Menorca’s lighthouses: a driving route to the island’s most spectacular ones
Discover Menorca’s lighthouses with this driving route through Punta Nati, Cavalleria, Favàritx, Artrutx and other unique corners.
Menorca’s lighthouses stand in some of the island’s most impressive landscapes. Cliffs, rocky terrain, wind-exposed coastlines and sunsets over the Mediterranean form part of a route that reveals a different side of Menorca.
Although Menorca has seven lighthouses, they cannot all be visited in the same way. Some are easily accessible by car, others require a short walk, and the Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse stands on an islet, so it is viewed from the coast at Punta Prima.
In this guide, we suggest a driving route around Menorca’s most interesting lighthouses, with tips on planning your stops, parking and choosing the best time of day.
The most important things you need to know
- The most recommended lighthouses for a driving route are Punta Nati, Cap d’Artrutx, Cavalleria and Favàritx.
- Sa Farola can easily be added to a visit to Ciutadella.
- The Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse can be seen from Punta Prima.
- Access to Favàritx may be restricted for private vehicles during the season.
- Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx are two especially popular places to watch the sunset.
- Cavalleria offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in northern Menorca.
- It is better to divide the route over two or three days rather than trying to visit every lighthouse in a single day.
How many lighthouses are there in Menorca?
Menorca has seven lighthouses:
- Punta Nati Lighthouse.
- Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse.
- Sa Farola Lighthouse.
- Cavalleria Lighthouse.
- Favàritx Lighthouse.
- Sant Carles Lighthouse.
- Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse.
However, a tourist driving route usually focuses on Punta Nati, Artrutx, Sa Farola, Cavalleria and Favàritx.
Sant Carles Lighthouse is located in a military area and is not a usual tourist visit. Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse, meanwhile, stands on an islet opposite Punta Prima and cannot be visited directly by car.
Route 1: lighthouses in western Menorca
Sa Farola Lighthouse
Sa Farola, also known as Ciutadella Lighthouse, stands at the entrance to the harbour and is one of the easiest lighthouses to include in a route.
Its surroundings are more urban than those of other lighthouses, but it offers beautiful views of Ciutadella and the sea. You can visit it during a walk through the town or combine it with Cala en Blanes and the western area.
Best time: morning or late afternoon.
Nearby plan: Ciutadella’s historic centre and harbour.
Punta Nati Lighthouse
Punta Nati is one of Menorca’s best-known lighthouses. It stands in a dry, rocky landscape surrounded by stone walls and old structures built to protect livestock from the wind.
You must leave the car in the designated car park and walk the final section. The route is easy, but comfortable footwear is recommended.
It is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset. In summer, it is advisable to arrive well in advance because the car park can fill up.
Best time: sunset.
Nearby plan: Ciutadella, Cala Morell or Pont d’en Gil.
Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse
Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse stands in the southwest of Menorca and is recognisable by its black and white stripes. From this area, you can enjoy wide sea views and, on clear days, see the outline of Mallorca.
It is easy to combine this lighthouse with Cala en Bosch, Son Xoriguer or dinner near the marina.
Best time: sunset.
Nearby plan: Cala en Bosch and Son Xoriguer.
Route 2: Cavalleria Lighthouse and northern Menorca
Cavalleria Lighthouse stands at Menorca’s northernmost point. To reach it, you must travel along a rural road that crosses one of the island’s wildest landscapes.
There is a parking area very close to the lighthouse. From there, you can explore the surroundings and admire the cliffs and open sea.
The Cavalleria landscape is especially impressive during the final hours of the day, although you should always keep a safe distance from the cliffs.
You can combine the visit with Cavalleria Beach, Cala Tirant, Fornells or Es Mercadal.
Best time: afternoon and sunset.
Nearby plan: Cavalleria Beach and Fornells.
Route 3: Favàritx Lighthouse and the northeast coast
Favàritx is probably Menorca’s most recognisable lighthouse, thanks to its white tower with a spiralling black band.
It is located within the surroundings of the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park and is surrounded by a dark, rocky, almost lunar landscape. Its appearance is very different from the rest of the island.
