Lighthouses in Menorca: route around the 7 lighthouses and the best sunsets

If you are planning a trip to the island, you may be wondering how many lighthouses there are in Menorca and which ones are worth visiting. The island has 7 main lighthouses spread across different points of the coast, each with its own very distinct character: wild cliffs, lunar landscapes, walks by the harbour, Mediterranean views and some of the best sunsets in Menorca.

Exploring the lighthouses of Menorca is a perfect way to discover the island from another perspective. It brings you closer to places that form part of Menorca’s identity: peaceful enclaves, open sea views and corners where time seems to move more slowly.

In this guide, you will find a route around the 7 lighthouses of Menorca, practical tips for visiting them, which ones are best for watching the sunset and where to stay if you want to enjoy this experience at a relaxed pace during your holiday.

How many lighthouses are there in Menorca?

The island has 7 main lighthouses:

Some are very well known and easy to visit, such as Cavalleria, Punta Nati, Favàritx or Artrutx. Others, such as the Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse or San Carlos Lighthouse, are experienced in a different way, but they are part of the island’s historic lighthouse map.

Many tourist routes usually include Punta Prima in an itinerary around the lighthouses of Menorca. In reality, Punta Prima is one of the best places from which to admire the Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse, located on the small island opposite this area of south-eastern Menorca.

1. Cavalleria Lighthouse: the wildest lighthouse on the island

Cavalleria Lighthouse is located at the northernmost point of the island and is one of the most emblematic lighthouses in Menorca. Surrounded by cliffs, open sea and reddish landscapes, it offers one of the most spectacular views in northern Menorca.

It is a highly recommended visit for anyone looking for nature and wide Mediterranean views. It is also one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Menorca, especially on clear days.

You can reach it by car from Es Mercadal. It is advisable to arrive with enough time, park in the designated areas and always respect the natural surroundings.

2. Favàritx Lighthouse: Menorca’s most lunar landscape

Favàritx Lighthouse, located in the area of the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, stands out for its dark, rocky and almost lunar landscape. The contrast between the black stones, the white lighthouse and the blue sea makes it one of Menorca’s most recognisable images.

It is a highly recommended visit for photography and nature lovers, especially at sunrise, when the light transforms the landscape and enhances the silhouette of the lighthouse. In high season, access may be regulated, so it is advisable to check the conditions before visiting.

3. Punta Nati Lighthouse: one of the best sunsets near Ciutadella de Menorca

Punta Nati Lighthouse is located on the northern coast of Ciutadella de Menorca and is one of the most famous places to watch the sunset in Menorca. Its open, rocky landscape, marked by dry-stone walls, creates a very distinctive scene, especially when the sun sets over the sea. On clear days, you can also see Mallorca from this area with remarkable clarity.

As a curiosity, this lighthouse has an origin linked to a maritime tragedy: the shipwreck of the French steamship Général Chanzy in 1910, during a strong tramuntana storm. Of the more than 150 people travelling on board, only one survived. After that accident, its construction was promoted to improve safety in an area that was especially dangerous for navigation.

Today, Punta Nati combines scenic beauty and maritime memory, making it well worth visiting calmly and arriving early if you want to enjoy the sunset.

4. Artrutx Lighthouse: sunset, sea and Mediterranean atmosphere

Artrutx Lighthouse is located in Cap d’Artrutx, very close to Cala’n Bosch and Son Xoriguer. It is one of the most accessible and well-known lighthouses in south-western Menorca, especially popular during the summer months.

Unlike other more isolated lighthouses, Artrutx offers a more comfortable and social experience. In its surroundings, there is a terrace area by the lighthouse where you can have a drink or dinner while enjoying the sea views and the sunset, while keeping that calm, Mediterranean atmosphere that is so typical of the island.

Artrutx Lighthouse is also an excellent reference point if you are staying in south-western Menorca. From here, you can plan relaxed outings around Cala’n Bosch, Son Xoriguer or Ciutadella de Menorca, and end the day with a sunset facing the Mediterranean.

5. Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse: the icon opposite Punta Prima

The Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse is one of the most visually recognisable lighthouses in Menorca. It is located on a small island opposite Punta Prima, in the south-east of the island, and stands out for its white tower with black stripes.

Its silhouette can be seen perfectly from Punta Prima, a quiet and pleasant area for walking by the sea. This spot is ideal for those looking for a slower, less crowded experience.

Although it is not a lighthouse that can be visited in the same way as Cavalleria or Punta Nati, the view from the coast is well worth it and forms part of a complete route around the lighthouses of Menorca.

6. Sa Farola: the urban lighthouse of Ciutadella de Menorca

Sa Farola, also known as the lighthouse of Ciutadella de Menorca, is one of the most accessible lighthouses on the island. It is located by the entrance to the port of Ciutadella de Menorca and is perfect to include in a relaxed walk around the area.

It offers an urban, comfortable experience closely linked to the atmosphere of the historic centre. It is a good option for those who want to enjoy a sunset walk without going too far from the city.

