Valldemossa, Mallorca Travel Guide + Map (original) (raw)

Valldemossa is a picturesque town tucked away in the Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca. Located in a fertile valley surrounded by terraced fields and olive groves, its appeal lies in its old-world charm, medieval townscape, and natural surroundings.

The town center is made up of stone buildings, accented with green-painted shutters, and narrow cobbled streets lined with potted plants. Nearly every residence sports a colorful tile depicting the life of Santa Catalina Thomás (Catherine of Palma), the canonized saint born in Valldemossa in 1533.

Just beyond the cluster of honey-colored buildings, paths meander between estates, with large enclosures of sheep and donkeys, and into the mountains.

Mornings are dreamy and idyllic, whereas afternoons are busy and congested. Valldemossa is a popular day trip, since it’s a mere 15-20 minute drive away from Palma de Mallorca. Visit early or late in the day to avoid the afternoon rush.

If you’re visiting Valldemossa as a day trip, start your day with coffee and local pastries in Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas. Next, hike the Archduke’s Trail. End your day by ambling through the town center and savoring a meal at Es Taller Valldemossa.

Valldemossa Town Center, Mallorca

Best Time to Visit Valldemossa in Mallorca

Valldemossa, Mallorca

The best time to visit Valldemossa is in spring and/or fall. Shoulder season offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Related: Mallorca in April

Valldemossa Attractions

Valldemossa Street, Mallorca, Tramuntana Mountains

Charterhouse of Valldemossa, Mallorca

Valldemossa Stone House, Mallorca

Charterhouse of Valldemossa

In the early 14th century, the Charterhouse of Valldemossa (La Cartuja de Valldemossa) was the royal residence of King Sancho I of Mallorca. Later on, the palace was ceded to Carthusian friars.

In the 19th century, the monastery was secularized and individual cells were rented out. One such cell was rented out by the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and the French writer George Sand in the winter of 1838-1839. The “Chopin cell” is now a museum: Celda de Frédéric Chopin and George Sand.

The Charterhouse of Valldemossa and the Chopin Cell are two different museums with separate entrance fees.

Valldemossa Restaurants and Cafés

Es Taller Valldemossa Tapa, Mallorca

Es Taller Valldemossa Dining Area, Mallorca

Lunch at Es Taller Valldemossa, Mallorca

Es Taller Valldemossa

Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas

This charming patisserie offers a wide range of local pastries including coca de patata (sweet potato rolls), Gató de Almendras (almond cake), mantecados, robiols, ensaimadas, cocas de anís, ensaimadas, and more.

Grab treats to go, or better yet enjoy a coffee and pastry in their garden.

Address | Via Blanquerna, 15, 07170 Valldemossa | Google Maps

Open | 7:30 am – 8 pm

Es Taller Valldemossa

Es Taller Valldemossa is an innovative tapas restaurant in Valldemossa, a stone’s throw away from the village center. It’s hard to believe that this bright and airy restaurant used to be a car repair shop.

Chef Nicolás Gago Aubert crafts a mouthwatering menu filled with regional and internationally-inspired dishes. Everything is sensational.

Expect a slower dining experience.

To avoid disappointment, make an online reservation.

Address | Carrer de Santiago Russiñol, 1, 07170 Valldemossa | Google Maps

Open | 1 pm – 4 pm & 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Can Costa Valldemossa

Can Costa Valldemossa is a rustic restaurant which specializes in Mallorcan cuisine. It’s a great choice for unpretentious dining, friendly service, and free parking.

Can Costa is located along the Ma-10 road, 2.8 km from the village center of Valldemossa (5 minute drive).

Reservation recommended.

Address | Carretera Valldemossa-Deià, 07170 Valldemossa | Google Maps

Open | Can Costa is open for lunch daily (1 pm – 4 pm). Additionally, they serve dinner on Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 pm – 11 pm)

La Posada

La Posada is housed in the historic Palacio del Rey Sancho in Valldemossa. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace overlooks the village, backed by the Tramuntana mountains. Though La Posada specializes in grilled meats, there are several vegetarian-friendly options. We recommend eating here during the day, so that you can enjoy the terrace views.

