Faro La Mola

Everything you need to know about the La Mola Lighthouse 

The La Mola Lighthouse in Formentera, a historic icon that has been illuminating the way since 1861, is much more than a simple signaling tower. This structure, standing at a majestic 22 meters in height, rises proudly above the imposing cliffs of 158 meters that bathe its base. Every 5 seconds, its flash of light has served as a beacon of hope and safety for sailors and travelers navigating these waters, guiding them through the darkness.

Since 2019, the La Mola Lighthouse has added a new chapter to its rich history by housing a museum, thus enriching its legacy with the narrative of its past and the stories of the brave lighthouse keepers who once cared for its brilliant light. This museum is a living testament to the importance of the lighthouse in navigation and the island’s life.

In addition to its practical function, the La Mola Lighthouse has also sparked the imagination of those who have beheld it. The beauty of its surroundings and its unique structure inspired the famous writer Julius Verne, whose adventure and exploration novels have left an indelible mark on universal literature.

Keep in mind… 

The location of the La Mola Lighthouse, at theedge of the cliffs of the same name, makes it an idyllic image and environment from which to view the sea and the horizon. However, one must not forget the danger that comes with not exercising the utmost care when approaching the edge of the precipice.

Unfortunately, there have been several cases of people falling into the void due to not paying enough attention or trying to take photographs in unsafe spots or circumstances.

How to get to Faro de La Mola 

Getting to La Mola Lighthouse from the port of La Savina is very easy since the main road (PM-820) connects the two points, and we could consider them as the endpoints of the road that crosses Formentera from north to south. You’ll just need to continue straight southward, never deviating from the main road.

Once you leave behind the village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, you’ll notice the terrain change, and you’ll start ascending through a beautiful forest of pines, junipers, and shrubs on both sides of the road. You’ll reach the village of El Pilar de La Mola, and two kilometers further ahead, you’ll find the slender figure of the lighthouse at the end of the road, overlooking the cliffs and the horizon.

Bus line 2 provides a connection between La Savina and La Mola Lighthouse, and its frequency depends on the time of year the service is used. Therefore, it’s ideal to visit the website www.busformentera.com in advance to check the exact schedule and frequency of buses.

Parking at Faro de La Mola 

La Mola Lighthouse has several parking areas for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. The main and smallest capacity area is located next to the wall that surrounds the plot where the lighthouse is situated, and it includes two charging stations for electric vehicles.

If this first area happens to be full, you can simply drive back 25 meters along the road and take the dirt path that will lead you to two larger parking areas with designated spaces for cars, motorcycles, and buses. Please be aware that the second area consists of dirt and stones, so you should exercise extreme caution and drive slowly to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle.

Similarly, you should not park outside the marked boundaries to prevent damage to the local flora and fauna. In any case, the parking space at La Mola Lighthouse is rarely full, and you will always find a convenient spot to park your car or scooter.

History of La Mola Lighthouse

The construction of La Mola Lighthouse faced troublesome challenges due to the low quality of the stone used, resulting in the need to change the material and increase the construction budget. Finally, it was inaugurated on November 30, 1861, with a lighting system consisting of a fixed 2nd-order catadioptric optic and a Degrand-type oil moderator lamp.

In 1928, the lighthouse underwent modernization by installing a rotating optic with twelve catadioptric panels from the Formentor Lighthouse, which is still in service and defines its current luminous appearance. Additionally, the old concentric wick burners were replaced with an incandescent oil vapor lighting system.

In 1970, the lighthouse was electrified, and a three-phase electric lamp with 3,000 watts was used, with two backup generators in case of emergencies. The lighthouse’s lantern has a twelve-sided polygonal shape, being the only one of its kind still in operation in the archipelago.

The last family to manage and live in the lighthouse was that of Javier Pérez de Arévalo, who left the place in October 2001. In 2019, a rehabilitation of the lower part of the lighthouse and its facade was carried out, along with the opening of a museum inside the building.

Museum of La Mola Lighthouse 

The La Mola Lighthouse Museum was inaugurated in the year 2019 and serves as a cultural space for promoting Formentera’s rich maritime heritage. Located within the ground floor of the lighthouse, this museum offers visitors a unique experience that combines the beauty of the surroundings with the opportunity to explore the island’s maritime history.

It’s important to note that access to the upper part of the lighthouse and its lantern is not permitted.

The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions that highlight the significance of the sea in Formentera’s life, from traditional navigation to fishing and the conservation of the marine environment. Additionally, it features a versatile space used for concerts, lectures, and small-scale theatrical performances, making it a dynamic cultural meeting point on the island.

During the summer season, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday in the morning, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and also on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, from 5 PM to 9 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Starting from October 15th, the schedule changes to Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and it remains closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.

The entrance fee to the La Mola Lighthouse Museum is 4.5 euros. Pensioners and students enjoy a reduced rate of 2.5 euros. This pricing policy aims to encourage the participation of both visitors and residents, allowing everyone to enjoy the cultural and maritime richness that Formentera offers.

Julius Verne and La Mola Lighthouse

The famous French writer Julius Verne is known for his science fiction and adventure works, many of which involve extraordinary journeys and discoveries. Regarding his connection to the La Mola Lighthouse in Formentera, it is said that this lighthouse inspired Julius Verne in the creation of one of his most famous novels, “Hector Servadac”

Published in 1877, Julius Verne’s novel tells the story of a group of people who become stranded on a fragment of land torn from Earth by a wayward comet.

One of the key elements of the story is the presence of a lighthouse on the coast of Gallia, which plays a significant role in the plot. It is believed that Julius Verne drew inspiration from the La Mola Lighthouse in Formentera to describe the lighthouse in the novel, as its appearance and geographical location suggest. As a result, in 1978, a monolith and a plaque in honor of the French novelist were inaugurated, and you can find them just a few meters from the main entrance of La Mola Lighthouse.

Sunrise and Full Moon 

The eastward orientation of the cliffs at La Mola Lighthouse is key to its appeal as a viewpoint. During the early hours of the morning, from this location, visitors can witness the sun rising on the horizon over the Mediterranean Sea. The warm and gentle colors that paint the sky and water create a captivating visual spectacle. The panoramic view from the lighthouse offers an ideal angle to appreciate this natural phenomenon.

Furthermore, nights of a full moon also become a special event at La Mola Lighthouse. When the moon emerges on the marine horizon, its silver light reflects on the waters, creating a luminous path that appears to connect the sky with the sea. The tranquility of the surroundings and the sea breeze make this experience equally breathtaking, providing an exceptional setting for taking photos to share with your Instagram followers.