A practical trail guide by Rafa Velazquez. Discover the historic 1569 watchtower and the active 1953 lighthouse overlooking the deep waters of Cala Figuera.
I have spent years photographing the southeastern coves of Mallorca. Many visitors walk the lower harbor paths and miss the elevation entirely. The trail to Torre d'en Beu and its neighboring lighthouse gives you unobstructed views of the open Mediterranean. The port of Cala Figuera is an open-air public village and active marine harbor. There are no ticket booths, entrance fees, or operational hour limitations to access the public clifftop areas. You have access to this trail 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Before you pack your camera gear, you need to verify your navigation. A common navigation error happens when travelers search for this destination in a standard GPS application. The name refers to two entirely different locations on opposite ends of the island. There is a remote pebble beach on the northern Cap de Formentor peninsula in Pollença. This guide covers the working port in the southeastern municipality of Santanyí. The northern route has strict summer vehicle restrictions. The southern port has no such bans. Make sure your destination is Port de Cala Figuera (Santanyí).
Following the clifftop road leads directly to sa Torre d'en Beu. This structure is a watchtower built in 1569. It was constructed to defend against pirate raids. The local administration needed a vantage point to spot incoming Punic and Ottoman fleets protecting teh coastline from sudden attacks. The stone cylinder is a raw, weathered piece of military history.
The tower sits directly next to a much more modern navigation tool. The active lighthouse was built in 1953. The white and black bands of the lighthouse create a sharp visual contrast against the rough 16th-century stonework of the watchtower. The lighthouse is actively maintained. It guides the local fishing boats back to the narrow mouth of the cove after dark.
The juxtaposition of these two structures is a great subject for landscape photography. You have the ancient defensive stone right beside the mid-century maritime beacon. The surrounding landscape is barren and exposed to the salt wind. The flora consists mainly of low scrub, wild rosemary, and resilient coastal grasses.
Timing your hike changes the experience entirely. The morning light window is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. During these early hours, travelers can enjoy the harbor in peaceful quiet before tour buses arrive. You can observe fishermen mending nets along the dockside. The flat morning water creates perfect reflection views of the whitewashed facades below the cliff.
The fleet return window offers a different atmosphere. Arriving between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM is highly recommended for travelers interested in local culture. The local fishing boats return to unload their catch. The late-afternoon sun provides excellent golden hour lighting for clifftop photography. The shadows lengthen across the rough stone of the watchtower. You can set up a tripod near the lighthouse and capture the fleet entering the narrow cove below.
A dedicated clifftop parking area is situated directly adjacent to the trailhead. This allows hikers to park close to the landmark without descending into the steep harbor streets. Public parking in this area is entirely free.
Located roughly 4 kilometers away, a well-marked walking path starts near Cala Santanyí. It leads to Es Pontàs. This is a massive natural stone bridge rising directly out of the sea. It is a highly recommended secondary photo spot.
Travelers seeking a quieter coastal escape can extend their walk to Caló des Savinar. This secluded rocky inlet is excellent for snorkeling and diving away from the crowds. The water transparency here is exceptionally high in July and August.
Public transportation to the harbor is managed under the regional Transports de les Illes Balears (TIB) network. The village connects directly to the surrounding transit network via Route 516. The bus runs from Campos through Santanyí, Son Moja, and Cala Santanyí before terminating directly in the harbor village. Fares range between €4.00 (~$4.36) and €6.00 (~$6.54) for single card transactions, depending on your zone of embarkation. Departures from the station run at approximately three-hour intervals during peak summer periods. The direct journey from the village to Campos takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes depending on coastal traffic.
If you choose to drive, you must plan your arrival time carefully. During peak season in July and August, central spaces fill completely by late morning. Drivers should plan to arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a spot without circling. The historic core descends steeply down clifftop stairs toward private boat docks and slipways. These downward-sloping alleys do not have vehicle street access. Park on the main street level or the clifftop lot before walking down.
Ride-hailing dynamics in Mallorca are subject to localized regulations. Global platforms are active on the island, but their operations are concentrated near Palma and airport transfers. Drivers are often scarce for spontaneous trips within the southeastern rural coves. The Mallorcab app is the officially recommended smartphone tool. It serves as a direct booking tool for licensed local taxis. A typical taxi fare for a ride from the harbor to Portocolom is roughly €35.00 (~$38.15) to €45.00 (~$49.05).
Overnight hikers staying in the Balearic Islands are legally subject to the Sustainable Tourism Tax, known as the Ecotasa. This tax is collected by accommodation hosts and reinvested in local environmental protection and historical restoration projects. The rates change based on the season and the accommodation category. A stay in a 1- to 3-star rural estate costs €2.00 (~$2.18) per night in the high season from May to October. The rate drops to €0.50 (~$0.55) per night during the low season from November to April. All rates are subject to an additional 10% VAT. Children under 16 years of age are exempt from this charge.
The hike to the watchtower is not long, but it requires respect for the terrain. The combination of historical architecture, maritime utility, and raw natural beauty makes this specific clifftop unique on the southeastern coast. Bring plenty of water, especially in July and August when temperatures frequently exceed 30°C. Protect your camera equipment from the salt spray if the wind is blowing hard off the sea.
If you hike on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, you can drive back into Santanyí center afterward. The weekly artisan market runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Plaza Major. You can find traditional handicrafts, local organic wines, and cured sobrassada. It is the perfect way to spend the afternoon after a morning on the cliffs.