Deià★★★
Deià (pronounced: "Dejá") is Mallorca's artist village — a tiny place (around 700 inhabitants) perched like an eagle's nest on a steep slope above the sea. Since the 1920s, Deià has attracted artists, writers, and dropouts, and to this day it has retained a special aura: expensive, elitist, but irresistibly beautiful.
Robert Graves & the Artist Colony
The British poet and novelist Robert Graves ("I, Claudius") lived in Deià from 1929 until his death in 1985 — with a break during the Civil War and World War II. His house Ca N'Alluny is now a museum, preserved almost unchanged: desk, library, garden with mountain views. His grave is in the cemetery of the village church — simple, with a plain inscription.
Ca N'Alluny: Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm (April–Oct.), Mon–Fri 9 am–2 pm (Nov.–March). Admission 7 €.
In Graves' footsteps came many others: Anaïs Nin, Ava Gardner, Peter Ustinov, and more recently Andrew Lloyd Webber and actor Michael Douglas (who owns an estate near Valldemossa). Deià became synonymous with creative exile in the Mediterranean.
★★★ Cala Deià
The Bay of Deià is one of the most beautiful bathing spots in Mallorca — and one of the most challenging: A steep, rocky path (20 min. walk from the village, no strollers possible!) leads down to a small pebble bay framed by cliffs. The water is crystal clear, the atmosphere magical. Two fish restaurants (Ca's Patró March, Sa Caleta) right on the bay serve fresh fish with sea views — make a reservation! On summer weekends, the bay is crowded.
Dining & Accommodation
Deià is expensive — let that be clear. The legendary Hotel La Residencia (Belmond Group) is one of the most exclusive establishments in Mallorca (from 500 €/night). But even the simpler options range from 120–200 €/night. Restaurants:
- Es Racó d'es Teix: 1 Michelin star, Mallorcan-Mediterranean, menu from 80 €. Terrace with valley views.
- Sa Vinya: Tapas and wine, much cheaper (15–25 €), on the main street.
- Ca's Patró March: Fish restaurant directly at Cala Deià. Legendary. Reservation! 25–40 €.
💡 Tipp
The hiking trail from Deià to Sóller along the coast (11 km, 4 hours) is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in Mallorca. Moderate difficulty, fantastic views, and at the end, the tram to Port de Sóller awaits as a reward.