Day Trip to Cap de Formentor

18km of winding roads, hairpin bends, tunnels, cliffs, breathtaking views and wilderness stretch along the Ma2210 from Puerto Pollenca to the lighthouse perched at the tip of Cap de Formentor, with its 400m high cliffs, sheer drops and azure waters it is possibly the most dramatic stretch of coastline any where in Mallorca.

The road out there although well maintained is a notorious white knuckle ride and if you are not a competent driver I wouldn’t suggest taking a car as you will spend the day negotiating narrow, extremely windy roads and limited tight parking, local bus 354 also heads out there several times a day from Puerto Pollenca as do organised tour groups and though the roads are worse for a bus at least the driving is in the hands of a pro but if you don’t fancy that I would definitely recommend taking a bike or a moped, it will give you easy access and parking all along the busy road and will allow you to enjoy rather than fear the hairpins along the way (and you wont have to pay the extortionate parking fee at Formentor beach).

If you wish to run or cycle the length of the challenging route you’ll be in good company as it’s a well-travelled route, just be aware of the constant stream of traffic and avoid the peak heat of the day.

The road climbs steeply as soon as it leaves the port until you reach the lookout of Mirador de Sa Creueta where you can take in the breathtaking views from the man made stone walkway. You can look along the west flank of the Cap and see little Illot de Colomer perched off the end of the rocks, be warned though the walkway though not too arduous, is built right at the edge of the sheer cliff and looking down is not for the faint hearted or anyone suffering vertigo.

You will find ample parking here as well as a small snack bar and opposite here you can take the rough road up to Talaia d’Albercutx where panoramic sea views easily explain its watchtower history. Not many cars struggle up this side road and no buses so you may have to walk up unless you have a bike or scooter, it’s a steep climb of about 2k but the 360 degree view is definitely worth it. You can also scale the watch tower by metal ladder if you’re not high enough already.

Moving on from this view point and the road is your oyster, it descends still windy but wider and tree lined until you pass a stop off for Playa de Formentor, the beautiful large stretch of white sandy beach and azure water that is home to Mallorca’s very swanky Hotel Formentor. The beach is definitely worth a visit and boasts all the necessary amenities including a self-service café, a remarkably expensive restaurant and a few shops. Parking will cost you a whopping €9 in the car park but there is some limited free parking along the roadside.

Once you’re back on the road again you’re in for some of the best views yet as the road winds 11km along towards the lighthouse giving you unbroken sea views on both sides. Be sure to spot the wooden signposts pointing out hidden beaches Calla Figuera, Muerta and en Gossalba - accessible only by hiking but well worth the walk.

The lighthouse is a large squat, square building which serves as a souvenir shop and café where a coffee or soft drink will cost you around €3 and a sandwich €4-€6. Sit on the terrace for a while and soak up the extensive and once again stunning view and be sure to read the information boards which explain how they managed to build this lighthouse all the way out there. It also points out the old trail and steps used to access the lighthouse in the past and you can still walk a part of that trail down to the coast if you so wish.

If you eat at the café prepare to protect your meal from the over friendly mountain goats who have a penchant for picnics and are such a feature of the point that there is artwork dedicated to them inside!

A stunning and absolutely necessary trip, you could probably cover the length of the Cap in little over an hour but you’d do best to make a day of it and explore the trails, beach and viewpoints at length. Take food and plenty of water with you to avoid over paying or dehydrating, watch out for the goats and if it’s not been made clear enough yet, ditch the car and do it on a moped!