Address | Calle Mirador de Lladoners Local 6, 07170 Valldemossa | Google Maps

Open | Thursday – Sunday, 1:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Where to Stay in Valldemossa, Mallorca

Hotel Valldemossa, Terraced Olive Grove, Mallorca

Hotel Valldemossa, Mallorca

Hotel Valldemossa

Village Center

Valldemossa Village Center, Mallorca

Most accommodations in the village center do not have on-site parking. However, they typically supply guests with free parking passes. Reach out to your accommodation in advance for parking instructions.

Budget | Residencial Suites Valldemossa – Turismo de Interior are top-rated apartments in the center of Valldemossa, a stone’s throw from Pastisseria Ca’n Molinas (our favorite bakery). The host provides guests with a free parking pass.

Midrange | Ca’s Papà is a darling B&B in the heart of Valldemossa, just around the corner from Es Roquissar, La Posada Valldemossa, and many other restaurants. Stay here for the unbeatable central location, breakfast, and dreamy views of the village and mountains. Ca’s Papà provides guests with a free parking pass.

Luxury | Hotel Valldemossa is a stately hotel and gourmet restaurant in Valldemossa, with driving access and on-site parking. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the village and mountains from the hotel terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, and spa. It’s only a short walk to the village center from the hotel.

More accommodations in the village center: Allotjaments Serra de Tramuntana (budget) and Es Petit Hotel de Valldemossa (midrange).

Outside Village

Valldemossa Village, Mallorca, Spain

These accommodations are located outside of the village center and provide on-site parking.

Midrange | Bordoy Continental Valldemossa is located between Valldemossa and Deià, along the scenic Ma-10 road. The hotel’s coastal location overlooking the sea is the main draw. Guests also enjoy access to a swimming pool, on-site café-bar and restaurant, and free on-site parking. Breakfast is 15 EUR. For dinner, you can eat on-site. However, it’s worth venturing to Can Costa Valldemossa and Es Taller (reservation needed).

Luxury | Agroturismo Son Viscos is located off the Ma-1110 road, just outside the village center. This private, countryside hotel features tasteful interiors, spacious rooms, fresh and healthy breakfasts, and a relaxing terrace and garden.

Luxury | Mirabó de Valldemossa is located up in the hills overlooking Valldemossa. This dreamy rural hotel is the ultimate retreat for those looking to unwind in a peaceful countryside location. The hotel features 2 swimming pools and an on-site restaurant and bar. It’s worth noting that the hotel is located at the end of a 900-meter-long serpentine driveway, so a car is essential. Additionally, the long driveway may serve as a deterrent for going out at night, etc…

Look for accommodation in Valldemossa.

Valldemossa Hiking Trails

Valldemossa Hiking Trail, Mallorca

Path of the Archduke

The Path of the Archduke (Camí de s’Arxiduc) is a scenic mountain trail in the Tramuntana mountains between Valldemossa and Deià. From the beautifully-engineered pathway, hikers enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, the town of Deià, and the surrounding mountains.

There are a few ways to access this historic trail. The best route traverses the private Muntanya del Voltor natural area. You need to secure a free permit in advance.

We’ve explained the permit system and the route in detail in our Camí de s’Arxiduc Trail Guide.

Trail Stats

Trailhead | Carrer de les Olivers street, Valldemossa | Google Maps

Distance | 14 km circuit

Time Needed | 4:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 695 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Port de Valldemossa

Port de Valldemossa 

Port de Valldemossa (Puerto de Valldemossa) is a tiny harbor and village at the base of the serpentine Ma-1131 road. The drive to the port is very challenging, because of the narrow and steep hairpin bends.

You can skip the drive and instead hike down to Port de Valldemossa from Son Olesa, near the Ca’s Garriguer rural hotel.

The inconspicuous trailhead is marked with a private property and no dogs allowed sign (“propiedad privata ganado suelto. Prohibito el acceso con perros”).

