Famous People Who Lived in Mallorca
Mallorca has long been a magnet for artists, writers, musicians, and dreamers. Some came for the island’s light, others for its seclusion, and many for inspiration that later shaped their work. This guide highlights some of the most famous figures who have called Mallorca home, even if just for a time.
1. Frédéric Chopin – Composer in Valldemossa
The legendary Polish composer and pianist spent the winter of 1838–39 in Valldemossa with writer George Sand. Their stay was plagued by cold weather and illness, but Chopin composed several of his famous works here, including his Preludes. Today, the Cartuja de Valldemossa celebrates his time on the island with a museum that attracts music lovers from around the world. Visitors can explore the monastery rooms where Chopin and Sand lived, offering a glimpse into their challenging but creatively fertile period.
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum
2. George Sand – Literary Icon
The French novelist and feminist icon accompanied Chopin to Valldemossa. She chronicled their time in her book A Winter in Majorca, where she painted a vivid—though not always flattering—portrait of Mallorcan society in the 19th century. Her evocative writing helped put Mallorca on the map for European readers, intertwining the island's charm with a touch of literary scandal.
3. Robert Graves – Poet of Deià
The English poet and novelist, author of I, Claudius, made his home in Deià from the 1920s until his death in 1985. His house, Ca n'Alluny, remains open to the public, reflecting his deep connection to the island's tranquil beauty and offering insights into his prolific life. Graves helped establish Deià as an artists’ colony that still thrives today, attracting writers and musicians from across the globe seeking inspiration amidst its stunning mountain and sea views.
La Casa de Robert Graves
4. Michael Douglas – Hollywood on the Island
The American actor purchased the historic near Valldemossa in the 1990s. He has often spoken of his profound love for Mallorca and even produced a documentary promoting the island's unique appeal. His prominent residence significantly elevated Mallorca’s reputation as a desirable destination for international celebrities and high-profile visitors.
5. Catherine Zeta-Jones – Family Retreat
Alongside her husband Michael Douglas, the Welsh actress has spent extended time on Mallorca, making it a cherished family haven. She has described the island as a peaceful retreat from the relentless pace of Hollywood and a beloved base for her family to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.
6. Agatha Christie – Mystery in Pollensa
The famed mystery writer visited Mallorca in the 1930s, seeking a quiet escape. She stayed in Port de Pollença, where the tranquil setting and stunning bay views inspired her short story Problem at Pollensa Bay. Today, a bronze bust commemorates her on the promenade, a tribute to her enduring literary legacy and her connection to this charming coastal town.
7. Joan Miró – Master Painter
The surrealist painter settled in Palma in 1956 and worked there until his death in 1983, finding a profound connection to his Mallorcan heritage. His studio and foundation, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, showcase his artistic process and pay tribute to his immense influence on modern art. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts looking to delve into Miró's unique vision.
8. Andrew Lloyd Webber – Composer of Musicals
The celebrated British composer, known for global musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and Cats, has long owned a home in Deià. Mallorca’s quiet charm and breathtaking landscapes have provided him with a creative sanctuary, a serene escape away from London’s bustling theatre scene.
9. Claudia Schiffer – Supermodel’s Sanctuary
The German supermodel owns a sprawling estate on Mallorca’s picturesque north coast. Her presence, alongside other international figures, has further reinforced the island’s reputation as a glamorous and exclusive getaway for the international elite, offering privacy and luxury.
10. Annie Lennox – Voice of an Era
The Scottish singer and Eurythmics frontwoman, known for her distinctive voice and powerful humanitarian work, has enjoyed extended stays in Mallorca. Lennox has often highlighted Mallorca’s unparalleled natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere as a personal refuge, a place to recharge and find peace.
11. Boris Becker – Tennis Legend
The German tennis champion has spent significant time in Mallorca, where he once owned property and enjoyed the island's vibrant lifestyle. The island’s strong German community and sunny Mediterranean climate made it an attractive and comfortable base for him during his post-career years.
12. Rafael Nadal – Mallorca’s Champion
Born in Manacor, Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly the island’s most famous contemporary figure and a global icon. The legendary tennis star continues to live and train here, and his world-renowned Rafa Nadal Academy attracts young athletes from around the world. His deep connection to Mallorca is central to his identity, making him a proud ambassador for his home island.
