Alcanada Lighthouse

Alcanada Lighthouse (Far d'Alcanada) sits on a small rocky islet off the coast of Alcanada, right next to Port d'Alcúdia in northern Mallorca, and has guided ships into the Bay of Alcúdia since 1861.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located?

The lighthouse doesn't stand on the Alcanada mainland itself but on a separate island, Illa d'Alcanada — a flat strip of land barely two hectares in size, covered in low scrub and surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear water. The islet sits a few hundred metres off Alcanada beach, one of the most photogenic beaches near Port d'Alcúdia. The islet and tower aren't open for visitors to walk up to; what you see from shore is the distinctive, low tower rising above the horizon.

Who built it, and when?

The lighthouse was designed by engineer Emili Pou and completed in 1861, making it two years older than its well-known neighbour at Cap de Formentor — one of the older lighthouses on the island. The tower itself is modest, standing around 10 metres tall, and was built from local sandstone that stands out against the turquoise water and rocky shoreline around it.

How has the lighthouse changed over time?

The light originally ran on a gas burner. In 1917, rotating panels were fitted, changing the light's characteristic to a pattern of three short flashes followed by one longer one, still powered by acetylene gas. The lighthouse was automated in 1960, after which the keepers who had lived on the islet left for good. In the 1990s, solar panels were installed and the old gas lamps were removed. Interestingly, the original AGA gas lantern wasn't scrapped — it now houses a modern, energy-efficient 54-watt LED lens that still operates today.

What will you see when you visit?

The best views of the lighthouse and its islet come from Alcanada beach and the coastal viewpoints toward Port d'Alcúdia — a popular spot for sunset photos, when the tower's silhouette stands out against the glowing sky. The area also draws boat trips, kayakers and snorkellers, since the clear water and rocky seabed around the islet form a natural, sheltered swimming spot. It's a quieter alternative to Alcúdia's busier tourist beaches, valued for its low-key, untouched feel.

Why does this place matter historically?

The keepers of Alcanada lighthouse are remembered locally not just for tending the light, but for an act of bravery: in 1916 they were decorated for rescuing the crew of the Mallorcan fishing boat "San Francisco," which had wrecked nearby. Episodes like this are a reminder of how treacherous this stretch of coast could be for ships before the lighthouse began reliably warning vessels away from the shallows at the entrance to the Bay of Alcúdia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk onto the islet or go inside the lighthouse? No. Illa d'Alcanada is separated from the mainland by water, and the lighthouse remains an active navigational structure that isn't open for interior visits. It's viewed from the shore, from Alcanada beach, or from a boat.

How do you get to the beach and the viewpoint for the lighthouse? The easiest way is by car or bicycle from Port d'Alcúdia. Alcanada beach sits at the quieter end of the developed coastline, away from the busiest tourist strips.

Is this a good spot to watch the sunset? Yes, it's one of the favourite sunset spots in the Alcúdia area — the lighthouse silhouetted against the setting sun and rocks makes for one of the coast's signature shots.

How old is the lighthouse? It has been operating since 1861, so it's over 160 years old, and has gone through several upgrades along the way — from its original gas lamp, to a rotating-panel system, to today's automated, solar-powered LED light.