What to see

The route through the 7 lighthouses of Menorca


Uno de los faros de la ruta de los faros por Menorca

Lighthouses have an extraordinary power of attraction, usually built in bucolic enclaves. They are more than navigational instruments used over the centuries to prevent ships from being wrecked off the coast. They are idyllic designs that reflect everything from traditional architecture to modern prowess. They have become beautiful attractions in their own right.  

The lighthouses of Menorca arouse great interest; it is unusual to find so many lighthouses, in only 216 km of coastline, rising majestically in the most remote enclaves of the rugged coast of the island. Contemplating the turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean or the impressive sunsets wrapped in that halo of mystery and romanticism that these buildings give off will be an experience you will not forget.

A different experience to get to know Menorca

Suppose you want to experience this magical atmosphere. In that case, we invite you to discover the 7 lighthouses of the island on a route that runs parallel to the historic Camí dels Cavalls between spectacular cliffs and beaches with bright turquoise waters.

1. Punta de sa Farola Lighthouse: Urban Enclave

Also known as the Lighthouse of Ciutadella, it is located at the mouth of the city’s natural harbor. It was built between 1860 and 1863 to facilitate the entrance of boats to the old port. With only 13 meters high and 21 m above sea level, it is the smallest lighthouse in Menorca.  

Faro de Punta de sa Farola

The construction has undergone modifications throughout history, such as the retaining built-in 1876 to protect it from flooding during heavy swells. It was one of the first lighthouses in the Balearic Islands to adopt an electric lighting system in 1918. This meant the need for a lighthouse keeper to live there, and a house was built, which today is still the home of the person responsible for the 3 lighthouses of Ciutadella (Sa Farola, Punta Natí, and Artrutx).

Located just one kilometer from the center of Ciutadella, it is the most urban lighthouse you will find on the island, although it will not disappoint your visit. You will enjoy beautiful views of the port and the Castle of San Nicolás.

2. Artrutx Lighthouse: An aperitif overlooking Mallorca

About 7 km from Ciutadella is the Cape of Artrutx, where this lighthouse was built in 1858. Located on the southwestern tip of the island, the Artrutx Lighthouse indicates the Menorcan end of the strait formed by the islands of Menorca and Mallorca and the “freu” a natural underwater dyke that offers shelter to boats on stormy days.

Faro de Artrutx

On clear days without fog from here, you can see the island of Mallorca. Its iconic tower, with black and white stripes, reaches 34 m in height. It is one of the most visited lighthouses since you can see good sunsets from here. 

Although it is surrounded by an estate with the same name, it is a charming place to enjoy the scenery and immortalize the moment with some good photos of the imposing tower in contrast to the blue sea. It is also the perfect place to enjoy Menorcan cuisine in the restaurant located in the old houses of the lighthouse keepers and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace with incredible sea views. 

3. L’Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse: An isolated watchtower

Inaugurated in 1860, the lighthouse is located on the tiny islet Illa del Aire on the southeastern tip of Menorca, 1 km away from the beach of Punta Prima. It has a 38 m (53 m above sea level), which makes it the tallest lighthouse on the island. 

Faro de l’Illa de l’Aire

The lighthouse of l’Illa de l’Aire can only be accessed by sea. The tower also has the peculiar black and white stripes and a house that formerly housed the lighthouse keepers’ families.

This barren islet is known for its priceless ecological value. It is home to the black lizard, a typical species of Menorca, and a great variety of native birds. Other species also nest here during the breeding season during their migratory passage.

4. Sant Carles Lighthouse: the first lighthouse in Menorca

We arrived in the city of Maó to visit the Sant Carles Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the natural harbor of the capital of Menorca. Built in 1852, it is considered the first lighthouse of the island. However, it was rebuilt in 1912 because the original one hindered the shooting practices of the military battery installed in the Castle of Sant Felip. 

The demolished lighthouse was replaced by a portable lantern placed on a metal davit that did not hinder military practices.

From this enclave, the visitor can enjoy the beauty of the coast and privileged views of the fortress of La Mola. 

5. Favàritx Lighthouse: Lunar mysticism

It is located at Cape Fàvaritx, in the middle of the Albufera des Grau Park. The lighthouse is 30m high and was built in 1922 to end the shipwrecks in this area of the north coast. It sits on black slate rocks and is surrounded by an arid and eroded environment reminiscent of the lunar landscape. It is located in one of the island’s points where the strongest Tramuntana blows. 

Faro de Favàritx

It is one of the most modern lighthouses of the island, which gives off a magical aura due to the deserted landscape. There are many legends about this mystical place, one of the most common is to place a stone on one of the numerous piles of rocks that already exist for the lighthouse to grant the desire to return to Menorca. 

Approaching the lighthouse to enjoy breathtaking sunsets of the island will not leave you indifferent. Feeling the peace, the wind in your face, and the energy that this place carries will make time stand still. If you want to know the silver lands, visit the lighthouse on full moon nights to contemplate the spectacle of seeing how the moon reflects on the black slate rocks. 

6. Cavalleria Lighthouse: The wildest coast of the island

Located at the island’s northernmost point, it is one of the best-known lighthouses. It was the first lighthouse built in this part of the island around 1857 to avoid the numerous shipwrecks due to the steep cliffs in the area.

It is one of the most peculiar lighthouses of the island since it is located on cliffs 40 m high, which places the construction at 90 m above sea level. 

Faro de Cavallería en Menorca

Next to the lighthouse, there is a small cave in which if we enter a few meters we can enjoy fantastic views of l’Illa des Porros. The landscape is typical of this part of the island, steep and abrupt with heavily eroded rocks because of the Tramuntana. You will have some of the best views and romantic sunsets from the spectacular cliffs.

7. Punta Natí lighthouse: An unforgettable sunset

Located in the northeast of the island, the Punta Natí lighthouse was built in 1912. A tower of 19 meters high and a hexagonal plan rises 42m above sea level to protect boats. The waters of the north of Menorca are dangerous because of currents and the reefs under the sea. In the past more than 700 shipwrecks were caused.

Faro de Punta Natí

This area of the island is known as the dry Menorca that will catch the visitor because of the desertic landscape. Despite the high cliffs of the area, its flat and stony relief is surprising. Near the lighthouse, you can visit the Bufador, a crack in the ground that reaches the sea and where the waves expel impressive columns of water and wind. On stormy days, observing this natural phenomenon is simply a spectacle.



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