Access for private vehicles may be regulated during the tourist season. In those months, the usual way to get there is by bus from Mahón. It is therefore important to confirm the latest conditions before planning your visit.
You can combine Favàritx with Es Grau, s’Albufera des Grau or a route along the northeast coast.
Best time: morning or late afternoon.
Nearby plan: Es Grau and the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.
Route 4: Punta Prima and Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse
Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse is not located on the main island, but on a small islet opposite Punta Prima.
You cannot reach it by car, but it can be seen perfectly from Punta Prima’s seafront promenade and beach. It is an easy stop on a route through southeast Menorca.
You can combine it with Binibeca Vell, Cala Binibeca, Alcaufar or Sant Lluís.
Best time: morning or sunset.
Nearby plan: Punta Prima and Binibeca.ç
Recommended two-day route
Day 1: western Menorca
- Morning in Ciutadella.
- Visit Sa Farola Lighthouse.
- Lunch in Ciutadella or Cala en Bosch.
- Visit Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse.
- Sunset at Punta Nati.
This day brings together three relatively close lighthouses and allows you to combine landscapes, town and coastline.
Day 2: north and northeast
- Morning at Favàritx, depending on access conditions.
- Stop at Es Grau or s’Albufera des Grau.
- Lunch in Es Mercadal or Fornells.
- Afternoon at Cavalleria Beach.
- Sunset at Cavalleria Lighthouse.
This route involves longer drives, but allows you to discover the wildest landscapes in northern Menorca.
Practical tips for doing the route
Do not try to see all the lighthouses in one day
The distances may not seem great, but access roads can be slow. It is better to divide them by area and enjoy each stop without rushing.
Check access to Favàritx
During part of the season, access may be limited and provided by bus. Check the latest information before setting out.
Arrive early to watch the sunset
Punta Nati and Cavalleria are very popular at the end of the day. Leave enough time to park and walk to your chosen viewpoint.
Wear comfortable footwear
The terrain around the lighthouses is rocky and uneven. Avoid walking in unsuitable footwear.
Respect the cliffs
Do not go too close to the edge, especially when it is windy or there is little light. Some areas have no barriers.
Book your car in advance
Hiring a car allows you to combine the lighthouses with beaches, villages and restaurants. If you are travelling in summer, check availability with Menorcars360 in advance.
Frequently asked questions about Menorca’s lighthouses
Which is the most beautiful lighthouse in Menorca?
It depends on the landscape you are looking for. Favàritx stands out for its lunar surroundings, Cavalleria for its cliffs and Punta Nati for its sunsets.
Which is the best lighthouse for watching the sunset?
Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx are two of the best-known places. Cavalleria also offers a spectacular sunset over the northern coast.
Can you reach Punta Nati Lighthouse by car?
You can drive as far as the designated car park. From there, you need to walk approximately one kilometre to the lighthouse.
Can you reach Favàritx Lighthouse by car?
Outside the regulated period it may be possible, but during the tourist season access for private vehicles may be restricted. Check the current conditions and use the designated bus service when required.
How much time is needed to complete the lighthouse route?
It is advisable to spend two days visiting the main lighthouses. You can also spread the visits over a week and combine them with other routes.
Can the lighthouses be visited inside?
As a general rule, visits take place outside. Some adjoining buildings may have specific uses or open during certain seasons.
Is it necessary to hire a car?
It is not essential for every lighthouse, but a car makes the route much easier. It allows you to combine different areas without depending on timetables and to reach places far from the main towns.
Conclusion
The Menorca lighthouse route is one of the best ways to discover the island’s wildest and most photogenic side.
Punta Nati, Cap d’Artrutx, Cavalleria and Favàritx offer very different landscapes. You can also add Sa Farola during a visit to Ciutadella and view Illa de l’Aire from Punta Prima.
To visit them comfortably, organise the route by area and check access conditions before setting out. With a hire car, you can combine each lighthouse with beaches, villages and restaurants, adapting the trip to your own pace.
Check vehicle availability at Menorcars360 and book in advance to begin your Menorca route from the very first day.