Each of Menorca’s lighthouses shows a different landscape: Favàritx, on a cape of black slate; Cavalleria, at the northernmost point, above 90-metre cliffs; and Punta Nati and Artrutx, in the west, the best for watching the sun set over the sea. All four are free, but two have restricted access in summer.
Favàritx: the slate cape
A lighthouse from 1922 with black and white stripes on a cape of black slate, inside s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. From mid-May to 30 September you can only get there on bus L43 from Maó.
From October to mid-May you can drive up (25 minutes from Maó). The Presili and Tortuga coves are close by. More on Favàritx lighthouse.
Cavalleria: the northernmost point
A lighthouse from 1857 on the cape that closes the island to the north, above 90-metre cliffs. From here you see the north coast, the natural harbour of Sanitja and, on clear days, Mallorca.
It is 20 minutes from Es Mercadal with a car park by the lighthouse; in July and August, arrive before midday. More on Cavalleria lighthouse.
Recommended itinerary
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
Punta Nati: sunset among dry-stone walls
A lighthouse from 1913, built after several shipwrecks, including that of the steamer «Général Chanzy» in 1910. The sun sets over the sea; in July and August, at sunset, you go up by shuttle bus from Ciutadella.
It is 11.5 metres tall and its light can be seen about 26 miles away. There are no facilities: bring water and a torch. More on Punta Nati lighthouse.
Recommended itinerary
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
Artrutx: facing Mallorca
A black and white striped lighthouse at the south-western tip, next to Cala en Bosc. It faces Mallorca, visible across the channel on clear days, and has a free car park.
Afterwards, have dinner at the Cala en Bosc marina. More on Artrutx lighthouse.
Which lighthouse to choose
For sunset, Punta Nati or Artrutx; for the most unusual landscape, Favàritx; and for cliffs and views of the north coast, Cavalleria.
| Lighthouse | Area | Best time | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favàritx | North-east (Maó) | Morning or late afternoon | Bus L43 only |
| Cavalleria | North (Es Mercadal) | Afternoon and sunset | By car; arrive before midday |
| Punta Nati | North-west (Ciutadella) | Sunset | Sunset shuttle bus (July and August) |
| Artrutx | South-west (Ciutadella) | Sunset | By car or bus to Cala en Bosc |
Tips
Bring a layer even in summer: it is usually windy at the capes. When the tramontana blows, keep away from cliff edges, and carry a torch if you stay after dark.
Other places to watch the sunset, in sunsets in Menorca.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