13. Peter Ustinov – Storyteller and Actor
The acclaimed actor, writer, and raconteur, known for his incredible versatility and wit, spent time in Mallorca during his illustrious career. Ustinov added to the island’s aura as a retreat for creative spirits, drawn by its inspiring environment and welcoming atmosphere.
14. Julio Iglesias – Spanish Superstar
One of Spain’s most famous and beloved singers, Julio Iglesias, has long been connected with Mallorca. He often performed on the island to adoring crowds and spent holidays here, bringing significant international attention and a touch of Latin glamour to the Balearic gem.
15. Annie Dillard – Pulitzer Prize Author
The American author, a Pulitzer Prize winner for Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, visited Deià, drawn by the same vibrant literary wave that brought Robert Graves to the island. Her reflective and profound prose was well-matched with Mallorca’s contemplative landscapes and serene environment.
16. Steve McQueen – The King of Cool
The iconic American actor, known as "The King of Cool," visited Mallorca during his peak Hollywood years. Though not a long-term resident, his presence added a touch of vintage glamour and legendary star power to the island’s growing list of famous visitors.
17. Carla Bruni – Music and Politics
The Italian-French singer-songwriter and former First Lady of France has holidayed in Mallorca, appreciating its beauty and privacy. Her visits have linked the island to both the worlds of international politics and sophisticated music, underscoring its diverse appeal.
18. Annie Leibovitz – Photographer’s Eye
The world-renowned photographer, celebrated for her iconic celebrity portraits, has staged numerous shoots and artistic projects on Mallorca. She is captivated by its unique natural light, dramatic landscapes, and diverse backdrops, making it a perfect canvas for her lens.
19. Camilo José Cela – Nobel Laureate
The Nobel Prize-winning Spanish author, though originally from Galicia, spent time in Mallorca. Known for his sharp wit and unflinching portrayal of Spanish society in works like The Family of Pascual Duarte, he remains one of the great figures of 20th-century literature with a connection to the island.
20. Grace Kelly & Prince Rainier – Royal Honeymoon
The royal couple famously honeymooned in Mallorca in the 1950s, adding a touch of fairytale romance and regal elegance to the island’s history. This high-profile visit firmly anchored Mallorca’s place in the international jet-set imagination, symbolizing its allure for the world's elite.
21. The Beatles – Pop Icons
Members of the legendary Fab Four visited Mallorca in the 1960s, a testament to the island's burgeoning appeal. Their presence cemented its status as a fashionable and sought-after getaway destination during the exciting rise of global pop culture.
22. Anaïs Nin – Diarist and Thinker
The French-Cuban writer, celebrated for her candid diaries and erotic fiction, spent time in Mallorca. She was drawn by the vibrant literary circle that had formed around Robert Graves in Deià, finding that her poetic voice resonated deeply with the island’s creative energy.
23. Ava Gardner – Hollywood Glamour
The American actress, an epitome of Hollywood glamour during its golden age, visited Mallorca during her European years. Her presence added another layer of classic movie star allure to the island’s rich history of attracting the world's most captivating personalities.
Final Note
From Chopin’s haunting preludes composed in Valldemossa to Nadal’s championship serves in Manacor, Mallorca’s unique blend of solitude, stunning beauty, and endless inspiration has attracted a dazzling array of talent across centuries. The island continues to be a muse for artists, thinkers, and dreamers—a tradition that shows no signs of ending. Explore these famous footsteps and discover your own inspiration on this remarkable Balearic island.
Mentioned in This Guide
Explore all the locations mentioned in this guide on the map below.
Palma
Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
Deià
07179 Deià, Balearic Islands, Spain
Manacor
07500 Manacor, Balearic Islands, Spain
Valldemossa
07170 Valldemossa, Balearic Islands, Spain
Port de Pollença
Port de Pollença, Balearic Islands, Spain
Fundació Miró Mallorca
C/ de Saridakis, 29, Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa
Plaça Cartoixa, s/n, 07170 Valldemossa, Illes Balears, Spain
Frédéric Chopin and George Sand Museum
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa Plaza Cartuja 9, 07170 Valldemosa, Illes Balears, Spain
La Casa de Robert Graves
Ctra. Sóller, 6, 07179 Deià, Illes Balears, Spain
Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar
