Menorca’s Lighthouses: Casting Light On Its Maritime History

When we think of Menorca as a potential destination for our summer holiday,we tend to think of sea, sun, great beaches and having fun. But Menorca has much more to offer. For example, and this may sound strange but bear with me: a series of seven lighthouses that ring the island!

I know, I can hear you saying now: “what’s so interesting about lighthouses?” Well, apart from the fact that many of them are situated in the less visited parts of the island, and offer some breath-taking views over the landscapes and the seas around them, they also cast light (pun very definitely intended) on the island’s rich maritime history.

Seven Unique Stories

Each of the lighthouses has its own history and story behind it. All are set in a different landscape that offers the visitor much to discover. Here’s a brief summary of some of Menorca’s lighthouses and why we think you should make the time to explore them during your summer holiday.

Cavalleria

At a height of 95 meters above sea level, this 15-meter lighthouse was constructed in 1857 to warn ships of the treacherous waters and rocks in the sea that claimed, over the years, more than 700 ships. It was the last of its kind on the island to be fired with a kerosene lamp, and today’s electrical lamp can be seen up 25 miles out to sea. Cavalleria sits on a 3km long headland that protrudes into the Mediterranean on the island’s northern cliffs

As well as the visitors’ centre, which is open in the summer from 12:00h to 22:00h, the area also has the remains of an ancient Roman city, Sanisera; a harbour that is still being excavated (if you’re a diver – bring your gear!); and the Ecomuseu, which portrays the area’s natural and cultural life.

Punta Nati

The lighthouse began operating in 1913, following the wreck of the French ship General Chanzy in 1910. The 19-meter-high structure, with a lamp that can be seen from 18 miles away, sits on the northern cliffs at a height of 42 meters above sea level. Because the surrounding area is flat with sparse vegetation, it was used in the past to graze cattle and you can still see the many stone walls and cattle shelters that dot the landscape.

Sunsets are spectacular here and you can see Mallorca on the horizon. If you’re lucky, you may also get to see huge flocks of seabirds gliding above the sea before heading off for their breeding grounds during your summer holiday.

Sant Carles or Mahón

Credited as the island’s first lighthouse, it was built in 1852 on the ruins of Castell de Sant Felipe, close to Fort Marlborough and overlooking Mahón’s natural harbour. The original structure was demolished in 1917 as it interfered with the firing practice of a gun emplacement. It was replaced by a 10-meter-high concrete tower, with a lamp that could be removed during target practice.

Access to Sant Carles is restricted as it’s in a military area, so telephone 971-362-100 to see if it’s open to visitors.

Artrutx

This lighthouse, and its companion in Capdepera in Mallorca, lights the straits between the two islands. The 34-meter-high tower stands 45 meters above the water level and its light can be seen from 20 miles away. The height of the original lighthouse, constructed in 1858, was extended by 17 meters in 1969 - which makes its architecture unique amongst other similar buildings.

The lighthouse is on the south west of the island, just 7km from Ciutadella. It’s set in a popular tourist area and some of the lighthouse has been converted into a restaurant. A great place to enjoy a good meal and watch the sunset.

There you have it, four reasons why you should consider exploring Menorca’s lighthouses during your summer holiday.

Author Plate

Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine - no secret of the island remains hidden to her. If you're planning a summer holiday to the Balearics, Brenda personally selects the finest properties for her clients and is the go-toperson for anyone planning a relaxing holiday in Menorca. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.