There is a place in Mallorca where the land narrows to a blade of rock suspended above the Mediterranean. A place where cliffs plunge 300 metres straight down into a sea that shifts from deep blue to turquoise with the passing hours. That place is Formentor, the island’s northernmost peninsula, known among locals as “the meeting point of the winds!.
Visiting Cap de Formentor is far more than driving to a lighthouse. It means following a road that is an engineering feat in its own right, stopping at a viewpoint that genuinely takes your breath away, and discovering beaches that feel as though they belong to a different Mediterranean altogether.
A lighthouse built on sheer willpower
Six years of construction at the edge of the world
The Formentor lighthouse was inaugurated in 1863 after six years of construction under extreme conditions. The site was so remote and rugged that the first two and a half years were spent solely on carving out a path to transport building materials.
More than 200 workers took part in the project. The Bishop of Mallorca ordered an altar to be erected on the construction site itself so that the labourers could attend mass before each day’s shift. Today, that white tower standing 22 metres tall rises 210 metres above sea level — one of the highest lighthouse positions in Spain.
The road that changed everything
In 1925, Mallorcan engineer Antonio Parietti Coll designed the 13.5-kilometre road linking Port de Pollença to the cape. The very same engineer who later traced the legendary Sa Calobra road with its twelve hairpin bends.
Driving along the Ma-2210 is an experience in itself. The road winds between pine forests and sheer cliffs, with views that shift at every turn. It is hardly surprising that the poet Miquel Costa i Llobera, the original owner of the peninsula, found here the inspiration for El Pi de Formentor, one of the most celebrated poems in Catalan literature.
Mirador de Es Colomer: Mallorca’s most sought-after panorama
The Mirador de Es Colomer is the first major stop on the road to the lighthouse and, for many visitors, the single most impressive point along the entire route. From its viewing platform you can see the tiny Es Colomer island, the Bay of Pollença, and — on clear days — the outline of Menorca on the horizon.
The viewpoint was designed by Parietti himself, the engineer behind the road, and features side paths leading to quieter observation points away from the crowds. If you are looking for more spectacular viewpoints across the island, we recommend our guide to the best viewpoints in Mallorca, where Es Colomer holds a prominent place.
The Formentor peninsula is home to one of the most important Eleonora’s falcon colonies in the western Mediterranean. These migratory raptors nest on the cliffs between August and October, riding the winds that give the cape its name to hunt smaller birds during their southward migration towards Africa.
Formentor Beach: a corner of a different Mediterranean
The Formentor beach, also known as Cala Pi de Sa Posada, is one of the most photogenic stretches of sand on the island. Its strip of fine white sand runs beneath a canopy of pine trees that reach almost to the water’s edge, creating a contrast of greens and blues that is hard to find anywhere else.
The waters are crystal-clear and relatively calm, making it ideal for families. From the shore you can gaze out at the Formentor islets — a landscape that captivated the likes of Winston Churchill and John Wayne, both guests at the historic Hotel Formentor, opened in 1929 and now operating as a Four Seasons resort.
How to get to Formentor: restrictions and practical tips
Planning your journey carefully is essential to enjoy Formentor without any hitches. Since 2017, the authorities have regulated traffic on the Ma-2210 road during peak season.
Outside peak season (November to mid-May)
Access by private vehicle is completely unrestricted. This is the best time to drive at your own pace to the lighthouse, take photographs without the crowds, and enjoy the scenery in mild temperatures.
During peak season (15 May – 15 October 2026)
Restrictions apply from 10:00 to 22:00 and divide the road into two sections:
- Beach section (km 2 to 8): Cars are allowed until the car park is full. Once capacity is reached, only authorised vehicles may enter.
- Lighthouse section (km 8.7 to 19.6): Closed to private vehicles and motorcycles. Only the TIB shuttle bus, bicycles, taxis, and emergency services are permitted.
Fines for unauthorised access range from 100 to 200 euros. The most convenient alternative is to park in Port de Pollença and catch the TIB shuttle bus, which runs throughout the restricted period.
A practical tip: if you are visiting during peak season, set off early. Before 10:00 access is open and you can drive all the way to the lighthouse. Just make sure you leave the restricted zone before the restrictions kick in.
After gazing down from the cliffs of Formentor, round off your Mallorcan day by heading underground. The Cuevas dels Hams in Porto Cristo offer the perfect contrast: a subterranean journey millions of years in the making, featuring hook-shaped formations, a classical music concert on the underground lake known as the Sea of Venice, and the immersive Blue Cave experience. Two sides of Mallorca in a single day.
Frequently asked questions about Formentor in Mallorca
Can you drive to Formentor in 2026?
Yes, but with restrictions in summer. From 15 May to 15 October, private vehicles are banned from the lighthouse section between 10:00 and 22:00. The beach section allows cars until the car park reaches capacity. Outside these dates, access is completely free. In summer, the shuttle bus from Port de Pollença is the best alternative.
What is the best time to visit the Mirador de Es Colomer?
Early morning or sunset are ideal. At first light there are fewer visitors and the light is perfect for photography. At sunset, the cliffs glow in golden tones that make the landscape truly unforgettable. In summer, remember that if you arrive by car before 10:00, you can access the entire road freely.
How long does it take to reach Formentor lighthouse from Pollença?
Between 30 and 40 minutes under normal conditions. The Ma-2210 road stretches 13.5 kilometres from Port de Pollença to the cape, with numerous bends and narrow stretches. Allow at least half a day for the full excursion, including stops at the Mirador de Es Colomer, the beach, and the lighthouse.
Is it worth visiting Formentor in winter?
Absolutely — it is an entirely different experience. Winter offers unrestricted access, dramatic landscapes with the sea at its wildest, and a road that is practically deserted. Temperatures remain mild (10–15 °C) and the winter light accentuates every contour of the cliffs. It is the favourite season for photographers and hikers seeking the most authentic side of Mallorca.