Far de Formentor

Far de Formentor is a lighthouse at the tip of the Formentor peninsula, in the municipality of Pollença on Mallorca.

Where is the lighthouse located?

The lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop roughly 210 metres above sea level, at the most remote and rugged edge of Mallorca's northern coast. It marks the far end of the Formentor peninsula, surrounded by cliffs that drop straight into the Mediterranean. This stretch of coastline forms part of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How do you get to Far de Formentor?

The only access road is the local Ma-2210, which runs for around 20 km from Port de Pollença. The route winds through pine forest, passes several hidden coves, and climbs toward the tip of the peninsula. About halfway along, roughly 7 km from the start, sits the well-known Mirador des Colomer viewpoint (also called Mirador de Mal Pas), overlooking the Colomer islet and a wide sweep of coastline. Expect narrow bends and limited parking, especially during the summer months.

What's worth seeing along the way?

The Formentor road is one of the most photographed drives on Mallorca. It skirts several small, hard-to-reach coves — Cala Figuera, Cala Murta and Cala en Gossalba — framed by pine-covered slopes and rocky cliffs. The lighthouse itself is modest in size, but its setting makes the visit worthwhile: the building sits right at the edge of the land, with open sea visible on three sides.

What's the history behind the lighthouse?

The lighthouse was brought into service in 1863, as part of a wider project to light Mallorca's coastline and improve safety for ships sailing at night. Because of the isolated, rocky terrain at the tip of the peninsula, building Far de Formentor was one of the most difficult lighthouse projects on the island — materials and equipment had to be hauled across steep, hard-to-access ground.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to the peninsula's eastward exposure, the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs look especially striking at sunrise and sunset, which draws photographers and travellers looking for a quieter view. During the day, particularly in July and August, the road and the parking areas can get busy, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is a good idea. Spring and autumn bring milder weather and noticeably less traffic along the route.

What should you bring along?

The area around the lighthouse is exposed and often windy, so a light layer is worth packing even in warmer months. Sturdy shoes make it easier to move around the uneven, rocky ground near the viewpoints. There are few places to buy food or drinks along the route, so it's best to stock up on water beforehand, for example in Port de Pollença.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Far de Formentor from Port de Pollença? The drive covers about 20 km, entirely along the Ma-2210, with numerous bends running along the cliffs.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse is still an active part of the maritime lighting system, so visits are mostly limited to the surroundings and the viewpoints near the building rather than the interior.

Is it worth stopping at Mirador des Colomer? Yes — it's one of Mallorca's most recognisable viewpoints, located about 7 km from Port de Pollença, with views over the Colomer islet and the coastline.

When is the road least crowded? Early morning hours and the months outside peak summer season (June to September) usually mean lighter traffic and easier parking.