Updated September 2023
When it comes to visiting Mallorca, Deiá is one of the dreamiest hilltop villages to visit. And it’s for good reason. Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains, near the coast, and lined with olive trees, it feels a world away from the rest of the island. Only 30-minute’s drive from Palma de Mallorca, it makes for a wonderful and easy getaway from the city.
After our first visit to Mallorca in 2018, we spent a day in Deiá. Strolling the village and soaking in its historic charm, I told myself I would return. There is a certain energy to this part of Mallorca, one that has always tugged at me since we visited that day. So when my husband and I with our baby made our month-long return to the island, I knew we needed to come for a few nights to truly get a feel of life in Deiá.
We checked in to the La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, an intimate stay on the hillside with unparalleled views of the town. Mornings were spent dipping our traveled bodies into the crystal clear waters of the local cala, an unmatched respite. And as the afternoons turned into early evenings, we soaked in the magic glow that sets across this half of the island. The only word I can use to describe our time in Deiá is magic.
And if you do visit this part of Mallorca, that truly feels like you could be in Tuscany, I hope you’ll find the magic too. It’s a destination that beckons a slower pace to experience it all. I recommend taking your time, rising early, and never missing a sunset here.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Deiá:
Hotels
- Belmond La Residencia (Where I Stayed), for the best luxury hotel
- Es Moli, for the best design for dollar hotel
- Hotel d’Es Puig, for the best budget-friendly stay
Airbnbs
- 2 Bedroom Stone Cottage in the Mountains, for a stunning stay with views
- 3 Bedroom Luxury Stone House in the Village, for the best in-village stay
- 2 Bedroom House with Terrace, for an Old World stay close to everything
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Mallorca, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day Mallorca itinerary, full island travel guide, recommendations for the best towns to base yourself, best luxury hotels, and best beaches, and guides to Palma, Santanyi, Valldemossa, Fornalutx, and Cala Figuera!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Mallorca is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mallorca is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Travel Guide to Deiá, Mallorca
What to Know Before Traveling to Deiá
When is the Best Time to Visit Deiá?
Ultimately Mallorca can be a year-round destination with its average temperatures and warm water. My recommendation is to go in shoulder season primarily due to the summer crowds that flock to the island come mid-June through August.
How Many Nights in Deiá Do You Recommend?
The magic of Deiá can certainly be experienced in two nights, my recommendation would be to stay for three to four which would allow you to enjoy the hotel and nearby destinations.
Do I Need a Car in Deiá?
I highly recommend it as it gives a lot of flexibility. There are bus routes that operate throughout Mallorca but will be at a slower pace and more limited.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Mallorca is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Are There Other Destinations Nearby?
There are plenty of destinations near to Deiá, I would recommend checking out my Mallorca travel guide for a few ideas.
Where to Stay in Deiá
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
The prized gem of Deiá is certainly La Residencia. Nestled against the hillside, it overlooks the hilltop village with unsurpassed views of the Tramuntana mountain range. I checked in with my husband and baby for two nights to experience just how magical this hotel is.
To say the least, the stay at the La Residencia was pure magic. Something out of a fairytale, the perfectly terraced gardens and rooms that were nestled into the hillside boasted breathtaking views. Set with three pools, one adults-only, the primary, and an indoor, it was well situated for a restful stay. Throughout the property there are beautiful gardens to stroll through, terraces to look out from, and even resident donkeys should you go for a longer stroll.
The atmosphere at the La Residencia is luxurious yet relaxed. It felt effortless, the team on property was both welcoming and helpful. Mornings were peacefully spent at restaurant Son Fony overlooking the main pool with a fresh a la carte breakfast and buffet available. The rest of the day alternated between sunbathing by the pool, walks to the town of Deiá, and sunset cocktails at Restaurante Miró.
By night, we found ourselves at El Olivo, Belmond’s fine dining experience with a view. Offering both a pre-fixe and a la carte menu, you could dine through favorite Mallorcan dishes and even try the hotel’s very own olive oil. It’s a meal to not miss when in Mallorca, and I recommend snagging a reservation in advance.
It’s a stay I will certainly not forget, and a true highlight of any trip to Mallorca.
Book the best La Residencia rates here.
Other Hotels in Deiá to Consider
- Es Moli, for the best design for dollar hotel
- Hotel d’Es Puig, for the best budget-friendly stay
Best Airbnbs in Deiá
- 2 Bedroom Stone Cottage in the Mountains, for a stunning stay with views
- 3 Bedroom Luxury Stone House in the Village, for the best in-village stay
- 2 Bedroom House with Terrace, for an Old World stay close to everything
Where to Eat in Deiá
El Olivo at Belmond La Residencia
What may be the most stunning location on the entire island of Mallorca, El Olivo at Belmond La Residencia is the spot to reserve. Set up on the hillside with village views, this fine dining restaurant serves incredible Mallorcan cuisine that is elevated. One dish not to miss is the suckling pig as well as the Mallorcan dessert tray — trust me!
Nama
One of my favorite meals we had in Deiá was at Nama. Beautiful location, the food here is Asian-inspired with local ingredients. The duck and mango salad was a favorite, as were the dumplings.
Ca’s Patro March
There is not a truly more magical seaside meal than at Ca’s Patro March. Overlooking Cala Deiá, the restaurant serves fresh and local seafood, mostly grilled. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, rarely do they have walk-ins available. I would order the grilled squid, boquerones either fresh or in vinegar, and whatever fish of the day they have.
Xellini
Known for its wide variety of tapas, this is the spot to taste through a menu that showcases just how varied the local cuisine is.
de Moniö
de Moniö is a very cute and charming cafe that focuses on vegetarian food.
Bistro Rullan
Bistro Rullan is a good spot to pop into for a coffee or bite of food.
The Best Things to Do in Deiá
Take a Swim in Cala Deiá
If you’re looking to take a dip in turquoise waters, make your way down to the local Cala Deià. You could make the hike down but be prepared for a very tough walk back out. My suggestion is to wake up early, drive down, and snag one of the few parking spots, just don’t forget to pay to park. The cala is beautiful, the water is normally calm, and crystal clear. It’s a favorite for a dip, and there are two restaurants as well, Ca’s Patro March being one of them.
Stroll Through the Town of Deiá
The entire town of Deiá feels like a postcard and worth just going for a stroll. You’ll find several great views, local boutiques, and plenty to see. Make your way all the up to the Plaza de Iglesia for the best views around. I would recommend good walking shoes as the roads are quite steep.
Visit Valldemossa
A favorite for a day trip would be to the small village of Valldemossa. Chances are that you will pass through on the way to Deiá, so you could pop in for a stroll then. There are restaurants and shops and has all of the old-world charms you could ask for. For everything you need to know about visiting, read my Valldemossa guide.
Dance the Night Away at Cafe Sa Fonda
What is very much an understated cafe by day, Cafe Sa Fonda turns it on come night time. Go for a drink and you may even end up dancing the night away.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
