Home >> About Majorca >> Deia – Mallorca’s charm
In the northwest of Mallorca, at the foot of the high mountain Teix, nestles the quiet and cozy Deia. According to the 2018 census there are 620 people living in Deia.
History of Deia
As in other parts of the island of Majorca, the Arabs left their mark on this land as well. It was from the time of Moorish rule to the present day that irrigation systems were built on the hills of Deia. It was the Arabs who taught the locals how to build mountain terraces and utilize seemingly unsuitable terrain to grow crops, as well as citrus and olive orchards. Deia developed and grew rapidly. Every family of this town grew fruits and vegetables and made freshly squeezed olive oil, which soon led to the prosperity of the place. The beautiful landscapes of Deia, the fairytale and tranquility of the town, the cheapness of village life in the nineteenth century began to beckon artists and travelers to this land.
Nowadays Deia also remains popular among musicians, writers and movie stars. The local atmosphere, magnificent scenery, and the sea inspire people, and at the same time, allow them to get away from the usual hustle and bustle and relax.
What to see in Deia
As we said, Deia is a quiet, cozy place. The noise and speed of metropolitan life is completely absent here. There are not many sights, like Palma. But that’s why it’s loved – for its lack of noise and stress. Deia is among Mallorca’s most beautiful villages. Stroll through the narrow stone streets of the city. There you will find various art galleries, eco-shops, workshops, souvenir stores. Art connoisseurs can visit 3 museums of Deia – archaeological, parish and museum of artist Norman Yanukin. On the hill rises the church of John the Baptist (patron saint of Deia), which was built here in the XVI century. The church has a characteristic feature of those times – 2 entrances (main portal – for women; side portal – for men) and a belfry, which used to serve as a watchtower.
To the side of the church with a beautiful panoramic view lurks a small cemetery where many famous personalities are buried. Incidentally, this cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Mallorca because of the views from here.
Since 1978, the International Chamber Music Festival has been held in Deià in the summer. The world’s best musicians come to Mallorca to perform in the ancient estates of Son Marroig and Miramar.
There are never crowds of tourists in Deia. It is a quiet, measured place where rich Germans and Englishmen live and vacation. You can say that this town is not spoiled by tourism and managed to preserve a unique, authentic atmosphere.
Parking is not easy here either. Parking is forbidden on narrow streets, and public parking simply does not accommodate many cars. This has also had a big impact on the number of tourists.