Cross over the stone wall using the stile. A beautiful pathway meanders across an olive grove and then steers you to another stone wall and gate with another stile crossing. Just above the gate, there’s a sign indicating the direction to “Marina de Valldemossa.”

Follow this trail through the forest and all the way down to Port de Valldemossa.

The isolated and sedate village is home to a small stone beach and a single restaurant, Es Port.

Trail Stats

Trailhead | Son Olesa | Google Maps

Distance | 4.6 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 2:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 370 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Caló de s’Estaca Loop Hike

Caló de s'Estaca Loop Hike, Valldemossa, Mallorca

Important: This trail may be closed for repairs.

Caló de s’Estaca is a small sheltered cove, protected by the open sea by a large rocky outcrop. Because of its isolated location, the s’Estaca cove is usually very peaceful.

The hike to Caló de s’Estaca begins along the Ma-10 road at Bordoy Continental Valldemossa. There is limited street parking near the trailhead, which is located just south of the parking lot.

This hike descends from the Ma-10 road all the way down to Caló de s’Estaca, close to the S’Estaca estate, the former residence of Archduke Luis Salvador.

The path zigzags down the forest and connects several viewpoints overlooking the sea, including Mirador des Pi, Capella del Beat Ramon Llull, Mirador des Creuer, and Mirador des Figueral.

Aside from a few fishermen’s stone houses, rented out in summer, there are no facilities, or places to eat around the cove. Bring sufficient water and snacks.

There’s an option to return to Ma-10 by another route (see map), but we didn’t like this route. It’s ambiguous at times and not as enjoyable.

Trail Stats

Trailhead | Bordoy Continental Valldemossa | Google Maps

Distance | 5.8 km circuit

Time Needed | 2:45 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 480 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Camí de Baix / Camí de Sa Volta del General

Camí de Baix / Camí de Sa Volta del General Hiking Trail, Valldemossa, Mallorca

Camí de Baix is an easy coastal path stretching between Volta des General and Port des Canonge. Volta des General is a hairpin bend along the Ma-10 road, above the village of Banyalbufar (25 minute drive from Valldemossa).

Though this trail is largely forested, there are continuous views of the sea. It’s worth noting that this area was badly impacted by the August 2020 storm. The trail is clear now, but the damage is ever-present.

This is an easy, mostly flat route, perfect for casual walking with children and/or dogs.

Trail Stats

Starting Point | Volta des General car park | Google Maps

Destination | Port des Canonge

Distance | 8.8 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 3 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 194 meters

Difficulty | Easy

More Mallorca and Spain Travel Guides

Hiking in Mallorca: To learn about hiking in Mallorca read Best Hikes in Mallorca. Also check out these trail guides:

Mallorca Trip Planning: Read Where to Stay in Mallorca for a summary of the best regions, villages, and accommodations in Mallorca. We’ve tied together these top destinations in our 1 Week Mallorca Itinerary. To access all our Mallorca content, head to our Mallorca blog archive.

Mallorca Beaches: Find out how to get to the picture-perfect Caló des Moro & Cala S’Almunia coves in southeast Mallorca.

When to Visit Mallorca: The tourist season runs from April through October. Read Mallorca in April to learn about spring travel.

Tenerife: Plan a trip to Tenerife in the Canary Islands using this Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary and Best Hikes in Tenerife.

Gran Canaria: Plan a winter (December – March) hiking trip to Gran Canaria with Best Hikes in Gran Canaria.

Spain: Read all our guides about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide and Spain blog archive.

Mallorca Travel Essentials

Car Rental

The best way to explore Mallorca is by car. Follow this 7-Day Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary to see the best of the island.

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Valldemossa Guided Tours

If you’re based in Palma de Mallorca (without a car), you can also visit Valldemossa and other attractions on a guided excursion.

Mallorca Guidebooks

Hiking Gear

Photography Gear

Valldemossa Mallorca Travel Guide

Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati