Visit Valldemossa
Valldemossa is on the island of Majorca (Mallorca) in the Balearic Islands. It is a little way inland on the western side of Majorca not far from Deia. It sits in a pretty valley in the Tramuntana mountains which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and set above terraced fields. Surrounding the village are acres of olive and almond trees. Chopin apparently described Valdemossa as 'the most beautiful place in the world'.
The town is famous for its monastery, 'the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa', which began life as a palace built by King Sancho in the early fourteenth century. This was converted into a monastery in 1399 by Carthusian monks and called 'The Real Cartuja de Jesus de Nazaret'.
Monasteries were confiscated by the Spanish government in the 1830s and Valdemossa Monastery became privately owned. It is one of the most famous sites on Majorca, indeed it gets the second biggest number of visitors after Palma-de-Mallorca's cathedral.
George Sand and her companion Frederic Chopin stayed in the monastery for four months during 1838-39 and the time is remembered, rather unflatteringly in her novel ' A Winter in Majorca'. In this novel she wrote about the beauty of Majorca but took rather a tough view on the character of the Majorcan locals. This was probably due to the unfriendly reception the couple received during their stay in Valldemossa.
Chopin wrote some pieces whilst living in the monastery, indeed it is said that he worked on some of his finest pieces from here, and the piano he played to do this is still there.
In the monastery you can visit the cells, the library and the pharmacy. Also in the monastery are works by Miro, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Henry Moore. Outside is a beautiful garden. It is full of roses as rose bushes served instead of gravestones to mark the graves of monks who died here.
Valldemossa is also the birthplace of Saint Catalina Thomas, the patron saint of Mallorca. She became a nun in Palma and was reknowned for her humility. You will see a plaque honoring Santa Catalina on many houses in Mallorca. She was born at number 5, Carrer Rectoria and this has been turned into a shrine.
The village of Valldemossa climbs up the foot of the mountain and its narrow streets house plenty of bars and restaurants and some reasonable shops. Sunday morning is market day. A popular spot for lunch is Costa Nord owned by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones who have a house in Valldemossa.
The village is split into two with the monastery and the main centre with its bars and restaurants at the top of the village and another cluster of streets and a church in the lower village. Be sure to wander down to the lower village as its narrow streets are some of the prettiest of Valldemossa.
Mallorca is a popular island for visitors wishing to stay in villas or 'fincas' (the Spanish equivalent of a gite) and its rural setting makes it perfect for such a holiday.
Places to visit nearby
San Marroig - the former home of Archduke Ludwig Salvator is nearby and can be visited. There is a museum and attractive gardens with views over the Na Foradada peninsula.
The Miramar Monastery is another building that was once owned by the Archduke Ludwig Salvator. There is a small museum at the site with items relating to the Archduke. There is also a pretty garden.
The beautiful village of Deia is only 4km away. The lovely resort of Soller is also nearby and you should definitely not miss a visit to the island's capital Palma de Mallorca.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Balearic Islands guide.
Map of Valldemossa and places to visit
Valldemossa places to visit
Deia
Deià was once the home of Robert Graves and his grave is here. Deia is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain.
Deia guide
Soller
Soller is one of Mallorca's nicest towns and the Port de Soller is set in a beautiful bay.
Soller guide
Port-de-Soller
Port-de-Soller is a lovely seaside town set on a stunning bay surrounded by mountains on the north coast of Mallorca.
Port-de-Soller guide
Fornalutx
Fornalutx is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. It occupies an idyllic spot surrounded by mountains.
Fornalutx guide
Palma Cathedral
Palma Cathedral is a stunning 14th century Gothic cathedral in Palma-de-Mallorca. It occupies a dramatic position above the Parc de la Mar and the seafront.
Palma Cathedral guide
Palma-de-Mallorca
Palma is a beautiful city with a Moorish past. Visit the Cathedral, the Palau de l'Aludaina, the Castell de Bellver, Joan Miro's studio and much more.
Palma-de-Mallorca guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Balearic Islands