Beacon of Na Foradada

The Beacon of Na Foradada sits on the northernmost crag of the Cabrera archipelago, a cluster of uninhabited islands south of Mallorca whose territory falls administratively under Palma. It is far from the city center itself, but the entire national park around it belongs to Palma's municipal jurisdiction, which is why it shows up under that city.

Where exactly is this beacon?

Na Foradada is a rocky islet at the edge of the Cabrera archipelago, part of the Cabrera Maritime-Terrestrial National Park — one of the best-preserved marine environments in the western Mediterranean. The usual gateway for visitors is the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi on Mallorca's south coast, from where boat trips into the archipelago depart.

How do you get there?

You cannot simply sail out to Na Foradada on your own — Cabrera is a national park with restricted boat access, so visits run through licensed excursion boats departing from Colonia de Sant Jordi. A typical trip loops past the smaller islets of the archipelago, including Na Foradada, and usually includes a landing on the main island of Cabrera itself. The beacon is viewed from the boat rather than on foot — its protected status and rugged terrain mean it is not a place you can walk up to.

What will you actually see?

Na Foradada is a small, bare rock carrying an automated navigation light, with no buildings or visitor facilities. Its history is more interesting than its size suggests. In 1865, authorities approved a budget to study building a full fourth-order lighthouse on the rock, but the project was never carried out. It took until 1926 for an automatic acetylene-powered signal light to be installed instead. Upkeep fell to the keepers of the nearby n'Ensiola lighthouse on Cabrera island, roughly 8 nautical miles away, who were expected to reach the beacon about three times a month, weather permitting. The crossing was far from routine: rough seas and the rocky approach made these maintenance trips genuinely hazardous, both for the keepers and for sailors passing through the area. Today the light runs fully automatically and no longer requires those visits.

Beyond the beacon itself, the surrounding waters are the real draw — the sea around the Cabrera archipelago is known for its clarity and rich marine life, which is precisely why the whole area was placed under national park protection.

When is the best time to visit?

Boat trips to Cabrera and the waters around Na Foradada run mainly from spring through autumn, when the sea is calmer and sailing conditions are safer. Summer brings heavier tourist traffic, so booking a boat spot ahead of time is worth doing; spring and early autumn tend to offer a good balance between decent weather and smaller crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you land on the Na Foradada rock? No — it is a small, protected islet with no tourist infrastructure. You view it from the boat during a Cabrera archipelago cruise.

Is the light still operational? Yes, but as a fully automated navigation signal with no on-site keeper — the system has been modernized in stages since the original 1926 installation.

How do you book a trip to see Na Foradada? The simplest way is a licensed excursion boat from Colonia de Sant Jordi that circles the smaller islets of the Cabrera archipelago, including Na Foradada, and typically stops at the main island.

Why is this beacon listed under Palma if it's nowhere near the city? The entire Cabrera National Park, despite being geographically distant from the city, falls under Palma's municipal administration, which is why the beacon is classified there.