A stunning drive to the northernmost tip of Mallorca

Mallorca has been a popular tourist destination for decades, offering something for everyone, from mountain hiking enthusiasts to lovers of sandy beaches. The island also boasts many kilometres of scenic roads winding from the sea into the rocky coastal massifs, providing breathtaking views. One of the most beautiful hikes takes you to the northernmost point of the island - Cap de Formentor, home to the postcard-famous lighthouse. 

Like a roller coaster 

The route to Cape Formentor is well signposted. The recommended starting point is the coastal town of Port de Pollença, where a large sign at a roundabout on the northwest side of town directs you to the Ma-2210 road. Right after the second turn, you’ll encounter a beautiful hairpin bend, followed by a series of tight corners and climbs that will surely remind you of the legendary Col de Turini, especially with the occasional stone walls along the roadside. 
 
Your first stop can be just a few kilometres in. After a steep climb, the road levels out slightly, revealing a small parking area in front of you. From here, you can take a short walk along a rocky path to the Es Colomer viewpoint. Deep below, the Mediterranean Sea crashes against the island’s rugged cliffs. From the same parking lot, opposite the viewpoint, you can also hike to the old Albercutx watchtower, once used to monitor pirate threats. 

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From the viewpoint parking area at about 200 meters above sea level, the profile of Ma-2210 road changes from an ascent to a descent, leading you through another series of exciting curves down to the coastline. Here, another parking lot appears, this one only intended for beachgoers. The local sandy beach is tucked away in a cove between the cliffs, making it far less crowded than those at the island’s main tourist spots—a great secret tip for swimming enthusiasts. If you don´t feel like dipping in the water, continue along the road, which soon offers several flat forested stretches before leading you into the most stunning part of the drive.   
 
As you emerge from the forest, an incredible stretch of road unfolds before you, hugging the rocky massif to the right while a beautiful calm bay with turquoise waters lies below. If you’re not in a hurry, you can take a short hike down to the bay—it’s definitely worth it.   

 
The road is not very wide, but it compensates with a beautifully smooth surface. In the winding hairpin turns, be mindful of oncoming traffic and the wild goats that roam this part of the island in large numbers. This final stretch is just under seven kilometres long, ending at a small parking lot overlooking the famous lighthouse. While the lighthouse itself is closed to visitors, its location is incredibly photogenic, offering sweeping views of the Balearic Sea’s distant horizons. 

However, a trip to Formentor requires planning. During the summer months, the road from Pollença is often closed to private vehicles. In 2024, for example, it was closed from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM due to the site’s popularity and the limited parking capacity near the lighthouse. If you don´t fit into an open window, you can take a bus from Pollença instead. Cycling is another option, with many rental shops offering professionally prepared bikes. From a driving perspective, however, it’s best to wake up early or visit outside the peak tourist season. 
 
Mallorca also offers many other incredible roads. The Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range, which stretches along the island’s northern coast, is crisscrossed with dozens of kilometres of stunning routes. However, just like Formentor, this area experiences heavy tourist traffic in summer, so once again, the early bird gets the best drive.