Can I drive to Formentor Lighthouse?
Spain, europe
10.9 km
119 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on Mallorca, craving an adventure. Ditch the beach for a bit and head to the northernmost point of the island, the Formentor peninsula. There, perched dramatically, you'll find the Far de Formentor lighthouse, a stunning beacon built way back in 1863. The journey there is an experience in itself!
The road, MA2210, starts from Platja de Formentor and clocks in at about 11km (6.8 miles). It’s paved, thankfully, but that doesn't mean it's a breeze. Get ready for some serious elevation gain, roughly 1,600m (5,200ft) total! The gradients are pretty manageable, averaging 7-8%, but expect short bursts of 10%+.
Now, a word of caution: this road can be a tad…intense. It’s narrow, with some serious drop-offs into the sea. If you're not a fan of heights, maybe let someone else take the wheel. In the summer months (June 15th - September 15th), from 10 am to 7 pm, private vehicles are restricted to ease congestion. You'll need to park your car and hop on a public shuttle or embrace the challenge by cycling or walking.
But trust me, the views are *so* worth it. You'll be winding through dramatic limestone cliffs, with the rugged Mallorcan coast stretching out before you. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way – you'll want to stop and soak it all in. This road has even been used as a filming location in movies and advertisements! The road was constructed in 1925, following the natural curves of the mountain.
Once you reach the lighthouse, which opened in 1863, you'll be standing at the highest focal plane in the Balearic Islands. The panoramic views of the northern Sierra de Tramontana are simply breathtaking. You'll see why it has inspired so many artists. The lighthouse itself has a bar and a shop where you can relax and recharge. Give yourself 20-30 minutes to drive straight, but be prepared to spend longer, taking in the scenery. The route to the lighthouse has a privileged location far away from the main tourist hotspots in Majorca, which has inspired numerous artists to write poems and create paintings. Trust me, it's a drive you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 119 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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