The Favàritx Lighthouse is located on the northeastern tip of Menorca and it is a symbol of the island’s character and maritime history.
Perched within the protected S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the lighthouse stands out for its spiral design and its almost surreal surroundings. The Favàritx Lighthouse is one of the most visited and photographed sights in Menorca.
Every time I visit the lighthouse, I find another composition to depict the character of this place. Different angles, different skies, and different lighting can shape the rocks into very diverse, equally stunning scenes, therefore my fascination.
A symbol of the past and the present of Menorca
Before building the Favàritx Lighthouse, this stretch of sea was notorious for shipwrecks, and several maritime disasters highlighted the need for better coastal illumination. The construction works began in 1917 and were completed in 1922.
The lighthouse was later electrified in 1971 and eventually automated, eliminating the need for a permanent keeper. Although it is not a monument in the sense you may think, the Favàritx Lighthouse is still fully operational today and prevents ships from crashing into the rocky coast of Menorca.
The lighthouse stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding terrain and the deep blue of the Mediterranean sky. The tower is wrapped in a black spiral that winds upward to the lantern room, giving it a distinctive geometrical appearance.
Otherworldly photography, from daylight to starlight
What truly sets Favàritx apart is its extraordinary environment, which feels almost extraterrestrial. The place is perfect for photographers who are chasing a picture of Menorca beyond the typical summer postcard.
During the day, the setting looks like the Moon in Hollywood movies. The dark rocks create an impressive background for the white tower, and there is definitely an out-of-this-world vibe when standing on the lunar ground and admiring the building.
At sunset, the scenery becomes more captivating, even emotional, if I may say. The twilight softens the textures of the rocks and instead bathes the sky with golden and pink tones. The result is moody and warm. Photographing the Menorca coast at sunrise, around the lighthouse, can get you similar images.
But the view gets even more impressive as the night falls. The Menorca night sky is perfectly and beautifully visible around the lighthouse, making it one of the best spots for stargazing.
There are no buildings or artificial lights in the area around Favàritx Lighthouse. During summer, the Milky Way is perfectly visible, and when the moon is new and does not outshine the stars, you can see fantastic constellations in the sky even with the naked eye.
The lack of civilization at Favàritx, the omnipresent darkness illuminated only by the stars and the lighthouse, and the sound of the waves crashing against Menorca’s rocky coastline will send shivers down more than one person’s spine.
Visiting a typical destination at an unusual time is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Balearic Islands. So if you are thirsty for excitement, try visiting Favàritx in the middle of the night!
The area around the Favàritx Lighthouse
The Favàritx Lighthouse sits within the protected expanse of S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a natural reserve that showcases Menorca’s wildest and most unspoiled landscapes.
Beyond the setting of the lighthouse, the park offers a surprisingly diverse range of landscapes. At its heart lies the Albufera des Grau lagoon, the largest wetland on the island with a wide variety of birdlife. Beaches such as Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana stand out for their unspoiled beauty and clear waters.
The lighthouse is located 17 kilometres from Maó (Mahon), and it’s possible to visit by private car, public transport, biking or hiking. If you plan to drive, visiting in the off-season allows direct access closer to the lighthouse. Private vehicles are typically restricted during tourist season.
The park is also interwoven with sections of the historic Camí de Cavalls, a long-distance trail that circles Menorca and provides access to remote, hidden spots. Some people like to go biking or hiking through the trails.
The many rare plants, water puddles, algae, and even salt crystals were an inspiration for me, and the perfect means to give my photos of the Favàritx Lighthouse a different character every time.
