Majorca has an infinite amount to offer and there is something for every taste. Whether package tourism at Ballermann, Schinkenstraße & Co., the Capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca with its magnificent cathedral or rather the countless small but fine villages and coastal towns – Mallorca is guaranteed to find just the right thing for every holidaymaker. Hardly any other island has such a diverse palette to offer and that’s why the Balearic island is so popular with all tourists, because everyone gets their money’s worth here. Germans affectionately refer to Mallorca as their seventeenth state and would probably adopt it immediately if that were possible.
The most worthwhile thing is to drive across the island with a rental car or, if you prefer, with a two-wheeler or bicycle and get to know it with all its facets. You will discover places and places that invite you to linger dreamily and show Mallorca in all its originality. Quite a few are amazed at how fantastically beautiful the Balearic island can present itself – especially if you have perhaps stayed in one of the bed strongholds in some of the places that can certainly have a certain charm with their offer, but of course cannot keep up with the splendor and authenticity of some delightful smaller towns.
Getting around the northwest of the island
On a discovery tour of the Balearic island of Mallorca, you inevitably come to the northwest of Mallorca, which with its countless serpentines invites cyclists in particular on extended trekking or road bike tours. On the way in the hilly landscape, you will meet large groups again and again, who enjoy the challenging route and once at the top, refresh themselves with a cool drink in one of the cafés. Many cute villages invite you to explore and a walk through the village followed by lunch or coffee is a real experience every time.
These places include various villages in the northwest of Mallorca, but above all you have to visit Deià, Esporles and Sóller. The absolute gem of this region, however, is the small village of Valldemossa, which should not be missed during your stay. Valldemossa is located in the Tramuntana mountains and has just under 2,000 inhabitants. From Palma de Mallorca , you can drive here in about 20 minutes by car and literally immerse yourself in another world, far away from the hustle and bustle of (mass) tourism. Here you can stroll quietly along cobblestone streets and visit this pretty place that has retained its originality.
The history of Valldemossa
According to tradition, the name Valledemossa is dedicated to the Arab ruler Musa, who is said to have owned property on this site. For example, the place name Valle de Musa means, which means “Valley of Musa”. The various kings of the island have also visited Valldemossa often over time, because they appreciated it very much for its extremely pleasant climate in the hot summer months. In the 13th century, King Jaume II. King of Mallorca and built his palace in Valldemossa, which his son Sancho I had further expanded after his death. The Mallorcan population venerates their only saint in Valldemossa, Santa Catalina Thomas. Not far from the church of Sant Bartomeu, you can visit her birthplace and a holy shrine.
In the footsteps of Chopin
Valldemossa is visited by fans of classical music but also by many culture enthusiasts to visit the former monastery where the famous Polish composer Frédéric Chopin spent the winter in 1838-1839 together with the French writer George Sand. The two had met through their mutual acquaintance Franz Liszt and had become lovers. Chopin hoped that the mild temperatures would improve his tuberculosis disease. During his stay in Valldemossa, he wrote his famous Préludes op. 28, which also includes the well-known raindrop prelude. The monastery is now open to visitors and can be visited. In various exhibition rooms you can find typical Mallorcan things as well as objects related to Chopin. The Chopin Museum also contains the original piano from the period.
What to see in Valldemossa
Actually, the entire town of Valldemossa is a sight to see, because the small well-kept houses with their flower-covered windows are absolutely worth seeing in themselves. In addition, the surrounding landscape captivates with its terraced shape and the hills of the Tramuntana mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. The highest peak in the region, the Puig des Teix, is particularly popular with hikers. The tiny alleys are equipped with small shops and shops and invite you to relax and browse. Every Sunday there is a street market in Valldemossa where you can buy typical Mallorcan delicacies such as cheese, chorizo or Serrano ham.
The Royal Carthusian Monastery of Real Cartuja used to be part of the Royal Palace and can now be visited with all its components. These include the church, the monastery and the old pharmacy. Countless visitors come every season to explore this truly remarkable area with all its historic buildings. The visit also includes a piano concert with works by the composer Chopin. In Valldemossa there is the Costa Nord Cultural Centre, which provides very vivid information about the Tramuntana mountains and invites you to various cultural events. The American Hollywood actor Michael Douglas had founded the center; he himself owns a house between Deià and Sóller.
Cafés and restaurants galore
In Valldemossa, you can stop off at one of the many cafés or restaurants and watch the passing tourists and the busy locals in peace. You have a large selection of different restaurants and can feast on the delicious Spanish cuisine with its tapas or other epicurean specialties.
Special tip: The coffee house chain “Cappuccino” is at home in many places in Mallorca, especially in the island’s capital Palma. In Valldemossa, you will find the “Grand Café Cappuccino” directly on the village square, which serves selected coffee and tea specialties. The menu offers selected delicacies at any time of the day and reliably captivates visitors to the holiday island of Mallorca.
The most important questions about Valldemossa
Where is Valldemossa?
Valldemossa is located in the northwest of Mallorca in the Serra de Tramuntana region.
How far is it from Palma to Valldemossa?
Valldemossa is located 18km north of Palma in the northwest of Mallorca.
What is the population of Valldemossa?
Valldemossa has just under 2,000 inhabitants.
How high is Valldemossa?
Valldomossa is located at an altitude of 420 meters above sea level.
When is the market in Valldemossa?
The market in Valldemossa takes place every Sunday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm