Wonderful Things to do in Valldemossa – The Most Charming town

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If you are heading to Palma de Mallorca, then a day trip to Valldemossa is an absolute must-do! This charming little town is nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Palma. It is a picture-perfect village, and once you arrive, you feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Valldemossa, making it a must-see when visiting Mallorca.

Things to do in Valldemossa

Although small, there are so many special things to do in Valldemossa, so make sure to add all these to your list.

Royal Carthusian Monastery (Cartoixa de Valldemossa)

One of the most famous and popular things to do in Valldemossa is to visit the monastery. It is an imposing brick building set right in the middle of the village. Built in the 14th century by the King of Mallorca, it then became home to Carthusian monks. From 1838-39, it became the residence of two famous figures from history. The composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand, and there are plenty of artefacts and letters on display.

With your ticket, you can explore the peaceful cloisters, beautifully preserved cells, pretty gardens with gorgeous views, and the main church. One of the most interesting rooms is the old apothecary, where you can see traditional bottles on display.

Palace of King Sancho (Palau del Rei Sanç)

As part of the Monastery complex, you can find the Palace of King Sancho. It was built as a summer escape for Mallorca’s royalty, namely for King Sancho, and you will find stone walls, elegant arches, and views. There isn’t a huge amount to see, but you will find information on Mallorca’s history and architecture, as well as quite a few artefacts.

The ornate entrance to the Palau del Rei Sanç in Valldemossa, a historic royal palace

Chopin and George Sand’s former cells

Still inside the Royal Carthusian Monastery, you can also find the cells Chopin and George Sand once rented. For a few months, they lived in Valldemossa. They occupied a pair of cells in the old monks’ living quarters. Today, the rooms are preserved much as they were, with a piano, writing desk, and personal mementoes. These items offer a fascinating glimpse into their time here. A ticket for the monastery includes access to these cells, as well as the rest of the complex. Visiting feels like stepping into a time capsule, and their stay inspired some of Chopin’s most beautiful compositions.

Chopin Museum

After the monastery, make sure to check out the Chopin Museum. It is a separate entry ticket, but worth it if you are into classical music. It’s filled with letters, manuscripts, portraits, and even original sheet music, telling the story of his time in Valldemossa. For music lovers, it’s a treasure trove, but even if you are not a huge fan, it is a lovely and atmospheric stop.

Exterior view of the Valldemossa Chopin Museum entrance, showcasing classic Spanish architecture and green shutters.

Walk the cobbled village streets

While it is true there isn’t a huge amount ‘to do’ in the town, just wandering the picturesque streets is one of the best things to do in Valldemossa, and is worth the journey alone. There are so many adorable little streets that wind their way around this mountain town. Walk a little way from the centre, and you will find yourself in much quieter, beautiful streets. Packed with cute doors, pretty window boxes and cobbles, you are in a fairytale dream.

A woman stands on a cobblestone street in Valldemossa, Mallorca, surrounded by charming old stone buildings featuring distinctive green-shuttered windows and an abundance of decorative potted plants.

Visit the parish church of Sant Bartomeu

Right in the heart of Valldemossa is the parish church of Sant Bartomeu. Impossible to miss with its warm stone façade and striking bell tower rising above the village rooftops. Originally built in the 13th century, step inside and you’ll find a peaceful, light-filled space adorned with ornate altars and local artwork.

Sample “coca de patata” at Ca’n Molinas

Valldemossa is packed full of bakeries, but Ca’n Molinas is one of the most charming. It has been serving up Mallorcan treats for generations, and the glass counters are a feast for the eyes. Piled high with delicate ensaimadas (the Balearics’ signature coiled pastries dusted in icing sugar) and pillowy coca de patata, the village’s famous sweet potato buns. You can even mix and match to build your own platter of goodies. When you arrive, order at the counter and then find yourself a table.

Interior view of the historic Can Molinas bakery in Valldemossa, featuring pastries, bread, and local products.

Try Mallorcan olive oil tastings – Things to do in Valldemossa

Valldemossa and the surrounding Tramuntana hills are home to some excellent olive groves, and tasting the local oils is a must. Many shops offer tasting sessions where you can sample a variety of oils, from fruity and mild to rich and peppery. It’s a great and easy way to get a taste of Mallorca’s flavours, and you can usually pick up a bottle or two to take home as a souvenir.

Visit the Museu Municipal de Valldemossa

Housed within the walls of the monastery, the Municipal Museum is a modern addition that highlights Valldemossa’s cultural and historical heritage. Exhibits include an authentic 17th-century printing press with woodblocks from the 16th to 19th centuries, a section dedicated to Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria and his work, and a collection of posters by the renowned artist Joan Miró. The museum offers an interesting glimpse into the village’s past while complementing the historic monastery experience.

Stroll through the Jardins Rei Joan Carles – Things to do in Valldemossa

Located right behind the Royal Carthusian Monastery, you will find the Jardins Rei Joan Carles. They are a small but beautifully kept public garden, with manicured hedges, shaded benches, and lovely views over the surrounding countryside. A peaceful spot to wander through after exploring the monastery.

The town hall of Valldemossa, Spain, framed by vibrant pink bougainvillea flowers in the Jardins Rei Joan Carles

Enjoy the views from Mirador de Miranda des Lledoners

Just a short walk from the centre of Valldemossa is the Mirador de Miranda des Lledoners, which offers one of the best vantage points in the village. From here, you can take in gorgeous views over the terracotta rooftops, the patchwork of olive groves, and the dramatic Tramuntana mountains beyond. It is an easy spot to reach and the perfect place to pause, camera in hand, to soak up the scenery before heading back into the bustle of the cobbled streets.

Panoramic view of Valldemossa village with Sant Bartomeu church tower in the center, surrounded by lush green mountains.

Visit Costa Nord Cultural Centre – Things to do in Valldemossa

Costa Nord is the headquarters of the Sustainable Balearics Island Foundation, and the brainchild of Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, who sometimes lives in Valldemossa. It is a beautifully curated deep dive into Mallorca’s history, landscape, and the legacy of archduke Lluís Salvador. Starting with a 15-minute portrayal of the history of Valldemossa, narrated by Douglas himself. Followed by a virtual trip aboard Nixe, the 19th-century yacht of the Austrian Archduke Lluís Salvador. Finally, it has exhibitions centred on the Tramuntana mountain range, known as “The Legend of the Passion”.

Check out local art galleries – Things to do in Valldemossa

Valldemossa may be small, but it has a thriving art scene. The standout is the Fundació Cultural Coll Bardolet, dedicated to the work of local artist Josep Coll Bardolet, with rotating exhibitions, a small café, and a shop of pieces to take home.

You can also find small galleries and studios tucked between the village’s cafés and craft shops, each offering a different take on Mallorcan creativity. If you can, plan your visit around La Nit de l’Art in August or the Artdemossa Fair in July, when the entire village transforms into an open-air gallery, alive with paintings, sculptures, and live music.

Attend a summer concert in the monastery courtyard

For an incredibly atmospheric music experience, look up the programme of events that takes place during the summer. There are classical music, chamber ensembles, and local performances that take place in the Royal Carthusian Monastery. This provides the dramatic backdrop to soak up the music and a beautiful way to experience Valldemossa’s history and culture while enjoying live music under the open sky.

Explore artisan craft shops – Things to do in Valldemossa

There are so many shops to explore in Valldemossa; the centre is full of them. They sell everything from hand-painted ceramics and woven baskets to fragrant olive oils and locally made jewellery. Many focus on Mallorcan-made goods, so it’s a great place to pick up something authentic to take home. You’ll also come across embroidered linens, rustic pottery, and handmade soaps scented with local herbs. It’s easy to spend an hour or two wandering between them.

A charming street scene in Valldemossa with a cafe featuring red umbrellas and people walking along the historic stone buildings

Walk the route to Puig des Teix viewpoint

Starting right in Valldemossa village, follow the marked trails that lead uphill into the Tramuntana mountains. For stunning panoramic views of Valldemossa and the surrounding mountains, the hike to Puig des Teix is hard to beat. The route winds through pine forests, terraced hillsides, and quiet trails, offering glimpses of traditional stone walls and local flora along the way. Reaching the summit rewards you with sweeping vistas over the village, the coast, and the rugged mountain landscape.

It usually takes around 2–3 hours round-trip to complete for an average walker. The trail is roughly a 6–7 km (3.5–4.5 miles) round trip.

