Cap de Formentor

Formentor is a peninsula about thirteen kilometres long at the northern end of the Serra de Tramuntana, narrow and mountainous, with cliffs on the northern side dropping over three hundred metres and a road engineered by Antonio Parietti in the 1920s and 1930s that climbs and twists along it to a lighthouse of 1863 at the tip. The Mirador d'Es Colomer looks over a rock islet and the northern cliffs; a watchtower above it gives a wider view. Formentor beach, a pine-backed cove on the sheltered side, sits below the historic Hotel Formentor. Traffic became unmanageable and since 2018 private cars are barred for much of the day in summer, with a shuttle from Port de Pollenca.

What you actually see

• The Colomer viewpoint - a platform over the northern cliffs and rock islet.
• The lighthouse - an 1863 tower at the peninsula's tip.
• The cliff road - a 1930s route cut and blasted along the ridge.
• Formentor beach - a pine-backed cove on the sheltered southern side.

When to go

April to June and September to October; private cars are barred through the middle of the day in the summer months and a shuttle must be used. Sunrise from the cape is the classic time and falls before the restrictions begin.

Honest expectations

Car access is restricted for much of the day from spring to autumn and the rules change year to year, so checking before setting out is essential. The road is narrow with cyclists and coaches. Parking at the viewpoints is very limited.

Nearby

Port de Pollenca lies at the base; Alcudia and its walled town are further south.