Menorca is best understood by following its lighthouses: seven sentinels that tell tales of shipwrecks, science, dry stone, and nature reserves. For centuries, the tramontana storms made the north coast one of the most dangerous in the Mediterranean — just on this coast, over 700 shipwrecks have been documented since the 14th century — and the lighthouses were born precisely to put an end to that dark history. This guide is written by Daniel Vaquera, official local guide of Voyager Menorca, and tells you the history, how to get there, if there are opening hours, and the particularities of the environment, lighthouse by lighthouse.
In this guide
- 1. Cavalleria Lighthouse (Es Mercadal)
- 2. Favàritx Lighthouse (Maó)
- 3. Punta Nati Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
- 4. Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
- 5. Sa Farola Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
- 6. Sant Carles Lighthouse (Maó/Es Castell)
- 7. Lighthouse of the Illa de l’Aire (Sant Lluís)
- 🗺️ A route to see them all
- 💡 Curiosities
- ✅ Tips before you go
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Cavalleria Lighthouse (Es Mercadal)
The oldest standing lighthouse in Menorca, built to curb the wrecks of the north.
History
Inaugurated in 1857 on cliffs nearly 100 meters high, at the northernmost point of the island. It watches over the tramontana coast, historically so dangerous that its construction was decided after centuries of documented shipwrecks. In front of it, the islet of Illa des Porros; at its feet, the ancient Roman port of Sanitja, with over 2,000 years of history.
Can you visit? Schedules
The interior of the lighthouse is not open to visitors, but the Lighthouse Interpretation Center of Menorca, in the annex building, is open from mid-spring to autumn with hours varying by month. Check it the same week of your visit.
How to get there
Narrow road from Es Mercadal towards Cap de Cavalleria, between dry stone walls and meadows. Parking near the lighthouse and marked paths.
Environment and tips
- Very close, the beaches of Cavalleria and Ferragut, with reddish sand.
- Watch out for cliffs without railings and the wind: on tramontana days, be extremely cautious.
2. Favàritx Lighthouse (Maó)
Icon of white and black stripes in a “lunar” landscape within the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.
History
Designed in 1917 and inaugurated in 1922, it was the last lighthouse built in Menorca and the first in the Balearic Islands with a concrete tower. Its tower of about 30 meters, with the characteristic black spiral stripe, rises over a landscape of dark slate that seems from another planet and has made it one of the most photographed lighthouses in Spain.
Can you visit? Schedules
The interior is not open to visitors. The surroundings are, respecting the natural park’s signage.
Access
In high season, access by private vehicle is regulated and a shuttle bus runs. Check dates and times before you leave.
Environment and tips
- Unique geology and fragile soils: do not leave the paths.
- Nearby virgin coves along the Camí de Cavalls (Cala Presili and Cala Tortuga) if the wind permits.
- Next to the access track, the Cós des Síndic: a temporary lagoon that fills after storms and attracts park birds.
3. Punta Nati Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
Born from a tragedy; today, epic sunsets among dry stone walls.
History
It entered service in 1913, driven by the shipwreck of the French steamer Général Chanzy in 1910, one of the greatest maritime tragedies on the island, with a single survivor. The French government itself urged marking this coast. The surrounding landscape, arid and almost lunar due to the wind, is unique in Menorca.
Can you visit? Schedules
Interior no. The surroundings and viewpoints yes, with marked paths.
Access
Rural road from Ciutadella (6 km) flanked by dry stone walls. Designated parking and last section on foot. In summer there may be restrictions at sunset.
Environment and tips
- Ethnological landscape of dry stone, with barracas and ponts de bestiar, gems of vernacular architecture.
- On clear days, the silhouette of Mallorca is visible on the horizon.
- A few km along the Camí de Cavalls: Pont d’en Gil, the natural arch over the sea.
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you return after sunset.
4. Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
White and black striped tower with the most accessible sunsets on the island, opposite Mallorca.
History
Lit in 1859 according to a project by engineer Emili Pou, it is the second oldest lighthouse in Menorca. Its current silhouette dates from 1969, when the tower was raised to 34 meters to improve its range. Together with the Capdepera lighthouse (Mallorca), it guards the channel between the two islands.
Can you visit? Schedules
The lighthouse is not open to visitors, but there is a seasonal restaurant in the annex building: it’s the only lighthouse in Menorca with tourist use. Reservation recommended at sunset.
How to get there
Easy access through the Cap d’Artrutx urbanization, next to Cala en Bosch. Parking in the area.
Environment and tips
- Urbanized area with services: the most comfortable option with children or reduced mobility.
- Excellent for sunset with the calm sea and Mallorca in the background.
