winter.
Highlights include the original monastery cells, the church, the library, and exhibitions dedicated to Chopin and Sand. Occasionally, concerts and temporary art exhibitions are also held here.
Explore the King’s Gardens
Behind the palace are the King’s Gardens (Jardins Rei Joan Carles). Unlike the palace, they are rarely crowded, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
This French-style garden is laid out with hedges, fountains, and benches shaded by cypress and laurel trees. Since it’s quite small, you can see it in about 10 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll find busts of important cultural figures such as Frédéric Chopin, Santiago Rusiñol, Rubén Darío, Catalina Homar, and Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria.
Stroll through the Streets of Valldemossa
After visiting the palace and gardens, take time to wander the streets of the old town. Though compact, it’s filled with charming streets and squares.
Start at the main square, Plaça Cartoixa, then continue to Plaça Ramon Llull, lined with cafés and restaurants. Walk along Carrer Uetam for views of the surrounding hills.
Don’t miss the smaller, more intimate squares: Plaça Pública, Plaça Gallart, and Plaça de la Constitució. Be sure to see Carrer Rectoria, famous for its colorful flower pots.
Visit the Parish Church of Saint Bartholomew
The Parish Church of Saint Bartholomew stands right next to Plaça de la Constitució. Valldemossa was founded here, and the old town grew around the church.
The first church on the site was built in the 13th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was later expanded in the 14th century and rededicated to Saint Bartholomew.
Originally Gothic, the church received its Baroque appearance in the 17th century, while the main façade and bell tower date from 1925. Don’t miss the birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomàs (Mallorca’s patron saint), located just behind the church.
Enjoy the Views
Valldemossa is all about the views. While the town is stunning from within, its skyline is even more impressive from afar.
The Mirador Valldemossa is located at the corner of the Charterhouse. From Plaça Ramon Llull, walk down Carrer Jovellanos to the end for sweeping views of the town framed by the Serra de Tramuntana.
Another excellent spot is the Viewpoint Valldemossa, located on the main road at the entrance to town. From the Parish Church, take Carrer Camí de sa Coma to the main road, climb the stairs, and enjoy a different perspective of the town.
Hike Around Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana offers trails for all levels. The most famous is the Archduke’s Trail, starting from Carrer de les Oliveres and leading all the way to Deià.
It’s a moderately challenging 14 km (9 miles) hike. Part of the route passes through the protected area of Muntanya del Voltor, which requires a permit. You can get it here.
Another great hike is to the Mola de sa Comuna and Coll de Sant Jordi. At 6.4 km (4 miles), it’s easier and starts at Camí Son Mosenya, next to the King’s Gardens.
Go to Deià
Another must-see town in the Serra de Tramuntana is picturesque Deià. Located on the main road between Valldemossa and Sóller, it’s easy to reach and worth spending at least a few hours, or even a couple of days.
You can walk there via the Archduke’s Trail, take public bus no. 203, or drive. Parking is available next to La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel.
Two of Deià’s highlights are the former mansion of Archduke Luis Salvador, Son Marroig, and the House of Robert Graves. In the town center, walk up to Sant Joan de Deià Church for breathtaking views.
Try Delicious Mallorcan Cuisine
Mallorca is famous throughout Spain for its raw cured sausage, sobrasada. But Valldemossa is best known for its coca de patata, a sweet potato roll.
The best place to try it is Forn i Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas, a bakery on Plaça Cartoixa that has been operating since 1920.
We also love having coffee and cake at Barbaflorida Café. For tapas, we recommend Quitapenas and S’Estret. If you’re after something more refined, book a table at Es Taller.
