Far de Capdepera

Far de Capdepera is a lighthouse standing on the easternmost cliff of Mallorca, right by the town of Cala Rajada in the municipality of Capdepera. For more than 160 years its white cylindrical tower has guided ships through the strait separating Mallorca from Menorca, and today it remains one of the most recognizable viewpoints on the island's east coast.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse sits at the end of a road leading out of Cala Rajada toward the headland, a short drive of a few minutes from the town center by car or scooter. Many visitors instead choose to walk there along the coastal cliff path, a route through rocky terrain with sea views that is widely rated as easy and suitable even for travelers who don't usually cover long distances on foot. A small parking area near the lighthouse looks out over the surrounding cliffs and open water.

What will you see?

The tower itself stands roughly 18 meters tall and was built in neoclassical style — a smooth white shaft topped by the lantern room that projects the warning light. The building rises from a rocky headland ringed by steep cliffs dropping to the Balearic Sea. The main draw here is the view: on a clear day, the lookout area around the lighthouse reveals the coastline stretching toward Menorca, while inland you can pick out the hills of the Capdepera municipality. The spot is popular with photographers and anyone looking for a quiet sunset point away from the busier beaches of Cala Rajada.

What is the history behind it?

Construction began in 1857 as part of a broader plan to improve maritime safety along Mallorca's coasts, driven by the heavy sea traffic that passed the island in the 19th century. The lighthouse was officially inaugurated on August 15, 1861. For more than a century it was tended by resident lighthouse keepers who operated the light mechanism by hand. That changed in 1969, when the lighthouse was electrified and automated — since then it has run without a permanent keeper, and the old residential buildings lost their original purpose. Far de Capdepera still performs an active navigational role today, warning vessels crossing the strait between Mallorca and Menorca.

When is the best time to visit?

The site can be viewed from the outside year-round, and the surrounding grounds are free to access at any time. The best conditions are in the morning, when the sun isn't glaring into your eyes on the approach from town, and in the late afternoon, when the light flatters both the cliffs and the tower itself. In the middle of summer days the spot can get hot and exposed, so bring water and sun protection if you're walking there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No, the interior isn't open to visitors — it remains an active, automated navigation aid. The appeal here is the surrounding scenery and views rather than a tour of the building itself.

How long is the walk from Cala Rajada? The route follows a cliffside coastal path and is generally rated as easy, suitable for most visitors. The exact time depends on your pace and how many stops you make for the views.

Is there parking near the lighthouse? Yes, there's a small parking area close to the lighthouse where you can leave a car or scooter before continuing on foot.

Why was the lighthouse built in this exact spot? The headland at Cala Rajada is Mallorca's easternmost point, making it a natural choice for a navigational marker guiding ships toward Menorca and onward through the Mediterranean.