The local area and Deia

The cosmopolitan city of Palma is one of Europe's most exciting and appealing cities, with a magnificent gently curving broad sheltered bay and the most stunning marina filled with exotic yachts, boats and ships.

Palma has something for everyone, the beautiful architecture of the cathedral "La Seu" and many historic buildings, museums and art galleries, fashionable stores and boutiques, together with an endless selection of restaurants, cafes and bars in which to enjoy a coffee or a leisurely lunch and watch the world go by.

Other Palma sites worth a visit include:

• Basilica de Sant Francesc, a massive sandstone church built in the 13th century
• Castell de Bellver, a well-preserved 14th century royal fortress
• La Lloyjs, a 15th century seafront building that was once Palma's merchant's exchange
• Mercat Olivar, a covered market full of flowers, fruit, fish, and lots of local colour
• Parc de la Mar, a popular park near the cathedral
• Poble Espanyol, a Spanish Village theme park that serves as a microcosm of Spanish architecture, similar to the Spanish Village in Barcelona.

Valldemossa

Outside of Palma on the way to Deia is the village of Valldemossa, where some say Frederic Chopin and George Sand were the first Mallorcan tourists. The journey from Palma to the mountain village of Valldemossa, passes through olive and almond trees as the elevation increases from the coast. The village is quite charming, and the ancient monastery is well kept. In addition to the cells occupied by Chopin and Sand, the church and pharmacy are both interesting. Some of the drugs and potions in the pharmacy look much like they did a hundred or more years ago. You will find numerous gift shops along side cafes and restaurants.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas have a beautiful Mallorcan home tucked away in a secluded spot here, overlooking the sea. Visit Michael Douglas’ museum ‘Costa Nord’ whilst you are there.

Soller

A wander around the town can be a fascinating experience, with houses dating back to the 14th century and earlier, and a large number of modernist buildings. Of note are the parish church of Saint Bartholomew in the main square and a large number of the houses in the 'Gran Via'.

The town square has many cafes and bars where you can take a seat outside and enjoy the ambience. A quaint tram runs through the town down to the port where there is a safe sandy beach and more cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from.

There is a train station in Soller with a direct line to Palma. The vintage train ride takes about an hour and you can enjoy fantastic views of the countryside and mountains on the way.

Restaurants in Deia and telephone numbers +34

El Olivo, Hotel La Residencia: 971 63 93 92

Restaurant Sebastian: 971 63 94 17 closed Wednesday 

Xellini, aka The Tapas Bar: 971 63 91 39 closed Monday

Sa Vinya: 971 63 95 00 closed Tuesday

Trattoria Italiana: 971 63 64 50 closed Sunday

Restaurant Nama: 661 59 30 38 Asian closed Tuesday Wednesday 

Bistro Rullan: 971 18 86 70 closed Sunday Monday

Balm Restaurant 613 76 73 98 Asian fusion closed Monday Tuesday 

Ses Sauerschells: 628 42 48 44 closed Monday Tuesday 

C'as Patro March at the Cala: 971 63 91 37

Can Lluc at the Cala: 649 19 86 18 closed Wednesday 

Bens D’Avall: 971 63 23 81 Michelin star between Deia and Sóller