From Koa, our restaurant in Palma, we invite you to discover the island and its marvellous corners. A stop in Valldemossa and Deià are a must when visiting Mallorca, they are possibly some of the most beautiful towns on the island, and which always have a spot on the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Both have rugged landscapes and have developed in a natural way by adapting themselves to the land of the Sierra de Tramuntana, a scenic landscape that is held dearly to Mallorcans and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, in the natural landscape category. To this enclave was linked one of the most important characters of Mallorcan history, the archduke of Austria Luís Salvador, considered by so many as the pioneer of tourism of Mallorca.
Valldemossa is one of the most famous towns on the island. Located only 20 minutes from Palma, its beauty is evident as you drive in from the main road. The town majestically soars amongst the mountains, with the stand out turquoise dome of the Cartuja of Valldemossa. Once inside, on foot you can enjoy a mass of charming narrow streets. The stone walled houses, coble stoned roads, the green traditional shutters, arched doorways and decorated flower pots and vine plants equip Valldemossa with a fairy tale charm. The local stores stand out for their attention to detail and Mediterranean style. Valldemossa is famous amongst Mallorcans for its potato cocas, a sweet bun made with flour, potato, butter and egg. A delicacy which is ideally paired with a hot chocolate in winter and an almond ice cream in summer, which can be bought in any of the bakeries in the town.
Valldemossa has a lot to offer culturally and for tourists: The charterhouse of Valldemossa. Considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historical Patrimony of Spain, dates back to the 14th century, when the royal palace was in service. In the past it was surrendered by the Cartuthian monks, who cared for and improved the area up until the confiscation of Mendizabal of the 19th Century, when it was handed over to private owners. The neoclassical style church, the main museum, the cloister, the cells, the monastic pharmacy and the gardens are its main areas. The charterhouse of Valldemossa is well known for welcoming artists and poets. Its most famous guests include the romanticist composer Frédéric Chopin and his then partner, writer and activist Amandine Lucile Dupin, better known as George Sand. Her book “Un hiver a Majorque” is inspired by her stay in Valldemossa.
Deià is a magical town, it is one of the main tourist, cultural and natural reference points of the Sierra de Tramuntana. Despite being a town with less than a thousand inhabitants, it is an area filled attractive features. Within its surroundings you will find some of the best views on the island. A visit to the peninsula of Sa Foradada is a must for everyone who enjoys smooth excursions and the seaside. This small outcrop which crowns a great rock with a natural hole is one of the favourite places to anchor by Mallorcan’s. Close by to the road to Sa Foradada you will find the Son Marroig farmhouse, with one of the most characteristic viewpoints on the island. Other interest points near to Deià are the beach of Cala Deià and the beach of Llucalcari “Es Canyeret”, where swimmers can take a mud bath next to a source of natural fresh water.
The town of Deià is located between the mountains of the Tramuntana, orientated towards the sea and surrounded by the exuberant beauty of olive, orange and palm trees. With the exception of the main road, the majority of its streets are very narrow and steep. Its privileged orientation makes Deià a perfect place to enjoy some of the best sunsets on the island. The history of this town, to which many artists have taken refuge in to find inspiration, has given Deià a sophisticated and bohemian personality, which combines with the traditional airs of the Mallorcan mountains. The most famous artist who has lived in Deià was the poet and novelist Robert Graves, whose house is now a museum dedicated to him, and to which many people have visited including stars such as Ava Gardner and Sir Alec Guiness.
At Koa restaurant in Palma we are convinced that spring is the ideal moment to visit the towns of Valldemossa and Deià. Enjoy the nature of the island, and by night, head to our restaurant in Palma to enjoy some of the most avant-garde dishes and our grilled meats. End the day by enjoying one of our cocktails in the district of La Lonja in the capital of Mallorca.