The Capdepera Lighthouse is one of those places that appears when you search for what to see in the northeast of Mallorca. And with good reason. It is on an impressive cliff, is easy to visit, and offers views that make the climb worthwhile. If you are organizing your trip to Mallorca and want a special place to disconnect, this is one of them. The road, the surroundings and the lighthouse itself form a perfect ensemble. Perfect whether you come for a day or are preparing a longer route around the island.
Want more information about the Capdepera Lighthouse? Well, keep reading because we are going to talk about its history, how to get there, what to see around it, where to take the best photos and some extra plans to complete the getaway.
History of the Capdepera Lighthouse
The Capdepera Lighthouse began operating in 1861 with an objective that you can surely imagine: to guide ships sailing through the Menorca Channel, one of the busiest—and most complicated—areas of the time. Hence its location is no coincidence. The cliff where it was built offers a clear view of the sea and allows you to monitor the entire coastline of northeastern Mallorca.
For decades, the Capdepera Lighthouse operated with oil lamps and a system that forced the lighthouse keeper to work almost non-stop. Over time, the lighthouse was modernized; electricity arrived, the structure was reinforced, and the light gained power to reach more boats.
Today it is still in operation, but it no longer needs constant presence. And don’t worry, this won’t put you off because the structure retains the same aura it had centuries ago.
How to get to the Capdepera Lighthouse
Getting to the Capdepera Lighthouse is easy, but you should be clear about a couple of things before heading to the tip of the cliff. If you are looking for the best way to get to the Capdepera Lighthouse,
If you are coming from Cala Ratjada, the access is just as easy. In fact, this area is usually the most common for staying or spending the day for those who include the Capdepera Lighthouse in Mallorca in their route through the northeast of the island. You just have to
Is there public transport? Not to the lighthouse door. It is best to combine a bus to Capdepera or Cala Ratjada and then walk or use a rental car to complete the ascent. The positive side is that, however you go, the journey is short and has views that make the arrival worthwhile.
Beaches and coves near the Capdepera Lighthouse
If you are looking for what to see in Capdepera and have found its lighthouse, reserving some time to see its nearest coves is almost mandatory. We say coves because there are hardly any beaches as such due to the orography of this area of the island, where cliffs and sea inlets predominate.
In a few minutes by car you will find some of the most beautiful coves in Mallorca. Our favorite is Cala Ratjada, for how well its surroundings are cared for, for the color of the water and for that seafaring atmosphere that it still retains thanks to its small fishing port.
Very close you also have Cala Millor, somewhat larger and with a long and very lively promenade. It is perfect if you want an area with more services and space to walk. Other coves that are also worth having on the radar are Cala Agulla, surrounded by pine trees and with transparent waters, and Cala Moll, much more urban.
If you feel like going further, in a southerly direction you have a lot of small beaches and coves to continue exploring. And the same towards Alcudia, where the coast opens up a little more and you find wider sandy areas.
What to see in the surroundings of the Capdepera Lighthouse
The area surrounding the Capdepera Lighthouse offers much more than it seems at first glance. If you have already come up here, the ideal thing is to take the opportunity to continue exploring because, within a very small radius, you have trails, viewpoints and coastal towns where you can continue the getaway without making long journeys.
The first thing we recommend is to visit the town of Cala Ratjada, which is only a few minutes away. Its port, its promenade and the surrounding restaurants make it a perfect place to visit after seeing the Capdepera Lighthouse.
And if you are looking for something different, this area is also ideal for doing some of the best cave routes in Mallorca. There are easy paths and others more demanding, but all with that touch of adventure that fits very well with the cliff landscape.
If you come as a family, you also have a lot of options nearby. In fact, many of the plans to do in Mallorca with children fit perfectly with a visit to the lighthouse. For example, you can visit the Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, which has simple trails and very accessible viewpoints, visit the Capdepera Castle or go to the Interpretation Center, where the little ones can learn about the fauna and history of the area.
Another alternative is to go to the port to do some of the boat trips around Mallorca. From here, short routes depart to see cliffs, sea caves or small coves that can only be accessed by sea.
And if you have more time, you can continue your vacation in Can Picafort, one of the best places to play golf in Mallorca and another destination near the Capdepera Lighthouse that is worth visiting, either for its weekly market or for discovering the Necropolis of Son Real, one of the most important archaeological sites in the north of the island.
Come to the Capdepera Lighthouse and take the best photos
To photograph the Capdepera Lighthouse you don’t need much more than time and good light. From the parking lot you already have a perfect frontal view and if you follow the side path you will see the lighthouse as a cutout on the sea, with a profile that looks spectacular on camera. If you go down a little more, you have the complete panoramic view: lighthouse, cliff and Mediterranean in a single shot. And if you can, stay for sunset, when the sky turns golden and the photos come out well no matter what.
And here’s the trick! To enjoy those moments without rushing—especially sunrise and sunset—it is best to stay nearby. With Ideal Property you have fincas and houses in the area that allow you to come and go whenever you want, repeat the photo if the day is cloudy and easily link the visit with the nearby coves or with the routes you have in mind. A good base changes everything. And in the northeast of Mallorca, staying with Ideal Property is the most comfortable way to get to know the Capdepera Lighthouse at your own pace and with everything at hand.