DEYA
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain


Location:
Halfway along the NW coast. 18» miles N of Palma; 6­ miles W of Soller and NE of Valldemossa. 23» miles from airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.deiamallorca.com

Position:
A vast, natural amphitheatre in the mountainside and above the sea. Magnificent country of intense blues and greens, with mountain peaks looming behind.

Description:
A beautiful, old, quiet, stone village perched on steep slopes, surrounded by land cultivated on narrow terraces. An attractive church presides over the houses, which are connected by narrow lanes. It was the home of the poet Robert Graves and is still popular with artists and writers. It also has a small expatriate population and is a favourite of more mature Europeans, wanting the quiet life. Not much happens here and that's the way they like it. The village's few amenities are situated along a ­-mile stretch of the main road running between Soller and Valldemossa.

Suitability:
For quiet, relaxation and appreciation of the scenery. Predominantly middle-aged couples, with many British and German visitors. Not suitable for those with walking difficulties, as slopes and steps are unavoidable. Children will be hopelessly bored.

Accommodation:
Two upmarket hotels and one or two pensions.

Shopping:
A couple of boutiques, some galleries for upmarket souvenirs and artists' studios. One or two shops for basics.

Beach:
Small cove » mile downhill. Tiny but appealing beaches at Lluc Alcari and Son Marroig (2 and 3 miles respectively).

Entertainments:
Daytime: museum, artists' studios. Exhibition gallery in one hotel. Nightlife: evenings tend to be quiet, though hotels arrange the occasional diversion.

Eating:
Limited number of restaurants and bars, from tapas and pizza to a la carte.

Public-transport:
Regular bus service along the Palma_Valldemossa_Deya_Soller_Puerto de Soller route. Car is practically essential to explore outlying areas.

Local-excursions:
Full day: drive to Valldemosa, with its monastery (briefly home of Chopin); Soller (market on Saturday); Palma. Scenic mountain drive to Lluc Monastery.