Cap de Formentor Lighthouse, Pollenca

Lighthouse near Pollenca

Cap De Formentor Lighthouse
Cap De Formentor Lighthouse
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elgaard

Cap de Formentor Lighthouse crowns the jagged Formentor peninsula at 384 metres above sea level, marking the northernmost point of Mallorca with a gleaming white tower and endless blue horizons. Built in 1863 to make nighttime navigation safer around this notoriously rocky coastline, it now attracts travellers as much for the journey as for its maritime role, and is one of the must-see places in Mallorca if you love wild scenery and coastal drives.

The approach road winds through pine forest, past sheer drops and dramatic viewpoints where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea. By the time you reach the lighthouse, you feel like you have arrived at the edge of the island, with cliffs plunging to the water below and the coastline stretching away in hazy layers. It is a highlight of any walking tour of Mallorca’s north, especially if you combine the lighthouse with stops at the Mirador Es Colomer and Formentor beach.

History and Significance of the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

The Cap de Formentor Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1863, during a period when lighthouses were transforming maritime safety around the Balearic Islands. Positioned at the extreme tip of the Formentor peninsula, it was designed to warn ships about the treacherous reefs and cliffs that had long made this stretch of coast dangerous, especially in bad weather or at night. Its light became a crucial reference point for sailors navigating between the mainland and the western Mediterranean routes.

Building the lighthouse here was a feat in itself. The peninsula is one of the most rugged and remote parts of Mallorca, and 19th-century engineers had to contend with steep cliffs, limited access, and harsh weather during construction. The very isolation that made it so effective as a navigational aid also meant that keepers lived in a demanding environment, exposed to strong winds and storms but rewarded with spectacular views.

Over time, technological advances modernised the light and reduced the need for a permanent on-site crew, but the lighthouse’s symbolic importance only grew. Today it serves as both an operational beacon and a scenic landmark, representing Mallorca’s long relationship with the sea. For visitors, it is as much about the sense of standing at the end of the island as it is about the tower itself.

Things to See and Do in the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

Most visitors experience Cap de Formentor as the culmination of a scenic drive or cycle along the peninsula. On the way, make sure to stop at the Mirador Es Colomer, where a short walkway leads to viewing platforms over sheer cliffs and turquoise coves far below. This gradual build-up makes the arrival at the lighthouse even more dramatic, as the landscape becomes barer and the sea seems to wrap around you on three sides.

At the lighthouse, take time to walk around the viewing areas, looking back towards the peninsula and out across the open sea. On clear days, you may spot other headlands and even distant islands on the horizon. The combination of white tower, grey rock, and intense blue water is especially photogenic around sunrise and sunset, when the light softens and colours deepen.

Depending on current arrangements, there may be a small café or kiosk where you can grab a drink or snack and linger a little longer. Many visitors simply sit on the rocks or low walls and watch the waves and changing light, letting the wind and wide views work their magic. If you enjoy photography, landscape sketching, or quiet contemplation, this is one of the best places to see in Mallorca for expansive, elemental scenery.

How to Get to the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

To reach Cap de Formentor, most travellers first arrive on Mallorca by air, flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport, which has frequent connections from across Europe and beyond. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Pollenca on Booking.com. From Palma, you can rent a car, join an organised excursion, or use a combination of public transport and walking or cycling to explore the Formentor peninsula.

If you are touring mainland Spain by train, you will still need to switch to a ferry or flight to reach Mallorca, since the island has no direct rail connection to the peninsula itself.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Once on the island, you can rely on road links and local buses to get you to Port de Pollença, the usual gateway for Formentor.

From Port de Pollença, the road to Cap de Formentor climbs sharply into the hills, with numerous bends and viewpoints along the way.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. In peak season, private car access to the final stretch is sometimes restricted during the day, with shuttle buses, taxis, or bikes used instead, so it is important to check the latest rules before setting out. However you travel, allow enough time for photo stops and to drive slowly and carefully on the winding route.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

  • Suggested tips: Start early or aim for late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and the busiest traffic on the narrow access road.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer a good balance of milder temperatures, clearer skies, and lighter crowds; summer sunsets can be spectacular but busier.
  • Entrance fee: Free to visit the viewpoints
  • Opening hours: Access to the road and parking can be restricted at certain times
  • How long to spend: Plan 1.5 to 3 hours for the drive, viewpoints, and time at the lighthouse, longer if you combine it with beach stops or hikes on the peninsula.
  • Accessibility: Viewing areas are largely outdoors and may involve uneven ground, steps, or sloping paths; access can be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Facilities: Expect limited facilities at the cape itself; more reliable options for toilets, shops, and restaurants are in Port de Pollença and nearby resorts.
  • Photography tip: Bring a lens that can handle both wide landscapes and details, and use early or late light to reduce glare and bring out the texture of the cliffs and sea.
  • Guided tours: Consider a guided excursion if you prefer not to drive the mountain road yourself; some tours combine the lighthouse with other northern highlights.
  • Nearby food options: Eat in Port de Pollença or Alcúdia before or after your visit, or bring water and snacks if you plan to spend longer at the cape.

