Just 17 km from Palma stands one of the most picturesque towns in Mallorca
In the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, we find this small town located in a fertile valley surrounded by lush forests. The abundance of springs, used thanks to the hydraulic engineering of the Muslim settlers, allowed the establishment of a farmhouse in the 10th century. The place came to be called Wadi Muza, or Musuh Valley, and already in Christian times, Vall de Mussa.
For centuries the town has managed to preserve its distinctly medieval appearance: stone-lined houses in cobbled streets
This peculiar character, shared only with a handful of other towns in Mallorca, is one of the things that make Valldemossa a must-see, but it is not the only attraction of this town.
The best known monument in Valldemossa is without a doubt the Charterhouse
Its origin dates back to 1399, when Jaime II of Mallorca ordered the construction of a palace for his son Sancho, which is why the building would be known as the Palace of King Sancho. One hundred years later, in 1399, when Mallorca once again belonged to the kingdom of Aragon, Martín I el Humano donated the palace to the order of San Bruno, who thus founded the Charterhouse of Jesus of Nazareth.
With the Confiscation of Mendizábal the Carthusian monks were expelled and the Charterhouse passed into private hands, becoming a hostelry. Renowned 19th-century figures such as the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and the French writer George Sand passed through here. The rooms where they are supposedly housed today contain a large collection of writings, scores, paintings, and personal belongings of such a unique and extraordinary couple.
Another must-see is the birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas, the only Majorcan saint, who lived from 1531 to 1574 and was canonized in 1930
Already in life he was popular throughout Mallorca for his devotion and his miracles, among which are several appearances of the Virgin and saints, hearing the mass of the Palma Cathedral from Valldemossa, resisting various temptations from the devil himself and various cures. When he took his vows in the convent of Santa Magdalena, in Palma, with little more than 20 years, half the city attended the event. All the houses in Valldemossa, and many in Mallorca, have a tile next to the portal invoking their protection: Santa Catalina Thomas, pregau per nosaltres (Santa Catalina Thomas, pray for us).
Already in the 20th century, Valldemossa became the place of residence, or at least of prolonged stays, for many artists
Like other towns in the Sierra de Tramuntana such as Deià, Estellencs or Sóller, the particular light of this corner of the Mediterranean, its mountainous landscapes and its old streets have attracted painters from all over the world. Many of his works are exhibited in different rooms in Valldemossa.
Valldemossa and its surroundings offer many experiences to all types of visitors
Here we bring you a list of 20 things you should not miss in Valldemossa
How to get to Valldemossa
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10 places you should not miss if you visit Valldemossa
Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa
The first visit cannot be other than the Charterhouse, or Cartoixa, of Valldemossa
It is undoubtedly the most important and representative monument of the town, and its own history is closely linked to the history of Mallorca in general and Valldemossa in particular.
The Charterhouse is a monumental complex that includes several spaces
The main one is the church, in a neoclassical style, where the frescoes on the dome painted by Fray Manuel Bayeu, Goya‘s brother-in-law, stand out. You can also admire the oil paintings of the Baroque painter Fray Joaquín Juncosa, and the original tiles that make up the floor of the church. Outside, the spectacular bell tower with green tiles stands out.
We can also visit the monastic pharmacy, one of the best preserved in Europe
It includes a good collection of utensils for the preparation of medicines, the recipes with their components, and the jars to keep them.
In the same enclosure there was a guesthouse for nobles and high ecclesiastical positions, which from the Confiscation would be extended to all kinds of visitors.
In 1563 the construction of the Torre del Homenaje was completed, next to the entrance of the monastery
The construction of which began after a raid by Barbary pirates ten years earlier. Apart from as a defensive building it was used as a prison. The liberal Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was imprisoned here in 1801 before being transferred to the dungeons of the Bellver Castle, in Palma.
The Municipal Museum of Valldemossa was also established here, which contains various collections related to the history of the population
- From the old Guasp Printing House (the first printing press in Mallorca was established in Valldemossa)
- From Archduke Luis Salvador, who acquired numerous estates in the Sierra de Tramuntana
- A collection of paintings inspired by this part of the island
- A collection of contemporary art
King Sancho Palace
Once the visit to the Royal Charterhouse is finished, we cannot forget this great palace that is part of the monumental complex
To access it we will have to go to the Plaza de la Cartuja, although if we want to admire its façade we must do so from the Plaza Rubén Darío, where we will arrive by the Calle de Jovellanos.
The building is reminiscent of an old fortress, while its interior is much more similar to a Majorcan manor house, as befits a royal summer palace
It should be noted that not all the furniture in the palace is original, but even so, its decoration is very successful.
The grounds of the palace of King Sancho includes a concert hall. During visits, piano recitals of about 15 minutes of works by Chopin are offered.
Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum
Without leaving the Charterhouse, a prominent place to visit is cell 4 where it is assumed (it is not known with absolute certainty) that Frédéric Chopin and George Sand stayed.
