A Day in Palma de Mallorca: From Historic Valldemossa to Luxurious Deia

Jan 23, 2025

Welcome to Palma de Mallorca

The stunning capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant history, and bustling culture. Nestled on the southern shores of the island, Palma offers travelers a perfect blend of traditional Spanish charm and modern luxury. It is a city that invites exploration and enchants visitors with its Mediterranean flair. Whether you're a history buff, a sun-seeker, or a culinary enthusiast, Palma provides a dynamic backdrop for an unforgettable travel experience.

Our adventure in Palma de Mallorca began the moment we stepped off the Virgin ship and onto the vibrant streets of this sun-drenched island. Thanks to a top-notch recommendation from "Richard's List" — yes, that's a nod from none other than Richard Branson himself — we knew we were in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We sailed on Scarlet Lady on Itinerary Barcelona to Civitavecchia in November 2024.
Checkout all Virgin Voyages with stops in Mallorca here: Palma Voyages

The Charm of Valldemossa

We booked a Shore Thing via the Virgin app: Culture in Valldemossa and Lunch in Deià.

This was one of the pricier excursions to choose from, at $273 pp, but it is categorized under “Richard’s List” which Virgin Voyages describes as a selection of specially curated shore excursions that are recommended for their unique and memorable experiences. These excursions are designed to connect travelers with less-traveled paths, offering more intimate and engaging experiences that differ from typical tour offerings. The list is meant to provide access to unique cultural experiences and deeper discovery in each destination, reflecting Richard Branson's flair for exceptional and one-of-a-kind adventures. I was very happy with this as it offered a nice variety and exceptional locations to explore.

Our first destination was the quaint town of Valldemossa, a place where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the buzz of the present. Boarding a comfortable tour bus, we were whisked away through the scenic landscapes that led to this historic town, and former royal residence and then monastery. It was famously the temporary home of Frederic Chopin and writer George Sand. The composer's spirit lingers in the air, particularly in his former residence, now a fascinating museum that we had the pleasure to explore. We were treated to a piano concert at the start of the tour to set the stage and mood.

After exploring here, we then strolled through the winding streets, each turn offering a new, breathtaking vista — a true feast for the eyes and a haven for eager photographers - it was hard to pick my favorite pictures as everywhere was so beautiful.

Scenic Stops and Culinary Delights

couple on cliffside in palma de mallorca

After spending a few hours exploring the streets and shops of Valldemossa, we loaded back onto the bus and then headed towards Deia. We took a brief pause at the Son Marroig residence, a scenic overlook that offered panoramic views of the rugged coastline and azure sea — a perfect snapshot of Mallorca's natural beauty.

Fun Fact: This location was once the home of Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, who became captivated by the stunning natural beauty of the area.

We spent around 15 min chatting with other cruisers and enjoying the views before heading to the next stop.

We arrived at the Belmond La Residencia resort for lunch overlooking Deià village. I would definitely consider booking a stay at the Belmond if you are looking at staying for an extended period of time here. It was absolutely breathtaking, luxurious and 5-stars all the way.

We were treated to a sumptuous three-course lunch on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The meal was complemented by fine local wines and rounded off with delectable desserts, all shared with newfound friends from our cruise. The camaraderie was instant; our shared experiences fostered bonds that promised more travel adventures together.

TravelMore tip: Always make an intentional effort to talk to your fellow travelers. You never know who you might meet or what new journey it might lead to! Will and I somehow always end up seated in in the middle and chatting up different halves of the table. 😂 He met a couple from Las Vegas, who became fast friends and we ended up spending time with them on the boat (we competed in a Shuffleboard tournament together, trivia, Scarlet Night and more) plus we ended up booking an excursion, and splitting the cost with them, in Amalfi (later on that in another blog post). I met a couple that inspired us to scuba dive in Turkey, and another that added the Monasteries of Meteora in Italy to our bucket list spots.

Until Next Time, Palma

As the day wound down, we re-boarded our tour bus filled with delightful memories and headed back to our lady ship. The day in Palma de Mallorca was not just about the places we visited but the connections we made. Our hearts full and spirits high, we left Palma with plans to return. After all, when travel is this enriching, one visit is never enough.

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