Valldemossa: One of the most beautiful little towns on Mallorca

There are plenty of picturesque places on Mallorca that have nothing to do with the Ballermann image that some still associate with the Balearic island.

Valldemossa is one such place, captivating with its charm and taking travelers on a journey back in time. The travel reporter introduces you to the village and its magic.

In picturesque Valldemossa, flowers hang from the stone facades of the houses, dark red and green awnings provide shade, and green trees lend charm to the narrow streets. Many houses date back to the 16th century, and the village of 2,000 inhabitants is further enhanced by its windows and doors, many of which are painted dark green.

House entrance with floral decorations in Valldemossa.

Source: imago images/Zoonar

The mountain village of Valldemossa in northwest Mallorca nestles at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and is idyllically nestled between green mountains and blossoming olive and almond trees. This gem is only about 20 kilometers from the capital, Palma de Mallorca .

Street cafés in the old town of Valldemossa invite you to linger.

Source: imago images/Schöning

The mighty Charterhouse, a monastery of the Carthusian Order, in Valldemossa is worth seeing. The former Carthusian monastery stands on the site of an old palace built as a residence for the kings of Mallorca and is famous for its former resident. In 1838, the composer Frédéric Chopin spent a winter with the writer George Sand in rented cell 4 of the Charterhouse.

View of the mountain village of Valldemossa.

Source: imago images/Zoonar

Relics of this period can be admired in the monastery museum. Among other things, the piano on which Chopin composed his works during his stay is on display, and the rooms where the couple spent the winter can also be visited. George Sand captured their memories of this time in the novel "A Winter in Majorca."

The Carthusian monastery is one of the most famous sights in Valldemossa.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

Behind the thick walls of the monastery, there is also a historic pharmacy and an in-house printing press. Adjacent to the monastery building is a small oasis, perfect for a stroll. The beautifully landscaped Cartoixa Garden, framed by stone walls and ancient trees, exudes a peaceful atmosphere.

Garden and terrace of the cells of Chopin and Sand in the Charterhouse in Valldemossa.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

Another sacred building worth seeing is the parish church of Sant Bartomeu, built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, the Gothic building has undergone repeated Baroque and Neo-Gothic renovations, including a new façade and the bell tower, which was added in 1863 and visually resembles the Carthusian monastery.

Azulejos (English: tiles) is a word often associated with Portugal . But in Valldemossa, azulejos also have a very special meaning. Throughout the village, you can find these colorfully painted ceramic tiles on house facades, which serve as symbols of blessing. They depict Saint Catalina Thomás in her daily life, perhaps accompanied by angels or on her way to the monastery.

Colorful tiles depict Saint Catalina Thomás everywhere on the house walls in Valldemossa.

Source: imago images/Schöning

Catalina Thomás lived in the 16th century and is a patron saint of Mallorca, known for her visions and miracles. She was canonized centuries later, in 1930 to be precise, by Pope Pius XI. The flowers and small offerings placed next to the tiles testify to the saint's continued veneration. Tourists are well advised to take a careful stroll through the village to view the various azulejos.

Valldemossa also boasts a culinary specialty. The town is known for its coca de patata (potato and yeast pastry). While this potato and yeast pastry can be found throughout the island, it originated in Valldemossa. This simple treat consists of boiled potatoes, butter, sugar, oil, and eggs, mixed with flour, warm milk, and yeast.

The result is a light, soft, and sweet roll, often dusted with powdered sugar, that's wonderful with almond horchata in the summer or hot chocolate in the winter. Apparently, there's only one bakery in Valldemossa that has the original recipe. So, it's best to stop at every bakery and then decide where to find the best coca de patata.

On a hike from Valldemossa, you'll be spoiled for choice. With sturdy footwear, the hike to the inhabited hermitage of the Trinitat Monastery, hidden in the forest behind Valldemossa, is easily manageable. The hike, rated easy to moderate, takes about two hours round trip and leads through a holm oak forest, offering frequent views of the cliffs.

Peaceful place with a magnificent view: The Ermita de la Trinitat is accessible after a hike.

Source: imago images/Zoonar

The destination is the small, peaceful hermitage, a place of tranquility inhabited and managed by monks. The Ermita de la Trinitat is open during the day, and the free admission is worth it just for the spectacular sea views from the terrace. Those who want to explore the Tramuntana mountains further from here can extend the hike from the hermitage, for example, to the Mirador des Tudons observation tower.

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