Touring Menorca’s lighthouses is one of the best ways to discover some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes.

It is not just about visiting the buildings.

Each lighthouse occupies a completely different setting: cliffs battered by the tramontana wind, almost lunar landscapes, roads between dry-stone walls, entrances to historic harbours or privileged spots for watching the sunset.

Menorca has seven main lighthouses, but if you are visiting the island for only a few days, you do not need to see them all.

Favàritx, Cavalleria and Punta Nati stand out especially for the beauty of their surroundings, while Cap d’Artrutx is one of the easiest places to enjoy a sunset.

In this Menorca4You guide, we explain which are the most beautiful lighthouses in Menorca, how to visit them and how to organise a route to discover them.

The most important things you need to know

• Menorca has seven main lighthouses.
• Favàritx, Cavalleria and Punta Nati have some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes.
• Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx are excellent choices for watching the sunset.
• Favàritx is located within the surroundings of s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.
• Access to some lighthouses may change depending on the season.
• Not all lighthouses allow visitors inside.
• Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse is located on a small island opposite Punta Prima.
• Sant Carles is located in an area with restricted access.
• Wear comfortable footwear and take extra care on windy days.
• Do not get too close to the cliffs just to take a photograph.

What are Menorca’s seven lighthouses?

The island’s main lighthouses are:

1. Favàritx Lighthouse
2. Cavalleria Lighthouse
3. Punta Nati Lighthouse
4. Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse
5. Sa Farola Lighthouse
6. Sant Carles Lighthouse
7. Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse

However, they do not all offer the same visitor experience.

If this is your first visit to Menorca, we recommend prioritising Favàritx, Cavalleria, Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx.

1. Favàritx Lighthouse

Favàritx is probably one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Menorca.

It is located in the north-east of the island, within the surroundings of s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

What really makes this place special is the landscape.

Here, many of the green fields and dry-stone walls typical of other parts of the island disappear, giving way to dark, rocky terrain with hardly any vegetation.

On cloudy days or when the tramontana blows, Favàritx can look like a landscape from another planet.

The lighthouse, with its distinctive black-and-white tower, completes one of Menorca’s most recognisable images.

Ideal for

• Photography
• Different landscapes
• Nature
• Sunrise
• Combining with s’Albufera des Grau

Menorca4You tip

Always check access conditions before travelling there. At certain times of year, there may be restrictions on private vehicles or special access arrangements.

2. Cavalleria Lighthouse

At the northernmost end of Menorca stands Cavalleria Lighthouse.

The lighthouse rises above high cliffs with sweeping views across the Mediterranean.

Its location is no coincidence.

For centuries, Menorca’s north coast was an especially difficult area for navigation, and numerous shipwrecks have been documented around Cavalleria.

The current lighthouse opened in the 19th century and is one of the oldest on the island.

Today, in addition to the scenery, its facilities include an interpretation centre focusing on different aspects of the maritime and natural environment.

Ideal for

• Cliffs
• North coast
• Photography
• Sunset
• Maritime history

What to combine with Cavalleria

You can make the most of the trip by visiting:

• Cavalleria Beach
• Cala Pregonda
• Binimel·là
• Fornells
• Es Mercadal

Menorca4You tip

The area is very exposed to the wind. On days with strong tramontana winds, take extra care, especially near the cliffs.

3. Punta Nati Lighthouse

Punta Nati offers one of the most characteristic landscapes in western Menorca.

It is approximately six kilometres from Ciutadella and is reached along a narrow road bordered by traditional dry-stone walls.

When you arrive, the landscape becomes arid and almost completely treeless.

The lighthouse was built in the early 20th century after several shipwrecks along this dangerous stretch of coastline. Its construction was particularly linked to the wreck of the French steamship Général Chanzy.

Today, however, Punta Nati is especially famous for another reason:

its sunsets.

During the summer months, it is one of the most popular places in Menorca to watch the sun disappear over the Mediterranean.

Ideal for

• Sunsets
• Photography
• Dry-stone landscape
• Stargazing
• Combining with Ciutadella

Menorca4You tip

If you want to watch the sunset during high season, arrive well in advance. The area can attract many visitors.

4. Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse

Cap d’Artrutx offers a completely different experience.

It is located in south-west Menorca, very close to Cala en Bosch.

Its tall black-and-white striped tower is easy to recognise and marks one end of the sea channel separating Menorca from Mallorca.

The original lighthouse began operating in the 19th century and was later raised to approximately its current height of 34 metres.

Unlike Favàritx or Punta Nati, its surroundings are urbanised.

That makes it one of the easiest lighthouses to visit.

In addition, the former building associated with the lighthouse now houses a venue where you can have a drink while watching the sunset.

Ideal for

• Sunset
• Couples
• Families
• Dinner or drinks
• Easy visit by car

Menorca4You tip

If you want to have dinner or a drink at sunset during high season, book in advance.

5. Sa Farola Lighthouse

Sa Farola, also known as Ciutadella Lighthouse, stands at the entrance to the city’s harbour.

It is completely different from the large isolated lighthouses of the north.

Here, the main attraction is precisely its proximity to Ciutadella.

You can walk there from the harbour area along the coastal promenade, which also forms part of the Camí de Cavalls.

The route offers views over the harbour entrance and makes for an easy walk without needing a car.

Sa Farola opened in the 19th century and later became the first lighthouse in Menorca to use electric lighting.

Ideal for

• Walking
• Cycling
• Visiting from Ciutadella
• Families
• A short excursion

Menorca4You tip

We would not travel from the other side of Menorca just to see it, but if you are visiting Ciutadella, it is definitely worth walking over.

6. Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse

Opposite Punta Prima lies the small Illa de l’Aire.

A large black-and-white tower rises above it and can clearly be seen from the coast.

Unlike the previous lighthouses, you cannot reach this one by car.

It stands on an islet separated from Menorca, so visiting it depends on access by sea.

However, you do not need to reach the island itself to enjoy the view.

From Punta Prima you can clearly see the silhouette of the lighthouse against the Mediterranean.

Ideal for

• Photography from Punta Prima
• Boat trips
• Sunrise
• Seascapes

Menorca4You tip

If you are staying in Sant Lluís, Binibeca or Punta Prima, set aside a morning to see it from the coast.

7. Sant Carles Lighthouse

Sant Carles is located at the entrance to Maó harbour, near the Sant Felip area.

It has particular historical importance because one of Menorca’s first lighthouses stood in this area.

However, it is currently located within a restricted-access area.

For this reason, it is not a tourist lighthouse like Favàritx or Cavalleria.

You can view the area from different public points around the entrance to Maó harbour.

Ideal for

• Maritime history
• Combining with Maó
• Es Castell
• Cala Sant Esteve

Menorca4You tip

We would not include it among the must-sees on a first visit to Menorca.

Which is the most beautiful lighthouse in Menorca?

It depends very much on what you are looking for.

For spectacular scenery

Favàritx

Its dark, rocky surroundings are probably the most distinctive on the island.

For cliffs

Cavalleria

The combination of lighthouse, north coast and high cliffs is spectacular.

For watching the sunset

Punta Nati

It is one of Menorca’s classics.

For an easy sunset

Cap d’Artrutx

It is easy to reach and you can combine the visit with dinner or a drink.

For a visit from Ciutadella

Sa Farola

Perfect for reaching on foot.

Menorca lighthouse route by car

We do not recommend trying to see all seven in a single day.

You could make a long route, but you would spend too much time driving and too little time enjoying each place.

The best option is to divide them by area.

North and north-east route

Favàritx → Cavalleria

You can devote a full day to these two lighthouses.

Visit Favàritx in the morning and combine the trip with Es Grau or the surroundings of s’Albufera des Grau.

Then drive north and finish the afternoon at Cavalleria.

Western route

Sa Farola → Punta Nati → Cap d’Artrutx

Start in Ciutadella.

You can walk to Sa Farola in the morning and then return to the historic centre.

In the afternoon, visit Punta Nati.

You then have two options: stay there for sunset or head to Cap d’Artrutx to finish the day with a drink by the sea.

Do not try to watch the sunset at both places on the same day.

South-east route

Punta Prima → Illa de l’Aire → Maó and Es Castell

Start the morning in Punta Prima looking out towards Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse.

Then explore Sant Lluís, Binibeca or the south-east coast.

Finish the day by visiting Maó and Es Castell.

Best time of year for a lighthouse route

Spring

One of the best times of year.

Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes and fewer visitors.

Summer

This is the season with the most daylight hours, but also the largest crowds.

At Punta Nati and other popular places, it is best to avoid the busiest times.

September and October

Probably one of our favourite times of year.

Temperatures are usually more comfortable for walking and the landscapes are much quieter.

The sun also sets earlier, so you do not have to wait until very late to enjoy the sunset.

Winter

The lighthouses reveal their wildest side.

Wind and sea can create spectacular landscapes, although safety should always come first.

Tips for visiting Menorca’s lighthouses

Check access conditions

Parking, vehicle restrictions and opening times may change depending on the season.

Wear comfortable footwear

Even when you can get close by car, some paths are rocky and uneven.

Be careful with the wind

Favàritx, Cavalleria and Punta Nati are very exposed locations.

Do not get too close to the cliffs

A good photograph is never worth taking unnecessary risks.

Bring water

At some lighthouses there are no nearby services.

Respect the environment

Stay on marked paths and do not leave any rubbish behind.

Frequently asked questions

How many lighthouses are there in Menorca?

The traditional route includes seven main lighthouses: Favàritx, Cavalleria, Punta Nati, Cap d’Artrutx, Sa Farola, Sant Carles and Illa de l’Aire.

What is the most famous lighthouse in Menorca?

Favàritx, Cavalleria and Punta Nati are probably the three best known for their landscapes.

Which is the best lighthouse for sunset?

Punta Nati and Cap d’Artrutx are two of the best options. Cavalleria also offers excellent sunset views.

Can you reach all the lighthouses by car?

No. Illa de l’Aire is on an islet and Sant Carles has restricted access. The others have different access conditions depending on the area and the season.

Can you visit the inside?

Tourist visits normally focus on the outdoor surroundings. Some places have interpretation centres or occasional activities, but interior access may be restricted.

How much time do I need to tour the lighthouses?

If you really want to enjoy them, we recommend spreading the visits over two or three days instead of trying to see all seven in one day.

Conclusion

Menorca’s lighthouses are much more than structures that help ships navigate.

Each one lets you discover a completely different landscape on the island.

Favàritx surprises with its almost lunar setting, Cavalleria with its high cliffs, Punta Nati with its sunsets and Cap d’Artrutx with its atmosphere overlooking the Mallorca Channel.

Then there are Sa Farola, Illa de l’Aire and Sant Carles, which reflect the historic relationship of Maó and Ciutadella with the sea.

You do not need to visit all seven.

Choose two or three depending on the area where you are staying, combine them with nearby beaches, towns or routes, and enjoy the journey.

Because in Menorca, very often, getting to the lighthouse is just as beautiful as the destination itself.