Where to Stay close to the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

For easy access to Cap de Formentor, Port de Pollença and the nearby Formentor area make ideal bases. A classic seafront choice is Hotel Illa d Or, which combines traditional charm with direct access to the bay and convenient driving distance to the peninsula road. Closer to the cape itself, Formentor a Royal Hideaway Hotel offers an upscale retreat surrounded by pine trees and coves, perfect if you want to pair lighthouse visits with beach time and hiking. For a stylish but relaxed stay on the main seafront, Hoposa Pollentia provides adults-focused comfort and makes a great base for exploring the whole of northern Mallorca by car or bike.

Is the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse Worth Visiting

Cap de Formentor Lighthouse is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy big landscapes and memorable journeys. The combination of twisting cliff roads, dramatic viewpoints, and the sense of standing at the far edge of Mallorca gives it a special atmosphere that is hard to match elsewhere on the island. Even if you have already seen many beaches and coves, the scale and openness of the scenery here feel different, and the experience of watching the sea and sky shift around the lighthouse can easily become a highlight of your time in Mallorca.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (8,153)

Far de Formentor sits on a remote, rocky headland on Mallorca’s rugged coast and functions as a working lighthouse; visitors praise the dramatic views and winding access route, recommend taking the bus rather than driving, and note a café/restaurant on site offering cakes, pastries and drinks (plus a resident goat) that’s handy on hot days or for sunset visits, while cyclists commonly stop here.

Alina Rusetskaya
a month ago
"We were there at the end of August, and it was great that there was a café where we could buy water because it was hot. The scenery was verybeautiful and interesting to see. Buses run frequently, but there is a chance you might miss the one you need..."
Lina
4 months ago
"Nice spot with a stu ing view! Not for the faint-hearted though, you’ll need to handle altitude and winding roads. They offer a wide selection ofpastries and other food items. You might even meet some cheeky goats trying to steal your food! Popular stop for cyclists...."
Krystian W
4 months ago
"A wonderful place and a must-see. During the season, it's best to take a bus from Alcudia, which goes directly to the lighthouse. The route iswinding, and at the top, beautiful views await. The lighthouse has a restaurant where you can enjoy cakes and coffee...."

FAQs for Visiting Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

It stands at the northernmost tip of the Formentor peninsula, northeast of Port de Pollença, high on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.
The lighthouse sits at about 384 metres above sea level, giving it sweeping views over the sea and surrounding coastline.
A car or motorbike is the most flexible way to reach the cape, but in high season shuttle buses, guided tours, or cycling are popular alternatives when private vehicle access is restricted.
The road is narrow and winding with steep drops, so it requires careful, unhurried driving; nervous drivers may prefer to use a tour or shuttle instead of driving themselves.
Yes, sunset is a popular time thanks to the spectacular light, but you should check current access rules and parking arrangements, especially in summer when restrictions and crowds are more likely.
There are several walking paths and viewpoints along the peninsula, though terrain can be rough and exposed; good footwear, water, and sun protection are essential if you plan to hike.

Nearby Attractions to the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse

  • Mirador Es Colomer: A dramatic viewpoint on the Formentor road, with platforms overlooking cliffs and turquoise coves far below.
  • Formentor Beach: A sheltered, pine-backed beach with clear water, ideal for swimming and relaxing after a visit to the cape.
  • Port de Pollença: A laid-back resort town with a long seafront promenade, cafés, and easy access to boat trips and watersports.
  • Pollença old town: A charming inland town with stone streets, a main square, and the famous Calvari steps leading to a hilltop chapel.
  • Alcúdia old town and walls: A beautifully preserved walled town with medieval ramparts, narrow lanes, and a weekly market, a short drive from Port de Pollença.

The Cap de Formentor Lighthouse appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pollenca!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Access to the road and parking can be restricted at certain times

Price:

Free to visit the viewpoints

Address: Lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, Pollença, Spain
Pollenca: 19 km
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