Walk to Cap Gros lighthouse from Port de Sóller

The western point of the bay

Cap Gros lighthouse stands at the western end of the mouth of Port de Sóller and controlled the entrance to the port. The climb is the most rewarding short walk from the port: a little over an hour round trip to see the whole bay, almost closed, like a lake with the town at its far end. Behind the lighthouse, looking north, you see the cliffs of the coast and, inland, the Puig Major, the Puig de l'Ofre and Es Teix, three peaks of over 1,000 metres.

Beside it, 110 metres above the sea, is the Muleta refuge: between 1911 and 1956 it was a military radiotelegraph station and today it is a hostel of the Consell de Mallorca on the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, the GR 221.

From Santa Catalina to the lighthouse, step by step

Start on the port's seafront promenade and walk towards the Santa Catalina neighbourhood, on the side of the port facing the lighthouse. When the houses end, the climb begins, along the narrow lighthouse road or along the GR 221 route, which goes by path. In all it is about 3.5 kilometres from the port and a little over 100 metres of ascent, spread over a continuous gentle slope, with no difficult sections. At an easy pace allow an hour up and a little less down, by the same path.

At the top are the lighthouse, the refuge and the view. Bring water in summer: it is a short slope, but a continuous one.

Eating or having a drink at Muleta

The refuge serves food and drink. For its guests it publishes breakfast from 8:00 to 9:00 for €5.50, a midday menu at 13:30 for €13, dinner at 20:30 for €9.50, a children's menu at €5.50 and a picnic bag for €8. If you want to eat there, call first on 971 634 271 or 971 630 042; its listing does not say whether it serves those who come just to pass the time. If you fancy sleeping beside the lighthouse, see the listing for the Muleta refuge.

Better on foot than by car

The road reaches the lighthouse, but the Consell recommends walking up because there is no room to park at the top, and the road is narrow and winding. You reach the port without a car on the Sóller tram, which drops you on the promenade, or on bus 204 from Palma. If you go up with a dog, keep it on a lead: you share the road with the odd car and the path with GR 221 walkers.

What time to climb

In July and August, go up early or late and avoid the middle of the day. The best time is sunset: the lighthouse faces west and the sun sets over the sea in front of you.