Antiguo Convento del Desert de les Palmes (ruins) - Image 1
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Desert de les Palmes Monastery

4.6
·325 reviews·Desert de les Palmes, Spain

Historic monastery ruins offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic mountain drive, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November mornings

Clear skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Antiguo Convento del Desert de les Palmes (ruins) - Image 1

Desert de les Palmes Monastery

Best Time

November mornings

Clear skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic monastery ruins offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic mountain drive, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

4.6
(325 reviews)

"Breathtaking views. Intense nature connection and gratitude feelings from this place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

Panoramic Coastal Views

Monastery Terrace

Breathtaking vistas of the coastline from the monastery's terrace, offering a profound connection with nature.

Monastery Chapel

Monastery Chapel

Monastery Interior

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

Scenic Mountain Excursion

Scenic Mountain Excursion

Surrounding Area

An invigorating journey up the mountain, perfect for a scenic drive or a refreshing walk amidst nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Mountain Road

The road to Desert de les Palmes Monastery is winding but well-maintained. Be mindful of cyclists, especially during peak hours. Ample parking is available near the entrance, making access straightforward for visitors arriving by car.

Monastery Access & Views

While the monastery's chapel is open for quiet visits, the museum requires an appointment. Much of the monastery itself is off-limits to tourists, but the surrounding area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.

Best Times

When
November mornings
Why
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏆Nuestro DESIERTO TOP TEN (Vol I) 🏆 Un reto de locos, pero lleno de equipo, esfuerzo y sonrisas 💚❤️💛. @marmitaka y @victorsangute completaron 5 desiertos cada uno, sumando juntos los 10 🤩 🙌🏼 @roggervelasquez_21 fue el único en acabar los 10, acompañado en casi todos por su compi de fatigas @leo_csss enorme chicos! 🔥 Nuestra compi @anaea78 también completó sus 5, mientras que @biktorun hizo 3 ...
clubtriatloncastellon
202 likes • 0 views

🚗 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:

𝙰 𝚟𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚊 𝚌𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚊 ⛰️ 𝙴𝚜 𝚕𝚘 𝚚𝚞𝚎 𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘 🧠💭 𝙻𝚘𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚞𝚎𝚛𝚍𝚘𝚜, 𝚎𝚕 𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚍𝚘 𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚋𝚎𝚣𝚊, 𝚎𝚕 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚒𝚘 𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚖𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚘… 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚘 𝚜𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚜 🚴‍♂️💥 𝙿𝚘𝚛𝚚𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚑𝚒́ 𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚣𝚊 𝚝𝚘𝚍𝚘. 𝙴𝚗 𝚎𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚗 𝚚𝚞𝚎 𝚝𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚎𝚜… 𝚢 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚛 🔁 𝙽𝚘 𝚙𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚊 𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚊 🏁 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚘 𝚙𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚘 𝚚𝚞𝚎 𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚊́𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚓𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘 𝚊𝚝𝚛𝚊́𝚜 𝚎𝚗 𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚊 🔥 _____________ #cyclinglife #roadcycling #instacycling #cyclistlife #pedalea #rutadeldía #ci...
ridewithgeorge_
161 likes • 0 views
🌵🔥 DESIERTOS TOP TEN – VOL II 🔥🌵 Seguimos sumando historias deportivas 💚❤️💛 @carlosbagan completó 3 desiertos junto a @neusbagan , mientras que @ropeibla llegó a 6 y nuestra súper runner @belengranone también alcanzó los 6 👏. En la carpa, nuestro ciclista @manubo_851 fue el héroe del avituallamiento, repartiendo chuches y rellenando bidones con agua fresca 🚰🍬. ⚡️@juandetoro1 , junto a su amigo ...
clubtriatloncastellon
136 likes • 0 views

🍽️ 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:

💚❤️💛 GRACIAS, EQUIPO 💛❤️💚 El DESIERTOS TOP TEN ha sido un éxito brutal gracias a tod@s vosotr@s: 🚴🏽🚴🏽‍♀️ los que os dejasteis las piernas en cada subida, 📸 los que estuvisteis detrás de la cámara, 🙌 los voluntarios en las carpas, 👧👦 y los peques que llenaron de energía la base de la Magdalena. Ha sido un día de deporte, compañerismo y muchísimo buen rollo. El desnivel lo subimos, sí… pero lo que...
clubtriatloncastellon
113 likes • 0 views

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

4.6
(325 reviews)

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

Breathtaking coastal views
Scenic mountain drive
Adjacent restaurant with view

What People Dislike

Limited monastery access

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. Reddit

Yes, the road is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. However, its winding nature requires careful driving. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, there is good parking available by the entrance, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The chapel is generally accessible for quiet visits. For museum access, appointments are required. It's best to check locally for specific hours. Reddit

Tickets are not typically required for general access to the chapel area. However, if you wish to visit the museum, an appointment is necessary. Reddit

There is no stated entrance fee for visiting the chapel. Museum visits may incur a fee or require a booking. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast. The surrounding mountain landscape is also very picturesque. InstagramReddit

Yes, the ruins are considered ideal for flying drones, offering unique aerial perspectives. Reddit

Expect stunning coastal vistas, dramatic mountain scenery, and interesting architectural shots of the monastery ruins. InstagramReddit

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the scenic views. Instagram

While general photography is encouraged, be respectful of the chapel area and any private sections of the monastery. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

The restaurant is known for its good food, including desserts, and offers a pleasant dining experience with scenic views. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume food at designated areas like the restaurant to maintain the sanctity of the site. Reddit

Absolutely! The adjacent restaurant provides an excellent opportunity for a full meal while enjoying the stunning panoramic views. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's advisable to check with the restaurant directly, especially if visiting outside peak tourist seasons. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Desert de les Palmes Monastery offers a scenic outing for families. The drive up the mountain provides a sense of adventure, and the ample parking makes arrival easy. While much of the monastery is off-limits, the chapel offers a quiet space, and the breathtaking views from the terrace are sure to captivate both children and adults. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This location is a photographer's paradise. The dramatic coastal views and the historic monastery ruins offer a wealth of visual opportunities. The winding mountain road itself provides scenic driving shots, and the elevated position of the monastery ensures panoramic vistas that are particularly stunning during the golden hour. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

🚗 Road Trip & Scenic Drive Lovers

The journey to Desert de les Palmes Monastery is a significant part of the experience. The winding mountain road is well-maintained and offers spectacular scenery as you ascend. It’s a perfect route for a scenic drive, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Monastery Ruins and Surroundings

The Desert de les Palmes Monastery, though partially off-limits to tourists, offers a compelling experience. Visitors can quietly explore the chapel, a space for reflection amidst the historic architecture. While the museum requires an appointment, the true allure for many lies in the breathtaking views from the monastery's elevated position. These panoramic vistas stretch across the coastline, providing a profound sense of connection with nature and a feeling of gratitude. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Activities and Experiences

Desert de les Palmes Monastery is a destination that appeals to various interests, from scenic drives to photography and even sporting events. The winding mountain road leading to the monastery is a highlight for many, offering a pleasant drive with beautiful scenery. Cyclists also frequent this route, as evidenced by local triathlon club events that utilize the area for challenging rides. Instagram+2

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+2

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