Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a municipality and village in Mallorca, located in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. It is known for its natural beauty, medieval charm, rich history, and notable influence on the island’s culture. It is about a 20-minute drive from Palma, the island’s capital, and is easily accessible by road, either by car or public transport (Buses)
Valldemossa, belonging to the Serra de Tramuntana comarque, is a town with just over 2,000 inhabitants. It is known for its traditional architecture, cobbled streets, and natural surroundings. Its urban layout is characterized by stone houses, many with balconies adorned with flowers, and it extends over terraced land, creating a unique mountainous landscape. Within the village, the steep, cobbled streets can be challenging for people with reduced mobility, so it is advisable to bear this in mind.
Toponymy
The name “Valldemossa” is of Arabic origin and derives from the expression “Wadi Musa”, which means “Valley of Musa”. It is believed that the name derives from an Arab nobleman named Mussa or Muça who founded a farmstead (small rural community) in the valley. In short, the toponymy of Valldemossa takes us back to its Arabic roots and to the nobleman who founded the farmstead in this beautiful valley. Over time, the name has survived to the present day as a reflection of the rich history and charm of this Mallorcan locality.
Location of Valldemossa
Valldemossa is located in the western region of the island of Mallorca, in the Serra de Tramuntana district (west coast), 436 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains and offers breathtaking panoramic views. It is a short distance from other towns of interest such as Deià, Esporles, and Bunyola.
Climate of Valldemossa
Valldemossa is located in a mountainous valley, which gives it a cool and pleasant climate, especially in summer. During the winter, Valldemossa can experience lower temperatures and more rainfall, creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to introspection, as experienced by many intellectuals, including the well-known Frédéric Chopin and George Sand.
Valldemossa, in the Sierra de Tramuntana
Valldemossa is a beautiful town in Mallorca, famous for its natural beauty. Its cobbled streets and traditional stone houses with colorful shutters are surrounded by mountains, in a geographical setting characterized by olive groves and lush forests. Hence, the town offers breathtaking landscapes and beautiful views.
Accessibility of Valldemossa
Valldemossa is easily accessible by road from Palma and other localities on the island. The Ma-1110 road connects Valldemossa directly with Palma in approximately 20 minutes. It can also be accessed via the old C-710 road (now the Ma-10), a main road that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range from end to end, connecting Andratx with Pollença as it passes through several municipalities: Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx, Escorca, and Valldemossa.
For those who prefer public transportation, there are bus services connecting Valldemossa with Palma and other nearby towns.
For those who wish to travel by taxi: These services are available at the airport, train stations and tourist areas, which can be hired at any time.
Origin and historical summary of Valldemossa
The origin of Valldemossa dates back to Roman times, although its heyday came during the Arab domination of Mallorca, when farmsteads were established in the valley. The town later flourished with the arrival of the kings, who built a palace that later, with the conversion of the Valldemossa Charterhouse, became an important cultural and religious center.
Muslim period: Valldemossa originated as a Muslim farmstead called “Valle de Mussa.” It is believed that the origin of Valldemossa lies in an Arab farmstead founded by Mussa, giving its name to the valley.
14th century: King James II of Mallorca ordered the construction of a palace in Valldemossa for his son Sancho, who suffered from asthma and sought relief in the mountain climate. At the end of the 14th century, with the incorporation of the Kingdom of Mallorca into the Kingdom of Aragon, the palace fell into disuse and was ceded by King Martin the Humane (in 1399) to the Carthusian Order, who transformed it into a monastery… but let’s take it step by step.
15th century (Installation of the first printing press): In 1485, 25 years after the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press, the first printing press in Mallorca was installed in Valldemossa.
16th century (Saracen attack): In 1552, a group of Saracens landed on the Mallorcan coast with the intention of plundering the town, but they were repelled by the inhabitants led by Captain Ramon Gual Desmur.
17th century (Urban development): The 17th century marked a period of growth for Valldemossa, with the reconstruction of the Cartoixa which, although founded in the 14th century, underwent significant renovations during this century, acquiring its current appearance. Today, you can see the Baroque and Mannerist elements that were incorporated into the architecture and facades of some of the town’s buildings during this period. In short, the 17th century was a period of development and transformation for Valldemossa, laying the foundations for its subsequent recognition as a renowned cultural and tourist destination.
18th century, A period of splendor: The Cartuja de Valldemossa, which is now a major tourist attraction, was largely built during this century, including the neoclassical church. During this period, the Carthusian monastery established itself as a cultural center and refuge for artists and renowned intellectuals.
19th century: The neoclassical church of La Cartoixa was consecrated in 1812. Valldemossa is also famous for being the place where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural history of the village. During this period, the Carthusian monastery became a cultural and spiritual center, attracting illustrious figures such as Archduke Luis Salvador, who contributed to its international fame.
20th century (International fame): Valldemossa continued to be a place of inspiration for artists and writers, including Josep Coll i Bardolet and the aforementioned Archduke Luis Salvador. Chopin and Sand’s stay catapulted Valldemossa to international fame, making it a popular tourist destination, especially among those interested in music and literature.
Current events: Valldemossa is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty cultural and historical heritage…
Gastronomy in Valldemossa
The atmosphere in Valldemossa is conducive to enjoying gastronomy. Some restaurants offer international dishes, while others offer a menu consisting of Valldemossa’s own dishes, which make use of local products and traditional recipes: Coca de patata is a small delicacy and Valldemossa’s most representative dish. The Mallorcan afternoon snack is another popular gastronomic experience in this beautiful municipality of Mallorca.
Valldemossa also offers a wide range of typical Mallorcan dishes, such as frito mallorquín (with meat, vegetables, and potatoes), tumbet (a vegetable stew), trampó (a fresh salad with tomato, onion, and pepper), coca de verdura (a kind of pizza with vegetables), snails, and Mallorcan soups (made with broth and bread)… or sobrasada, ensaimada, and the exquisite pa am boli, among others…
Hotels and accommodation in Valldemosa
In Valldemossa you can find accommodation in a range of styles and price categories, from boutique hotels to more rustic and family-friendly options, including charming hotels and hostels to suit different tastes and budgets. The village itself has a romantic and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Valldemossa offers a complete experience that combines the beauty of its geography, the richness of its history, and delicious gastronomy, with accommodation options for all tastes, from boutique hotels to rural houses and holiday apartments. Availability varies depending on the time of year, so it is advisable to book in advance through platforms such as Booking.com, Tripadvisor, or directly with the accommodations, especially during the high season.
Places of interest
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa: A former Carthusian monastery that was once a royal residence. It is famous for the cell occupied by Chopin and Sand and for housing Chopin’s piano, as well as having monastic cells and gardens to visit.
Palacio del Rey Sancho: A palace built in 1309 that forms part of the Carthusian monastery complex.
Jardines del Rey Juan Carlos I: A green space surrounding the Carthusian monastery with views of the mountains and decorated with busts of famous people.
House of Saint Catherine Thomàs: The birthplace of the only Mallorcan saint, now a small votive chapel.
Miranda des Lledoners: A viewpoint with panoramic views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and, on clear days, the bay of Palma.
Port of Valldemossa (Sa Marina): A small, quiet cove, ideal for visiting on foot, with a cozy restaurant. The cove of s’Estaca is also located here.
Camí de l’Arxiduc: One of the most famous hiking trails in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Streets of the old town: A stroll through its cobbled streets is essential to feel its medieval charm, with stone houses adorned with flower pots.
And that’s it for this brief overview of Valldemossa, in Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
