Latest update: 17 July 2023
The Formentor peninsula in Mallorca guarantees an outing full of ohs and ahs because it is beautiful. The raging sea of waves hits the enormous cliffs, and the sharp turns challenge drivers and cyclists. You’ll be amazed by the spectacle, so definitely put Formentor on your Mallorca bucket list!
The route to Cap de Formentor in Mallorca
Formentor is the peninsula in the north of Mallorca. It is located in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and has large height differences and many pine trees. At the northernmost tip of the peninsula is the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor. That’s actually the final destination, but the 13-kilometer route across the peninsula is worth a visit in itself.
The Italian Antonio Paretti built the road to Cap de Formentor. Beautiful views, winding roads, and steep precipices. Every so often, I hold my breath and hope for the best. Luckily, all goes well. Thousands of people visit this beautiful part of Mallorca every year. The peninsula is popular with cyclists because it is gorgeous and challenging. There are also exciting routes to discover for hikers. The rest of us come by car – sporty driving also counts as a sport, right?
Mirador Es Colomer: viewpoint and windy point
Right at the start of the route in Formentor, the Es Colomer viewpoint is a treat. A walking path has been constructed here, and fences are everywhere to ensure that you do not just blow off the cliffs. In addition, several viewing platforms have been created so that you can admire the force of nature from multiple sides. It is breathtakingly beautiful; I almost forget all the other tourists. Because yes, it is a popular viewpoint. But don’t let that stop you.
Google Maps location Mirador Es Colomer
Formentor watch tower: Talaia d’Albercutx
From the parking lot, continue straight towards the lighthouse and along the beaches, or turn immediately right. You will then come to a narrow dirt road that you follow until your intuition tells you that it is really wiser to stop now. You park near the abyss, so make sure you still have the option to turn your car. You have to return via the same route. Then you continue to an old watchtower. There are also a few cars parked near the watchtower, which I don’t dare to do: far too narrow, and I want to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.
The Talaia d’Albercutx watchtower is deserted, and on some days, you should be able to enter it. Otherwise, you can always climb up it a bit. But the view over Formentor is also fantastic with both feet safely on the ground. It is an abandoned area with some remains of buildings splattered with graffiti. It is quiet here, except for the whistling of the wind and the occasional bleating goat.
Google Maps location Talaia d’Albercutx
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Lighthouse Far de Formentor
Then return to Mirador Es Colomer and now turn right again. At the end of the road, at the very tip, is the Far de Formentor lighthouse from 1863. Some people call it the meeting spot of the wind. I can tell you that it is also very windy during my visit to the peninsula, so I understand the name.
The lighthouse does not seem to be that interesting; you go here mainly because of the view. If it’s a clear day, you could even see Menorca. But! The last part of the road to Cap de Formentor is often closed. You can’t go there with your rental car in the summer months between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. (compare Sunny Cars and Easy Terra for the best deal). This is simply because it gets too crowded on the winding roads. You can get there with a tour or bike, but it’s not an option to go with your rental car. Or maybe you want to set your alarm clock early and arrive before 10 a.m.?
Google Maps locationF ar de Formentor
Combine your Formentor visit
Count on about two to three hours for your visit to Formentor. Depending on how many stops you make and whether you also go to Playa de Formentor beach (paid parking). You won’t find any restaurants or cafés on the route, just a small snack bar at the first lookout point. It is, therefore, mainly day-trippers who come to Formentor. There is only one hotel: Hotel Formentor. Tres chic. Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill have slept here too.
Many people combine a visit to the peninsula of Formentor with Alcúdia, Pollença, or Port de Pollença. We quickly head to Port de Pollença before the storm breaks out. The beach is deserted by the end of the year, but a few cafes are still open. Gran Café 1919 (Google Maps location) sits on a sunny corner as we see the looming clouds moving over the mountains in the distance. The coffee at Gran Café 1919 is… undrinkable, but the sandwiches and salads are tasty. You can park for free in Port de Pollença here.
More Mallorca inspiration?
Useful links for your Mallorca trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You could also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Get a 5% discount on museums and attractions with the coupon code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Boat. You can get to Mallorca by boat from Barcelona and other places on the Spanish mainland. Balearia also sails between the other Balearic islands. But be sure to compare prices at Omio and Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare prices at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Be sure to check out Vueling, but do compare all your options! Definitely check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair have got a good deal for you.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon. And I love this guidebook: 111 Places in Mallorca that you shouldn’t miss. Buy it at Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. Or, what about a yoga retreat on the island?
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First published: June 2022. Updated since!
