Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse

Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse is Menorca's oldest lighthouse, standing on the cliffs of Cape Cavalleria in the municipality of es Mercadal, at the very northern tip of the island. Built in 1857, it was meant to put a stop to centuries of shipwrecks along this stretch of coast — local records count more than 700 vessels lost here since the 16th century.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

Cape Cavalleria stretches out into the sea as a narrow, roughly three-kilometre headland covered in low, wind-hardened scrub. The lighthouse sits at its far end, about 94 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest viewpoints on Menorca's north coast. From here you can take in both the open Mediterranean and the jagged cliff line running in either direction.

How do you get there?

A local road leads out from es Mercadal, crossing farmland before narrowing into a partly unpaved stretch that ends at the small car park by the lighthouse. From there it's just a few minutes on foot to the lighthouse itself. Sturdy shoes are worth packing — the ground around the headland is rocky, and the wind here can be strong even in midsummer.

What is there to see on site?

The lighthouse building itself is closed to visitors, but the surroundings offer more than the view alone. A small museum next to it explains the site's history in simple terms and covers the local flora, fauna, and the nearby Roman remains. A few hundred metres toward the coast lie the ruins of Sanitja, the ancient port of the Roman city of Sanisera — once a notable stop on Mediterranean trade routes. A modest café on site is a good spot to rest after exploring.

When is the best time to visit?

Cape Cavalleria is widely regarded as one of Menorca's best sunset spots, with oranges, purples and pinks reflecting off the sea at almost any time of year. It's worth timing the visit to leave the headland before dark, since the access road has no lighting. Early morning is another good window, when the car park is quieter and the light brings out the colour of the cliffs particularly well.

What else is there to do nearby?

A section of the Camí de Cavalls, the historic footpath that circles the whole island, runs across the headland. The stretch near the lighthouse makes for an easy, few-kilometre walk along the cliffs, with several viewpoints and a good look at the rock formations typical of this coastline. It's a natural way to pair the lighthouse visit with a longer stretch of northern Menorca's landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No, the interior is closed to the public — visits cover the grounds, the small museum at the entrance, and the nearby Roman ruins.

Do you need a car to get there? In practice, yes. Driving your own or a rented car from es Mercadal is the simplest option, though the final stretch of road is narrow and partly unpaved.

Is there anywhere to eat at the lighthouse? There's a small café on site, though the choice is limited — think coffee or a drink rather than a full meal.

Is it worth combining the visit with the Sanitja ruins? Yes — the Roman port ruins lie so close to the lighthouse that seeing both takes only a little extra time.