The Balearic Islands are peppered with an array of beautiful lighthouses, where visitors can discover the beauty and historical value of the islands. With so many stunning towers on offer, we have selected the 10 must-see lighthouses in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Lighthouses in the Balearic Islands
The romantic silhouette of the lighthouses in the Balearic Islands have dominated the horizons of the coast for centuries. With many of these magical constructions still functioning as watchmen in the darkest of nights, they offer an unbeatable excuse to get lost traveling along the islands’ coasts. Thanks to their extraordinary beauty, colour and the spectacular landscapes they are encased within, it most certainly worth paying a visit to the stunning lighthouses on your trip to one of the islands in the Balears.
1. Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca
The meeting point of the winds
If there is a lighthouse that encompasses almost all the beauty of Mallorca, it is that of Formentor. Located in an incredible enclave, 200 meters above sea level and at the end of a winding road, its construction took six years to build due to the complications of moving the materials to the top of the mountain. Here, in the northernmost point of Mallorca, much of the natural beauty of the island is concentrated.
L: Picture by Cuno de Bruin
The beach of Formentor is located at the foot of an emblematic landscape, standing out for its white sand and crystal clear waters, framed by a lush greenery. This is one of the island’s most natural paradises where you can enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 18.2 degrees.
Formentor has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world- For its paradisiacal landscape and crystal clear waters, it is of little surprise why Formentor has been voted in the top 3 beaches of Europe and in the top 25 of the best beaches in the world.2. Portocolom Lighthouse, Mallorca
Picture perfect beauty
During the day it is one of the most visited and photographed points of Portocolom; when it gets dark, its light becomes the guide that has been leading sailors for 150 years towards a good port. Without a doubt, Portocolom is one of the most photographed and recognised lighthouses in Mallorca. Its beauty lies not only in its surroundings, but also in the characteristic touch of its black and white bands that make it an authentic icon of the beautiful fishing village of the same name. A charming corner with colourful houses, moored llaüts, boats and boathouses that paints a perfect picture of pure relaxation.
3. Portopí Lighthouse, Mallorca
Endless historical value
There is life beyond the centre of Palma, where places full of history and charm are in easy reach. This includes the beautiful lighthouse of Portopi, one of the oldest operating lighthouses. Its construction began in the fourteenth century and has witnessed many historical events, including an attack of pirates and the arrival of thousands of sailors to Mallorca.
Top Guide to Mallorca- Mallorca truly has it all, offering visitors, locals and residents infinite options for discovery and enjoyment. We prove exactly why the island has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. 4. Faro de l’Illa del Aire Lighthouse, Menorca
Set on an island of nature
A short distance from Mahón, lies Faro de l’Illa del Aire Lighthouse, a tower of a whopping 38 meters high. Its recognisable black and white bands make it easily distinguishable from a distance, becoming an important tourist attraction. This is thanks to its privileged location, being situated on the Isla del Aire, a coastal islet that houses an impressive amount of flora and fauna, six species of sea birds, the Balearic lizard and small clusters of tamarisks.
5. Favàritx Lighthouse, Menorca
Spectacular views
Favàritx Lighthouse is one of the most visited lighthouses on the island, where its imposing 28-meter high tower and an almost lunar appearance. Being located in the natural park of S’Albufera des Grau, at the cape of Favàritx, many come to visit this enclave to witness the spectacular views that the lighthouse offers. Its light can be seen from a distance of 16 nautical miles and inside it houses an interesting collection of maritime pieces, which can be visited with prior reservation.
Best things to do in Menorca- Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of mass tourism? Then Menorca is the place for you! Here are some of the greatest places to go and best things to do in Menorca.6. Cap de Cavalleria Lighthouse, Menorca
Breath-taking sunsets
This impressive lighthouse was built in 1857 where its tower rises 15 metres above the ground. From the top of the cliff of the Cabo de Cavallería watch (next to the lighthouse of Punta Nati, also on the north coast of the island) an area in which in the sixteenth century there were more than 700 shipwrecks. Inside is the Cape Cavallería Interpretation Center, where visitors can observe how the lighthouse has evolved throughout history. As if that were not enough, most Menorcans say that from this point you can see some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.
7. Moscarter Lighthouse, Ibiza
Beautiful story-telling
As with all the lighthouses in Ibiza, each tells a magical story of its own. Situated in the north of Ibiza, in Portinatx, we find the Moscarter Lighthouse. Its geographical position, aesthetic beauty thanks to its black helical strip on a white background and its colossal dimensions make it one of the most special lighthouses of the Pitiusas Islands.
8. Faro des Penjats, Ibiza
A jewel of Hangman’s Island
This beautiful lighthouse with black and white bands is located on the islet known as the ‘Hangman’s Island’, halfway between Ibiza and Formentera, where there have been numerous shipwrecks along its past. Due to its strategic situation to navigate towards the peninsula, it was the first pitiuso enclave to have a lighthouse, and also the first that has automated its operation so that no lighthouse keeper had to live on this islet.
Top Guide to Ibiza- Discover the heavenly White Isle in our Top Guide to Ibiza, showcasing its tremendous offer of history, gastronomy, nightlife and so much more - making for the perfect escape on the Balearic Islands. 9. La Mola Lighthouse, Formentera
Extraordinary light show
The lighthouse of La Mola, the oldest in Formentera, is located in one of the most spectacular enclaves of the island. Built on a cliff over 120 meters high, it offers a night show with its light beams that rotate between sea and land. A magical place that served as inspiration for Julio Verne’s novel ‘Hector Servadac’, and from where you can see beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
10. Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse, Formentera
Sunset heaven
This lunar landscape, crowned by a lighthouse, is a favourite spot for many to say goodbye to the sun. An ideal place to sit in silence, enjoy the peace and serenity of the island and enjoy the reddish tones of the sunset’s horizons. In addition to its impressive views, visitors can see from where the watchtower protected Formentera from attacks by invaders.
What to do in Formentera- Formentera is a true paradisiacal island, boasting crystal clear waters and heavenly white sands. We will help you get the most of your stay with our guide on what to do in Formentera.Press release courtesy of flymetothemoon.es
