Far de la Mola

Far de la Mola is a lighthouse at the eastern tip of Formentera, one of the island's most recognizable viewpoints. Perched on a high cliff above the Mediterranean, it has been guiding ships along the coast for over 160 years.

Where is the lighthouse located?

Far de la Mola stands on the La Mola plateau at the eastern end of Formentera, close to the village of El Pilar de la Mola. This is the highest point on the island — the cliff supporting the lighthouse rises more than 250 meters above the sea, while the tower itself is about 21 meters tall. From here, the view stretches over open water with nothing blocking the horizon.

What is the history behind it?

The lighthouse was designed by engineer Emili Pou y Bonet and started operating in November 1861. The site wasn't chosen at random — decades earlier, between 1807 and 1808, French astronomers Jean-Baptiste Biot and François Arago had used this same area, on the nearby peak of Sa Talaiassa, to carry out astronomical observations tied to measuring the length of the meter. La Mola had long been recognized as a natural vantage point for watching both sky and sea.

The lighthouse also carries a bit of literary legend. A popular story claims that French writer Jules Verne drew inspiration from it for his novel "The Lighthouse at the End of the World." In fact, Formentera appears in a different Verne novel, "Hector Servadac," and there's no documented evidence he ever visited the Balearic Islands. Even so, a monument to Verne stands next to the lighthouse, erected to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, and it's become a popular photo stop for visitors.

What can you see on site?

The lighthouse is still an active navigation aid, so its interior is closed to visitors, but the surroundings are the real draw. Because it sits at the easternmost point of the island, this is one of the best spots on Formentera to watch the sunrise, with the sun climbing straight out of the sea. Late afternoon is worth a visit too, when the cliff and tower take on warm colors in the fading light.

Right next to the lighthouse stands the Jules Verne monument, and the site offers sweeping views over the coastline and the cliff formations of La Mola. It's also one of the stops on Formentera's lighthouse route, which links several similar structures around the island.

When is the best time to visit?

The lighthouse can be visited year-round, but the best light comes early morning, thanks to the sunrise over the sea, and late afternoon, when the setting sun is most photogenic. During summer, the nearby village of El Pilar de la Mola hosts a well-known craft market, making it easy to combine a stop at the lighthouse with some local shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Far de la Mola lighthouse? No. The lighthouse is still an active navigational aid, so its interior is closed to the public. The main draw is the site itself — the cliff, the sea views, and the surrounding area.

Did the lighthouse really inspire Jules Verne? That's a popular but unconfirmed story. Formentera actually appears in a different Verne novel, and there's no record of him ever visiting the Balearic Islands. A monument honoring him still stands next to the lighthouse.

Is it worth coming for sunrise? Yes. Thanks to its position at the eastern tip of the island, this is one of the best places on Formentera to watch the sun rise over open water.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes. The neighboring village of El Pilar de la Mola is known for its craft market, and the lighthouse is part of a route connecting several lighthouses around the island.