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redsun
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Deia, Mallorca
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driving into Deia, we did not know quite what to expect. People think of Mallorca as a brash, bright lights and beer type of place with youths hanging around until all hours drinking. Ignorantly, we thought the same.
It was easy to hire our car from Palma airport and the directions from on the map were clear and simple to follow. On entering Deia, all our fears of vodka slammer nights and wet t-shirt competitions vanished immediately into thin air. On turning the corner in our hire car, Deia appeared round the bend like a vision glowing in a halo of sunshine.
We stumbled upon Deia when studying the map one evening, looking for somewhere tucked away and private without many tourists on the island of Mallorca. We found just that.
Deia Location
Nestled in the 'Serra de Tramuntana' mountains, Deia is nothing but tranquil and peaceful. With cobbled streets and beautiful quaint old buildings, visiting Deia is like going back in time. Green shuttered windows line the streets and the odd lazy cat basks gloriously in the sunshine. The locals prepare fresh orange juice from the fruit of the trees to sell on the doorsteps of their home for thirsty passers by. There is an air of friendliness and sleepiness and sheer relaxation. Deia is one of a kind.
Bit of background
Made famous by the poet and writer Robert Graves who came to live here in 1930, Deia has many places of interest. You can still visit where Graves is buried in the local churchyard, the Yanikun Museum which is dedicated to the the painter Norman Yanikun, the Archaeological Museum which was founded in 1962 by the American painter and archaeologist William Waldren, the Monastery which was founded in 1276, and the Parish Church dating back to 1497 and much more. The Parish Church was our personal favourite. Giving all who enter an air of grandeur with its life size statues of the Holy Family, the church is peaceful and quiet and it is nice to sit there taking in the atmosphere. You can see the Priest pottering about setting up for mass, and listen to the music as it plays softly. The views from the church overlooking the village will take your breath away.
Restaurants and Bars in Deia
Deya has sixteen restaurants mainly offering local Mallorquin dishes or tapas snacks. The bars here are all low key and relaxing and it is a great experience to watch the sun go down sitting with the locals enjoying the delicious wine of the region. If you are looking for something chic why not visit Hotel La Residencia with its classy restaurant, magnificent menu and open air terrace. Many wedding receptions take place here and we were lucky enough to see the wedding party arriving full of smiles and happy faces. We had a cosy tapas meal in” La Bodega de Xelini” surrounded by candlelight, the walls hung with art work. A friendly atmosphere and delicious food with a varied menu. The goats cheese was simply delicious.
The Best Bar in Deia
We found a great little bar called Cafè Sa Fonda which is a meeting place for the locals on a Saturday night. Sitting outside but undercover of a leafy canopy, its great to watch the world go by sipping on an ice cold beer.
Deia Cove
Deia has a beautiful cove with two small restaurants and a pebbled beach. Many artist flock to this idyllic spot to paint and its thrilling to watch the blank canvas come alive with the many colours of Deia. It was quite a walk from our bed and breakfast to the beach through a delightful donkey trail passing sheep and lemon trees. Remember that Deia is hilly so high heels are not a good idea. Sensible walking shoes or sandals are what is needed. Car parking is scarce but there is a small pay and display car park as you enter the village.
Accommodation in Deia
There are many places to stay in Deia ranging from large hotels to small bed and breakfasts. We chose Hostal Villa Verdewhich was like something we had never seen before. With a piano in reception, the halls are filled with antiques and oil paintings. It is like being in a mini Staley Home. Each room is small but perfectly formed and the breakfasts that are served on the terrace are an experience in itself. Hostal Villa Verde hangs over a cliff and those quiet mornings in the sun overlooking the cliff are one that we will never forget. The staff cannot do enough for you and nothing is too much trouble.
Shops in Deia
There are lovely pottery and craft shops to visit in Deia and it is a pleasant way to spend a few hours pottering round looking at the locally made goods. There is no crime in Deia and you will often see hand written signs on the shop doors saying, back in an hour, with the doors left open. What a refreshing change.
Supermarkets in Deia
The mini supermarket by the car park is a fantastic little shop selling everything you could need including a bakery where cakes and bread are baked fresh on the premises.
Transport from Deia
If you want to explore further, there is a good regular bus service operating from Deia either to Valldemossa, Soller and the capital Palma.
Visit Deia and soak up the Mallorcan way of life. You wont regret it.
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redsun
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Hostal Villa Verde, Deia, Mallorca
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The place name hints at a youth hostel accommodation. This is nothing of the sort so do not let it put you off. This place is high in the hills of Deia, Mallorca, nestled into the side of a cliff. It is picturesque, tranquil and delightful. This is a small hotel which serves breakfast on the remarkable terrace which has breathtaking views. You can buy snacks and drinks throughout the day. There is no pool and the rooms are quite basic but we enjoyed our stay. Not all rooms have a terrace so make sure you request one if you require to be able to sit on the privacy of your own terrace. The owners are friendly and helpful and attend to your every need. The hotel reception is like a mini Statley Home with oil painting hanging on the walls, high gloss black and white tiles on the floors and a piano. It is cosy and friendly. Deia is very hilly so it is not good for people with walking difficulties. I didnt see any children in the hotel but I do not see a problem taking children there as long as they are well behaved. The hotel doesnt serve dinner so you will need to go out to have an evening meal. You can request a fridge for your room but there are no self catering facilities it is only bed and breakfast.
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