His stay in Mallorca in the winter of 1838 produced works such as the Prelude Op. 28, No. 15 (called “Raindrop”), and the travel notebook A winter in Mallorca.
Several of the couple’s personal belongings can be seen in the cell
But the main object of the exhibition is the “Pianino Pleyel” which was sent to Chopin from Paris in order to continue working on his compositions.
Gardens of King Juan Carlos
Plaça Cartoixa, 13
Annexes to the Charterhouse we will find the gardens of King Juan Carlos
This space was formerly the courtyard of the monastery’s cloister, where Carthusian monks sought peace. Opened to the public in 1960, all visitors can now seek peace by walking its cobbled paths between cypress trees, yew trees, and a great variety of rose bushes and bushes.
While we go through the geometric layout of the paths that cross these gardens we will be able to recreate ourselves in the exterior architecture of the Charterhouse
Especially in the beauty of its bell tower. In addition, you can discover the busts that remember famous visitors and residents of Valldemossa. Among these we will naturally find that of Frédéric Chopin, but also that of Rubén Darío, Santiago Rusiñol or Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria.
It is undoubtedly a relaxing experience full of beautiful pictures.
Excursion to the Ses Puntes Viewpoint
39°43’32.0″N 2°36’42.9″E
Valldemossa is the starting point for numerous excursions through the Sierra de Tramuntana
One of them, of moderate difficulty and that can be done as a family, will take us to the Ses Puntes Viewpoint. It is important to note that to carry out this route you must request permission from the Valldemossa town hall.
To get to the viewpoint, the route begins at Calle de les Oliveres, at the end of which begins a section of the Camí de s’Arxiduc
Past the gate there is an access control. From there we will ascend to Pla del Pouet and then head towards the viewpoint. In addition to the spectacular views, we will enjoy a natural environment that has been tried to recover and conserve as much as possible.
From the Mirador it is possible to ascend very easily to the Talaia Vella
To then descend to the Son Gallard refuge, and from there return to the town. Between round trips the tour lasts about 3 hours. It is a perfect activity to do both in groups and alone.
Take a look at the Ses Puntes Viewpoint in 360º
Walking route from Valldemossa to the Ses Puntes viewpoint
A dip in Sa Marina
Valldemossa is not only mountains, it is also beach
The port of Valldemossa, better known as Sa Marina, has on one side a small port for small boats, and on the other, a cove of gravel and boulders of about 90 m.
To get there we will have to leave Valldemossa following the indications to Deià, and very soon we will reach the detour that leads us to Sa Marina.
Even if you prefer sandy beaches, you must go down here to admire the beauty of its surroundings
In addition, given its relative isolation, and that it is far from the rest of the beaches in the area, Sa Marina is a perfect place for those seeking tranquility and relaxation after a day of long walks.
Take a 360º look at Sa Marina
How to get to Puerto de Valldemossa
Church of Sant Bartomeu
Carrer de la Constitució, 14
Many towns in Mallorca, and in the old Crown of Aragon, have San Bartolomé as their patron
The reason for this predilection is a mystery, but the fact is that Valldemossa is one of them. Strolling down the Calle de la Constitución we will soon reach the Plaza de Santa Catalina Thomas, also known as the church square.
It is precisely here that the parish of San Bartomeu stands, built a few years after the conquest, and around which the urban nucleus that is now Valldemossa grew.
For centuries it was the cultural and civic center, not only religious, of Valldemossa
Gothic in style, it has received multiple reforms and extensions over the centuries. The last was in 1925, with the construction of its neoclassical bell tower on the occasion of the canonization process of Santa Catalina Thomas.
Birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas
Another must-see in Valldemossa is the birthplace of Santa Catalina Thomas, La Beateta
Without a doubt one of the most important and beloved figures for the citizens of Valldemossa, and for many Mallorcan people.
We will find it in Carrer de la Rectoria, behind the parish of Sant Bartomeu.
The humble house where the Mallorcan saint was born is today a small chapel
But apart from that she is honored in all the houses of Valldemossa, and in many of Mallorca, with a tile with her image performing some task and the legend “Santa Catalina Thomas, pregau per nosaltres” (Santa Catalina Thomas, pray for us).
Try the delicious potato coca
After so much walking visiting museums and monuments, surely you have gotten hungry
It is the perfect time to try one of Valldemossa’s specialties: potato coca. No matter what time of year we are, potato coca is a very good snack at any time and any day of the year.
Especially in winter with a hot chocolate. One of the best places to enjoy this delicious coca is the Ca’n Molinas pastry shop, where you can enjoy this delicatessen and the views of its interior patio. Along with the potato coca, you can also try the almond gató.
Coll Bardolet Cultural Foundation
Via Blanquerna, 4
This foundation, located in Blanquerna street, is mainly intended to preserve and exhibit the work of this Catalan painter who lived in Valldemossa for almost all his life and portrayed the people and landscapes of this land.
Apart from the permanent collection of Coll Bardolet it exhibits temporary collections of other artists
It also has spaces for conferences and concerts, including a courtyard with an amphitheater for open-air concerts. As if that were not enough, we can have a coffee between visits and visits to the different exhibitions.
