Cap de FormentorAbout Cap de Formentor
Cap de Formentor is a rocky peninsula at the northeastern tip of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, noted for its dramatic coastal cliffs and a 19th century lighthouse. The cape is one of the island’s best-known scenic drives and viewpoints.
The headland offers steep sea cliffs, several viewpoints and a well-known lookout along the coastal road. The road from Port de Pollença to the lighthouse is roughly 13 kilometres in length and includes lookout points such as Mirador Es Colomer; there is also a sandy beach, Playa de Formentor, on the peninsula’s sheltered side.
A lighthouse at the outer tip was established in 1863 to aid navigation around the cape. The road and viewpoints built for access have made the cape a focal point for sightseeing drives, short hikes and coastal photography.
Cap de Formentor occupies the northeastern corner of Mallorca, north of the town of Pollença and the port of Port de Pollença. It lies on the island’s exposed northern coast, approximately 60 to 70 kilometres northeast of Palma de Mallorca.
- Road length: The winding coastal road from Port de Pollença to the lighthouse is about 13 kilometres long and includes numerous hairpin bends and viewpoints.
- Lighthouse date: The lighthouse at the cape was first lit in 1863 and marks the tip of the peninsula for maritime traffic.
What to See#
- Faro de Formentor (lighthouse): The lighthouse at the outer tip of the peninsula, first lit in 1863, serves as the navigational light marking the end of the cape and the approach from the open sea.
- Mirador Es Colomer: A cliff-top viewpoint offering a famous panorama over the cape and sea, located along the coastal road; it overlooks a small rocky islet and sheer cliffs.
- Playa de Formentor: A long sandy bay on the southern side of the headland, accessible by road or boat and known for clear water and pine-backed sands.
Best Time to Visit Cap de Formentor
Late spring to early autumn (April-October) offers the best balance of weather and accessibility, with shoulder months ideal for fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Cap de Formentor
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 7°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (752 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 7° - 14° | 11° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| February | Good | 7° - 14° | 10° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.6h |
| March | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 45 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 21 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 3.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 15 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 3.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 37 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 3.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 21° | 71 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Very Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to Cap de Formentor
Cap de Formentor is on the northern tip of Mallorca. By road, drive from Port de Pollença along the MA‑2210 coastal road to the headland - the drive is about 18 km (roughly 25-40 minutes depending on traffic). From Palma de Mallorca the drive is about 65-75 km and typically around 1-1.5 hours via the Ma‑13 and then Ma‑2200/MA‑2210 approaches to Pollença.
In summer there is a seasonal shuttle/tour bus from Port de Pollença to the Formentor peninsula; parking at the lighthouse and lookouts is limited and the final viewpoints are a short walk from parking areas.
Tips for Visiting Cap de Formentor
- Aim for sunrise or very early morning to beat the long summer queues and to enjoy the views from the lighthouse and Mirador Es Colomer with far fewer people.
- Avoid driving in mid‑day high season: parking is very limited and the access road is narrow, so use the public bus from Port de Pollença or a guided transfer, or cycle the route if you're comfortable with steep, winding roads.