Browse the Sunday Valldemossa market – Things to do in Valldemossa

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Valldemossa on a Sunday, then make sure not to miss the weekend market, although you would be hard pushed to do so! Stalls line the village streets, selling everything from local produce and handmade crafts to souvenirs and Mallorcan delicacies. It’s a lively spot to soak up the atmosphere, chat with local vendors, and pick up a few unique finds to take home.

Things to do in Valldemossa with a short drive

Once you have had your fill of the wonderful things to do in Valldemossa in the centre of the town, there are some amazing things to see and do in the nearby area. Perfect if you have a car.

Take photos at Mirador de Sa Foradada

Another absolutely stunning viewpoint is Mirador de sa Foradada. It is about a ten-minute drive from Valldemossa, so perfect if you have a car. It looks out over rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and the tiny peninsula far below. And, it is very special at sunset. There is even a small bar and cafe terrace right by the viewpoint, perfect for enjoying those views.

Hike part of the GR-221 “Dry Stone Route”

The GR-221, or the ‘Dry Stone Route’, is a popular hiking trail in Mallorca. The entire route traverses 90 KM around the Tramuntana Mountain Range. However, if you aren’t feeling quite that active but still have a bit more time on your hands, one of the most popular sections from Valldemossa is the route towards Deià. This is an 11 km hike which takes around 5 hours. The section includes the historic Camí de s’Arxiduc and cobbled paths.

See the Miramar Monastery

Another 10-minute drive from Valldemossa is the Miramar Monastery, which is a beautiful 13th-century monastery on the west coast of Mallorca. It was founded in 1276 by King Jaume II as a missionary school, following a request from the 13th-century theologian and philosopher Ramon Llull. In 1872, Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria fell in love with the western coast of Mallorca and bought the estate. Today, it’s owned by the Vives family and open to visitors, with a small museum showcasing objects, documents, and artworks connected to both Llull and the Archduke. The gardens are also worth a peek, with peaceful paths and beautiful views out to the sea.

Explore Port de Valldemossa

A 20-minute drive along some incredibly winding roads from Valldemossa brings you to Port de Valldemossa. This small, protected harbour has a charming pebbled beach at the edge of a quaint fishing port. While facilities are limited, it’s the perfect spot to relax for a few hours, enjoying the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the stunning mountain scenery. There are a handful of traditional restaurants that serve fresh seafood, and the views across the bay make it a peaceful escape from the village crowds.

How to get to Valldemossa

Travelling to Valldemossa from Palma is incredibly easy.  From the Estacion Intermodal, you can catch the 203 to Valldemossa, which takes around 30-35 minutes.

A taxi from Palma will cost you around €25 and takes around half an hour.

If you have a car, there are plenty of places to park near the village.

How long do you need in Valldemossa?

You can easily see the main sights and saunter around the town in half a day. However, to make the most of your time, I would recommend a full day. To have a wander, visit the museums and take a long lunch.
If you want to see some of the sights a little way out of the town, then take at least two days and treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of the stunning boutique hotels in the town.

A beautiful stone house exterior in Valldemossa decorated with colorful potted flowers, including red, pink, and yellow blossoms.

Where to stay in Valldemossa

If you want to extend your time in the town, it is well worth staying overnight. There are some picturesque places to stay, and you might even want to consider making it your base for your entire time in Mallorca!

Most of the hotels in Valldemossa are boutique, so they only have a few rooms. If you are visiting, be sure to book in advance, especially in the peak season!

Hotel Valldemossa
This hilltop boutique hotel is made from 2 restored 19th-century stone houses and is the epitome of luxury. With 12 rooms and suites, offering classic style and tranquillity. Features include a swimming pool, bistro-style lunch on terraces, and candlelit dinners. Located in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, it provides panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscapes.

Mirabó de Valldemossa
A 500-year-old manor house transformed into a boutique hotel, with 9 rooms, contemporary decor and private terraces. Situated 500 meters above the valley amidst the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it has breathtaking views, two pools, and nearby hiking trails.

Ca’s Papà
If you are on more of a budget, this is a charming boutique hotel offering rustic comfort with modern amenities. Located just outside Valldemossa, it provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to the village and the surrounding countryside.

Useful travel tools and links

To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:

  • Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
  • Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
  • Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
  • Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
  • Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
  • GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
  • Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
  • KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
  • G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
  • Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.

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infographic of things to do in Valldemossa

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