The forgotten lighthouse in northern Ibiza
On a headland of Ibiza's northeast coast, far from the packed crowds of Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town, stand the walls of a lighthouse that has been dark for over a century. Lit in 1870 and abandoned in 1914, the Punta Grossa Lighthouse guides no one any more: its ruined tower still marks a rugged stretch of coastline, caught between limestone cliffs and wind-stunted pine trees. Few guidebooks mention it, and that is precisely where its appeal lies.
Why visit the Punta Grossa Lighthouse?
This lighthouse does not rank among the marquee monuments of Ibiza. It lacks the fame of the Botafoc Lighthouse at the harbor entrance, as well as the polished architecture of other island landmarks. Its value comes from its isolation and the sweeping views it offers over the channel separating Ibiza from the islet of Tagomago, whose long low outline closes the horizon. That very neighbour is what took its light away: the Punta Grossa site proved to be a poor choice soon after the lighthouse opened, so a new tower was built on the islet of Tagomago and entered service in December 1914.
This spot suits travelers looking to escape standard resort tourism. You come less for the structure itself than for the hike to get there and the utter solitude of the headland.
A harder site to reach than it looks
Punta Grossa sits on the northeast coast of the island, in a lightly developed area where paved roads quickly give way to dirt tracks. Reaching the lighthouse requires walking across uneven, occasionally brush-covered terrain depending on the season. You will find no tourist infrastructure on-site, meaning no paved parking lot, no detailed signs, and no nearby shops. The building is a ruin: the tower can no longer be climbed and the walls around it are badly decayed, so the site is viewed from the outside only.
Friendly tip: arrive in the late afternoon. The low-angled light hitting the cliffs and the quiet atmosphere make for a far more memorable visit than going at midday, when harsh sunlight washes out the landscape.
What the surrounding landscape reveals
Beyond the lighthouse, it is the raw geography of the area that leaves an impression, featuring a jagged coastline, hidden coves inaccessible by car, and low Mediterranean scrub beaten by prevailing winds. Seabird watchers and landscape photographers will find much more rewarding terrain here than at the heavily touristed viewpoints in the southern part of the island.
Good for
- Hikers looking for an isolated, uncrowded spot
- Fans of wild coastal photography
Less suited for
- Visitors wanting drive-up access and on-site amenities
- Anyone with mobility issues due to the rough terrain
Opening hours
The Punta Grossa Lighthouse is a historic ruin, dark since 1914 and closed to the public. It does not have opening hours and the interior cannot be toured. The grounds are only accessible via a hiking trail for exterior viewing.
How long for this activity
Plan for roughly 3 to 4 hours for the round-trip hike on foot from the village of Sant Vicent de sa Cala, as the trail is demanding.
To get to the lighthouse, a beautiful walk awaits you that lasts about 40 minutes. But throughout the whole walk, you have a superb view of the sea and the surrounding area. Definitely plan on wearing good shoes, even though it remains very accessible. No major difficulties to expect, unless you are afraid of heights.