Tips for visiting formentor lighthouse
Olive oil was the fuel that first ignited the Formentor Lighthouse. It was April 30, 1863, nearly three years after the construction began on one of Mallorca's most famous but also most challenging towers to erect due to its location.
The lighthouse is perched on a spectacular cliff, rising two hundred meters above sea level. Transporting the necessary materials for the construction was so difficult that workers had to obtain special permission from the Bishopric of Mallorca to work on Sundays. This allowed for better use of work time without having to commute back and forth to the village. To celebrate mass on holidays, a small altar was set up, which remains to this day.
After initially using olive oil, the revolutionary kerosene and, in 1960, electricity came into play. Nowadays, it operates on solar energy, can be remotely managed, and is one of the 13 active lighthouses in Mallorca.
The base building has been transformed into a delightful restaurant that caters to visitors before or after descending the impressive cliff. Exactly 272 stone-carved steps lead down to a beautiful bay where one can rest and recharge before the ascent.
Recommendations for Visiting Formentor Lighthouse
Given the wonderful surroundings of Formentor Lighthouse, certain recommendations should be followed if you've planned to visit.
A few years ago, to regulate the traffic of all kinds of vehicles that were daily coming and going to the lighthouse, the Government decided to restrict access to protect this area of special natural and cultural interest.
For this reason, from June 1 to September 30, private cars won't be allowed access to the area from 10 in the morning until 10:30 at night.
Similarly, to other occasions, the restrictions apply to two road sections: one from Port de Pollença to Formentor Beach and the other from the beach to the lighthouse.
Getting to the Lighthouse by Bus
The restrictions on private cars don't mean you can't reach the lighthouse. During the same dates when cars aren't allowed, the TIB bus line 334 extends its route to reach the Formentor area.
Every 35 minutes, 20 times a day, visitors can take a round trip by bus, enjoying wild views and the various viewpoints scattered along the way.
Sa Creueta or Es Colomer are two natural balconies from which to enjoy the views.
The excursion can also begin from the former watchtower Talaia d'Albercutx, one of the most visited spots by professional and amateur photographers.
Once at the lighthouse, there's nothing like enjoying the sea from above, gazing out over Pollensa Bay and even glimpsing the island of Menorca on clear and calm days.
