Valldemossa is a beautiful town nestled in the center of the Majorcan Island enveloped by towns on all sides. The town comes alive and is full of energy, fun and enthusiasm during the summer season when tourists flock to the area. The popularity of the place as a tourist destination soared sky high thanks to the Pianist Fredrick Chopin and his lover, the famed writer George Sand. The couple and their illicit affair were the main subject for gossips in Paris. Chopin suffered from tuberculosis and the couple thought that the warm and sunny climate in Majorca would help him improve his health. So they flew to the island to escape from the Paparazzi and landed on the Balearic Islands. They rented a former monk’s cell at Royal Carthusian Monastery. But unfortunately, the winter turned out to be a disaster for Chopin as the cold and wet weather deteriorated his health further. The couple feuded with the villagers and the Mallorcan citizens shunned them. Sand took her frustrations out by writing a scathing novel, “A winter in Majorca” praising the island’s natural beauty yet showing her contempt for the villagers. It’s an interesting fact that, even though Sand called the villagers thieves and savages, they sell her books happily in their shops today.
Today, the monastery has turned into a favorite tourist destination for cruise ship visitors to the island. On the way to mountain village from the harbor, visitors can behold exceptional countryside views with olive and almond trees interspersing with one another and sidelining the walkways making it a delight to simply walk around. The elevation increases as you proceed further from the coast and travellers can behold the scenic views that the island gifts in its best form.
The charming village and the ancient monastery are well maintained today with the Chopin’s cells, church and the pharmacy which are bound to attract eyeballs instantly turning out to be the most attractive among the numerous sight-seeing spots.
The best time to visit the village is during the month of August owing the fact that the well-known Chopin festival takes place during this month. An historic event – this festival which brings together the best of history and festivity is indeed a treat for tourists. This festival dates back to the year 1930 when it was first celebrated in the chapel at the Cartoxia de Valldemossa.
The program primarily consists of grand piano solos which includes works by Chopin and also the musical works of other renowned composers and upcoming talents as well. The concerts fall on the four Sundays of August with the other days of the week being filled with exhibitions and other events that relate to the festival (which reflect the philosophy of Chopin’s time – one in which people battled for individual and collective freedom) and which strives to entertain the tourists. .Awards and medals are presented to the best performers of the event and so you can look forward to enjoy the best music.
There are a number of options to get to Valldemossa. You can get there by yourself either by picking a bus from Alcudia which runs on a daily basis or by taking a bus from Palma by which will take almost 30 minutes and cost you 1.5 Euros. Some of the buses from Palma go to Port Soller first and then onto Deia. By taking those buses you have the added advantage of enjoying the beauty of those places as well before reaching the village. Or if you’re choosing to rent a car it is hardly a 16 kilo meter ride to Valldemossa. And so set aside the four Sundays of August in your calender to visit this historical as well as attarcative tourist destination and take home memories that you can cherish life-long.