After visiting Sa Farola, you can complete the plan with a stroll around the harbour, the historic centre or one of the terraces in Ciutadella de Menorca. It is a simple lighthouse, but full of charm for those who enjoy peaceful plans by the sea.

7. San Carlos Lighthouse: the lesser-known lighthouse in Maó

The San Carlos Lighthouse, also known as Maó Lighthouse, is the least tourist-oriented of the lighthouses in Menorca. It is linked to the entrance to the port of Maó and to a military area, so it is not usually considered a conventional visit.

Even so, it forms part of the island’s historic lighthouse network and helps complete the route around the 7 lighthouses of Menorca, although it is not usually a priority stop during the trip.

Map of the lighthouses of Menorca: where the island’s lighthouses are located

To organise your route around the lighthouses of Menorca more easily, you can divide them by area:

Northern Menorca

In the north, you will find two of the island’s most spectacular lighthouses:

• Cavalleria Lighthouse
• Favàritx Lighthouse

Both stand out for their natural landscapes, although they are very different from each other. Cavalleria offers reddish cliffs and open sea views, while Favàritx surprises visitors with its dark, rocky landscape.

Western and south-western Menorca

In the western and southern part of the island, you will find some of the lighthouses most closely connected to Ciutadella de Menorca, Cala’n Bosch and the sunsets:

• Punta Nati Lighthouse
• Sa Farola Lighthouse
• Artrutx Lighthouse

Punta Nati is ideal for watching the sunset in a natural setting, while Sa Farola offers a pleasant urban walk by the port of Ciutadella de Menorca. Further south, Artrutx Lighthouse combines sea views, Mediterranean atmosphere and proximity to Cala’n Bosch and Son Xoriguer.

Eastern and south-eastern Menorca

In the south-east, the Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse stands out. Although the lighthouse is located on a small island, it can be seen very well from Punta Prima. It is a recommended stop if you want to discover a quieter area of the Menorcan coastline.

In the area around Maó, you will find the San Carlos Lighthouse, the least tourist-oriented and least accessible lighthouse on the route. It is worth mentioning as part of the historic ensemble, although it is not usually a priority visit.

The best lighthouses in Menorca for watching the sunset

If one of your goals is to enjoy the best sunsets in Menorca, three lighthouses stand out in particular: Punta Nati, Cavalleria and Artrutx.

Sunset at Punta Nati

Punta Nati is one of the classic places to watch the sunset in Menorca. Its proximity to Ciutadella de Menorca and its open landscape facing the sea make it a very popular option. It is advisable to arrive early, wear comfortable footwear and avoid getting too close to the cliffs.

Sunset at Cavalleria

Cavalleria offers a wilder, more natural sunset. The cliffs, the open sea and the scale of the landscape make the experience especially powerful. It is an ideal option for those looking for a Menorca more closely connected to nature.

Sunset at Artrutx Lighthouse

Artrutx Lighthouse is perfect if you want to enjoy the sunset in a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Its location close to Cala’n Bosch and Son Xoriguer allows you to combine beach, a walk, dinner and sunset in one single plan.

Where to stay near the lighthouses of Menorca

If you want to enjoy the lighthouses of Menorca without rushing, choosing the right area to stay can make all the difference. The south-west of the island is a very interesting location for those who want to be close to Artrutx Lighthouse, Cala’n Bosch, Son Xoriguer and Ciutadella de Menorca.

Very close to Artrutx Lighthouse is Sagitario Menorca Mar Adults Only, an accommodation designed for adults looking for peace, calm and a Mediterranean stay by the sea. It is an especially recommended option for couples or travellers who want to enjoy sunsets, quiet walks and relaxed plans during their holiday.

Also in this area, Sagitario Princesa Playa stands out as an ideal alternative for families and couples who want to combine beach, comfort and a good location. Its proximity to Son Xoriguer and Cala’n Bosch makes it a practical starting point for discovering south-western Menorca and visiting Artrutx Lighthouse at the end of the day.

In addition, if your route includes Ciutadella de Menorca, Punta Nati or Sa Farola, staying in this part of the island allows you to organise convenient visits and make better use of your days. And although it is not a lighthouse, Pont d’en Gil also deserves a special mention: located in Cala en Blanes, very close to the Punta Nati area, it is one of the most spectacular places to watch the sunset in Menorca. You can complete the experience with wellness plans, local gastronomy or a relaxing day after exploring some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes.

Tips for visiting the lighthouses of Menorca

Before organising your route around the lighthouses of Menorca, it is worth keeping a few practical recommendations in mind:

• Wear comfortable footwear, especially in Cavalleria, Punta Nati and Favàritx.
• Check access restrictions in high season, especially in Favàritx.
• Avoid getting too close to the cliffs, especially when it is windy.
• Bring water, sun cream and something warm if you are going at sunset.
• Always respect the natural surroundings and the signposted areas.
• If you want to watch the sunset, it is advisable to arrive with enough time to park and walk calmly.

The lighthouses are very special places, but they are also exposed to wind, uneven terrain and higher visitor numbers at certain times of the year. Planning your visit well helps you enjoy the experience even more.