Surrounded by the glistening Mediterranean sea and the rugged coastline means Menorca lighthouses are a must to protect the island shore and those travelling by sea in and around Menorca. Here are the 7 magnificent lighthouses of Menorca.
Menorca Lighthouse Overview
With 7 lighthouse dotted around the island of Menorca they offer many places to capture beautiful photos, of course. However the main reason for the Menorca lighthouses of course is to limit any accidents at sea and ultimately reduce danger within and around the coastline of Menorca.
Over the years storms, bad weather, limit visibility and parts of the rugged coast of Menorca have caused multiple shipwrecks. Consequently resulting in these lighthouses around the island. With lighthouses conveniently placed at the entrances to the two major ports in Menorca, the Mahon Port and the Ciutadella Port entrances.
Another helpful website contains additional information on all of the Balearic Islands lighthouse – https://farsdebalears.com/en
Menorca Lighthouses Map
On the map below you can find the location of each of the 7 lighthouses in Menorca.
Punta Nati Lighthouse
Starting in the north west of Menorca, the Punta Nati Lighthouse is located to the north of Ciutadella, approximately 6 kilometres away.
Rising 42 metres high above sea level and a height above ground level of 19 metres the Punta Nati lighthouse provides a beacon of light to the north of the island.
Located in a somewhat isolated area, on top of the Menorcan cliffs and surrounded by fields and rugged terrain the Punta Nati lighthouse imposes somewhat of an isolated figure. But nevertheless important.
A great place to enjoy sunsets with no other buildings or light pollution in close proximity.
Punta Nati Lighthouse History
Originally built at the request of the French Government due to the ship wreck of their steam ship ‘General Chanzy’ in 1910. Although being first lit in 1910, the official completion was not until July 1914. However it was opened on September 1st 1913, designed by Mauro Serret.
How To Get To Punta Nati Lighthouse
The Punta Nati Lighthouse Menorca can be reached by heading north from Ciutadella town city onthe Camí de Son Salomó. You will reach a round about and continue to head north on the CF-5 road, also known as the Carretera a Punta Nati.
There is quite a lot of parking at the nearest parking. Which you will need to settle down here and walk the remainder of the journey. Punta Nati Parking can be found here. From here continue to head north on foot, which is around a 10-15 minute walk and relatively flat.
Cap de Cavalleria Lighthouse
Next we have the Cap de Cavalleria Lighthouse Menorca, based at the northerly tip of Menorca, north of Es Mercadal, approximately 13 kilometres away.
The Cavalleria lighthouse stands 15 metres above ground level and 94 metres above sea level, shining out to sea.
One of 4 lighthouses on the island idealised by Antonio López y Montalvo and still in service today.
Another Menorcan lighthouse in isolated surroundings perched on an impressive cliff. With the Menorcan countryside and beautiful views of the coast on offer provide an excellent location for photos or to enjoy the Menorcan sunsets.
Cavalleria Lighthouse History
Opening many years ago on March 1st 1857 due to the vast number of shipwrecks in the area since the 14th Century – over 700. Although the building of Cavalleria didn’t stop many shipwrecks in the area, hence the building of Punta Nati and Favaritx were commissioned to further decrease incidents off the coast of Menorca.
Cavalleria lighthouse has gone through various upgrades and alterations over the years including the lens replacements, lantern replacement and lamp replacement. Finally, the lighthouse was still fuelled being by petrol in the 1980’s, being the last in Menorca to do so until upgraded. Other modifications included upgrades to the visitors centre as well as adaptations to the service road from Es Mercadal.
Cavalleria Lighthouse Visitors Centre Opening Hours
Ticket office closes 15 minutes before closure
May 15th – 30th
Monday to Sunday 10:30 – 14:30
June, July, August
Monday 13:30 – 19:30
Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 – 19:30
September
Monday to Sunday 10:30 – 19:30
1st – 15th October
Monday to Sunday 10:30 – 14:30
How To Get To Cavalleria Lighthouse
Located north of the inland town Es Mercadal. Starting from Es Mercadal you will need to head north on the Carrer de Tramuntana road following this road for approximately 7 kilometres. At this point you will be parallel to the coastline and need to head onto the Ctra. Camides Far road. On this road you will be heading north again and after around 3 kilometres pass the Cavalleria beach car park. Continue past this car park and remain on the Ctra. Camides Far road until you reach the car park at the Lighthouse, Aparcament Far de Cavalleria, which you can view here. Approximately 4 kilometres beyond the Cavalleria beach car park.
