Peninsula and Cape Formentor

Formentor is located at the northern of Mallorca, in the municipality of Pollença. It is a peninsula about 20 km long with steep cliffs and pine forests. Its northernmost tip juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, culminating in Cape Formentor, where the famous Formentor lighthouse is located, marking the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Cape Formentor is an impressive promontory known as the “Mallorcan Finisterre” or “meeting point of the winds” due to its exposure to the sea and the winds that converge in the area. It offers a landscape of spectacular viewpoints, the iconic Formentor beach, and the famous lighthouse. It is a destination that combines natural beauty, history, and activities such as hiking. It is accessed via a winding, narrow road that starts in Port de Pollença.

Location summary

The Formentor peninsula is located at the northern tip of Mallorca, in the municipality of Pollença, about 54 km from the Balearic capital, Palma. It is a strip of land that culminates at Cape Formentor, the northernmost point of the island. It is located northeast of the town of Port de Pollença and is known for its spectacular landscape of cliffs, pine forests, and coves.

Access to the peninsula and Cape Formentor

To reach the peninsula and Cape Formentor, use the shuttle bus (TIB line 334) from Alcúdia or Port de Pollença, especially between June and September, when access by private car is restricted. If you are traveling by car outside of the restrictions or at another time of year, take the MA-2210 road from Pollença; however, during the high tourist season in Mallorca, it is recommended to park in Puerto de Pollença and take the bus to avoid fines and congestion. Another option is the ferry from Puerto de Pollença to Formentor Beach, available from April to October. This option offers spectacular views and an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.

Restricted access to Formentor

Access to the cape and the Formentor peninsula is restricted during the summer (approximately June to September) from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with public transport being the only option allowed for private vehicles, except with specific authorizations. We recommend using the TIB public shuttle bus (line 334) or the ferry from Puerto Pollensa, as cars are only allowed outside these hours or with authorization.

Access by public transport

Shuttle bus (line 334 TIB): This is the recommended option, especially during the summer.

Route: Departs from Alcúdia and Port de Pollença, with stops at the Es Colomer viewpoint, Formentor Beach, and Cala Figuera before arriving at the lighthouse.

Ticket purchase: Tickets can be purchased on board, preferably by credit card.

Ferry: A scenic alternative for getting to Formentor Beach.

Departure point: Port de Pollença.

Journey: Approximately 25 minutes to Formentor Beach.

Availability: April to October.

Access by car (outside the restricted season)

Route: From Pollença, take the MA-2210 road towards the Es Colomer viewpoint. The road is narrow and winding, but very spectacular, with views of cliffs and coves.

Important: Between June and September, access to the lighthouse is restricted to private vehicles during the day. It is best to park in Port de Pollença and take the shuttle bus.

What to see and do in Cape Formentor?

The Formentor peninsula offers a variety of attractions that combine nature, spectacular views, and relaxation. Among the most notable are Formentor Beach, Cala Figuera Beach, the Formentor Lighthouse, and the Es Colomer Viewpoint. In addition, you can enjoy activities such as boating, hiking along trails with breathtaking views, and observing marine wildlife such as dolphins.

What to see and do in Formentor? Nature and beaches

Formentor Beach: An iconic beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine trees that provide shade. It is ideal for families and swimming, with services such as sun lounger rental and restaurants.

Cala Figuera: One of the most picturesque coves on the peninsula.

Cala Pi de la Posada: Another name for Formentor Beach, which stands out for its natural beauty.

What to see and do in Formentor? Viewpoints and spectacular views

Es Colomer Viewpoint: The most famous viewpoint on the peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Cabo de Formentor area.

Formentor Lighthouse: An iconic spot located at the southernmost point of the peninsula, with spectacular views of the sea and the coast. It is a great place to watch the sunset.

Talaia d’Albercutx: A historic watchtower offering breathtaking views of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.

