Valldemossa is a small town located in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca. It was established in the 13th century as a royal estate by King James II of Mallorca. Its name, derived from the Arabic “Wadi al-Musa” or “Valley of Musa,” reflects the region’s Moorish past. There are plenty things to do in Valldemossa on a day trip from the island’s many holiday resorts.
The main thing to see in Valldemossa is its Carthusian Monastery which was founded in the 14th century and became a centre of cultural and religious importance. Over the years, many writers, artists and composers have been inspired by the beauty and tranquility of Valldemossa. The monastery’s most famous residents were Frédéric Chopin and George Sand who spent a winter here in 1838-39. More recent celebrities residing in Valldemossa include the actors Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who have owned a property here for many years.
Things to Do in Valldemossa
An excursion to Valldemossa is one of the most popular things to do in Mallorca. Day trippers can visit the Royal Carthusian Monastery and wander around the artisanal shops and art galleries before dining at one of the town’s Mallorcan restaurants. Some of the main things to do and see in and around Valldemossa include the following.
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa
The most prominent historical landmark in Valldemossa is undoubtedly the Royal Carthusian Monastery, known locally as La Cartuja. Originally constructed as a royal residence for King Sancho of Mallorca in the 14th century, it was later converted into a monastery for the Carthusian order in 1399. The monastery played a significant role in the village’s development, both economically and culturally, until its dissolution in 1835 during the ecclesiastical confiscations of Mendizábal.
The monastery gained international renown in the winter of 1838-1839 when it hosted the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his partner, the French writer George Sand. Their tumultuous stay, chronicled in Sand’s book “A Winter in Majorca”, brought Valldemossa to the attention of the wider world and cemented its place in cultural history. Today, the monastery houses a museum dedicated to their time in Valldemossa, featuring Chopin’s piano and manuscripts.
George Sand’s account of her stay in Valldemossa, “A Winter in Majorca”, provides a vivid, if often critical, portrait of the village and its inhabitants in the mid-19th century. The book, while controversial for its unflattering depiction of Mallorcan society, has nevertheless contributed significantly to Valldemossa’s literary fame and continues to draw visitors interested in retracing Sand and Chopin’s footsteps.
Jardins Rei Joan Carles
The Jardins Rei Joan Carles are lovely gardens that are perfect for a stroll or a moment of relaxation. They are located near the Chopin Festival Association.
Things to Do Near Valldemossa
Visit Deià
Located just 10km north of Valldemossa in the Serra de Tramuntana, this charming village should also be included in your day trip itinerary. It has a well established reputation as being a magnet for writers and artists. Its most famous resident was the English poet and writer, Robert Graves, who died here in 1985, and was buried in the small cemetery behind the village church. His former home and gardens is open to the public. Other places worth seeing are the Deia’s 14th-century parish church of San Juan Bautista and the town’s archaeological museum.
Deià is surrounded by beautiful mountain views including the peak of the Puig de Teix which looks down on the village from a height of 1064m. Nearby is the quaint shingle beach of Cala de Deià which can be reached on foot from the village or by car following the sign on the road heading out to the north. If you’re thinking of staying in this part of the island then you’re in for a treat as Deià is home to two of Mallorca’s finest hotels: La Residencia which lies within what was formerly a 16th century manor house and the prestigious Es Moli Hotel.
Port de Valldemossa
Heading a kilometre out of town you’ll come to a sign for Port de Valldemossa which takes you on a 6km drive of hairpin bends down to a little bay where you can have a seafood lunch at the Es Port restaurant. The drive’s not for the faint hearted but the reward at the bottom is well worth the effort. The wild sea down here on a windy day is a spectacular sight.
Visit Sa Foradada
A short drive from Valldemossa leads to the dramatic coastal viewpoint of Sa Foradada. This rocky peninsula, featuring a distinctive natural arch, offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunsets.
Visit Son Moragues
Just outside of Valldemossa is the agricultural estate of Son Moragues which produces organic olive oil from its 100 hectares of olive groves. Visitors can arrange a visit in advance and purchase their high quality produce.
Festivals and Cultural Events in Valldemossa
Festes de la Beata
This annual event takes place on 28th July and is dedicated to Santa Catalina Thomàs who was born in Valldemossa and later became Mallorca’s first saint. The day is celebrated with grand parades where the streets are filled with locals and visitors alike, all eager to witness the procession featuring a statue of the saint as the focal point.
Festes de Sant Bartomeu
This is another significant occasion dedicated to Sant Bartomeu who is the patron saint of Valldemossa. The event is celebrated on 24th August and includes a range of activities such as live music performances, sports events and concerts. Some of these events take place within the historic cloisters of the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa which add a special atmosphere to the celebrations.
Artdemossa Fair
Taking place in July, this event is one of the highlights of the town’s cultural calendar when the streets come alive with a vibrant mix of art exhibitions, performances and concerts. The event is a celebration of the local artistic community.
Chopin Music Festival
Taking place every August, the Chopin Music Festival attracts international musicians who come to perform the works of Frederic Chopin. Given the composer’s historical connection to Valldemossa, this festival is a fitting tribute to his legacy and offers attendees a chance to enjoy exceptional live performances in a magical setting.
Valldemossa Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Valldemossa
While Valldemossa is a year-round destination, the spring and autumn months offer particularly pleasant conditions for exploring. The village can become crowded during the peak summer season, while winter visits allow for a more tranquil experience, albeit with the possibility of cooler temperatures.
Getting to Valldemossa
Valldemossa is easily accessible by car or public transport. From Palma, take the Ma-1110 road which leads directly to the village. Alternatively, take the bus from Palma, which departs regularly from the Intermodal Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Visitors can also book a guided tour to Valldemossa, which includes transportation and a visit to the main sights.
Where to Have Lunch in Valldemossa
If you’re looking for traditional Mallorcan cuisine for lunch, Valldemossa has some great options. Here are a few recommendations:
Hostal Ca’n Mario
Ca’n Mario is a historic eatery located in the heart of Valldemossa which specializes in traditional Mallorcan cuisine made with local ingredients. Some of their most popular dishes include the suckling pig, rabbit with onions and tumbet (a dish made with eggplant, potatoes and peppers). They also have a good selection of local wines to pair with your meal.
Es Roquissar
Es Roquissar is a family-run restaurant located on the outskirts of Valldemossa, overlooking the Tramuntana mountains. They specialize in traditional Mallorcan cuisine and offer a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of their most popular dishes include the roast lamb, rabbit with onions and ensaimadas (a sweet pastry typical of the Balearic Islands).
Ca’n Costa
Ca’n Costa is a small, family-run restaurant located in the centre of Valldemossa. They offer traditional Mallorcan cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of their most popular dishes include the grilled octopus with sobrasada (a cured sausage typical of the Balearic Islands) and the suckling pig.
Where to Stay in Valldemossa
For those wishing to extend their visit beyond a day trip, Valldemossa offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels housed in historic buildings to rural agroturismos in the surrounding countryside. If you want to treat yourself, book a room at the magnificent Valldemossa Hotel which is just down the hill from the town centre. This is a 5-star property developed out of a traditional Mallorcan finca which is one of island’s premier hotels with great private terraces and a lovely swimming pool. Its outstanding restaurant is also welcoming to non-guests.
