Deia is a small village in Mallorca, situated on the northwest slope of the Tramuntana Range between Valldemossa, Soller and Bunyola. The area has five kilometres of coastline, including Sa Foradada and Punta de Deia, the Cala de Deia and the small Cala de Llucalcari. The highest point in the municipality is the Puig des Teix (1,062 metres), with a spectacular view of the Serra de Tramuntana, in an area known as Serra des Teix.
A minute of History:
Remains have been found showing Deia has been inhabited from pre historic times in the Cave of Betlen and in the Caves of Son Gallard. During the Muslim occupation the area of Deia had the name "Ad-daia". After King Jaume I conquered Mallorca, Count de Roussilon acquired the land. In 1239 a Cistercian monastery was founded. This monastery bought several large estates, and became a major land owner in the 17th century. A new law in 1821 concerning property restitution ended the influence from the monastery. Olive and wine production was the main income for hundreds of years. A thriving smuggling business added to the income in the first half of 20th century.
Location:
Deia is situated between Valldemossa and Soller on the northwest coast of Mallorca.
General Information:
The area has many natural springs, and during the Muslim occupation, (10th to 13th century) the land was terraced and irrigation system built, many which are still in use today. Since the end of the 19th century, many famous artists found their home in Deia. Among others Luis Salvador, Robert Graves and Laura Riding. The local council preserves this special place, and it is a real pleasure to make a visit. From the town there is a half hour walk down to the "Cala". Here there is a restaurant (open summer only) and crystal clear water to swim.
Where to go:
The old village of Deia is situated 200 metres above the sea in the southern slope of Es Puig to protect it from the north wind. The small hamlet Llucalcari is situated near the coast some three kilometres from Deia towards Soller, and two of the area.
Art and Culture:
As far as culture, there is the Parish Museum, the Museo Arqueológico, and the Museum Arxiduc Lluís Salvador de Son Marroig, that every year has held the Festival Internacional de Deia since 1978, dedicated to chamber music. Other compulsory visits are the church and the cemetery in the upper part of the village. The patron saint festivities are held on June 24th, for Saint Joan Baptista.
Attractions:
Deia offers many attractions, such as excursions on foot that can be carried out in the area, through the traditional terraces of olive groves or the narrow cobblestone streets of the old centre of the town. The most popular and recommendable for all public are those that lead from Deia to the Cala (cove), the one that joins the Cala to Llucalcari, and the Cami des Raco, that starts at Es Llavador in the village and goes up via old stone steps following the course of one of the abundant streams of the area.
Gastronomy:
Deia has a varied selection of bars and restaurants, mostly in the middle of the town on either side of the road between Valldemossa and Soller. In the summer, the terrace of the Cafe Sa Fonda frequently has musical performances. In this popular cafe many internationally famous stars have given impromptu performances, accompanied by Kevin Ayers, an English musician who lives for long periods in Deia, and by Joan Bibiloni, a Mallorcan musician who also lives in the town.
Comments:
Cala Deia is a mixture of sand, rock and shingle. It is also another part of the island where you may spot some of the many famous people who are attracted to the island, and the many who live in this quaint part of Mallorca where the water is crystal clear.
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