Last Updated on 1 January 2026 by Vanessa
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise tucked away in the Tramuntana Mountains on the northwest coast of the island of Mallorca, then look no further than Deià.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich artistic heritage, and many cats, this picturesque village is a haven for famous artists and writers, many of which have called Deià home at one point (including Robert Graves, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix).
Graves said about Deià, “I found everything I wanted as a writer: sun, sea, mountains, spring water, shady trees, no politics, and a few civilized luxuries such as electric light and a bus service to Palma, the capital.”
But I have to admit that the main reason I wanted to visit Deià was to see its famous cats. Ever since Traveling Cats reader Claudia Mannes sent in pictures of the cats of Deià in 2015, this village in the Balearic Islands has been on my list of places to visit.
And these cats did not disappoint. They were the sweetest.
Visiting Deià and its cats
Is Deià worth a visit?
Absolutely. While the cats may be one of the highlights, there are several good reasons why Deià deserves a spot on your Mallorca itinerary.
One of the best things to do in Deià is just wander the narrow cobblestone streets. Take in the charming stone houses covered in bright bougainvillea, peek into cozy cafés, and browse the little shops selling local crafts. But there’s a lot more to explore as well:
Robert Graves’ house
The famous writer Robert Graves lived in Deià for many years.
Today, his house is a museum where you can see the rooms where he wrote classics like I, Claudius, Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina, Count Belisarius, and Seven Days in New Crete. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated authors.
Cala Deià
This is a small cove tucked between cliffs—perfect for a swim or relaxing on its pebbly beach. There are also a few seafood restaurants overlooking the bay, making it a great spot for lunch with a view.
Ca’s Patro March
The famous fish restaurant Ca’s Patro March not only serves delicious seafood but also gained fame as a filming location for the excellent miniseries The Night Manager. Even if you’re not a foodie, it’s worth a stop just for the atmosphere.
Church of Sant Joan Baptista
The small hilltop Church of Sant Joan Baptista is an iconic landmark in Deià and offers stunning views of the village and the surrounding countryside.
Art galleries
Deià has long been a haven for artists, and you’ll find a variety of contemporary and traditional artworks on display in the several art galleries in the village.
Hiking trails
For those who enjoy being outdoors, there are trails for all levels—along the coast, through the mountains, and everywhere in between.
Sa Foradada
This dramatic peninsula has a natural hole in the cliff face and some of the most striking views of the Mediterranean. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
If you want the best views of Sa Foradada, the private Port de Sóller, Sóller, and Sa Foradada Sunset Tour is unbeatable. Spots fill up fast, so book early to secure your place.
Cat spotting
Of course, you’ll also see the famous resident cats roaming the village. Many visitors say finding and interacting with them is one of their favorite parts of Deià.
Cats of Deià
Tracking down the cats of Deià was an adventure in itself.
When I first arrived in the village and started walking around, I didn’t see a single cat.
However, just when wanted to take the bus back to Port de Soller, where I was staying, I spotted two kitties sunbathing in the alley near their house across from Hotel La Residencia.
The tuxedo cat was an absolute delight to photograph, mostly because he was very responsive to simple cues.
With just a gentle tap of my hands on the spot where I desired him to sit, he would position himself against the backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains.
On the other hand, even though it may not look like it, the beige cat was more of a challenge to photograph.
His desire for attention meant that he was continually moving around to ask for cuddles (which was hard to resist because he was so handsome and soft).
He was incredibly skilled in showing off his best angles, though.
I spent an hour and a half in the company of these famous cats.
Just when I was leaving again to catch my next bus back to Port de Soller, I noticed a third cat.
She was enjoying a meal right in front of her house, and when her belly was full, she walked off for a stroll through the village.
How to get to Deià?
Guided tour
One of the best ways to see Deià is as part of a guided tour that combines Sóller, Valldemossa, and Deià in a single trip. All three villages are teeming with cats, by the way, so this is definitely the tour to take if you’re a cat lover.
Bus
Public buses run from Palma to Deià and are both economical and convenient.
From Palma de Mallorca Airport, take Line 1 or a taxi to the central bus station, Estació Intermodal. From there, catch Bus 210 or 211 operated by EMT, which goes to Sóller with stops in Deià.
The ride from Palma takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Taxi or car
Taxis are easy to find in Palma, and a ride directly to Deià takes around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.
If you can, rent a car because it gives you more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. I highly recommend you visit the nearby towns of Valldemossa and Soller as well. Both are full of cats, and they’re some of the most charming you’ll find in Mallorca.
Once you arrive in Deià, the village is small and easy to explore on foot.
Visited Deià? Met the cats? Drop a comment and let me know what you thought!
Visit next: Santuari de Sant Salvador in Felanitx – a must-see Mallorca viewpoint (with cats!)
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan
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