Talaia d’Albercutx: a walk from Es Colomer viewpoint

The Talaia d’Albercutx is a watchtower around 380 metres above sea level on Mallorca’s Formentor peninsula. The walk from La Creueta viewpoint is about 4 km there and back, with views of the Serra de Tramuntana, the Serra del Cavall Bernat and the Bay of Pollença.

Corsairs, pirates and coastal watchtowers

Raids were frequent along Mallorca’s coast in the 16th and 17th centuries. Corsairs had official permission to attack enemy ships or territory. Pirates operated independently. Some raiding parties landed at dawn, with local guides helping them find their way to a village or country estate.

Fortifications protected settlements and estates, while watchtowers kept lookout along the coast. In the network promoted by Joan Binimelis, guards used smoke by day and fire at night. Each tower passed the signal on to the next.

The exact construction date is unknown. The official heritage record shows that a guard was already stationed here in 1597. He had an arquebus but no ammunition, and the tower was missing a torch holder. Centuries later it served as an observation post during the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War.

The hilltop is also a spot for watching migrating birds. In spring, keep an eye on the sky for passing birds of prey.

Starting at La Creueta viewpoint

From Port de Pollença, follow the Ma-2210 towards Formentor as far as La Creueta, also known as Es Colomer viewpoint. You can see the islet and pick out the tower from here. The road up to the tower starts directly opposite the viewpoint.

Seasonal traffic restrictions apply on the Ma-2210. Check the Council of Mallorca’s Formentor access information before setting out. When the Formentor bus is running, it stops at the viewpoint.

The climb to Talaia d’Albercutx

From the car park, follow the paved road to the end. It’s about two kilometres uphill. Allow around 35 minutes for the climb with children. The road is narrow and shared with cars and bicycles. If driving access is permitted and you find a designated place to park, you can walk just the last stretch. The final few metres to the tower are rocky.

On the way up, the views open out over Port de Pollença, Mal Pas and La Victòria. Near the top, look for the fortress on Punta de l’Avançada. The private estate hosted Rafa Nadal’s wedding in 2019 and was visited by artists including Anglada Camarasa. A little further on, you get a view of Formentor beach.

A plaque on the tower records the Capllonch family’s gift to the people of Pollença in 1984. The views from outside are already wide open. With children, stay at the foot of the tower and keep back from the edge, especially in windy conditions. Return the same way.

Walk details