5 places to eat in Valldemossa
Ca’n Molinas Cafeteria
The first obligatory stop to taste the traditional pastries of Valldemossa is Ca’n Molinas
In this traditional oven that has been in existence for a century, they make the best potato cakes, the star product of the local pastry. But we can also taste other products such as aniseed coca, the traditional Mallorcan gató, or the famous ensaimada.
The great innovation of Ca’n Molinas was to turn the portions of the traditional potato coca into an individual dessert that retains its characteristics for longer. In the coldest months of the year the best accompaniment will be a cup of chocolate. When the heat is tightened we can accompany it with the also traditional almond ice cream.
S’Estret
15€ – 25€ Jovellanos, 6
Tripadvisor 5/5
+34 686 16 16 39If we are looking for a somewhat calmer and more welcoming place away from the crowds, S’Estret will be our choice
With a very varied menu and dishes served in small portions, we can taste several dishes without filling up easily. In this way we can leave the restaurant and Valldemossa being able to say that we have tried all their delicatessen.
But in addition to its culinary wealth, S’Estret offers it to us with excellent prices, professionalism and the kindness of its waiters. S’Estret will be a guaranteed hit.
Insieme
Another good option to have a good time enjoying good and varied food is Insieme
Here we can taste tapas, finger food, salads … but also sandwiches and sandwiches. They also have a wide variety of drinks and desserts, and in the evenings they have a great cocktail menu.
Hotel Valldemossa & Frédéric Restaurant
Going up the level we find the Frédéric Restaurant, in the Hotel Valldemossa, located just before the entrance to the town
Depending on the time of day, we can savor an exquisite breakfast among traditional olive trees, enjoy a light mid-day meal contemplating the views of the valley, or enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner with the view of Valldemossa against the sky.
The chef takes local and seasonal products cooked with the most innovative techniques to achieve an exquisite fusion of tradition and modernity
And all this in an elegant and cozy atmosphere with an exquisite treatment.
QuitaPenas Valldemossa
If we are of simpler tastes, we cannot leave Valldemossa without trying the typical pa amb oli, and for that the best option is QuitaPenas Valldemossa
A restaurant established in an old botiga dedicated to this Mallorcan specialty. But apart from pa amb oli in QuitaPenas we will have a great variety of dishes, including vegetarian options.
In our visit to QuitaPenas we can enjoy its craft beer, a warm and pleasant atmosphere, and the kindness and courtesy of its staff.
5 stores you must visit in Valldemossa
Valldemossa Secrets
A souvenir shop, but not your typical souvenir shop
There are no postcards or fridge magnets here. Here we can find original gifts and typical Majorcan handicraft products.
They include a vast collection of teapots, dolls and puppets, ornaments made with olive wood and leather goods. They also have high quality pearls and typical Majorcan drinks for sale.
S’Espardenya
A very special and highly specialized store
In this shoe store you will find the typical Majorcan espadrilles made by hand but with the highest quality. For those looking for a mixture of tradition and innovation, there is a good variety of footwear inspired by that traditional espardenya.
Their typical baskets of different sizes, also made by hand, also stand out. Excellent personalized and professional treatment.
Es Paladar
It is an exquisite store dedicated precisely to that: the sale of delicacies of Mallorcan gastronomy
Here we can buy pastry products, such as traditional ensaimadas and other desserts; wines and oils from all over Mallorca; craft beers; honeys and jams; And a long etcetera.
S’Hort de Cartoixa
As its name indicates, in S’Hort de Cartoixa we can buy products from the Mallorcan garden, fresh and of the highest quality.
It also has an excellent variety of typical Mallorcan sausages: sobrasadas, camaiot, botifarrons … We will also have at our disposal dried fruits, gardening products, jams, oils …
Just walk past the store and we won’t be able to resist the temptation to take a look at their products.
And served with exquisite kindness by the owners.
Lafiore
And although it is not exactly in Valldemossa, but on the road that leads to the town, we should not miss this blown glass factory.
In it we will find a huge variety of hand-blown and decorative glass products
Decoration pieces such as vases or chandeliers; tableware such as oil cans, jugs or decanters; or pieces of glassware such as glasses and goblets.
We will also find a wide selection of lamps and wall lights
Along with pieces of furniture and other accessories also handmade by different artisans from Mallorca. After seeing the exhibition and a demonstration of how blown glass pieces are made, you can go to the store where you can get hold of authentic works of art made of glass.
And to conclude this tour of Valldemossa
This is just a glimpse of everything Valldemossa has to offer, and a short list of recommendations for historic and picturesque places, shops and restaurants to visit. But the main recommendation is:
When you prepare your trip to Mallorca, reserve a day to visit Valldemossa
Its beautiful corners, its bucolic cobbled streets populated with lazy cats, the ever-present memory of the Beateta in all its houses … it is a special environment that does not leave you indifferent. You will not regret it at all.
