Deia in Mallorca: Tourist Guide to Deia, Majorca

Deia, MallorcaPretty coastal village on the west coast of Majorca

An idyllic village of green-shuttered, ochre-coloured houses that has become a millionaires' hideaway in the shadow of the Teix mountain on the west coast of Mallorca. Deia could have been just another pretty Mallorcan village had Robert Graves not decided to make it his home.

The English poet and novelist first moved here in 1932 with his mistress Laura Riding and returned in 1946 with his second wife. Muses followed, friends came to stay, and before long Deia had established a reputation as a foreign artists' colony. Now it is on every tourist itinerary as the prime example of 'the other Mallorca' and this small village contains two luxury hotels.

Rich foreign residents are apt to bemoan the arrival of tour buses; the few locals who remain are philosophical about outsiders. Graves was hardly the first to discover Deia. An 1878 guidebook noted its "collection of strange and eccentric foreigners" and it has stayed that way ever since. 

Hotels in Deia

The most famous hotel in Deia is the five star La Residencia. Formerly owned by Richard Branson, it is now part of the Orient Express collection and provides luxurious accommodation and facilities on the outskirts of town. The other big hotel on the other side of town is Es Moli provides 87 bedrooms decorated in a traditionally Mallorcan style. ...more

Restaurants in Deia

Deia is home to some top-notch restaurants, catering for the wealthy patrons that the village tends to attract. Michelin starred Es Raco D'es Teix has a marvellous setting above the village and offers modern yet classic Mediterranean cuisine. El Olivio in Hotel La Residencia is a swanky affair and serves up a superb gastronomic experience. For exquisite local Mallorcan cuisine, try Sebastian for elegant dining in characterful surroundings. ...more

Things to Do in Deia

Most people come to Deia for relaxation. Sitting on terraces and enjoying the views is pretty much what it is about. Of course, if you do want to be a touch more active, then you can have a game of tennis - there are tennis courts both council run and in some of the hotels - try La Residencia. ...more

History & Culture in Deia

The name of Deia (or Deya) comes from the time of the Moorish conquest of Mallorca, back in the 10th-13th centuries. The Muslims called the area 'Ad-Daya' which means 'village'. They were the ones who created the terraced irrigation systems that allowed the steep hillsides to be cultivated. Olive trees flourished up to an altitude of 600 metres, and today cover much of the hillsides above the town. ...more