Valldemossa

Valldemossa may be the most beautiful village in Mallorca — and not only do the travel guides say that, but also the Mallorcans themselves. The mountain village (around 2,000 inhabitants) nestles at an altitude of 400 meters on a slope of the Tramuntana and offers a picture-book ensemble of stone houses, cobblestones, flower pots, and the silhouette of the charterhouse.

★★★ Real Cartuja de Valldemossa

The former Carthusian monastery (14th century) is the main reason for visiting — not because of the architecture alone, but because of its most famous winter guests: In the winter of 1838/39, the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and the French writer George Sand spent three months here. Chopin composed parts of his Préludes and the Ballade No. 2 in his monastery cell — a Pleyel piano from the time is on display. George Sand wrote her (rather spiteful) book "A Winter in Mallorca" about the stay.

The visit includes: the monks' cells (with Chopin's piano and Sand memorabilia), the cloister, the pharmacy (17th century, with original medicine jars), the Palace of King Sancho, and the church with frescoes.

Admission: 9.50 € (adults), children 4 €. April–Sept.: Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm. Oct.–March: Mon–Sat 9:30 am–3 pm.

Strolling through the Village

Valldemossa's alleys are a poem: Every house decorates its entrance with flower pots and a ceramic tile of Saint Catalina Tomàs — Mallorca's only saint, born here in 1531. The alleys around the monastery church are the most beautiful, especially the Carrer de la Rectoria and the Carrer de la Rosa.

Coca de Patata

Valldemossa has its own specialty: the Coca de Patata — a soft, slightly sweet potato pastry that is only available here. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with a glass of almond milk. The best bakeries: Ca'n Molinas (Carrer de la Blanquerna, 15) and Panadería Valldemossa. Definitely try it — it sounds strange, but tastes heavenly.