Name and Location

Faro Sa Farola, also known as La Farola, is a small harbour light located in the Port of Ciutadella de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Its address is Camí de sa Farola, 23, 07769 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears, Spain.

Construction and History

Faro Sa Farola appears to have originated in the first half of the 20th century. Although detailed archival records are scarce, it is believed to date back to this period. The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation today.

Architecture and Materials

The structure consists of a two-storey cylindrical (or square) masonry tower attached to a small keeper's house. The exterior finish is white paint, with the lantern gallery and dome in a contrasting colour (often red). The materials used are likely local stone or concrete covered with rendering, typical of Balearic minor lights.

Light and Navigation

Faro Sa Farola is an active aid to navigation. However, specific technical details such as exact light characteristic, height, and focal height have not been made publicly available. The lighthouse is fully automated, with a power supply of mains electricity and emergency battery backup.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse can be accessed on foot via the port breakwater when conditions permit. There is no vehicular access beyond the port entrance. Visitors can reach the platform by the lantern gallery to enjoy panoramic views of Ciutadella Bay, the marina basin, and surrounding hills.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the platform, visitors can take in a panorama of the turquoise waters of Ciutadella Bay and the marina basin, as well as the low hills of Menorca's western coast and nearby holiday coves. Sunsets over the open sea to the west are also a notable feature.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen still recount stories of sudden squalls sweeping across the bay, when the beam of the Farola was the only sign guiding them back to safe harbour. Former keeper families remember hauling coal and oil up the jetty before automation.

Technical and Operational Details

Faro Sa Farola is managed by Autoritat Portuària de les Illes Balears (Ports IB), under Spain's Puertos del Estado. The lighthouse is not listed as a protected monument at national or regional level, but is shown on Spanish chart Ba–5 (Puerto de Ciutadella) and international INT 2320 series.

Further Information

For further reading and links, see OpenStreetMap entry, Spanish Lighthouses (Puertos del Estado), and "Manual of Spanish Harbour Lights" by Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.