Far de Formentor: Mallorca’s Dramatic Northern Lighthouse

Why Far de Formentor Stands Out

The lighthouse marks the end of the Serra de Tramuntana range, where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into the Mediterranean. Built in 1863, it still operates as a navigational aid while serving as a popular viewpoint. The isolation and 360-degree panorama of sea, mountains, and distant islands set it apart from more accessible coastal sights.

How to Reach the Lighthouse

Most visitors drive the MA-2210 road from Port de Pollença. The 17-kilometer route climbs steadily with tight hairpin bends and sheer drops protected by low stone walls. Allow 45 minutes each way. A small parking area sits just below the lighthouse; arrive early in peak season to secure a space. Cyclists and hikers can follow the same road or connect via marked trails from the Coll de la Creueta pass.

What to See and Do

Walk the short paved path from the car park to the lighthouse terrace for unobstructed views toward Menorca on clear days. A longer footpath continues along the clifftop to Mirador de Es Colomer, offering a different angle on the rocky coastline. Bring binoculars for spotting seabirds and boats far below. The site itself is compact, so most people combine the visit with a picnic or a longer hike along the GR-221 dry-stone route that passes nearby.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) deliver mild temperatures ideal for walking and fewer crowds than July and August. Winter days can be clear and bright, though strong Tramuntana winds sometimes close the road. Avoid midday in summer when heat and tour buses peak.

Nearby Attractions

• Cap de Formentor beach lies a short descent below the road, reached by a steep footpath.
• The village of Port de Pollença offers harbor walks and boat trips back toward the lighthouse.
• Further south, the historic town of Pollença provides narrow streets, a famous calvary steps climb, and easy access to the Tramuntana interior.