
Desert de les Palmes Monastery
Historic monastery ruins offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic mountain drive, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds

Desert de les Palmes Monastery
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic monastery ruins offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic mountain drive, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
"Breathtaking views. Intense nature connection and gratitude feelings from this place."

🚗 Drive Carefully
The mountain road is winding; watch out for cyclists and enjoy the scenic drive. :car:
📸 Drone Photography
Ideal spot for drone enthusiasts to capture stunning aerial views of the ruins and landscape. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views
Monastery Terrace
Breathtaking vistas of the coastline from the monastery's terrace, offering a profound connection with nature.

Monastery Chapel
Monastery Interior
A serene space for quiet contemplation, offering a glimpse into the spiritual heart of this historic site.

Scenic Mountain Excursion
Surrounding Area
An invigorating journey up the mountain, perfect for a scenic drive or a refreshing walk amidst nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mountain Road
Monastery Access & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully
The mountain road is winding; watch out for cyclists and enjoy the scenic drive. :car:
📸 Drone Photography
Ideal spot for drone enthusiasts to capture stunning aerial views of the ruins and landscape. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Restaurant with a View
Enjoy delicious food and coffee with a breathtaking view at the adjacent restaurant. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Short Walks
The area offers pleasant short walks with beautiful scenery, perfect for a quick exploration. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully
The mountain road is winding; watch out for cyclists and enjoy the scenic drive. :car:
📸 Drone Photography
Ideal spot for drone enthusiasts to capture stunning aerial views of the ruins and landscape. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Restaurant with a View
Enjoy delicious food and coffee with a breathtaking view at the adjacent restaurant. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Short Walks
The area offers pleasant short walks with beautiful scenery, perfect for a quick exploration. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the monastery for its breathtaking coastal views and the scenic mountain drive. While the monastery itself has limited access for tourists, the chapel offers a quiet space, and the adjacent restaurant provides a delightful dining experience with stunning vistas. It's considered a very nice scenic mountain excursion.
"We visited the monastery in November. The road up the mountain is winding but of good quality. Beware of bikers. The site is very high up on the mountain. Good parking by the entrance. It is possible to visit the monastery’s chapel (quietly), and the museum (by appointment only). The rest of the monastery, while beautiful, is seemingly off-limits for tourists. Hence difficult to see that much of it, or the view from it. We then walked down to the next-door restaurant for a delicious dessert and coffee (Restaurant Desert de les Palmes). The view from the terrace is breathtaking. Overall, a very nice scenic mountain excursion. We would come back, for a full meal this time."
Kristian
"Breathtaking views. Intense nature connection and gratitude feelings from this place. Strongly recommended."
Adriana Fonnegra
"Nice small walk and beautiful view. The ruins itself is not extraordinary"
Matthieu T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is accessible by car via a winding but good quality mountain road. Parking is available near the entrance. Be aware of cyclists on the route.
Yes, the road is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. However, its winding nature requires careful driving.
Information on public transport is limited, and it's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to this remote location.
Take your time and enjoy the scenic drive. Be cautious of sharp turns and be prepared to share the road with cyclists.
Yes, there is good parking available by the entrance, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can visit the monastery's chapel for quiet contemplation. The museum is accessible by appointment only. Much of the monastery is off-limits to tourists.
The chapel is generally accessible for quiet visits. For museum access, appointments are required. It's best to check locally for specific hours.
Tickets are not typically required for general access to the chapel area. However, if you wish to visit the museum, an appointment is necessary.
There is no stated entrance fee for visiting the chapel. Museum visits may incur a fee or require a booking.
Visitors can access the chapel for quiet reflection. The museum requires an appointment, and most other areas of the monastery are not open to the public.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast. The surrounding mountain landscape is also very picturesque.
Yes, the ruins are considered ideal for flying drones, offering unique aerial perspectives.
Expect stunning coastal vistas, dramatic mountain scenery, and interesting architectural shots of the monastery ruins.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the scenic views.
While general photography is encouraged, be respectful of the chapel area and any private sections of the monastery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant located next door to the monastery that offers delicious food and coffee with a breathtaking view from its terrace.
The restaurant is known for its good food, including desserts, and offers a pleasant dining experience with scenic views.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume food at designated areas like the restaurant to maintain the sanctity of the site.
Absolutely! The adjacent restaurant provides an excellent opportunity for a full meal while enjoying the stunning panoramic views.
Operating hours can vary, but it's advisable to check with the restaurant directly, especially if visiting outside peak tourist seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a stop at the adjacent restaurant for a meal or a treat, as it's known for its pleasant atmosphere and delicious offerings. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for short, easy walks, allowing kids to explore the natural beauty without strenuous effort.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For those with drones, the ruins are ideal for aerial photography, capturing unique perspectives of the landscape and architecture. Be sure to respect any signage regarding restricted areas, but the open spaces and viewpoints are plentiful. The nearby restaurant also offers a great spot for capturing the sunset over the coast.
🚗 Road Trip & Scenic Drive Lovers
With good parking available at the top, you can easily transition from driving to exploring. The monastery itself provides a historical point of interest, but the breathtaking views from its terrace are the ultimate reward for the drive. Consider stopping at the adjacent restaurant to extend your scenic experience with a meal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Monastery Ruins and Surroundings
The journey to the monastery itself is part of the experience. The winding mountain road is well-maintained and offers scenic beauty, though drivers should be mindful of cyclists. Ample parking is available near the entrance, making the arrival smooth. For those who enjoy photography, the ruins and the expansive landscape provide ample opportunities, with some visitors even utilizing drones to capture unique aerial perspectives.
Adjacent to the monastery is a restaurant that complements the visit perfectly. It's a popular spot for enjoying a meal or a coffee while soaking in the spectacular views from its terrace. This combination of historical site, natural beauty, and culinary enjoyment makes Desert de les Palmes a worthwhile excursion.
Activities and Experiences
For photographers and drone enthusiasts, the ruins and surrounding landscape are a dream. The dramatic topography and coastal views provide stunning backdrops for both ground-level and aerial shots. The golden hour light in the late afternoon is particularly recommended for capturing the most dramatic and beautiful imagery.
Beyond sightseeing, the area has hosted events like the 'Desiertos Top Ten' challenge, which involves strenuous cycling routes, showcasing the region's appeal for outdoor sports and endurance activities. This suggests that for the more adventurous, there are opportunities for challenging hikes or bike rides in the vicinity, further enhancing the connection with the intense natural environment.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit