The Punta Nati Lighthouse is one of the most impressive places to visit in Menorca.Here you’ll find my complete guide to help you plan your visit with maps, tips and photos about :
- The best viewpoints around Punta Nati lighthouse,
- The lighthouse and its surroundings,
- The road,
- …
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Menorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Menorca: DiscoverCars
My favourite sea activity: transparent kayak
My favourite excursion in Menorca: a half-day catamaran trip
My favorite places to stay:
- Cala’n Porter, close to the village of Alaior – my favourite hotel: Osprey Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
- Port Mahon, the most convenient for exploring – my favourite hotel: Catalonia Mirador or view top rated hotels
- Cala Galdana, the liveliest – my favourite hotel: Ilunion Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
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Why visit the Punta Nati lighthouse in Menorca?
What is the Punta Nati Lighthouse?
The Punta Nati Lighthouse is one of Menorca’s best-known and most beautiful.
Built in the early 20th century following the sinking of a French ship, the Punta Nati Lighthouse is located on Menorca’s north-western tip. In fact, it’s one of my best ideas for things to do on the island.
Is the Phare de Punta Nati worth a visit?
Yes, the Punta Nati Lighthouse area is well worth a visit.
This wild area offers impressive views of breathtaking cliffs. If the sky is clear, you’ll be able to see the neighboring island of Menorca. I found myself in the heart of this arid landscape to admire the sunset, and I wasn’t disappointed. After parking my car in the quickly overcrowded free parking lot, I walked along the path between the low dry-stone walls for about 10min before reaching the gate. Behind it stood this construction facing the shores of Mallorca with its revolving light. I felt a great sense of calm and serenity in this almost deserted place with its end-of-the-world feel and a few goats wandering around.
However, to fully enjoy the experience, there are a few things you need to know. See all my planning tips later in the article.
Punta Nati lighthouse – facts and figures
- Inaugurated in 1913
- 19m high beacon with a range of over 30km
- Built in stone, a traditional material in Menorca
- Located on the north-western tip of the island, 6.3km from Ciutadella
- 2 bunkers (or casemates) dating from the Spanish Civil War
- One of Menorca’s most visited places
More photos after the planning boards.
Practical tips and map – Punta Nati lighthouse, Minorca
Where is the Punta Nati lighthouse? Map
- Northwest of Minorca
- Port Mahon to Punta Nati lighthouse = 1h drive
- Ciutadella to Punta Nati lighthouse = 15min drive
- Below is a map to help you find your way:
Best time to visit
- If you wish to visit by car, come about an hour before sunset to find a parking space and walk to the lighthouse (approx. 10-15min walk).
- Avoid inclement weather, as the road is narrow and there is little light at the end of the day.
- You can also visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and park easily.
- The sunset colors are magnificent from the lighthouse.
Practical tips
- Plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset to find a place to park.
- Bring warmer clothes for the lighthouse, as there may be strong winds.
- Remember to take a picnic or something to eat and drink, as there are no stores or restaurants nearby.
- Wear good shoes to walk comfortably to the lighthouse.
- The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors.
- Where to sleep near Punta Nati Lighthouse: see top-rated accommodation.
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
How to get to Punta Nati lighthouse – route Cf-5
The road to the Punta Nati lighthouse (Cf-5) is fairly narrow, with cycle paths on either side, and is bordered by 2 low dry-stone walls. The road is not lit at night.There are several ways to explore the Punta Nati Lighthouse in Menorca. I’ll tell you more about each of them.
- Option 1 – by rental car
- Option 2 – by bike, on horseback or on foot
- Option 3 – by scooter
- Option 4 – by bus
Option 1 – Visit Punta Nati Lighthouse by car
Benefits
- You can go whenever you like.
- You can stop at all the places that interest you.
- You’ll be more mobile, flexible and independent.
- You can save time getting there.
Disadvantages
- The dedicated parking lot 800m from the lighthouse fills up quickly.
- Once the parking lot is full, you’ll probably have to wait to get out again.
- The road is fairly narrow and poorly lit.
Good to know
- Some sections of the road are narrow and poorly lit.
- There are lots of cyclists on the road, so be careful.
- There are 2 cycle paths, one on each side of the road.
- The nearest petrol station is a 10-15 minute drive from the lighthouse (Carrer dels Ferrers).
- You can find all the options for vehicle rental in Menorca here.
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Option 2 – Visit the Punta Nati lighthouse by bike, on horseback or on foot
Benefits
- No parking problems
- Low cost
Disadvantages
- Bicycles and horses are not allowed past the Cami de Cavalls hiking trail on the section leading to the lighthouse on foot.
- Strong winds in this area
Good to know
- Here is the link to horseback riding options in Menorca.
- If you’re on a bike, remember to wear a helmet and reflective vest so you can be seen on the road when there’s little or no light.
- Avoid stopping in the middle of the road.
Option 3 – Visit the Punta Nati lighthouse by scooter
Benefits
- You can easily stop to admire the views.
- The road is narrow, so a 2-wheeled vehicle may be more practical.
- You can park more easily in the parking lot.
- You’ll be able to leave more easily, even if there are many vehicles parked nearby.
Disadvantages
- There may be strong winds in this area.
- You’ll need to park in the parking lot and walk about 800m to the lighthouse.
Good to know
- Wear a helmet and reflective vest so you can be seen on the road, even in low-light conditions.
- Avoid stopping on the road.
- You can rent scooters in Menorca here.
Option 4 – Visit the Punta Nati lighthouse by bus
Benefits
- You won’t have any parking problems.
- Buses in Menorca are experienced in driving on narrow roads.
Disadvantages
- You’ll be dependent on bus timetables to get you there and back (so options are limited).
- You’ll still have to walk about 800m to the lighthouse.
Good to know
- Find bus timetables here.
- Take something to eat and drink, as there are no stores or restaurants on site.
- Wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.
Parking near Punta Nati Lighthouse and parking rules
There aren’t many parking options near Punta Nati Lighthouse :
- The dedicated parking lot 800m from Punta Nati Lighthouse is free and open 24 hours a day.
- It’s not very advisable, but some cars park along the road near the parking lot when it’s full. Note that the road is already quite narrow.
- If you want to hike to the lighthouse, you can also park near the Pont d’En Gil and follow the Cami de Cavalls in a north-easterly direction (approx. 2h walk one way) to the Punta Nati lighthouse from the Pont d’En Gil.
- In the same way, you can park at the Cala Morell parking lot and follow the Cami de Cavalls westwards this time. From Cala Morell, it’s a 3-hour walk one way to the Punta Nati lighthouse.
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Punta Nati lighthouse: Minorca off the beaten track
The Punta Nati lighthouse can only be seen from the outside, as it is not open to visitors. Inaugurated in 1913, this lighthouse helped prevent shipwrecks. This historic site, off the beaten track in Menorca, is also home to former bunkers from the Spanish Civil War and a cross placed by the town of Ciutadella in tribute to the victims.
At sunset or sunrise, the view is breathtaking, with a beautiful palette of colors. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in the morning or outside the summer season.
After parking your car in the free parking lot, you’ll have to walk along the path between the low drystone walls for about 10-15min before reaching the gate.
Some people cross the low wall to bypass the lighthouse and approach the cliff edge where the views can be quite exceptional. However, caution is advised, as this rocky area is neither guarded nor secure.
Note that there are no street lamps in this rather dark area at dusk. It’s also an ideal spot for stargazing, as there’s virtually no light pollution from nearby towns and villages.
Did you know that Menorca is a well-preserved island classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO?
If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of specific animal species such as the Balearic Green Toad, the Mediterranean Tortoise (terrestrial), or numerous bird species. Be careful to respect the flora and fauna as you move around.
A stage on the Cami de Cavalls and a magical sunset
The Cami de Cavalls (or GR 223 trail), Menorca’s circular hiking trail, makes a stop near the Punta Nati Lighthouse.
The ancestral Cami de Cavalls trail, which means ” horse path ” in Catalan, lets you explore this mythical Mediterranean jewel. Kilometer zero of the Cami de Cavalls is at Port Mahon but as the path is circular, you can reach it from anywhere on the island.
The Cami de Cavalls is 185km long as it circles Menorca completely.
In fact, the Balearic Islands are famous for their many trails and passages in the mountains, forests and near the sea. Whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback, you’ll discover the varied landscapes, fauna, flora and biodiversity of the islands, as well as their gastronomy and local know-how.
The Cami de Cavalls links the Pont d’En Gil to the southwest and the Necropolis of Cala Morell to the northeast with the Punta Nati lighthouse, on foot, by bike or on horseback.
My favourite activity in Menorca
I highly recommend the Binibeca: guided transparent kayak tour.
In just 2 hours, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment: a glimpse of the turquoise waters without diving, in the magical coves, caves and beach of Binibeca.
Beaches and places near Punta Nati Lighthouse
Cala en Blanes beach
Cala en Blanes is a residential area with a sandy beach and a pretty cove. It’s also attached to the municipality of Ciutadella and is one of the small but most beautiful beaches in Menorca. On site, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation of all types with easy access to the beach, activities suitable for all ages and proximity to famous landmarks such as the Puente d’En Gil natural bridge or the Punta Nati lighthouse. I love :
- The color of water
- The size of the beach
- The shallowness of the water, even when venturing further from shore
- Snorkeling along the rocks
Opt for a cruise with paella tasting ! It’s another way to discover this family-friendly beach near Ciutadella, so let yourself be tempted!