5. Sa Farola Lighthouse (Ciutadella)
The “urban” lighthouse of Ciutadella, at the edge of the harbor entrance.
History
Built in 1863 to mark the entrance to the port of Ciutadella and electrified in 1918, it was one of the first lighthouses in the Balearic Islands with electric lighting. It is the most domestic of the seven: locals from Ciutadella walk to it daily.
Can you visit? Schedules
Interior no. The promenade and viewpoints, always.
How to get there
On foot or by bike from the port along the Camí de Sa Farola (about 20 minutes), with pine shade and views of the channel.
Environment and tips
- Accessible and very photogenic walk, ideal at sunset.
- The best spot to watch boats come and go… and to understand the rissaga of the harbor.
6. Sant Carles Lighthouse (Maó / Es Castell)
The heir of the first lighthouse in Menorca, at the southern mouth of the port of Maó.
History
The original lighthouse of 1852 was the first one lit in Menorca, next to the ruins of Sant Felip castle. Being in the middle of a military maneuvers area, it was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century and replaced by the current concrete tower, about 10 meters, with black and white stripes.
Can you visit? Schedules
Visits are not allowed: it is inside a military compound. Only exterior views from public points.
How to get there
Best view from Cala Sant Esteve (Es Castell). Access by car and short final walk.
Environment and tips
- Combine it with Fort Marlborough, the Fortalesa de la Mola, and the historic center of Maó.
7. Lighthouse of the Illa de l’Aire (Sant Lluís)
The tallest and the most inaccessible: an uninhabited islet, marine reserve, and refuge of the black lizard.
History and environment
With its tower of 38 meters, it is the tallest lighthouse in Menorca — and it was the tallest in all the Balearic Islands until 1977. It stands on an islet of barely 34 hectares off Punta Prima, home to the black lizard (an endemic subspecies of the Balearic sargantana) and protected birdlife.
Can you visit? Schedules
The lighthouse is not open to visitors and landing on the islet is restricted, especially during the breeding season. The usual thing is to contemplate it from Punta Prima or on maritime excursions without stepping on the islet.
How to get there
Direct views from Punta Prima beach. Tourist boats operate in season.
Environment and tips
- Respect the indications of the marine reserve.
- Binoculars recommended for fauna.
🗺️ A route to see them all
The seven lighthouses can be seen in one weekend. Our proposal from Ciutadella: Sa Farola and Punta Nati on the first day (with sunset at Nati or Artrutx), and on the second day Cavalleria in the morning, Favàritx at midday, and ending at the port of Maó with views of Sant Carles from Cala Sant Esteve and of the Illa de l’Aire from Punta Prima. If you prefer to see them from the water, boat excursions along the north or south coast offer perspectives that don’t exist from land.
💡 Curiosities of Menorcan lighthouses
- There was an eighth lighthouse: the first of all (port of Maó, 1852) no longer exists; today a beacon replaces it, and Sant Carles inherits its function.
- In the past, lighthouses were only lit from October to April: in summer they relied on the skill of sailors.
- Favàritx was a pioneer: first concrete tower in the Balearic Islands (1922), when the material was still a novelty.
- Punta Nati exists due to diplomatic pressure: France demanded marking the coast after the wreck of the Général Chanzy.
- The area of the northern lighthouses is a Starlight Destination: far from light pollution, they are some of the best spots on the island for stargazing.
✅ Quick tips before going
- Sunsets: classics in Punta Nati and Artrutx. Arrive early and bring a windbreaker.
- Summer regulations: Favàritx and, occasionally, Punta Nati may have regulated access or shuttle buses. Verify the day of your visit.
- Safety: do not cross fences or approach the edge of cliffs. Flashlight if you return after sunset.
- Environment: in s’Albufera des Grau do not leave the paths; it is a fragile environment of the Biosphere Reserve.
- Wind and sea: if the tramontana blows, the north will be rough; consider lighthouses in the south/west.
Do you want to tour the lighthouses with history and without worrying about logistics? We organize custom private excursions: write to us on WhatsApp.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the inside of Menorca’s lighthouses?
As a general rule, no. At Cavalleria the Interpretation Center annex opens in season; Artrutx has a restaurant in the annex building; Sant Carles is a military zone. Favàritx, Punta Nati, Sa Farola, and Illa de l’Aire are enjoyed from the outside.
Which is the best lighthouse to see the sunset?
Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx are the classics. Arrive early and bring a headlamp if you return at night.
Are there shuttle buses or restrictions in summer?
Yes, especially towards Favàritx and sometimes towards Punta Nati at sunset. Check the current regulations the same week of your visit.
Which is the oldest lighthouse?
Of those still standing, Cavalleria (1857). The first of all was the one at the port of Maó (1852), now disappeared.
