The Es Colomer viewpoint, the Formentor lookout

Magical. Unique. Incomparable. Es Colomer is the name of the most famous viewpoint in Mallorca and one of those places you just have to visit on the island. From the top of an impressive cliff, in the northernmost part of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Es Colomer offers one of the most spectacular panoramas you can find on Mallorca. It’s a postcard you’ll never get tired of photographing.

Index

1. Es Colomer viewpoint


2. History of Es Colomer


3. What can you see from the Es Colomer viewpoint?


4. Es Colomer islet


5. Sa Talaia d’Albercutx


6. Cape Formentor


7. Formentor lighthouse


8. How to get to the Es Colomer viewpoint


9. Things to consider

Es Colomer viewpoint

Right in the middle of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, with a crowning glory in the shape of Cape Formentor: the viewpoint Es Colomer offers visitors a stop on the road where you can relax and admire all the beauty that’s right there in front of you.

There's a well-looked after stone walk on the edge of the sea, built right on top of the steep cliff, allowing you to move around the viewpoint and take in the different angles of the scenery. At the end of the path there are some rounded terraces from where you'll be able to take photos and enjoy the landscape.

This spectacular viewpoint is also known as Mirador de Sa Creueta and its privileged location has made it a place of pilgrimage for all those who visit the island, and one of the most photographed corners of the world.

History of Es Colomer

The lookout Es Colomer is named after the islet in front of it, looking towards Cape Formentor. It was designed by Antonio Parietti Coll from Palma, the same engineer who devised the impressive road you travel to reach Formentor and its famous lighthouse; he also designed the road that takes you down to Sa Calobra with its 12 180-degree switchbacks. In fact, when you arrive at the viewpoint the first thing you find is a sculpture in homage to its creator.

Located 200 metres above the sea, this stop offers privileged views of the entire surrounding area: steep cliffs marked by the island's typical vegetation, the intense blue of the Mediterranean Sea in all its splendour, and, in the background: the great lighthouse of Formentor.

Es Colomer islet

From the lookout, the islet Es Colomer might look like a small rock in the middle of the sea. But that 'small rock' is 300 metres long and 112 metres high. It's always been uninhabited, but it's one of those features that your eyes are drawn to. In fact, lots of diving enthusiasts use it as a reference point when diving on Mallorca: the islet has a cavity that crosses it from side to side, from the part that faces the mountain to the face that opens up to the sea.

Sa Talaia d’Albercutx

One of the most interesting monuments that can be seen from the Es Colomer viewpoint is the so-called Sa Talaia d'Albercutx (Atalaya de Albercutx), a watchtower from a time when these northern Mallorcan coasts were constantly attacked by pirates and corsairs. It’s 380 metres high and offers incredible views of Pollença Bay.

Cape Formentor

It's impossible to talk about the Es Colomer viewpoint without mentioning Cape Formentor. These spaces are linked not only by nature, but also by the entire history that surrounds them. In fact, much of the magic connected to Es Colomer comes from the fascinating physiognomy of this peninsula, stretching out into the sea and allowing you to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean.

The Formentor lighthouse

Inaugurated in 1863, the Formentor lighthouse is about 25 minutes by car from the viewpoint (14 km) if there's not too much traffic. It's one of the most important lighthouses on Mallorca and was one of the most complicated to build because of its extraordinary location. It's stood overlooking the Balearic Sea and the city of Ciutadella, on Menorca, and gives you the highest lookout point of the island.

How to get to the Es Colomer viewpoint

If you're staying at one of our hotels in Puerto de Alcúdia, whether it's the Zafiro Palace Alcudia or the Zafiro Tropic, it’s only 24 minutes by car from the Es Colomer viewpoint, as it’s no further than 16 km away.

You take the MA-3460 road that goes from the promenade in Port d'Alcúdia to Alcúdia village and once you're there you continue along the MA-2200 until you get to the football field roundabout in Port de Pollença, and from there you take the MA-2210, a much more winding road that takes you straight to the viewpoint.

Issues to consider

• It's a very busy place, so there are traffic restrictions during the high season (from the 15th of June to the 15th of September, both included).


• There are two shuttle bus lines that stop here: the 333 that goes from Alcúdia to Port de Pollença and stops at Formentor beach, and the 334 that connects Alcúdia with Puerto de Pollença and goes to the watchtower. Both stop at the Es Colomer lookout.


• Watching the sunset from the viewpoint is an experience, even if it's not a perfectly clear day.


• Several hiking trails start from the viewpoint itself – duly indicated as such – for example the trail that leads to the Albercutx watchtower, visible from the lookout itself.

As you can see, the Es Colomer viewpoint is a place to be included on your list of places to visit if you've planned a holiday on Mallorca.  You only need an afternoon of your stay to visit this unique location, and you won't regret it. Oh, and if you haven't booked your trip yet, take a look at our special offers to Mallorca with flights + hotel: you'll travel in the easiest and safest way possible with all the guarantees provided by Zafiro hotels.