Pont d’En Gil
The Pont (or Puente) d’en Gil is a bridge naturally formed by rock over the sea in the northwest of Menorca. Not far from Cala en Blanes, it’s one of the stops on the famous Cami de Cavalls hiking trail for criss-crossing the whole of Menorca on foot, mountain bike or horseback.
A walk along the cliffs leads you, in the open air, to this rather impressive stone arch crossed by the sea. Take good shoes, as the path is not really marked out, and you’ll be walking through stone and earth.
The power and magic of nature here really fascinated me. I went there in the middle of the day, but you can also admire the sunset – the spectacle will be just as beautiful! Access is free and the area is unsupervised.
Cala Morell necropolis
Did you know that the Cala Morell necropolis in the north-west of Menorca served as a cemetery for its inhabitants for several centuries up to the 2nd century AD? Carved out of the rock, this natural wonder is made up of 14 caves – impressive, isn’t it? Each cave has its own distinctive features: flat or uneven floors, columns or unique pieces. Architectural ornaments can be seen at the entrances to some of the caves.
To reach the site, join the main Me-1 road and head towards Cami de Cala Morell, then Carrer Lira. A small, popular parking lot with limited spaces is available nearby along the road. Find out more about Menorca’s most beautiful caves.
Other lighthouses in Menorca
Favaritx lighthouse
The Favàritx Lighthouse is located in the heart of the ES Grau Natural Park in the north-west of Menorca. The lighthouse is built on the island’s oldest rocks, dating back hundreds of millions of years. Built in the early 20th century at almost 50m above sea level, it is one of the most important lighthouses on Menorca. Like all the island’s lighthouses, it can’t be visited from the inside, but you can take some great photos nearby. There are several beaches not far from the Favaritx lighthouse: Es Grau, Cala Sant Esteve and Cala Tortuga.
Cavalleria lighthouse
The Cavalleria lighthouse is one of Menorca’s best-known. It stands on the tip of Cap de Cavallerie, in the north of the island, 25min from the village of Fornells, the Defensive Tower of Fornells and the picturesque village of Es Mercadal. Less than 10min by car (and 1h on foot), you can also make a stop along the way at Cavalleria Beach, famous for its red sand and rock. At the lighthouse, you’ll discover a grotto on your left, and if it’s not foggy, you’ll be able to see the small island Isla d’els Porros in the distance. You can also opt for a north coast cruise to catch a glimpse of this must-see lighthouse in Minroque.
Illa de l’Aire lighthouse
Opposite Punta Prima beach in south-east Menorca, you’ll see Illa de L’Aire in the distance, an uninhabited islet with a charming blue-and-white lighthouse. It can only be reached by sea, so you can opt for a boat trip from Mahon.
Artrux lighthouse
Built in 1854, the Artrux lighthouse is located near Cala Blanca, a 15-minute drive from Ciutadella. Did you know that the Artrux lighthouse is Menorca’s closest point to Majorca? You can also sit on the terrace of the restaurant next to the lighthouse to enjoy an extraordinary panorama or a breathtaking sunset with a view to the west.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Punta Nati lighthouse?
Punta Nati Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1913 after several shipwrecks in the area.
Is it possible to visit the interior of the Punta Nati lighthouse?
No, you can’t visit the interior of the Punta Nati lighthouse, but you can enjoy the scenery and splendid views in the surrounding area.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Punta Nati lighthouse?
As the lighthouse cannot be visited, there is no entrance fee. Parking is also free.
Are there any special rules to follow when visiting the lighthouse?
The lighthouse is not open to visitors, but as the area is a historic site with former bunkers from the Spanish Civil War, and Menorca is classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, you may come across animal and plant species specific to the island of Menorca. It’s a good idea to behave in an environmentally-friendly way.
How do I get to the lighthouse from certain localities or popular attractions?
Directions on how best to reach the lighthouse from specific locations are given earlier in this article (by foot, bike, bus, car or scooter), particularly in the map and practical tips section. From Port Mahon to Punta Nati lighthouse, allow 1h driving time, and from Ciutadella to Punta Nati lighthouse, about 15min driving time.
Are there any special events at the lighthouse?
There are no specific events organized at Punta Nati Lighthouse to my knowledge. Feel free to check on the official Tourist Office website here.
Plan your trip to Menorca:
Best-of:
- 35 best things to do in Menorca
- Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
- Menorca’s most beautiful villages and towns
- Best beaches in Menorca
- Menorca hidden gems
- Best museums in Menorca
- Best caves
- Best calas
- Markets in Menorca
- Best restaurants
Useful tips:
- Where to stay in Menorca
- Best luxury hotels in Menorca
- Best family hotels in Menorca
- Best boutique hotels
- Tips for driving in Menorca
- Renting a car in Menorca
- My itineraries in Menorca – coming soon
- Road trip in Menorca – coming soon
Towns:
- Port Mahon: Things to do – Best hotels
- Ciutadella: Things to do – Best hotels
All my advice in this article was put into words with the help of Myriam.
