The lighthouses of Formentera are, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic symbols of the island, which makes them an obligatory stop during your stay.
Have you seen a lighthouse? Have you seen them all? Surely a priori they all resemble each other, but in Formentera what matters is the landscape that surrounds them. These structures are characterized by being perfectly integrated into the maritime landscape.
Although most people only know three of the lighthouses, Cap de Barbaria, La Savina and La Mola, there is the Illa des Porcs lighthouse, a fourth unknown wonder.
Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse
At the southern tip of Formentera is the most famous lighthouse of Formentera and almost all the Balearic Islands, the Faro de Cap de Barbaria, on top of a cliff over dark blue waters.
The Lighthouse of Barbaria, exactly, is located about 80 meters above sea level facing south. Although this lighthouse is still in operation, it is not possible to visit the interior of the lighthouse (unlike other lighthouses on the island).
This landmark and tourist enclave of the island was inaugurated in 1971, with the aim of responding to the needs of the world of navigation, as this point of the island had no light signal to warn of the presence of land.
The beauty of the landscape that can be found around the Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse is admirable. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is one of the best spots on the island where you can enjoy a perfect sunset in Formentera.
Currently, the only way to access this enclave is on foot, since in 2017 vehicle access was limited in high season to preserve the environment of the estate and avoid traffic jams in the area.
From the parking lot, you will have to walk about 2 km until you reach your destination, through a beautiful and desolate Mediterranean landscape.
Lighthouse of La Savina
Although the lighthouse of La Savina is one of the least popular on the island due to its simplicity, it is the first and the last one you will see when you arrive and say goodbye to the small island.
As is logical, its function is the same as the other lighthouses, that is, to illuminate and signal to navigators about the presence of land.
However, for a long period of time this lighthouse was used not only for maritime navigation, but also as a signpost for the island’s helicopters, since the heliport of the island of Formentera was located right next to it. This heliport was later moved next to the Hospital de Formentera, and today there is a parking lot in its place.
As its name indicates, this lighthouse is located in the Port of La Savina, just in front of the maritime station of Formentera.
All you have to do is go to the parking lot and you will see it, you can’t miss it. You will be able to contemplate the sunsets or the sunrise, as well as the views of Ibiza, the neighboring island.
La Mola Lighthouse
On the easternmost shore of Formentera is the Faro de la Mola, the first lighthouse that was built in Formentera.
It is located in a coastal area similar to the Cap de Barbaria area, but the cliffs here are much higher. In addition, since 2019 this lighthouse has been rehabilitated to receive visitors and has a museum inside.
This, together with the Lighthouse of Barbaria, is one of the busiest places on the island. It is located approximately 120 meters above sea level, and the views over the cliffs are unparalleled.
It is also the oldest lighthouse on the island, and a source of inspiration even for artists such as Jules Verne, who mentioned it in his work “The Lighthouse at the End of the World”.
The building houses a museum, and various events such as concerts, lectures and/or plays are held in the lighthouse courtyard. It is also the most acclaimed place to see the sunrise in Formentera and where to walk and contemplate the fantastic views of the Mediterranean.
Illa des Porcs lighthouse
There is a fourth and last lighthouse that we want to mention in this list (although it is not in Formentera 😉 ), whose existence is unknown to most visitors.
This is the Illa des Porcs Lighthouse, known as the En Pou Lighthouse, and located in front of the island of Espalmador.
It is located on an island of low relief, just 3 meters above sea level, and the lighthouse is almost 29 meters high.
It is located in the northernmost part of Formentera, facing the island of Espalmador and overlooking the island of Ibiza and was inaugurated in 1864.
The Faro d’en Pou was inaugurated because the Illa des Penjats lighthouse was considered insufficient to mark the Es Freus area between Formentera and Ibiza.
Route of the Lighthouses in Formentera
One of the best ways to visit all these lighthouses of Formentera (except the Illa des Porcs, as you need a boat) is doing the Route of the Lighthouses. This route will take you from one end of the island to the other, and can be done by motorcycle or bicycle.
Here is a route option of the lighthouses of Formentera that you can find in Wikiloc for road cycling.
It is a totally idyllic route through all the most impressive landscapes of the island. This is a route to get to know these buildings that are so well integrated into the maritime landscape that they cannot be separated from it. With new technologies questioning the role and future of lighthouses, now is the time to enjoy the ever-impressive and evocative form of these structures.
The mere fact of contemplating these lighthouses and its landscape surrounded by the Mediterranean is worth it. You can stroll around, take pictures or even have a drink. However, watching the sunset or sunrise is mandatory to enjoy a unique and incomparable experience.
Why visit the Lighthouses of Formentera?
As you have been able to see, the lighthouses of the island of Formentera are one of the mandatory stops to make when visiting the island, regardless of the time of year you do it.
If you want to visit the lighthouses without crowds then perhaps this is a route option that you can do during your visit to Formentera in winter.
Not only will they allow you to learn more about the culture and way of life they had in the past, but they will also allow you to enjoy the landscape and the fantastic nature that surrounds them, as if they were already an integrated part of them. Do not miss the opportunity and discover, from a totally different point of view, the most beautiful corners that are hidden next to the lighthouses of Formentera.
