Sa Creu lighthouses

Sa Creu lighthouses guard the entrance to the harbour of Port de Sóller, on the north-west coast of Mallorca. This pair of small maritime structures – the main Far de Sa Creu tower and the adjoining Far del Bufador – has been guiding vessels safely between the rocks and into the sheltered bay since the mid-19th century. The site pairs dramatic cliff scenery with an unusual engineering backstory, and it stays noticeably quieter than the harbour front just below it.

Where exactly are the Sa Creu lighthouses?

The lighthouses sit on a headland on the eastern side of the harbour mouth, roughly 35 metres above sea level. From here the view opens across the whole Sóller bay, the Serra de Tramuntana mountains behind it, and the open sea to the north of the island. The tower itself stands about 13 metres tall and is painted in a distinctive blue-and-white striped pattern, making it easy to spot both from the water and from the harbour promenade below.

How do you get there?

The viewpoint around the lighthouses is reached on foot, along a path that follows the cliff edge from the harbour buildings. There is no ticket and no gate — access is free and open around the clock, with no fixed visiting hours. Because of that, most visitors simply walk over after exploring Port de Sóller's harbour and beach, making it an easy add-on rather than a separate trip.

What is there to see besides the lighthouse itself?

The real curiosity here is the "bufador" — a natural blowhole in the rock that connects underground to the sea. During storms and rough swell, water forced through the channel shoots up through the opening to heights of around 30 metres before crashing back down near the lighthouse, a dramatic effect that also gave this stretch of coast its name. That same blowhole is the reason the original lighthouse keepers were eventually judged to be working in an unsafe spot.

Why was the lighthouse rebuilt in the 20th century?

The first lighthouse on this headland went into service on 15 September 1864, complementing the older Cap Gros light on the opposite side of the bay. Because of the danger posed by the nearby blowhole, a decision was made in 1928 to build a new tower further back from the opening, along with new keepers' quarters. The project dragged on, however, and the replacement lighthouse did not actually start operating until 30 May 1945. The structure visitors see today is that post-war rebuild.

When is the best time to visit?

Sa Creu is open year-round, free of charge, with no fixed hours — it's an outdoor site where conditions depend mostly on the weather. Late afternoon and early evening bring the best light, as the sun drops toward the bay and the cliff-top temperature turns noticeably more comfortable than at midday. During strong storms, keep a safe distance from the cliff edge, since the blowhole can be active and the rocks get slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Sa Creu lighthouses? No. Access to the viewpoint around the lighthouses is free and available at any time of day.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No — it is an active navigational aid, so the interior is closed to visitors. You view it from the surrounding cliff path.

What is the "bufador" and is it dangerous? It's a natural blowhole connected to the sea that can shoot water up to about 30 metres high during storms. In strong wind or high swell, stay well back from the cliff edge.

How many lighthouses stand at the entrance to Port de Sóller? Two lighthouses make up the Sa Creu complex at the harbour mouth: the main tower and the smaller Far del Bufador, named after the nearby blowhole.