Torre des Matzoc

Torre des Matzoc is a stone coastal watchtower standing on the shoreline of the Artà municipality in Mallorca, inside the Península de Llevant Natural Park. Also known as Torre d'Albarca, it sits roughly 67 metres above sea level and its round, sturdy silhouette is visible from a distance along the coastal path.

What is this place?

The tower was built in 1751 on the orders of the Artà town council. Its purpose was strategic: to keep watch over the sea channel separating Mallorca from Menorca, which at the time was under British occupation. Mallorca needed an early-warning network along its coast, and Torre des Matzoc formed one link in a chain of similar watchtowers built to spot approaching ships and give locals time to prepare or flee in case of a pirate raid or hostile fleet.

The structure has two floors and stands about 11 metres tall. It survives in very good condition, and its rooftop terrace still holds one of the original artillery cannons — a rare sight, since few Mallorcan towers of this kind still have their cannon in place. The tower is protected today as a Bien de Interés Cultural (an Asset of Cultural Interest), a status that safeguards it from deterioration and keeps it accessible for future visitors.

How do you get there?

Torre des Matzoc lies about 12 kilometres from the centre of Artà, in a secluded stretch of coastline surrounded by the natural park. Getting there by car means following local roads toward the coast, then finishing the last stretch on foot — the path crosses typical northeastern Mallorca terrain: low scrub, rocky ground and open sea views. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are worth bringing, since the open landscape can get hot on sunny days.

What will you see once there?

Inside the tower, a staircase leads up to the rooftop terrace, where the historic cannon is still mounted. From up there you get one of the best panoramic views of Mallorca's whole northeastern coast, and on a clear day the outline of Menorca is visible on the horizon. The building itself, with its thick walls and distinctive round shape, is a good example of 18th-century Balearic coastal defence architecture.

The area around the tower is an attraction in its own right: the nearby Cala Matzoc cove is a quiet, less crowded stretch of coast, popular with visitors looking for a natural setting away from the island's busier tourist spots.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with milder temperatures and less exposure to direct sun along the approach trail. In summer, an early morning or late afternoon visit helps you avoid the hottest part of the day while walking in.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the tower is an open heritage site within the natural park, and there is no separate charge to access the area around it.

Can you climb to the top of the tower? Yes, an internal staircase leads to the rooftop terrace, where the original cannon from the tower's construction era is still on display.

How long does it take to walk to the tower? Depending on your starting point, the walk from the nearest parking area takes anywhere from about 15 to 40 minutes.

Is there a place to swim nearby? Yes, the adjacent Cala Matzoc cove offers a quiet spot for swimming away from the busier beaches.