The Archduke's Walkway
5hr 13km guided hike for people with reasonable fitness
One of the most popular stages of the GR221 and Mallorca’s dry stone route. It is without a doubt one of the most stunning walks on the island. The walkway follows the summit ridge with spectacular views down to the sea.
This is a challenging hike with over 500m of ascent. However, the steep climb out of Valldemossa is well worth it for the views along the north western coast.
Your walk begins in the centre of Valldemossa, and you are soon heading uphill through the woods along stony old mule tracks. The track continues steeply uphill for some time with an occasional breather, and fabulous look-out points with sweeping views of Palma in the distance and the coast beyond Valldemossa. Once on the summit ridge the Archduke’s walkway gives stunning panoramic views of the coast and surrounding Tramuntana mountains. Along the way there are many examples of the old forest dwellers’ settlements and old lime kilns, so this walk is a great opportunity to learn about Mallorca’s rural history.
What to bring
- Plenty of water
- wind + waterproof clothing
- good quality walking shoes or boots (the terrain is very rocky)
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Miramar Monastery, Valldemossa
The monastery in Miramar can be found close to Valldemossa on the road to Deia. It was founded by King Jaume II in 1276 as a missionary school following a request by Ramon Llull (a 13th-century theologian and philosopher).
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Son Marroig
Of all the famous foreigners attracted to Mallorca's northwest coast, none is so admired locally as 'S'Arxiduc', Archduke Ludwig Salvador. Born in 1847 in the Pitti Palace, Florence, the son of Leopold III of Tuscany and Marie Antoinette de Bourbon, he came to Mallorca 20 years later to escape from Viennese court life and immediately fell in love with the island.
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Robert Graves Museum
Poet and author Robert Graves (1895-1985) lived in Deià, Mallorca, from 1929 until his death. He is buried in the churchyard on the hill next to the church.
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The Royal Carthusian Monastery (Real Cartuja), Valldemossa
Visit the monastery at Valldemossa, where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-9. The Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery) was originally a royal residence, until Carthusian monks occupied the building from 1399 until 1835.
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Jardines Alfabia, Bunyola
These classical gardens by the entrance to the Soller tunnel are a legacy of the Arab talent for landscaping and irrigation. Their name derives from al fabi, 'jar of olives' in Arabic. They were probably designed by Benihabet, the Muslim governor of Inca who converted to Christianity following the Spanish invasion.
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Serra de Tramuntana, West Mallorca
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains (translated as the "mountains of the north wind") run the length of Mallorca's northwestern coastline extending for almost 90km and claim some of the island’s most magnificent scenery. In 2011, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO under the cultural landscape category.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Deia
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El Olivo Restaurant
The El Olivo restaurant is the crowning jewel of the renowned Belmond La Residencia and perhaps one of the finest restaurants in Mallorca - here the art of dining is taken to the next level: the seduction of the palate.
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Es Pi Restaurant
In the heart of Mallorca's northern mountain range is Sa Pedrissa, a 17th century rural estate set between the sea and the mountains.
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Restaurante Miró
Belmond La Residencia has a relaxed restaurant open to residents and non-residents called Miró. They serve food and drink all day from 12:30, offering a varied menu for lunch and a gourmet tapas menu throughout the day and for dinner.
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Nama Restaurant
This restaurant is located on Deia's main street. Enjoy a delicious Asian meal on the terrace with stunning mountain views.
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Sa Foradada
Overlooking a popular little anchorage, enjoy traditionally cooked paella and gambas with a magnificent view.
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Xelini Restaurant
Set in a 130 year old stone building, this restaurant is packed full of charm and character. The tasteful decor together with the stone walls and wooden beams and the addition of beautiful garden provide the perfect setting for an innovative menu of Mallorquin cuisine.
What to do
Things To Do in Deia
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The Archduke's Walkway
One of the most popular stages of the GR221 and Mallorca’s dry stone route. It is without a doubt one of the most stunning walks on the island. The walkway follows the summit ridge with spectacular views down to the sea.
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Deia to Soller Coastal Walk
A linear walk that follows what once was the old road that connected Deia with Soller. It was a vital trade route between the two and is now a restored stone path for most of the walk. It is also part of Mallorcas GR221 or Dry Stone Route.