Punta de l'Avançada Lighthouse

Punta de l'Avançada Lighthouse stands on a rocky headland just outside Port de Pollença, on Majorca's northern coast at the foot of the Tramuntana range. It's the kind of spot where sea, cliffs and maritime history come together in one view, making it a rewarding half-day outing from town.

How do you get there?

The most straightforward route is on foot along the coast. The path starts at the main promenade in Port de Pollença and heads west, tracing the shoreline for roughly an hour each way. That means the round trip is best planned as a half-day activity, especially since the walk passes several viewpoints looking back over the bay and the Tramuntana cliffs. The trail is signposted and doesn't require special gear, but comfortable shoes and water are worth bringing, since there's little shade along most of the way.

What will you see once you arrive?

The lighthouse itself is an octagonal stone tower attached to a small keeper's building, a layout typical of lighthouses built around the turn of the 20th century. It was designed by Eusebi Estada, and getting it built took years of paperwork before the first stone was laid: the mayor of Pollença requested the project in 1897, approval followed in December 1898, and construction finally began in 1903. The light first shone on 15 December 1905.

In its early years the lamp burned on Maris wick burners, producing a pattern of longer and shorter flashes broken up by dark intervals. The station was electrified in October 1953, and in 1974 the tower was raised by six metres and fitted with a new lantern. Today the light shows a group of two occultations every eight seconds, with a nominal range of 22 nautical miles, visible well beyond the bay itself.

Partway along the headland, before you reach the lighthouse, sits La Fortalesa, a former fortified structure that has recently opened to visitors. Since it sits right on the same path, it's easy to combine both stops in a single walk.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable walking conditions, with mild temperatures and afternoon light that plays nicely across the cliffs and the tower, a detail photographers tend to appreciate. In summer the exposed path can get hot around midday, so an early morning or late afternoon start works better. The lighthouse itself operates automatically and isn't open for interior visits — the appeal here is the walk, the coastal views, and the structure seen from outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No, the lighthouse runs automatically and its interior isn't open to the public. It's a sight to admire from the surrounding path and viewpoints.

How long is the walk from Port de Pollença? The coastal path takes roughly an hour each way, so allow a half-day for the full round trip with stops to take in the views.

Is the lighthouse still operational? Yes. Since its 1953 electrification and the 1974 tower extension, the light still guides ships along this stretch of Majorca's coast.

What else is worth seeing nearby? La Fortalesa, a historic fortification on the same headland, can be visited along the same walking route.