Formentor Mallorca: beach, cape, how to get there and excursions
Formentor is one of the most spectacular places in the north of Mallorca. Located on the Formentor peninsula, in the municipality of Pollença, this area is famous for its crystal-clear beach, breathtaking viewpoints and the iconic Cape Formentor. Every year thousands of visitors come here to enjoy one of the most iconic landscapes in Mallorca. In this guide we explain where Formentor is, how to get there and what to see in the area, so you can easily plan your visit.
At NoFrills Excursions we know Formentor first-hand. Our office is located in the north of Mallorca and for many years we have helped travellers discover this part of the island. We don’t just speak from theory: we visit Formentor regularly, we know its best viewpoints, the easiest ways to get there and the best times of day to visit. That’s why on this page you’ll find clear information, local tips and the best excursions to discover Formentor, based on the real experience of people who live and work here.
Plan your visit to Formentor
Where is Formentor?
Formentor is located at the northern tip of Mallorca, on the Formentor peninsula, within the municipality of Pollença. It is a narrow mountainous peninsula that stretches into the Mediterranean Sea and forms one of the most impressive natural landscapes on the island. The area is well known for its scenic coastal road, dramatic cliffs and some of the most famous viewpoints in Mallorca.
Along the peninsula you will find several iconic spots that attract thousands of visitors every year, such as Formentor Beach, Mirador des Colomer and the Formentor Lighthouse, located at the very northern end of the island. Besides these well-known locations, the area also hides small coves and natural corners that make the journey along the peninsula an experience in itself.
From the north of Mallorca, especially from Port de Pollença and Alcúdia, Formentor is located a short distance away and can easily be visited on a half-day or full-day trip. Its combination of spectacular landscapes, viewpoints and crystal-clear sea makes it one of the must-see places in Mallorca.
How to get to Formentor?
Getting to Formentor is relatively easy, but it is best to plan your visit in advance. The way to reach the area depends on the time of year and the exact place you want to visit within the peninsula. You can get there by car, bus or boat from different parts of northern Mallorca, especially from Port de Pollença and Alcúdia. During the summer months, road access is regulated in order to protect the natural environment and reduce traffic congestion. For this reason, it is important to check the available options before your visit, especially if you want to reach the Formentor Lighthouse.
By car
If you decide to go by car, you should know that the road leading to Formentor is the Ma-2210, a scenic road that starts in Port de Pollença and runs along the peninsula all the way to the lighthouse. During the high season there are traffic restrictions on some sections of the road. Access to Formentor Beach is usually allowed until the parking area reaches capacity, while the road section leading to the Formentor Lighthouse may be restricted to authorised vehicles during certain hours of the day. For this reason, during the summer months many visitors prefer to use public transport or organised excursions to avoid access or parking difficulties.
By bus
Another way to reach Formentor is by using the shuttle bus that connects Alcúdia, Port de Pollença and the Formentor Lighthouse. This bus stops at some of the most popular places in the area, such as Mirador des Colomer, Formentor Beach and the Formentor Lighthouse. It is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive along the peninsula road or if you are visiting during the busiest months of the year.
By boat
One of the most enjoyable ways to reach Formentor is by sea. During the tourist season there are boat connections to Formentor Beach from nearby ports such as Port de Pollença and Port d’Alcúdia. Besides avoiding road restrictions, this option allows you to enjoy the northern coast of Mallorca from the sea, admiring the cliffs and landscapes of the peninsula from a completely different perspective.
Tips for visiting Formentor
If you are planning to visit Formentor, there are a few practical tips that can help you enjoy the experience even more. During the summer months the area can be quite busy, so the best time to go is early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when there are fewer visitors and the temperatures are more pleasant.
It is also important to know that road access may be regulated during the high season, especially on the section leading to the Formentor Lighthouse. For this reason, many visitors choose alternatives such as public transport, organised excursions or arriving by boat, which makes visiting the area much easier.
Finally, to make the most of your visit, try to combine several spots on the peninsula in the same trip, such as the Mirador des Colomer, Formentor Beach or some of the viewpoints along the cape. This way you can enjoy both the scenery and the sea in one of the most spectacular places in northern Mallorca.
Things to do in Formentor
Formentor beach
Formentor Beach is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in Mallorca. It is located in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by pine trees, with calm and crystal-clear waters that make it one of the most attractive places in the north of the island. Its fine sand and the scenery of the bay make it an essential stop for anyone visiting the Formentor peninsula.
The beach can be easily understood as two main areas. In the central part you will find the pier, where some boat excursions arrive during the tourist season, as well as a bar-restaurant where you can enjoy a drink with views of the sea.
Looking to the right of the pier, there is a very pleasant area with pine trees close to the sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery in a quieter atmosphere. On the opposite side, the beach continues towards the area closer to the Hotel Formentor, where the atmosphere is usually a bit livelier.
In this part of the beach you will also find sunbed and umbrella rental services, as well as lifeguards during the summer season, making it a comfortable place to spend several hours enjoying the sea and the natural surroundings of Formentor.
