Europe
Walking amidst the mountains and the Mediterranean sea in Deiá
Ema Bakalova
May 30, 2023
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There was a feeling of magic that came with this spontaneous trip. It was the kind of place where the moment you arrive, you're already certain that you'll return. Such was the case with Deiá, Mallorca, a hidden gem that I now hold close to my heart. Through writing this post, I want to share the beauty, charm, and unexpected discoveries that I discovered during my visit to this picturesque village.
A first glance at Deiá
Nestled between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this charming village has a landscape that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. We took a bus from Old Town Palma that dropped us off in the middle of a cobble stone street in between stone clad homes, in the middle of what seemed like nowhere.
We were surrounded by the most picturesque canvas of terraced hillsides, dotted with olive groves, citrus orchards, and verdant vegetation, all accentuated by the vibrant colours of the surrounding flowers. It was so peaceful –we had the whole street to ourselves.
Cliffside vantage point
Our adventure began with a walk through Deiá's cobblestone streets, guided by the natural undulations of the terrain. We knew we wanted to try to walk up to the highest point to see the view over the valleys, so we followed the roads that lead us upwards in that direction. We strolled along narrow alleys, climbing the steep streets until we reached the highest point of the hill.
Coming from New York, I seem to always be on the look out for peace and quiet. Amidst the chaos that comes with travel, work and life, I found a place that felt like a sanctuary of calmness.
We sat on a ledge, looking out over the houses, valleys and the water beyond taking a few minutes to soak in our surroundings. Right then, the world seemed to fade away. If you're looking for a place to disconnect from whatever else is going on in your life and want to feel more connected with nature, yourself, and your partner, this is the perfect spot. If there was such a thing as a perfect moment, this was definitely it.
Artistic Inspiration
All of the photos I took throughout the trip looked like paintings. This is Deiá in its natural state –no editing, no enhancements.
I learned that Deiá has long been a haven for artists, writers, and creatives seeking inspiration. The village has a history of nurturing artistic expression. Like us, other travelers and creatives have been drawn to the opportunity to immerse themselves in a setting like this. A place that gives them space to think, see and get inspired by their surroundings.
The Market
The walk back down through the houses was just as beautiful as the view from above at the peak. Most of the homes have their own balconies, outdoor gardens and backyards. We kept walking through the winding roads until we came across a small market that was tucked away around the corner of the street. The little market felt like an immersive and unspoken secret hidden deep within the village, giving us a glimpse straight into the heart and culture of Deiá.
The market stood as a testament to the village's dedication to sustainable living and the support of local farmers. It was full of fresh fruits, vegetables and produce. We gathered some fruit and sun-dried tomatoes as we explored the other baskets overflowing with vegetables and fragrant herbs.
"Built on steep landscapes, adaptability meets beauty."
Appreciating the architecture
With a long background in architecture, I am always observing a city's local architecture, design and urban development patterns. What was most intriguing about Deiá, was how overtime, the people had skillfully built their homes on the very edges of the steep terrains we were walking through. The unique architecture of the homes on Mallorca's steep landscapes is a testament to human ingenuity, adaptability, and a deep connection and understanding of the land.
The homes, gardens, and streets are adapted to the extreme terrain of the island. Most of the construction is built out of stone (a local material), using a terracing technique to connect and accommodate the needs of the housing and infrastructure. It is incredible to see how architectural techniques have evolved to accommodate these unique geographical challenges.
Spending the evening in Valldemossa
As the sun began to set, we hopped on the bus from Deiá back to Old Town Palma. On the way, we made a stop in the town of Valldemossa, another quaint village about a 15-minute drive south. It started to rain gently, so I took off my shoes and ran through the streets.
Valldemossa has a small-town charm, with a very quiet atmosphere and a distinct sense of unhurried living. Compared to Deiá, there is a slightly more vibrant outdoor life. The streets were lined with bakeries, restaurants, and inviting outdoor seating. In contrast to Deiá's scattered layout, Valldemossa had a more centralized "city center," making everything feel more easily accessible and close-knit.
"There is a balance between nature and human interaction. An interconnectedness and mutual influence between people and the environment they inhabit."
The vibrant flora
Similarly to Deiá, there is a beautiful combination of both native plants and cultivated gardens. Walking through the streets, there is a delicate balance of natural elements working together –a subtle harmony between humans and the natural world. The vibrance of the native flora is striking and stands out against the hues of browns and beiges of the houses and streets.
We love bakeries
What sets us apart from other travelers is our tendency to avoid eating out too frequently while we travel. While not always the case, we often opt to cook at home as a way to save money and stick to our healthy eating habits as best as we can. We did though, enjoy dinner out in Valldemossa, and we also enjoyed exploring and trying different bakeries and coffee shops in the heart of the village.
Having explored numerous bakeries and pastry shops across various regions of Spain, I got the sense that these bakeries were not just places to simply indulge in sweets; but they were anchors that brought people together in the everyday rhythm of city life. It's clear that bakeries and cafes seamlessly integrate into the fabric of people's everyday routines, and indeed, they became a part of our daily routine as well.
As we departed Valldemossa, the sun was setting in the distance and I captured a few final photographs of some of the beautiful streets. As shadows cast between the houses and the village emptied out, people were heading home and the streets became remarkably quiet. We took the last bus back to Old Town Palma.
Reflection
In a world that's always rushing, the village of Deiá and even Valldemossa serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, explore with intention, and try to cherish the beautiful moments unfolding around you. When I say cherish, I mean actually allowing yourself to feel the moments you are living instead of anticipating what's ahead or diverting your attention elsewhere.
Months later, I still re–live this trip in my mind, and speak about how I want to go back to see the things that I missed the first time around. If you're seeking a destination that combines romance, culture, and natural beauty all in one, Deiá is a great place to visit.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to seek out unique traveling opportunities, spark your love for travel and discover beautiful architecture. If you liked this article, sign up to get notified whenever a new post gets published!