What to see and do in Formentor? Activities and excursions

Boat trips: Cruises are organized to see the coast from the sea, visit hidden coves, spot dolphins, or enjoy sunsets.

Hiking: Numerous hiking trails crisscross the peninsula, often connecting viewpoints and watchtowers, such as the Talaia d’Albercutx.

Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters of the area are ideal for snorkeling.

What to see and do in peninsula and Cape Formentor? Other options

Port de Pollença: A nearby town with a beautiful promenade and a wide range of restaurants and shops. If you have time, consider visiting the port of Pollensa.

Alcúdia: A walled town steeped in history that offers an interesting contrast to the natural surroundings of Formentor. It also has its own port and beaches.

Biosphere Reserve: The peninsula is part of the Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site.

Practical tips

The road leading to the cape is winding. To avoid parking problems, it is advisable to go early or consider public transport in high season. Visiting the Es Colomer viewpoint or the lighthouse at sunrise or sunset offers a magical experience due to the light.

Historical summary

The history of Formentor dates back to the 17th century, when it was a difficult-to-access area and a natural wall defended by watchtowers. Its modern development began in 1928 with the construction of the luxurious Hotel Formentor by Adán Diehl, turning it into a center for artists. In 1863, the Formentor Lighthouse was built, vital for maritime safety in the area.

The Formentor Peninsula in Mallorca owes much of its modern history to Adán Diehl, an Argentine who, with the financial support of Carlos Tornquist, built the iconic Hotel Formentor in 1929. His project sought to create a luxurious meeting place for artists and the international jet set, where art and culture took center stage. This hotel became a legendary gathering place for writers and artists, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, and a benchmark for hospitality and glamour on the island.

Origins and defense

The peninsula has historically been a natural defense due to its cliffs and open sea. In the 17th century, this defense was reinforced with watchtowers to control the approach of attackers.Modern development

Modern development of Peninsula and Cape Formentor

Formentor Lighthouse: The lighthouse was inaugurated in 1863, an engineering feat due to its difficult location, to guide ships in dangerous waters.

Hotel Formentor: In 1928, Adán Diehl built a luxury hotel that attracted artists, writers, and the international elite.Cultural center: During the 1950s and 1960s, the hotel became a meeting place for Spanish poets and attracted international literary figures, hosting important debates and events such as the Formentor Prize for Fiction.

Celebrity retreat: The hotel was also frequented by celebrities such as Winston Churchill, Charles Chaplin, and Audrey Hepburn, among others.

Hospitality and Tourism in cape Formentor and peninsula

The Formentor Peninsula in Mallorca is a high-end tourist destination that combines unspoiled nature, luxury activities, and an important cultural heritage. Its main attraction is the landscape, with spectacular cliffs, hiking trails, and the iconic Formentor beach, with its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Historically, the Hotel Formentor has been a luxury cultural center for artists and international personalities, and its recent restoration seeks to maintain that spirit. Hospitality options include the luxury hotel and water sports activities, while Formentor’s hospitality offerings include beach services and rest areas.

Accommodation in peninsula and Cape Formentor

Hospitality on the Formentor cape peninsula is dominated by the iconic and recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, a luxury hotel with a long history that reopened in 2024. It offers high-end accommodation, multiple restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, and a strong focus on sustainability, maintaining the original spirit of the hotel founded in 1929 as a retreat for artists and intellectuals. The peninsula also has more basic accommodation options in the beach area, as well as recreational activities.

Gastronomy in peninsula and Cape Formentor

The cuisine on the peninsula and Cape Formentor offers a wide variety of options, from cafés and restaurants with sea views to establishments serving Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and fresh fish. The area offers a wide range of culinary options, from international cuisine to local fare. There are also options for enjoying Mediterranean cuisine in the port, near the cliffs, or beyond the Es Colomer viewpoint, ranging from haute cuisine to tapas bars.

And that’s it for this brief guide to peninsula and Cape Formentor, in Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island