This Beloved Mountain Gem Is Officially The Most Beautiful Village In Spain

Europe is full of tiny idyllic villages in every corner of the continent. From beachside villages overlooking the blue waters of the Adriatic coast, to cozy villages in the mountains looking out onto some of Europe's largest snowcapped peaks. On the Balearic Islands off the coast of mainland Spain, Mallorca is home to the beloved mountain gem of Valldemossa that has to officially be the most beautiful village in the country. It did make Forbes' 2025 World's Most Beautiful Villages list after all.  

This island off the coast of Spain is known for its stunning beaches with turquoise coves that glisten in the Mediterranean sun, as well as a thriving food and relaxation scene with a plethora of beaches and resorts to choose from. Reaching Mallorca is quite easy, and it can be affordable to fly there straight from Barcelona for under $47 (€40) in under an hour, or alternatively from Valencia for a cost of approximately $35 (€30) in less than one hour.

Reaching the village of Valldemossa from Palma de Mallorca with a rental car from the airport is a short 12-mile drive that will take you about 30 minutes to complete. Throughout the drive, prepare to be amazed at the gorgeous views of the Tramuntana Mountains where Valldemossa is cradled surrounded by greenery, transporting you back in time upon arriving with its stone buildings and cobblestone streets. For travelers itching to experience the spectacular winding roads of the mountains and take in the slower pace of the Spanish lifestyle, Valldemossa is an underrated destination that needs to be added to your next visit to Spain.

Valldemossa offers visitors beautiful views of its surrounding forests, olive groves, and almond trees, which can be viewed from many trails in the area. This overlooked village has incredible hiking paths throughout. For the best view of Valldemossa from a bird's eye vantage point, hike the six-mile long Sa Foradada loop route that takes just under four hours to complete.

If you're not into hiking, but still want epic views of Valldemossa and its picturesque surroundings, head to one of the many miradors (meaning lookout points) for endless photo opportunities that are sure to take your breath away. During the drive to Valldemossa along the MA-1110 road that encircles the village, you'll be greeted by one of the best viewpoints of the village skyline with the majestic mountains as a backdrop.

The beauty of Valldemossa can be found just by meandering through its cobblestone streets that are surrounded by stone buildings, shops, and local cafés. One of the best parts of exploring Valldemossa is to put down the map and wander the charming little roads while making discoveries around each corner. Take a leisurely stroll through the Jardins Rei Joan Carles, a well-maintained garden, then stop off at the 14th-century Palace of King Sancho to admire Gothic architecture, before making your way to the adjacent Carthusian Monastery, which is famous for hosting Polish composer Frédéric Chopin during the 19th-century.

One of the best ways to experience someplace new is to immerse yourself into the local culture, and what better way to do that than diving into local cuisine. Valldemossa is home to many bakeries, and you should definitely try Coca de Patata, the traditional fluffy pastry that's made from potatoes, sugar, eggs, and flour which hails from the village. With only a few places selling this dessert, check out Ca'n Molinas for the most traditional form of the Coca de Patata. Looking for a caffeine fix with a view? Next to Plaça Cartoixa square, you'll find Barbaflorida cafè that provides visitors a mountain view to go along with your morning cup.

Skip buying the typical postcard and head to one of the many boutiques run by locals selling handicrafts, such as statues and carpets to buy a piece of Valldemossa to take home with you. For all the fashionistas, Valldemossa also has many shops selling handmade Majorcan clothing, so you can purchase a unique outfit to remember your travels.

With beauty comes crowds, which Valldemossa is not immune to. The best time to visit this charming mountain village is during the shoulder season to avoid the tourists in the bustling summer months. Unlike the Mallorca beach towns, Valldemossa's green landscapes are due to the fact that it has a more temperate climate that can dip into the low teens during the rainy months spanning from November to April, so you may want to bring an umbrella if you're visiting during this time.