Mirador Es Colomer viewpoint
The Mirador des Colomer is one of the first panoramic viewpoints you will encounter when driving along the road to Formentor from Port de Pollença. Located on the Ma-2210 road, this viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire peninsula. From here you can admire the Colomer islet, a small rocky island rising dramatically in front of the impressive cliffs of the north coast of Mallorca. It is one of the most photographed spots in the area and an almost essential stop for anyone visiting Formentor.
The viewpoint has a small parking area next to the road and a short path with steps that leads to the main viewing platform. From there you can enjoy impressive views over the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs of the peninsula. Because of its popularity, especially during the summer months, it is advisable to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy the place in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Local tip: from the viewpoint a small road branches off on the right-hand side that climbs up to the Albercutx watchtower, an old defensive tower built to monitor the coast against pirate attacks. From this elevated point you get exceptional views over the Bay of Alcúdia and the Bay of Pollença, and on clear days you can even see Formentor Beach and a large part of the peninsula. It is a place that many visitors don’t know about, but it is definitely worth the short detour.
Cape Formentor and Formentor Lighthouse
Cape Formentor is one of the most iconic landscapes in Mallorca. Located at the northernmost tip of the island, it stands out for its dramatic cliffs, spectacular views over the Mediterranean and the famous scenic road that runs along the peninsula. As you drive along this road you will find several viewpoints where you can stop and admire one of the most impressive landscapes in Mallorca.
At the end of the road you will reach the Formentor Lighthouse, built in the 19th century and located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. It is one of the most photographed places in Mallorca and one of the most visited spots on the Formentor peninsula. If you plan to visit this area during the summer months, it is important to know that road access to the lighthouse is often regulated, so it is advisable to check the restrictions before planning your visit.
As a local tip, one of the most interesting places to stop is the viewpoint located just after the tunnel on the way to the lighthouse. Here you can park your car and continue on foot along part of the old Formentor road, a historic path of which a section can still be walked today, offering a quieter way to enjoy the landscape.
From this same viewpoint you can also start a short walk up to Es Fumat mountain, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over the peninsula and the open sea. In addition, in the area around Cape Formentor there are small hidden coves between the cliffs that many visitors do not know about, and which we will explain below.
Coves in Formentor: Cala Figuera and Cala Murta
Besides its viewpoints and spectacular landscapes, the Formentor peninsula also hides some small natural coves that are worth discovering if you enjoy exploring quieter places. Among the best known are Cala Figuera and Cala Murta, two coves located in the final stretch of the Formentor road, close to the cape.
Cala Figuera is a small rocky cove located at the foot of high cliffs. Access requires a walk of around 20–30 minutes from the road, which usually means fewer visitors than in other more accessible areas. The water is typically very clear and the surroundings are completely natural, with no services available, so it is recommended to bring water and everything you may need for your visit.
Nearby you will find Cala Murta, a slightly larger cove surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and pine trees. To reach it, you need to walk for about half an hour from the parking area near the road. The path crosses a beautiful natural area before reaching the sea. Although it is a peaceful cove, in summer it is visited by people looking to escape the more crowded beaches.
Both coves are part of the wildest area of the Formentor peninsula and are perfect for those who want to discover less-known spots in the north of Mallorca, enjoy nature and swim in crystal-clear waters away from the most popular beaches.
Boat trip to Formentor from Alcúdia
One of the most enjoyable ways to visit Formentor is by taking a boat trip from Port d’Alcúdia. This excursion lasts around 4 hours and allows you to discover the spectacular coastline of northern Mallorca while sailing along cliffs and hidden coves.
During the trip you will enjoy beautiful views of the Formentor peninsula from the sea, offering a completely different perspective of this famous landscape. The excursion also includes around one hour of free time at Formentor Beach to relax, swim or take a walk along the shore.
This boat trip is a great option for visitors staying in Alcúdia, Playa de Muro or Can Picafort, as it allows you to visit Formentor comfortably while enjoying a scenic cruise along the north coast of Mallorca.
Sunset in Formentor
Watching the sunset in Formentor is one of the most special experiences you can have in the north of Mallorca. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, the cliffs, the sea and the landscapes of the peninsula turn golden and reddish, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
To enjoy this moment in a more exclusive way, we organise a small group excursion with a maximum of 8 people, designed for those who want to experience the sunset in a relaxed and special setting. During the experience you can enjoy the views and toast with cava and strawberries while the sun goes down.
Half-day excursion to Formentor
One of the best ways to discover Formentor is with a half-day excursion that allows you to visit some of the most iconic places in this area of northern Mallorca. It’s an ideal option if you want to enjoy the landscapes of the peninsula without worrying about transport or road restrictions.
During the excursion there is a photo stop at the Mirador des Colomer, one of the most impressive viewpoints on the island. Afterwards the tour continues to Formentor Beach, where you will have free time to walk along the beach, relax or swim in its crystal-clear waters.
The experience finishes with a ferry ride from Formentor to Port de Pollença, offering beautiful views of the coastline from the sea. In summer, the road journey is also done in a panoramic open-top bus, making the trip even more enjoyable.