Far de Tramuntana

Far de Tramuntana is a lighthouse standing at the northern tip of Dragonera Island, right off the coast of Mallorca and within easy reach of the village of Sant Elm. Although the lighthouse itself sits beyond Sant Elm's boundaries, this fishing village is the natural starting point for the trip — a short ferry ride away from the island.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located?

Dragonera is a narrow, uninhabited island lying about 700 metres off the south-western coast of Mallorca, within the municipality of Andratx. Its elongated silhouette has earned it a reputation for resembling the spine of a sleeping dragon, which gave the island its name. Far de Tramuntana rises at its northern end, facing the Mallorcan coastline and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range from which the lighthouse takes its name.

What is the history behind the lighthouse?

The lighthouse was officially opened on 15 November 1910, built to a design drawn up by Miquel Massanet. The building included living quarters, since running the light required someone on site at all times. Because only a modest range was needed, a simple single-wick Maris lamp was installed, operated by a single lighthouse keeper.

Why is it called "Tramuntana"?

The name has nothing to do with Dragonera itself — it refers instead to the view the lighthouse offers back toward Mallorca. From its vantage point, the western face of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which runs along Mallorca's north-western coast, unfolds in full view. That perspective is what gave the lighthouse its name.

How do you get to the lighthouse from Sant Elm?

Sant Elm is a small, picturesque fishing village at the very south-western tip of Mallorca, in the municipality of Andratx. Small ferries depart from its harbour and cross to Dragonera in just a few minutes. Once on the island, a walking trail leads up to Far de Tramuntana — a trip that combines a short boat crossing with a modest hike through untouched, wild terrain.

What else is worth seeing near the lighthouse?

The entire island of Dragonera is protected as a natural park, meaning no development and largely untouched Mediterranean scenery. The trail to the lighthouse takes in the island's steep, rocky coastline and sweeping views over the Mediterranean and the Mallorcan shore. Thanks to its position at the island's edge, the lighthouse itself works as a natural viewpoint over the Serra de Tramuntana.

Is Far de Tramuntana worth visiting?

It suits travellers drawn to wild, undeveloped nature and an appreciation for Mallorca's maritime past. The combination of a short ferry crossing, a walking trail, and an early-20th-century lighthouse makes a trip to Dragonera stand out from the island's more crowded coastal attractions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Far de Tramuntana located in Sant Elm? No, the lighthouse stands on Dragonera Island, about 700 metres off the coast near Sant Elm. Sant Elm is simply the usual departure point for the ferry crossing.

When was the lighthouse built? It was completed and put into service on 15 November 1910, to a design by Miquel Massanet.

How do you reach Dragonera? The easiest way is by small ferry from the harbour in Sant Elm — the crossing takes only a few minutes.

Where does the lighthouse's name come from? It's named after the view of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on Mallorca, visible from the lighthouse's position.

Did the lighthouse have a resident keeper? Yes — the building was designed with living quarters, and a single keeper was responsible for operating its simple, single-wick lamp.