Famous for the Valldemossa Charterhouse, a palace / monastery where King Sancho of Majorca resided prior to his death in 1324 and the musician Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand lived from 1838 to 1839, the village of Valldemossa is one of Mallorca’s most eye-catching sights.

Surrounded by the wooden slopes of the Tramuntana Mountains, the village boasts tree-lined, cobbled lanes, stunning villas and ancient blonde stone houses and has been promoted internationally as a place of outstanding beauty, largely due to the affection of distinguished traveller and cultural writer, the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator, whose main residence of Son Marroig, near the village of Deià, is now a museum.

Valldemossa’s rich history dates back to the 13th century, when it was founded by the Moors. During this time, the village became an important center for trade and commerce, and its prosperity attracted many wealthy families to settle there. Over the centuries, Valldemossa has been shaped by a variety of cultural influences, including the Spanish conquest and the arrival of the French and British in the 19th century.

One of the most famous landmarks in Valldemossa is the Cartoixa de Valldemossa, a former Carthusian monastery that was built in the 14th century. The monastery was later converted into a palace by King Sancho in the 19th century and was used as a summer residence by a number of famous artists and writers, including the composer Chopin and the writer George Sand. Today, the palace houses a museum that showcases the work of these artists and provides an insight into their lives in Valldemossa.

Crowned by the spire of its Carthusian Charterhouse, Valldemossa’s quiet and picturesque streets are home to quaint cafes, restaurants, shops & art galleries. The allure of Valldemossa has resulted in most of the restaurants and bars serving average quality fare at tourist prices; however, the indescribable charm and breath-taking vistas of the surrounding valley easily make up for this.

Many of the stone houses in Valldemossa feature a portrait of Saint Catalina Thomàs, the first saint to be born in Mallorca and doorways are decorated with plants and flowers adding to the charm of this beautiful village.

Today, Valldemossa is best known for its charming old town, which is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The narrow, winding streets of the town are lined with historic stone buildings, many of which have been converted into charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also visit the Church of Our Lady of Valldemossa, which dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the village.

Valldemossa is the highest village in Mallorca and is a popular place for hikers and nature lovers to base themselves. For experienced hikers, Puig des Teix is one of the most visited peaks in the Tramuntana mountain range.

Valldemossa was named after the area’s original Moorish landowner, Muza and the Moorish name for the town is Musa Valley. Ruling Mallorca for some 300 years, the Arabs introduced the often-seen irrigated terracing to the hilly landscapes.

A popular tourist attraction in Valldemoosa is the Costa Nord Cultural Centre, which was an initiative of American actor Michael Douglas whose home S’Estaca is off the Valldemossa to Sóller coast road, near Deià. The Cultural Centre houses an exhibition on the flora and fauna of the Tramuntana.

In addition to its rich history and cultural heritage, Valldemossa is also famous for its natural beauty. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, and the nearby coastline offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.

If you are in the mood for a trip to the sea, there are a couple of options for beach visits a short distance from town. Follow the road in the direction of Andratx and you will find signposts for Port de Valldemossa. After a winding road of 6km you will find the harbour area, where a small pebble beach provides the ideal place for a swim. For the more adventurous, a small hike will take you to Caló de s’Estaca (from the Miramar monastery).

Whilst you are in Valldemossa, we recommend that you try Coco de Patata, a sweet tasting potato pastry, which is sold in every bakery in the village. Filling yourself up with Coco de Patata will take away the hunger pangs and perhaps allow you to avoid the over-priced restaurants; however, if you are looking to find a good place to eat, we recommend QuitaPenas Valldemossa (a much-loved tapas bar), Casa de Sa Miranda (fusion cuisine) or Es Port at the port; which provides traditional food.

In conclusion, Valldemossa is a charming and historic village that offers a unique combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the village’s rich history, admiring its stunning scenery, or simply relaxing in its charming cafes, Valldemossa is the perfect destination for a memorable holiday.