Deià

A village of golden stone clinging to a mountainside above the Mediterranean. Robert Graves made it his home for over 30 years, attracting a colony of writers, artists, and musicians that endures today.

Though known in literary circles, Deià's tiny cove (Cala Deià) and mountain trails remain peaceful escapes from the island's coastal crowds.

History

Deià's history is deeply rooted in its picturesque location within the Serra de Tramuntana, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Its terraced landscapes and intricate irrigation systems speak to a significant Moorish influence, who cultivated olives and citrus. Following the Christian conquest, Deià developed as an agricultural community, its stone houses and narrow streets forming a quintessential Mallorcan mountain village.

In the 20th century, Deià gained international renown as a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. Most famously, the British writer Robert Graves made Deià his home for over 30 years, starting in 1929. His presence, and that of many other creatives, fostered a vibrant artistic community that continues to thrive today. The village's bohemian atmosphere, combined with its stunning natural beauty, has cemented its status as a cultural gem on Mallorca.

Highlights

• Home of Robert Graves for 30+ years
• Golden stone village architecture
• Cala Deià hidden beach
• Son Marroig clifftop estate

How to get there

From Palma, take the Ma-11 towards Sóller, then the Ma-10 scenic coastal road through Valldemossa towards Deià. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes and very picturesque.