A visit to the lighthouses of the Balearic Islands

A visit to the lighthouses of the Balearic Islands

Palma

26/05/2016

The Balearic Islands' Port Authority (APB) manages 34 lighthouses located in the islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera and Dragonera. Many of them are photographed from land and sea, giving us stunning images for posterity. 
 
Although most of the lighthouses are closed to the public —as they are active tools for maritime safety—, some of them can be visited, especially the ones holding exhibitions or featuring small cafeterias.
 
In Majorca, we highlight the complete exhibition of maritime signals held in Portopi lighthouse (Palma), displayed in five different rooms of the lighthouse's building. The visiting hours are 12:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Visits must be arranged in advance through the e-mail fardeportopi@portsdebalears.com or calling to 971 402175. 
 
Also thanks to the APB's initiative, an interesting exhibition about the lighthouse, its construction, its use and the maritime lifestyle from the time can be visited at Favaritx lighthouse of Mao, in Minorca. 
 
An interpreting centre has been open in Cavalleria, the oldest Minorcan lighthouse and probably one of the most photographed lighthouses of the island. The initiative has also been prompted by the APB in collaboration with Mercadal's city council, which manages Talaia Cultural.
 
Exhibitions are also held in Tramuntana lighthouse, in Sa Dragonera, an island bought by Majorca Council in 1987 and declared natural park in 1995 by the Government of the Balearic Islands. This lighthouse features an interpreting centre that allows us to learn more about lighthouse-keepers' lifestyle until a few years ago.
 
In Ibiza we highlight Coves Blanques lighthouse, which ceased to render service as a maritime signal in the 60's of the previous century, and which now houses the Maritime Interpreting Centre, managed by Sant Antoni de Portmany's city council.
 
Unlike the others, Formentor (Majorca) and Artrutx (Minorca) lighthouses have become cafeterias where to park and rest after visiting the surroundings. 
 
Today the APB is carrying out improvement works in ten lighthouses of the islands and in different buoys with an investment of 260.000 euros.
 
For more information about the lighthouses that can be visited, please check out http://www.portsdebalears.com/en. The reference website with all the information about our lighthouses is http://www.farsdebalears.org/en/.