Cap de Formentor – Mallorca’s Most Scenic Peninsula

Cap de Formentor is Mallorca’s northernmost point — a rugged peninsula where dramatic cliffs meet the Mediterranean. Known as “the meeting point of the winds”, it’s one of the island’s most iconic day trips.

Getting there is an adventure in itself: winding mountain roads, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and the famous lighthouse at the very end. For those who prefer calmer travel, boats from nearby harbors also reveal the peninsula’s wild beauty.

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📜 History & Fun Facts

Cap de Formentor has fascinated travelers, poets, and artists for centuries.

• The name Formentor is thought to come from “forment,” meaning wheat, once cultivated on the rugged slopes.
• The lighthouse, built in 1863, was a major engineering feat — workers had to carry building materials up the cliffs by mule.
• The area became an inspiration for writers like Miquel Costa i Llobera, who famously described Formentor’s landscapes in his poetry.
• Locals still call it “the place where the four winds meet” — a nod to the often-breezy conditions.
• On a clear day, you can even see the outline of Menorca on the horizon.

💡 Fun to know: The luxury Formentor Hotel, a hideaway for celebrities like Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn, sits nearby at Playa de Formentor.

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🚗 Road Trip to Cap de Formentor

Driving to Cap de Formentor is an experience that’s just as memorable as the destination. The road hugs cliffsides, passes through pine forests, and rewards you with endless sea views.

• From Palma: ~1h 20min by car
• From Port de Pollença: ~25 min by car
• Parking: Limited at viewpoints & lighthouse
• Summer restrictions: July–September private cars aren’t allowed to the lighthouse — use the shuttle bus from Port de Pollença.
  

👉 Tip: Rent a car to explore at your own pace — check rental deals here.

🔗 Related guide: Mirador Es Colomer

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📍 Viewpoints Along the Way

The peninsula is famous for its miradors (viewpoints), each offering a different angle of Mallorca’s north coast.

• 👀 Mirador Es Colomer – The classic stop with sweeping cliff views, often the first on your route.
• ⛰️ Talaia d’Albercutx – A short but steep hike from the road to an old watchtower. The views stretch across the Tramuntana and all the way to Alcúdia Bay.
• 💡 Formentor Lighthouse – The ultimate endpoint, perched dramatically on the cliff edge. A symbol of Mallorca’s wild north.
  

🔗 Related guide: Formentor Lighthouse

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🏖️ Beaches of Formentor

Although the cliffs dominate the landscape, Cap de Formentor also hides some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches.

Beach	Vibe	Access
Playa de Formentor	Family-friendly, pine-shaded	Road or boat from Port de Pollença
Cala Figuera	Remote, pebbly & wild	Hiking trail
Cala Murta	Quiet cove with turquoise waters	Hike through pine forest

🔗 Discover more in our guide to Hidden Beaches of Mallorca.

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🥾 Hiking in Cap de Formentor

For hikers, this peninsula is paradise. Trails range from easy coastal walks to rugged mountain hikes.

• Ermita de la Victoria to Talaia d’Albercutx – A rewarding hike to the old watchtower.
• Formentor to Cala Murta – Coastal path through pine forests leading to a secluded bay.
• Peninsula ridge hikes – Longer routes with epic sea-and-mountain panoramas.
  

💡 Best in spring or autumn – cooler weather and fewer crowds.

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⛵ Boat Trips to Formentor

Not a fan of cliff roads? Boats are a relaxing way to reach the peninsula.

• Day trips run from Port de Pollença and Alcúdia.
• Many stop at Playa de Formentor for a swim or beach picnic.
• Sunset cruises offer the chance to see the cliffs glowing orange at dusk.
  

👉 Compare boat tours: Formentor cruises on GetYourGuide.

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🏨 Where to Stay Near Formentor

You can’t overnight at the lighthouse, but nearby towns offer excellent bases:

Area	Best For	Stay Ideas
Port de Pollença	Seaside comfort	Boutique hotels & apartments
Pollensa Town	History & charm	Stone townhouses, rustic fincas
Playa de Formentor	Luxury & seclusion	Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

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📅 Practical Info

• Best time to visit:
  
  • 🌸 Spring & 🍂 autumn for hiking
  • ☀️ Summer for beaches
    
• Access rules: July–September, take the shuttle bus from Port de Pollença to reach the lighthouse.
• Essentials to bring: Water, sunscreen, good shoes, and patience for winding roads.
  

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❓ FAQs About Cap de Formentor

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🔗 Related Palma Weekly Guides

• Mirador Es Colomer
• Formentor Lighthouse
• Port de Pollença
• Pollensa Town Guide
• Mallorca Road Trip – 1 Week Itinerary
  

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📌 Final Thoughts

Cap de Formentor is more than just a viewpoint – it’s an experience. Whether you’re watching the sunrise at the lighthouse, hiking through pine-scented trails, or arriving by boat, it’s a place that captures the raw, natural beauty of Mallorca.

Take your time, explore safely, and let the views sink in – because few spots in the Mediterranean feel this dramatic and alive. 🌊