Faváritx Lighthouse
The north eastern tip of Menorca is home to the Faváritx Lighthouse. One of the trickier lighthouses in Menorca to reach due road access and somewhat in-between Mahon and Alaior. 18 kilometres from Mahon and 22 kilometres from Alaior.
Faváritx Lighthouse rises 47 metres above sea level, which isn’t as high as many of the other Menorca lighthouses. Primarily because of the lack of high rising cliffs in the vicinity. Although a still impressive 28 metres above ground level.
Located within the Natural Park – Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau. Faváritx finds itself in an area of natural protection pocking out of the rocky terrain with a unique lack and white spiral motif.
Faváritx Lighthouse History
With the inception of Cap de Cavalleria Lighthouse and subsequent shipwrecks that followed. Menorca deemed more lighthouses were required, leading to the construction of Punta Natí and Faváritx.
Construction on Faváritx commenced in July 1917 but unfortunately not completed until 1922 due to funding limitations and the site owner protects due to limited compensation. However, overcoming these troubles the lighthouse of Faváritx finally began servicing the area on 22nd September 1922.
Producing a light pattern of 2+1 every 10 seconds.
How To Get To Faváritx Lighthouse
Please note that during the summer season, approximately June to September the local car park will be closed to the public to protect the natural envionment and reduce pollution.
In this instance we advise using public transport and the shuttle bus departing from Mahon bus station, Line 43. Further information on fares can be found here. Alternatively head to our Menorca buses guide.
However, outside of the summer season from Mahon you will need to connect onto the Me-7 main road heading towards Fornells and Arenal d’en Castell. At around 10 kilometres you will need to turn onto the CF-1 and head north. At around 6 kilometres turn off and follow the signs to Faváritx to the nearest car park here. Although this still requires a 25 minute walk to the lighthouse.
Alternatively you can access Faváritx on foot by following the Camí de Cavalls walking trail. Section 2 from Es Garu to Faváritx, a 8.6 kilometre walk. You can access Es Grau by bus from Mahon’s main bus station taking line 23. However, this bus only runs during summer.
Sant Carles Lighthouse
Also known as the Mahon Lighthouse, Sant Carles Lighthouse Menorca sits at the entrance to the impressive Port Mahon. Therefore one of the easier lighthouse in Menorca to visit. However access is restricted due to it remaining within the military installations which also house the remains of the Castle of Sant Felip.
At only 22 metres above sea level and 10 metres above ground level, Sant Carles isn’t the tallest of lighthouse in Menorca and you’ll ever come across. But an important monument nevertheless, as it welcomes traffic into one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
Sant Carles Lighthouse History
Sant Carles was originally opened on the 20th March 1852. However, it’s particularly location was often distracting and an obstruction for the Menorca military – being in the line of fire. Additionally, lighthouse keepers were worried with missiles and other objects passing nearby the buildings and putting themselves and their families at risk. Even when prewarned.
Ultimately the lighthouse was turned off in 1912 and replaced with a portable light located on the clifftop via a metal boom. Meaning anytime shooting practise was scheduled the light could be taken down and a clear line of sight created.
In 1917 the lighthouse itself was finally demolished, with some materials being repurposed in the construction of the Faváritx lighthouse. 22nd July 1918 the light on the boom was converted to run on electricity and new cottages were built to house the lightkeepers.
Nowadays the concrete tower is in place of where the boom was originally located.
How To Get To Sant Carles Lighthouse
Conveniently located at the mouth of the Mahon Port, you can reach Sant Carles by heading south east from Mahon towards Es Castell on the Me-2 road. Leading directly onto the Me-6 and before turn towards Toraixa, head straight towards Castillo de San Felipe.
However, access is limited and restricted due to the lighthouse location within Castillo de San Felipe.
Es Castel can be easily reach from Mahon by bus and the Line 2 or Line 25 bus. Which you can view here, or by heading over to our Menorca buses guide.
Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse
The only Menorca lighthouse that isn’t actually on the main Menorca island. Located on the uninhabited island of Illa de l’Aire off the south east coast of Menorca, a short distance out from sea off the coast of Punta Prima.
Reaching a tall 53 metres above sea level and 38 metres above ground level, the Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse steers seafarers clear of the south eastern coast. With flashes occurring every 5 seconds.
Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse History
Opening on August 15th 1860 and designed by Emili Pou, Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse was once one of the tallest lighthouses in the Balearic islands. Until Ibiza’s Muscater lightouse in Ibiza took over in 1977.
Overtime various upgrades have taken place. Including the original oil burning lamp replaced with a petrol lamp in 1911. An aero-maritime lantern installed, the optical assembly replaced. In 1974 the petrol lamp was replaced with a gas alternative, allowing the lighthouse to remain unmanned. Eventually, in 1995 a solar-powered light system was installed.
How To Get To Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse
Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse is only accessible by boat and due to vegetation if visiting it’s strongly advised to stick to the islands paths.
Artrutx Lighthouse
Moving to the south west of Menorca the Artrutx Lighthouse is located in the area of Cala en Bosc and Cap d’Artrutx. A beautifully picturesque coastline with some of the best views out to the Mediterranean of all the lighthouse. One of the best places to witness the gorgeous sunsets of Menorca. As featured on our Menorca sunsets guide.
Standing tall at 45 metres above sea level and 34 metres above ground level, the Artrutx Lighthouse points out towards the neighbouring Balearic island of Mallorca.
If visiting, you also have the Artrutx Sea Club nearby. Here you can pick up a drink or enjoy a pleasant meal with the sunsetting in the background.
Artrutx Lighthouse History
Another Menorcan lighthouse designed by Emili Pou that was originally opened on July 10th 1859.
As with many of the Menorcan lighthouses, various upgrades have been made over the years. Including an increase to the height by 17 metres and the buttress being reinforced. However, the optic lenses manufactured in France and fitted in 1970 are still in operation today. Making them the oldest working optics in any of the Balearic Islands lighthouses.
The Artrutx Lighthouse is now listed on Menorca’s protected historical buildings. Being inducted onto tis list on September 26th 2005.
How To Get To Artrutx Lighthouse
You can reach the Artrutx lighthouse by heading towards the south west of the island, either Cala en Bosc or Cap d’Artrutx. South of Ciutadella by approximately 10 kilometres it’s relatively easy to reach. Head south from Ciutadella taking the Me-24, which starts in the centre of the city. Head south and pass the various resorts of Cala Santandria and Cala en Blanca.
From Mahon, you’ll need to take the Me-1 towards Ciutadella, almost to the centre of the city. Just before entering the city turn left onto the RC-2. Following this around the city into you can join onto the Me-24 and head towards Cap d’Artrutx.
Buses are a convenient way to head to the lighthouse of Artrutx too. Line 65 from Ciutadella will take you to both Cala en Bosc or Cap d’Artrutx.
On foot, you can follow the Camí de Cavalls trail that links Ciutadella to Cap d’Artrutx. A relatively lengthy walk at just over 13 kilometres in total on this particularly leg.
Sa Farola Lighthouse
Lastly we head to Sa Farola Lighthouse located in the mouth of Ciutadella port. Also know as the Ciutadella Lighthouse. Found on the northern side of the of the port entrance and opposite Castell de Sant Nicolau.
Reaching lower heights than many other lighthouse in Menorca at only 21 metres above sea level and 13 metres above ground level.
Sa Farola Lighthouse History
Another lighthouse in Menorca designed by Emili Pou. Similar to Artrutx and Illa de l’Aire Lighthouses.
Opening on 30th April 1861 and over time modern upgrades have been added. Upgrades to the sea wall to protect from storms, strong winds and heavy waves. Transition to electricity on 1st March 1918, being one of the first few to make the transition in the Balearic islands. An a modern optic and lamps nowadays.
How To Get To Sa Farola Lighthouse
One of the more easily accessible lighthouses in Menorca due to its pxotimity to Ciutadella.
Approximately 30 minute walk from the city centre. Head towards the Ciutadella port entrance and ensure you’re on the north side of the port. Then simply follow the Camí de sa Farola road until it turns southwards and the Ciutadella lighthouse will be in front of you.
